The Bardwell Road Centre Podcast

Presenters: Hani and Mingke
Topic: Food and drink

In this show, adult English language students in GO4 class talk about food and drink. (GO4 is a pre-intermediate level general English course, at St Clare's, Oxford, UK.)

Mingke and Hani separately chose various topics and prepared several sets of interview questions. On the day, the class chose the topic of food and drink. Hani and Mingke introduced the show, interviewed their classmates, and chose the linking jingle from Garageband. We hear interviews with:

Vicki (Spain)
Sebastian (Columbia)
Raed (Saudi Arabia)

Interview questions:
(If you are listening in class, you could ask a partner the interview questions, then choose one or more of the speakers and note their answers.)

What food do you like or dislike?
What kind of food and dishes do people eat in your hometown?
What do you think about English food?
Have you ever eaten or drunk something unusual? What?

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was recorded in class, on group teacher, Geoff's, Apple MacBook Pro computer with the program Garageband. The Garageband jingle used is "Gleaming Short". After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com). The photo was edited in Adobe Fireworks. This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Sebastian and Raed
Topic: Our countries

In this show, adult English language students in GO4 class talk about their countries. (GO4 is a pre-intermediate level general English course, at St Clare's, Oxford, UK.)

Sebastian chose the topic and - with the class teacher's help on grammatical accuracy - prepared interview questions. On the day, Sebastian and Raed introduced the show, interviewed their classmates, and chose the linking jingle from Garageband. Abdullah recorded a terriffic solo vocal performance of Arabic song, but decided not to let it be published on the Internet.

We hear interviews with:
Mingke (China)
Abdullah (Saudi Arabia)
Fahad (Saudi Arabia)
Vicki (Spain)
Hani (Saudi Arabia)

Interview questions:
(If you are listening in class, you could ask a partner the interview questions, then choose one or more of the speakers and note their answers.)

What is the worst problem in your country? Why you think that?
If you could, what things would you change about your country, and why?
Do you like the political leader (president) of your country? Why / why not?
What do you miss most about your country?
What is better in your country than England? Is anything better in England than in your country? What? Why?
In the future, do you want to live in England? Why / why not?

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

The show was recorded in class, on group teacher, Geoff's, Apple MacBook Pro computer with the program Garageband. The Garageband jingle used is "East Ender Short". After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com). The photo was edited in Adobe Fireworks. This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Abdullah and Vicki
Topic: Future plans

In this show, adult English language students in their second week of GO4 talk about their future plans. (GO4 is a pre-intermediate level general English course, at St Clare's, Oxford, UK.)

Abdullah and Vicki chose the topic, prepared interview questions, introduced the show, interviewed their classmates, and chose the linking jingle from Garageband.

We hear interviews with:

Mingke (China)
Hani (Saudi Arabia)
Sebastian (Columbia)
Fahad (Saudi Arabia)
Raed (Saudi Arabia)

Interview questions included:
(If you are listening in class, you could ask a partner the interview questions, then choose one or more of the speakers and note their answers.)

What are your plans for the future?
Which university will you go to after this course?
How would you feel if you won one million pounds?
Where do you think you will go on your next holiday?
What are you going to do when you arrive back in your country?
How many children do you want to have?

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

The show was recorded in class, on group teacher, Geoff's, Apple MacBook Pro computer with the program Garageband. The Garageband jingle used is "Daydream". After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com). The photo was edited in Adobe Fireworks. This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Lucia and Vicki
Topic: Last holida (vacation)

In this show, adult English language students in their second week of GO4 talk about their last holidays. (GO4 is a pre-intermediate level general English course.)

Lucia and Vicki, best friends from Argentina, chose the topic, prepared interview questions, introduced the show, interviewed their classmates, and chose the linking jingle from Garageband.

A big thank you to Lucia and Vicki for a great job hosting the show! And farewell and good luck back in Argentina (they were only in the UK for 3 weeks).

We hear interviews with:

Fahad (Saudi Arabia)
Hani (Saudi Arabia)
Raed (Saudi Arabia)
Sebastian (Columbia)
Vicki (Spain)
Mingke (China)
Abdullah (Saudi Arabia)

Interview questions included:

Where did you go on your last holiday/vacation?
What did you do?
Who did you go with?
What was the weather like?
Where did you stay?
Did you like the food?
Did you have any problems?

If you are listening in class, you could ask a partner the interview questions, then choose one or two of the speakers and note their answers.

The show was recorded in class, on group teacher, Geoff's, Apple MacBook Pro computer with the program Garageband. The Garageband jingle used is "Campfire". After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com). The photo was edited in Adobe Fireworks.

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenters: Fahad and Hani
Topic: Personal Introductions

In this show, adult English language students in their second week of GO4 introduce themselves. GO4 a pre-intermediate level general English course.

Fahad and Hani, both from Saudi Arabia, for this first podcast, bravely presented the show and did a very good job.

