Episode 85: Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places?

Episode 86: Can you ban kids from social media? (How do people really talk about this?)

Download the transcript here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZYkGYcldj03Uqko4Q4KrewhROKKXkflh/view?usp=sharing]. In this episode, we ask: “Can you ban kids from social media?” Australia’s new under-16 ban has already begun — and teenagers are finding creative ways around it. We look at a BBC article reporting how the rollout is going so far (read it here [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk7xgzj8y8o]) and explore six natural chunks that show how people really talk about technology and frustration: stuck it in front of the camera, it let me through, zero faith, do anything other than, ample opportunity, and failed at every turn. These are everyday phrases you can use to sound more natural and confident in your own English. Thanks for listening!

Episode 85: Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places?

Download the transcript here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/18C-qlHuCxrUnLmh54PVNfh9-upj7DJtR/view?usp=sharing]. In this episode, we discuss the question: “Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places?” You’ll hear real examples from the U.S. and London and learn six practical chunks that are perfect for discussions about money, fairness, and public policy: levy, subsidize, deter, modest, redress the balance, and vote with their feet. You’ll also get a short scenario-based task to help you practise using this language naturally in your own answers. Subscribe to the newsletter: B2 level email lessons [https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy] — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers straight to your inbox. Thanks for listening!

Episode 84: Should children under 16 be banned from social media?

Download the transcript here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q4zMqwg_4pkWJupT4aHroz91sM_CWKKV/view?usp=sharing]. In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Should children under 16 be banned from social media?” You’ll learn how Australia is becoming the first country to introduce this kind of ban — and the key arguments on both sides. We’ll go over essential vocabulary like grooming, harmful content, cyberbullying, get around the rules, invasive, and inaccurate, plus natural phrases to help you express your opinion clearly: in my view, one concern is that…, on the one hand / on the other hand, supporters argue that…, it might lead to…, and there’s a risk that…. You’ll also get a simple “two-side debate” speaking exercise you can do by yourself to practise discussion skills for the B2 exam. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). Your first lesson is risk-free — you only pay if you’re happy afterwards. Learn more here [https://stan.store/classes]. Subscribe to the newsletter: B2 level email lessons [https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy] — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers straight to your inbox. Thanks for listening! Get in touch: kristian@kristiandegroot.com

Episode 83: Would you buy from a brand that treats its workers badly?

Download the transcript here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PY5cK-SBh5bz0VLZxtEa79oXh7vKp4Rm/view?usp=sharing]. In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Would you buy from a brand that treats its workers badly?” We look at the recent controversy around Shein’s first physical store opening in Paris — and what it says about fast fashion, ethics, and everyday choices. You’ll learn five natural chunks you can use to talk about this topic: convenient / affordable / accessible, treats its workers badly, when money’s tight, demanding better conditions, and being held accountable. You’ll also hear my honest take on where we can draw the line between affordability and responsibility. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). Your first lesson is risk-free — you only pay if you’re happy afterwards. Learn more here [https://stan.store/classes]. Subscribe to the newsletter: B2 level email lessons [https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy] — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers straight to your inbox. Get in touch: kristian@kristiandegroot.com Thanks for listening!

Episode 82: Would you agree to be interviewed by an AI system?

Download the transcript here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pA3gXvDD4mnd4Cr16BAry5N5v65TbBxW/view?usp=sharing]. In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Would you agree to be interviewed by an AI system?” You’ll hear about a real case where a British writer refused an AI interview — and learn three natural chunks you can use to share your own opinion: it didn’t sit well with me, I can see both sides, and strike the right balance. You’ll also hear my personal take on how AI might change job interviews — and where we still need a human touch. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). Your first lesson is risk-free — you only pay if you’re happy afterwards. Learn more here [https://stan.store/classes]. Subscribe to the newsletter: B2 level email lessons [https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy] — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers straight to your inbox. You can now also join the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@kristiandegroot] — share your thoughts, ask questions, and join the conversation in the comments. Thanks for listening!