What You Say in English!
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Episode 39: Unpacking Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in ELT with Laura Patsko
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this final episode of the third season of What You Say in English, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Laura P...
Episode 38: Unleashing the Power of Community in Education with Kate Bodrova.
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Bodrova, co-founder of the innovative EdTech startup, Amazy. We explored her journey from a ...
Episode 37: Breaking Barriers in ELT - A Chat with Rachel Tsateri on Pronunciation, Teacher Talk, and Nativespeakerism
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of What You Say in English, I had the pleasure of hosting Rachel Tsateri, an inspiring figure in the field of English Language Teachin...
Episode 36: Javier Bardem's English skills
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delve into the English language skills of renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem. I explore his journey ...
Episode 35: IELTS Speaking test with Romelia + Feedback
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm diving into the intricacies of the IELTS speaking test with my dear friend and former student, Romelia. After recently passing he...
Episode 34: Embracing Plurilingualism in Language Assessment
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "What You Say in English," I explore the fascinating world of plurilingualism and its impact on language assessment. I delve into t...
Episode 33: C2 Proficiency Mock Speaking Exam with Kamar and Sahar + Commentary
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode brings you two amazing candidates: Kamar and Sahar. They did an incredible job in this C2 Proficiency mock speaking and I can't wait f...
Episode 32: C1/C2 Listening Part 1 (Strategies and Explanations)
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This time, I'm bringing another task designed by me, which I hope you find useful. It could be used to train your listening skills on your own or if y...
Episode 31: Unlocking Success: Mastering Cambridge Exam Reading Papers
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delved into the reading papers of the B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency Cambridge ...
Episode 30: Overcoming Language Anxiety and Linguistic Racism in English
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore the issue of confidence, or lack thereof, among English learners when speaking, especially with native speakers. I delve in...
Episode 29: IELTS Speaking Test - TikTok Challenge 2
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is another follower who kindly did one of the IELTS speaking tests I've posted on my TikTok channel. The specific one she did can be found in thi...
Episode 28: Using simple and complex structures in the Cambridge speaking
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I delved into the importance of using both simple and complex grammatical structures for candidates taking the Cambridge English exam...
Episode 27: Enquiries, Appeals and Special Requirements in Cambridge English Exams
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I will guide you through the process of obtaining accommodations for your Cambridge English exam and what to do if you feel your exam...
Episode 26: Choosing the Right English Proficiency Exam for You
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I delve into the world of English proficiency exams, helping you navigate through the various options available and choose the best e...
Episode 25: Celebrating The English International Day with an original story
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you remember Francesco Burgio? He was my guest in episode 10 of the first season of this show. We've still kept in touch and he's just sent me an i...
Episode 24: TikTok IELTS Speaking test challenge #1
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first follower who did my IELTS Speaking test challenge. Of course there are more, but I've chosen this one as it's a great example of a c...
Episode 23: Mastering the 4 Key Listening Skills for IELTS Success
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode of "What You Say in English" is super short, but I delve into the four essential listening skills crucial for acing the IELTS Listenin...
Episode 22: Assessing TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew's English skills
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As it's been almost a tradition in my podcast, I'm analyzing another influential person's English. This time, I chose the CEO of TikTok, Mr. Shou Chew...
Episode 21: Writing reviews at B2, C1 and C2 levels
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Because not everything is listening, reading or speaking. Writing also has a space in this podcast. Today, we’ll be looking at what makes a good rev...
Episode 20: Advanced Listening part 4: Strategies and practice task
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of What You Say in English, we dive deep into part 4 of the listening exam for C1 and C2 students. This challenging task requires y...
Episode 19: International Women's Day Exam Task [RUE pt 5]
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode, I wanted to commemorate International Women's Day, which took place this last March, 8. I've created a Reading and Use of English pa...
Episode 18: Can you use AI to check your exam writing?
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore the use of artificial intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT3 for improving writing skills for Cambridge exams. ChatGPT3 c...
Episode 17: Silent Letters in English
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 17 of "What You Say in English" explores the topic of silent letters in English. The episode explains that silent letters in English are a way...
Episode 16: Reacting to Rosalia's English [Feedback and commentary]
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This time I wanted to go back to analyzing other people's English. I've chosen Rosalia, the incredibly popular singer from Spain, to give people anoth...
Episode 15: Is Spaced Repetition the Key to Effective Vocabulary Building?
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I delve into the topic of spaced repetition and its impact on vocabulary building. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that inv...
