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01 September 2026

C1 English Listening (Conversation): Open-Space and Flex-Desk Offices - Pros and Cons and Solutions

 

Vocabulary
A. Enhance (verb) [French: améliorer, renforcer]: To improve something or make it more effective. Example: Good lighting can enhance the appearance of a room.

B. Counterproductive
(adjective) [French: contre-productif]: Having an effect opposite to what was intended. Example: Skipping meals can be counterproductive when trying to lose weight.

C. Distracting
(adjective) [French: distrayant, perturbant]: Making it difficult to give your full attention. Example: The loud music was distracting while I was studying.

D. Sustained concentration
(noun phrase) [French: concentration soutenue]: The ability to focus for a long time. Example: Writing a long essay requires sustained concentration.

E. Weaken
(verb) [French: affaiblir]: To make something less strong or effective. Example: Lack of sleep can weaken your ability to concentrate.

30 August 2026

Air Conditioning, Climate Change & Green Cities (B1-B2 English Listening & Discussion Lesson)

Pre-listening Discussion:

1. Which types of buildings in your country are difficult to keep cool, and what could be done about them? Quels types de bâtiments dans votre pays sont difficiles à garder au frais, et que pourrait-on faire pour y remédier ?

2. What alternatives to air conditioning could homes and businesses use to stay cool?
Quelles alternatives à la climatisation les maisons et les entreprises pourraient-elles utiliser pour rester au frais ?

Vocabulary
A. Green (adjective) [French: écologique]: Causing less harm to the environment. Example: More people are choosing green products.

B. Economic imperative
(noun phrase) [French: impératif économique]: Something that is necessary for economic reasons. Example: Creating jobs is an economic imperative for the government.

C. Extremely
(adverb) [French: extrêmement]: To a very high or unusual degree. Example: The exam was extremely difficult.

D. Weigh in
(phrasal verb) [French: donner son avis]: To give your opinion about a subject. Example: She decided to weigh in during the meeting.

E. Grid
(noun) [French: réseau électrique]: A system that supplies electricity to homes and businesses. Example: The electricity grid was damaged during the storm.

22 August 2026

A2 English Listening Practice: Names, Ages, Countries and Nationalities

 

Vocabulary
A. Co-worker (noun) [French: collègue]: A person who works with you. Example: My co-worker helps me with my work. [French: Mon collègue m'aide dans mon travail.]

B. Colleague
(noun) [French: collègue]: A person you work with. Example: I often have lunch with my colleagues. [French: Je déjeune souvent avec mes collègues.]

C. A bit of
(expression) [French: un peu de]: A small amount of something. Example: I need a bit of water. [French: J'ai besoin d'un peu d'eau.]

D. Look forward to
(expression) [French: avoir hâte de]: To feel happy about something that will happen. Example: I look forward to my holiday. [French: J'ai hâte de partir en vacances.]

The Glass Cliff - Why Are Women More Likely to Lead During Crises? - B2 Listening Exercise

 

Vocabulary 1
A. Cliff (noun) [French: falaise]: A very steep side of a mountain or rock. Example: We stood near the cliff and looked at the sea.

B. Tendency
(noun) [French: tendance]: A usual way of behaving or developing. Example: He has a tendency to worry about small problems.

C. Raises
(verb) [French: soulève / pose]: Brings a question or problem to people's attention. Example: This report raises several important questions about the project.

D. Discriminate
(verb) [French: faire preuve de discrimination envers]: Treat someone unfairly because of who they are. Example: Companies must not discriminate against people because of their age.

E. Struggling
(adjective) [French: en difficulté]: Having serious problems or difficulties. Example: The struggling restaurant may close next year.

Language Levels

Language Levels

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