Build Your English

Kristian de Groot
Build Your English in Just 10 Minutes a Day. This is the podcast of Kristian, former host of the C1 Speaking Podcast. Become a member and unlock access to 5 episodes per week. For more information, visit: https://patreon.com/buildyourenglish

All Episodes

In today's lesson, we delve into a deeply debated issue: Should the rich be taxed more? This episode provides a great opportunity to improve your English through a discussion that's both engaging and thought-provoking.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Elevating your English from good to great comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials related to this topic? Drop a comment below. I can provide additional resources to explore. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to elevate their English from 'good' to 'great' in an interesting and natural way. P.P.S. You can find CSP PREMIUM on Spotify here.

Jan 20

6 min 26 sec

In today's lesson, we explore a significant topic: Should Students Be Allowed to Use Smartphones in Class? Dive into this episode to improve your English through a relevant and trending debate.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Elevating your English from good to great comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials related to this topic? Drop a comment below. I can provide additional resources to explore. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to elevate their English from 'good' to 'great' in an interesting and natural way.

Paid

Jan 20

7 min 36 sec

Today, we're plunging into a fiercely debated topic: Should we tax sugary drinks at a higher rate?This issue is getting a lot of attention worldwide. It's not just about our health, but also about government policies and what is considered fair. We're going to look at the arguments for and against taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, to understand this complex issue better.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Elevating your English from good to great comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials related to this topic? Drop a comment below. I can provide additional resources to explore. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to elevate their English from 'good' to 'great' in an interesting and natural way.

Paid

Jan 21

9 min 20 sec

In today's lesson, we dive into a significant question: Should you choose a job for the love of it or for the salary it offers? This episode gives you an opportunity to improve your English in a natural and fun way.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Elevating your English from good to great comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials related to this topic? Drop a comment below. I can provide additional resources to explore. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to elevate their English from 'good' to 'great' in an interesting and natural way.

Paid

Jan 24

9 min 36 sec

In today's lesson, we dive into an intriguing comparison: Living in the Netherlands versus living in Spain. This episode offers you a unique opportunity to improve your English through an engaging and fun topic.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Improving your English comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials? Drop a comment below and tell me what topic you would like to learn about in another lesson. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to learn English in a fun and natural way.

Jan 26

10 min 31 sec

In today's lesson, we talk about a cutting-edge topic: Should driverless cars be allowed on the same roads as human-driven cars? This episode presents an excellent chance to boost your English while delving into a fascinating and highly relevant debate.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Elevating your English comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials? Drop a comment below and tell me what topic you would like to learn about in another lesson. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to learn English in a fun and natural way.

Paid

Jan 29

10 min

In today's lesson, we're going to be talking about a topic that's been starting debates across Europe: "Should Smoking in Cars with Children Be Banned?" This episode offers you another fantastic opportunity to improve your English through an engaging and thought-provoking topic.Your Learning Journey:1. Listen Without the Transcript: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings in what you hear. Don't stress about not knowing every word.2. Listen Again With the Transcript: Compare what you've heard to the written words. This step helps resolve any misunderstandings. Ignore the urge to understand every word or grammar point perfectly. It’s not necessary.3. Share Your Opinion: Discuss the episode's topic with a friend in English. If this feels challenging, don't worry, it only means you need more listening and reading practice. Avoid obsessing over unknown words or grammar details with dictionaries and grammar books. Try to find other interesting content and continue listening & reading.Why This Works:Improving your English comes from engaging with interesting content. Most fluent English speakers achieved their skills by extensive listening and reading, gradually acquiring a natural feel for the language.Need More Help?Looking for more materials? Drop a comment below and tell me what topic you would like to learn about in another lesson. I'm here to help you get better every step of the way.P.S. Spread the word: If you're enjoying the PREMIUM podcast, I'd be grateful if you shared it with friends who are eager to learn English in a fun and natural way.