Episode 14: Preparing for your English exam on your own?
05 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is dedicated to everyone who is preparing for the IELTS, Cambridge exam (or any other English proficiency exam) on their own. It's a d...
Episode 13: Active listening and note-taking for learning success
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're talking about the importance of active listening and note-taking for acing exams. Active listening is key for understanding ...
Episode 12: Lander Hawes, English teacher and CEO of Kinjugo, introduces "Preposition Safecracker"
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of What You Say in English, I sit down with Lander Hawes, CEO of Kinjugo, an EdTech startup that has developed a game for learners of ...
Episode 11: Debunking myths about the IELTS speaking test
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I do the role of an IELTS Speaking Mythbuster. I set to debunk four common misconceptions surrounding the IELTS Speaking exam. I disc...
Episode 10: Tips for your language resolutions for 2023
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As my new wish for 2023, I want to thank all of my listeners for their support. I hope you've enjoyed my episodes and have found them helpful in your ...
Episode 9: An official IELTS speaking test and commentary
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the last episode of the year, I wanted to retake the IELTS speaking test. Here, I'm using a recording which is available on the official IELTS web...
Episode 8: Big news from Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge exams set texts
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
These things rarely happen... That we get big news from Cambridge Assessment English. The organization is undergoing some major rebranding and redesig...
Episode 7: C1 Reading and Use of English part 6 - The Cross-text Multiple Matching
04 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're approaching the end of the year. And as usual, Anchor published my wrapped for 2022 and it's nothing but good news. This podcast has grown expon...
Episode 6: Consonant clusters
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The previous episode had a great reception. So much so that I decided to extend on how to improve your fluency and intelligibility by working on your ...
Episode 5: Reacting to Tenoch Huerta's English on Jimmy Kimmel live.
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been some time since I haven't reacted to a celebrity's English. This time is Black Panther's Prince Namor, Tenoch Huerta. Personally, I don't kn...
Episode 4: C2 Full Mock Speaking with Francisco and Maria
06 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is yet another C2 Speaking mock with two great students: Francisco and Maria. They'll soon take their exams and wanted to do one last mock speaki...
Episode 3: How polywords can help you improve your fluency in speaking and more
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This idea of thinking of groups of words as one unit is nothing new, but it might help you think of different word categories (e.g., idioms, phrasal v...
Episode 2: Understanding Part 2: the individual Long Turn at C1 Advanced
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is devoted to explaining how students can ace the second part of the speaking test: The Long Turn. As I mention in the episode, you can p...
Episode 1: Chat with teacher and ELT author Ethan Mansur
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I met Ethan back when I worked for International House Madrid. He's the sort of person you'd love to work with: knowledgeable, experienced, and, most ...
Minicast 05: Wild, Wild West
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm bringing some American expressions that have been used worldwide. And they come from the time when the United States of America became inde...
Minicast 04: The name of the game
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's minicast is rather musical, because of the references I'm using, but all three idioms actually come from the sports world. As usual, I open wi...
Minicast 03: France is bacon
17 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't want more knowledge? Today I'm bringing three wonderful expressions with the word knowledge. One of them, knowledge is power, even has a f...
Minicast 02: The sword in the word.
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A sword is a fantastic weapon. It can cause admiration and terrible fear in people. Maybe that's why we've coined so many expressions with it. Today, ...
Minicast 01: Are you a buff?
03 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, a series of minicasts with an English expression (or expressions) that you can use in your everyday life or during a speaking test. You c...
Episode 40: C2 Full Speaking Mock and commentary
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inga, from Russia and Rebeca, from Spain, took part in this recorded mock exam with interesting things to analyze. They were both living in Oxford by ...
Episode 39: C1 Full Speaking Mock and commentary
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a full speaking mock for C1. Luca and Lorenzo did well enough to make a pass and listen to my advice so you can use the tips to ace your speak...
Episode 38: The tense-aspect system in English (part 2)
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second part (and final) where I explain the remaining tenses of the whole "tense-aspect" system in English. Here you'll find the different...
Episode 37: The tense-aspect system in English (part 1)
05 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I decided to get more technical and explain the tense-aspect system in English starting from its core meaning. It's not very complicated when you see ...
Episode 36: Message from Manuel and Minimal Pairs
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Manuel, a listener from Chile, sent me this incredible message. He was expecting me to give him extensive feedback, but his voice note was so good tha...
Episode 35: Do you know what's the washback effect in testing?
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This effect is well known to all of us who prepare for exams. Language exams, more than other types, seemed to be affected the most. That classic "stu...
