6 min: Private fostering

It is estimated that in the UK, as many as 10,000 children are in private fostering arrangements but only about 1500 are known to the local authorities. But what is private fostering and why should we all know about it?

Listening comprehension questions

6 min: Mr Smith or John.

Do you work somewhere where you can behave in a relaxed way around colleagues, or do you have to be very polite and a bit distant? Is there a dress code? Do you have to ask permission to leave the room? This programme is about formality at work – we find out how things have changed over the years.

Listening comprehension questions

Grammar Challenge – Unless

We can use ‘unless’ in place of ‘except if’ and ‘only if’ to talk about the conditions under which something can happen. Today, William asks Hengchun to take tea with him at the Ritz – but what are the conditions under which that can happen?

Lesson and exercises

Facebook is five years old today!

A podcast from the BBC.  An interview  with  one of the two authors of the book “Throwing sheep in the Boardroom”. The book contains some interesting ideas about Facebook. “Throwing sheep” is an application in Facebook used to ask the attention of a friend.

Professional English – Interpreting

Listen to an interview with an interpreter who explains about the job.

Listening comprehension questions

Reading – Attention home owners

Read the following document and answer the questions below.

The federal government wants to help you repair and remodel your home. Regardless of how long you have owned your home, its location or condition, or your ethnic background, age, income or marital status, you may be eligible. The purpose of this program is to encourage energy conservation and neighbourhood preservation. Title 1 government insurance now allows home owners to make improvements up to $25,000. Improvements may include windows, room conversions, baths, kitchens, roofing, and doors. The work must be done by lender approved contractors.

Reading comprehension questions

Professional English – Advice on writing CVs

Listen to an interview with a recruitment expert, who talks about his experience of reading CVs and offers some good advice on writing them.

Listening comprehension questions