Paid

Feb 1

8 min 41 sec

In this lesson we're mixing things up. Instead of discussing a hot topic, like whether sugary drinks should face higher taxes or if smartphones belong in classrooms, we're going to be exploring a timeless saying: "A Leopard Can't Change Its Spots." This episode offers you a great opportunity to improve your English through an engaging and thought-provoking topic.Start building your English listening habit todayDon't miss this opportunity to build your English listening habit. Not convinced that building this habit is your key to fluency? Consider these five benefits of listening for improving your English speaking skills: 1. Picking Up New Words: Listening exposes you to new vocabulary in context, making it easier to remember and use in conversations.2. Getting the Pronunciation Right: Hearing real, spoken English helps you learn the correct pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation of English.3. Grasping Grammar Naturally: Regular listening helps you understand how sentences are structured and how words fit together without needing to memorise rules.4. Improving Your Listening Skills: The more you listen, the better you become at understanding what others are saying, enhancing your ability to engage in conversations.5. Boosting Your Confidence: Listening to material slightly above your level challenges you and helps build confidence as you understand more and more.Start building your habit today! Happy listening :) 

Paid

Feb 5

10 min 24 sec

Have you heard about Aesop's fables? They are short stories that come from ancient Greece. In this lesson, we're going to be talking about one of Aesop's most famous fables, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Here's how to get the most out of this lesson:1. First Listen: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings without a transcript.2. Second Listen: Use the transcript to clear up any questions. Focus on understanding, not being perfect.3. Discussion: Talk about what you think of the episode's topic in English with a friend. It's a fun and great way to improve your English. Or share your thoughts in the comments on the Patreon page.Happy listening! :)

Paid

Feb 7

11 min 48 sec

This year (2024) marks two decades since Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his college dorm, a platform that started as a way to connect students and evolved into the world's most popular social network. With billions of users and a profound influence on our daily lives, Facebook's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. But it's also been controversial, raising questions about privacy, data usage, and misinformation.In less than 10 minutes we're going to explore both sides of the coin. Here's how to get the most out of this lesson:1. First Listen: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings without a transcript.2. Second Listen: Use the transcript to clear up any questions. Focus on understanding, not being perfect.3. Discussion: Talk about what you think of the lesson's topic in English with a friend. It's a fun and great way to improve your English. Or share your thoughts in the comments.Happy listening! :)

Paid

Feb 9

9 min 58 sec

In today's rapidly aging society, where life expectancy is higher than ever, the question of caring for our elderly has become more pressing than ever. With this shift, we're all faced with tough decisions about responsibility, family, and how we support each other in later life. Tune into our latest lesson where we dive deep into a thought-provoking question: "Should Children Be Required to Care for Their Parents?" In less than 10 minutes we're going to explore both sides of the coin.Whether you're out for a walk or taking a break, this episode is perfect for some reflective listening. Here's how to get the most out of this lesson:1. First Listen: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings without a transcript.2. Second Listen: Use the transcript to clear up any questions. Focus on understanding, not being perfect.3. Discussion: Talk about what you think of the lesson's topic in English with a friend. It's a fun and great way to improve your English. Or join the speaking break-out rooms every Saturday at 11am Spain time!Happy listening! :)P.S. If you care for someone, you provide the things they need and are responsible for their health. It is used mainly to talk about children, old people, and sick people. She had to give up her job to care for her elderly mother. If you take care OF a person or animal, you provide for their needs. (Source: Cambridge Dictionary)

Paid

Feb 12

8 min 13 sec

Have you ever wondered how people become really good at what they do? Some people think it's all about practicing—a lot! They say if you practice something for 10,000 hours, you can become an expert. That's a lot of hours, right? Well, today, we're going to talk about this big idea called the "10,000-Hour Rule." Is it true that practice makes perfect, or is there more to the story? Let's spend the next 10 minutes diving into this topic. Get ready to explore how practice, patience, and hard work play a part in getting really good at something!Whether you're out for a walk or taking a break, this episode is perfect for some reflective listening. Here's how to get the most out of this lesson:1. First Listen: Try to understand the main ideas and feelings without a transcript.2. Second Listen: Use the transcript to clear up any questions. Focus on understanding, not being perfect.3. Discussion: Talk about what you think of the lesson's topic in English with a friend. It's a fun and great way to improve your English. Or join the speaking break-out rooms every Saturday at 11am Spain time!Happy listening! :)

Feb 13

9 min 17 sec