Episode 34: Interactive communication tips and intonation of cleft sentences
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I always want to emphasize Interactive Communication because it's one of the criteria that gets overlooked by teachers and candidates altogether. Toda...
Episode 33: Brief message from Rossana (and feedback) and speaking skill: Making generalizations.
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rossana, a listener from Italy, sent me this incredible message you'll hear today. It's very short but it's a good sample to give some well-deserved f...
Episode 32: Conversation with fellow teacher and language lover, Marcelo.
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marcelo was very eager to have my feedback, and I honestly don't have much to say about his amazing speaking skills. Being a teacher has allowed him t...
Episode 31: Cambridge exams Set Texts
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a short presentation about the set text for B2 First for Schools and the two novels for C2 Proficiency. I answer why they're used in the exams...
Episode 30: C1 Mock Speaking with Magda and Alicia
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two fantastic girls did the mock speaking for C1 this week and here's my full feedback. Remember that you can download the visuals for this test in th...
Episode 29: What are your plans for Easter? Oscar and Sara tell us what they think
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two of my B2 First students, Oscar and Sara wanted to share their plans for these Easter holidays. We had a nice chat in class, speaking about the dif...
Episode 28: The "Chaos" of English pronunciation
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is shorter than usual, but I'm bringing some fun with pronunciation. If you haven't heard of Gerard Nolst Trenité's poem "The Chaos",...
Episode 27: C2 Proficiency Success Story. How Maura got a "Pass A"
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Maura is a hardworking person who took upon her the preparation of the C2 Proficiency exam. It seemed like an impossible task, but she was very seriou...
Episode 26: Full mock IELTS speaking and commentary
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Javier is a great candidate for the IELTS exam. He's in his early twenties, doing a Master's in teaching Spanish and wanting to go and live in Austral...
Episode 25: Analyzing the English of four Spanish politicians
13 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After not being able to upload an episode last week (I apologize for that!), today I'm bringing an analysis that I've been wanting to do for quite a w...
Episode 24: Three highly proficient speakers of English answer two opinion questions
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This, you might say, is a continuation from a previous episode in which two students of mine answered some opinion questions. This time, it's Yolanda,...
Episode 23: Alberto, from Zaragoza, shares his tips to learn English
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alberto is a great guy. Ever since he contacted me, he's shown an incredible attitude (and aptitude) to learning English. He never stops learning and ...
Episode 22: Grammar and Lexical Control at B2, C1 and C2 levels
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here's the last part of the 6 candidates doing the collaborative task of the B2, C1 and C2 exams and the corresponding analysis. They all did well, wi...
Episode 21: Discourse Management and Pronunciation at B2, C1 and C2 levels
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following a friend's advice, I'm covering two more criteria, with the same people from last week. Here, you'll hear how they did in terms of discourse...
Episode 20: Interactive Communication at B2, C1 and C2 levels
30 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Interactive Communication is usually the criterion that is least understood by many candidates. Many know that they have to respond and establish a co...
Episode 19: Money Heist's Úrsula Coberó's English
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the stars from the Netflix hit series "Money Heist", Úrsula Corberó gave me this incredible opportunity to speak about what makes her an incr...
Episode 18: Opinions about language learning - Part 4
16 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last installment of the series of episodes exploring common misconceptions about language learning. Here, I’m trying to demistify the la...
Episode 17: Opinions about language learning - Part 3
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering three mor...
Episode 16: My farewell wishes for this year.
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As you can read in the title of today's episode, I don't have the continuation of the series I've been preparing. Several commitments have kept me bus...
Episode 15: Opinions about language learning - Part 2
12 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering the first...
Episode 14: Opinions about language learning - Part 1
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering the first...
Episode 13: Answering opinion questions at C2 level
28 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This time, I had a student of mine from a C2 Proficiency group answer some questions that would be appropriate for the discussion section of the speak...
Episode 12: A conversation with teacher and exam trainer, Ben Gill
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
First of all, I'd like to apologize for the audio quality. I didn't have the right audio equipment (the one I usually use) and I was at another locati...
Episode 11: Giving feedback on accent reduction.
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Something that sounds very enticing to English learners is that they wish to speak English with a native accent. Apart from being a difficult goal to ...
Episode 10: Mock speaking for IELTS and feedback
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a long time since I've done anything IELTS related. Well, here I am, doing a mock speaking with a great candidate who wishes to get a 6.0 in...
Episode 9: Full mock speaking for C1 Advanced with Sindo and Suzy.
