B1 English Chapter 8 Lesson 4

B1 English (Intermediate Level)

About Lesson

🎧 B1 ENGLISH – CHAPTER 8: LESSON 4

🎯 Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand and discuss themes and vocabulary from Big City Small World podcasts.
Develop listening comprehension through real-world English conversations.
Improve pronunciation, tone, and fluency by shadowing native speakers.
Engage in reflective discussions about everyday urban life topics.

💡 How to Use This Lesson

Start by listening to each podcast episode carefully (with or without the transcript).
Take notes on key vocabulary, expressions, and tone.
Read the Lesson 4 Podcast PDF for vocabulary explanations and comprehension questions.
Replay the episodes to improve pronunciation and fluency.
Discuss with peers or in class to reflect on the topics presented.

🎙️ Podcast Section

📘 Click here to open this Podcast Lesson PDF

🎧 Episode 4: Series 4 – Episode 4

Carolina and Jamie go to the pub and see something they didn’t expect. Should they tell Emily? Jo and Adam examine the pronouns Carolina and Jamie use to talk about what they saw.

This episode explores everyday interactions among friends living in London. Listen for informal phrases and expressions used in natural conversation.

🎧 Click here to listen to Episode 4 audio

🎧 Episode 5: Series 4 – Episode 5

How would you describe the British character? Tess and Ravi consider whether the British are reserved, while Jo and Adam look at negative prefixes.
🎧 Click here to listen to Episode 5 audio

🎧 Episode 6: Series 4 – Episode 6

Carolina and Jamie disagree about telling Emily about Cameron as they get ready to eat dinner, while Adam and Jo consider potatoes and the past continuous.

🎧 Click here to listen to Episode 6 audio

💬 🎯 Lesson Tips

🔁 Listen twice — first for meaning, second for structure and pronunciation.
✍️ Keep a vocabulary journal for new expressions.
🗣️ Try shadowing: repeat sentences along with the speaker to practice rhythm and intonation.
💭 Reflect: What can you learn about British culture and communication style?

🧠 B1 ENGLISH – CHAPTER 8: PRACTICE 4

Big City Small World & Oxford Video Series

🎯 Practice Focus

This practice session helps students apply listening skills, analyze real conversations, and discover British culture through audio and video materials.

📚 Topics Covered

Everyday communication and slang in English
Understanding narrative and dialogue flow
Recognizing cultural settings (Oxford life, friendship, work)
Vocabulary and pronunciation practice

📝 Download Practice Materials

In this practice section, you will explore Big City Small World – Series 3, Episodes 1–3, and Words on the Street: Oxford videos.
These resources combine storytelling and authentic British English to help you build fluency, understand idiomatic expressions, and improve listening comprehension.

🗂️ Click here to open B1 Chapter 8 Practice 4 PDF

🎧 Big City Small World Series 3 Episode 1-3

Listen to the third series of our fictional drama about a group of young people from around the world who are living in London. You will improve your listening comprehension and develop your vocabulary. Each recording has a transcript and interactive exercises to help you understand and use the language.

Series 3, Episode 1 – A Burglary

The start of Series 3 brings bad news. Tony’s Café has been burgled! Or has it?

Do the Preparation task first. Then listen to the audio. Next go to each Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎧 Click here to listen to Episode 1 audio

🎧 Series 3, Episode 2 – A Prize

The architect’s company Magda works for is listed for a prize, and Magda’s design is going to surprise everyone. And how are things going between Fadi and Olivia?

Do the Preparation task first. Then listen to the audio. Next go to each Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎧 Click here to listen to Episode 2 audio

🎧 Series 3, Episode 3 – The Boys Talk

The boys at the café are talking about girls and Harry reveals an exciting decision! What is it?

Do the Preparation task first. Then listen to the audio. Next go to each Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎧 Click here to listen now

🎥 Words On The Street Videos about Oxford

In this episode, Ashlie and Stephen visit the ancient city of Oxford. While Ashlie takes an exam, Stephen takes some time to get to know a bit about the city and what there is to do there.

Nick meets some students and finds out about life at university in Oxford and London.

🏙️ Oxford Scene 1

In this episode, Stephen and Ashlie visit the ancient city of Oxford.

Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎬 Click here to wath this video

🗣️ Oxford Scene 1 – Language Focus

Rob the teacher talks about using imperatives to give directions and ways of recording new vocabulary to help you remember it.

🎬 Click here to watch this video

🏫 Oxford Scene 2

Stephen explores the ancient city of Oxford and meets some girls who are studying at the University.

Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎬 Click here to watch this video

🗣️ Oxford Scene 2 – Language Focus

Rob the teacher talks about using the word ‘like’ as a filler.
🎬 Click here to watch this video

🎓 Oxford University

Lots of students, from all over the world, come to Britain each year to study. Nick visits Oxford University and the London School of Economics and talks to some students to find out what it’s like to study in the UK.

Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

🎬 Click here to watch this video

💡 💬 Practice Tips

🎧 Listen and watch without subtitles first, then replay with subtitles.
🖊️ Write down 10 new words or expressions and use them in your own sentences.
👥 Discuss the characters’ behavior and choices in English.
📚 Try to summarize each episode in 5 sentences for fluency practice.