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You may not know this, but today is my birthday! And as a special treat, I bring this full mock speaking for C1 Advanced with two incredible candidate...
Episode 8: Grammar control when speaking about the future.
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Believe it or not, English only has, strictly speaking, two tenses: present and past. Of course, if we only consider the changes in the verb. But that...
Episode 7: How we can improve our pronunciation with word stress
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Due to all the downloads the previous episode got, I decided to cover an aspect of pronunciation that usually leads to confusion: word stress. Take ou...
Episode 6: Introduction to connected speech (Pronunciation)
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One aspect that complicates things whenever a non-native speaker of English and a native speaker of English communicate with each other is how the lat...
Episode 5: Analyzing a celebrity's English: Vanessa Paradis
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After analyzing Penelope Cruz's incredible English, thus time, as suggested by a listener, I'm talking about what I think of Vanessa Paradis' English....
Episode 4: Understanding minimal differences in vocabulary
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This time, I'm offering the tools to understand words that may be confusing because of their meaning. Some people may use them interchangeably but not...
Episode 3: Answering personal questions with Cristian.
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cristian is a young man from Mexico City. He contacted me through the C1 Advanced - CAE (Certificate in advanced English) Facebook group. We had a nic...
Episode 2: Full Mock C1 Advanced Speaking with Mónica and Daniela
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This time I'm bringing another mock speaking for the C1 Advanced. Mónica and Daniela did very well, and I'm sure they'd make a pass in a real exam. L...
Episode 1: Cambridge Exams... Frequently Asked Questions for the exam day
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's good to be back! In this first episode, I am answering all your questions regarding the Cambridge exams. What to do and not to do during the exam...
Episode 36: A mock speaking from takeIELTS.net
30 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After a 2-week pause due to problems with my voice, I'm back again with great news from takeIELTS.net. Also, while you listen to this mock, take note ...
Episode 35: Analyzing a Celebrity's English!
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As an English teacher, I always like to choose positive role models for my students to feel inspired. This week, I have chosen an A-list Hollywood cel...
Episode 34: Grammar control: Talking about past habits
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One area that is particularly difficult for many English learners is how to keep constant control of the tenses they use when speaking. They sure know...
Episode 33: Improving discourse by using conjunctions and linking adverbs
25 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One problem that I encounter with candidates and students is the way they link ideas. Using linking expressions not only helps you with how you contro...
Episode 32: IELTS speaking feedback for Angrej's IELTS Institute
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was done in collaboration with Angrej's IELTS Institute, a Language School in Ghanaur, Patiala. Please, if you're in India and need couns...
Episode 31: Cambridge speaking exams. Part 4: Further discussion
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last installment in the series of 4 episodes on the Cambridge Speaking exams for B2 and C1. I hope you've enjoyed them and found them usef...
Episode 30: Cambridge speaking exams. Part 3: The Collaborative task
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In part 3 of the speaking for Cambridge B2 and C1, candidates have to collaborate to answer a question. The most important element to consider is how ...
Episode 29: Cambridge speaking exams. Part 2: The Long Turn
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now it's the turn of part 2. As the one before, I'll concentrate in the B2 First and C1 Advanced exams. Listen carefully to my advice as these two lev...
Episode 28: Cambridge speaking exams. Part 1: The Interview
21 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Since many people liked the previous episode with a full speaking speaking for C1 Advanced, I've decided to explain, part by part, what you should do,...
Episode 27: A full C1 Advanced speaking mock
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This time, I'm bringing a full speaking mock exam I did with two of my students. If you wish to see the visuals I used for this episode, visit the fol...
Episode 26: An advanced speaker from North Africa
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This female speaker from North Africa is a very good example of an advanced level. She speaks naturally and confidently with only minor slips that eve...
Episode 25: Understanding the IELTS speaking marking criteria: Pronunciation
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the final installment of the series of 4 episodes in which I try to explain what matters most in the speaking test of the IELTS exam. This tim...
Episode 24: Understanding the IELTS speaking marking criteria: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 3 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock e...
Episode 23: Understanding the IELTS speaking marking criteria: Lexical Resource
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 2 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock e...
Episode 22: Understanding the IELTS speaking marking criteria: Fluency and Coherence
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 1 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock e...
Episode 21: Nouari Hadj Amine, from Algeria, wants to help the world.
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Another learner who tries a part 2 question from the IELTS speaking test. Hadj Amine contacted me because he wanted to take part and get his speaking ...