We hear interviews with:

Vicki (Argentina)
Raed (Saudi Arabia)
Sebastian (Columbia)
Abdullah (Saudi Arabia)
Vicki (Spain)
Lucia (Argentina)
Mingke (China)

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

Preparation for this introductory show was minimal. The group teacher, Geoff, gave each student a copy of a list of personal topics. Each student chose a few items for their interview. The students took turns interviewing each other, responding without a script - spontaneously.

The show was recorded in class, on group teacher, Geoff's, Apple MacBook Pro computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com). The photo was edited in Adobe Fireworks.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Nina
Topic: Smoking
Produced at: St Clare's, Oxford, UK

In this show, adult English language students in GO1 class (the highest general English class at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford) interview students in GO2 (the second highest level general English class).

This was GO1's "revenge" podcast, where they had the opportunity to give GO2 students a taste of their own medicine, after the indignities they themselves suffered in podcast number 59 last week, when GO2 students asked them so many unexpected (and frankly often bizarre!) questions.

But GO1 were mature about it all, and opted to keep to a single discussion topic: smoking. With the help of their class teacher, Mark Searle, the class brainstormed a set of interview questions before the recording session.

THE INTERVIEWS

Isabelle (the Netherlands) interviewed Bernard (the Netherlands)
Jill (the Netherlands) interviewed Laura (the Netherlands)
Antoine (Switzerland) interviewed Philippe (the Netherlands)
Mauricio (Brazil) interviewed Gabriel (Venezuela)
Nina (the Netherlands) interviewed Anne (the Netherlands)
Damien (Switzerland) interviewed Federico (Italy)
Jo (Norway) interviewed Philippe (bravely returning to the microphone for a second interview)
Niklas (Sweden/France) interviewed Cherlyn (South Korea)
Celine (the Netherlands) interviewed Gabriel (also bravely returning for a second interview)

Finally, at the request of GO1 students, the two class teachers, Mark (GO1 second teacher) and Geoff (GO2 second teacher), also had a turn in front of the microphone!

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on Geoff's Apple MacBook Pro, with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

Presenters: Rutger and Laura (both from the Netherlands)
Topic: Various personal (sometimes highly personal!) topics

In this show, adult English language students in GO2 (a high level general English class), interview students in GO1 class (the highest level general English class). Each GO1 student was interviewed separately by a student in GO2.

GO2 class brainstormed a set of interview questions before the recording session, and Laura typed them up. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, they couldn't be printed out, and the students had to improvise interview questions at the time. Rutger introduced the show and Laura did the outro.

We hear interviews with:
- Robbert (Holland)
- Isabelle (Holland)
- Jill (Holland)
- Jo (Joachim) (Norway)
- Nina (Holland)
- Celine (Holland)
- Seda (Turkey)
- Damien (Belgium)
- Mauricio (Brazil)
- Antoine (Switzerland)
- Niklas (France/Sweden)

Our thanks to them, and to their teacher, Mark Searle.

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, notebook computer (this time a new Apple MacBook Pro!) with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Apologies for the poor audio quality at the beginning of the show, due to a technical oversight at the start of the recording.

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Philippe and Federico
Topic: Music

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, towards the end of GO2, a general English course, talk about music and their listening habits.

Philippe (the Netherlands) chose the topic, prepared a set of interview questions, and distributed copies of the questions before the recording session. He and his co-presenter, Federico (Italy), interviewed their classmates, and introduced and ended the show.

We hear interviews with:
- Bernard (the Netherlands)
- Gabriela (Brazil)
- Geoffroy (Belgium)
- Anne (the Netherlands)
- Laura (the Netherlands)
- Cherlyn (South Korea)
- Gabriel (Venezuela)

Before you listen to the show, why not try to decide how you would answer Philippe's questions? Here they are:

----------
MUSIC

1. What kind of music do you like? (Why?)
2. Do you have a favourite artist or DJ? (Who?)

3. Do you prefer to listen to music on your MP3 player or on the radio? (Why?)
4. When do you often listen to music?
5. What does music do to you?

6. How do you get your music?
7. Have you ever downloaded music?
8. What do you think about downloading music?

9. Can you make music with an instrument?
- Yes? What kind of music?
- No? Would you like to play an instrument? Which one?

10. What kind of music do they listen and play in your country?

11. Do you often go to the nightclub?
12. Are the nightclubs in your country different than in Oxford?
13. Do they play the same music?
14. At what time do the clubs close?
----------

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Using a digital keyboard, Philippe, a proficient piano player, recorded part of the song "Guantanamera". In Garageband, the track was duplicated a number of times, each time the type of digital instrument being changed, and used as a linking jingle.

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Gabriela and Bernard
Topic: Traditional festivals

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, in their sixth week of GO2 (a general English course), talk about traditional festivals in their countries.

Gabriela (Brazil) and Bernard (the Netherlands), this week's presenters, chose the topic, prepared a set of interview questions, distributed copies of the questions before the recording session, introduced and ended the show and chose the linking jingle.

We hear interviews with:
- Rutger (the Netherlands)
- Cherlyn (South Korea)
- Philippe (the Netherlands)
- Sunny (South Korea)
- Gabriel (Venezuela)
- Emilie (France)
- Anne (the Netherlands)

Before you listen to the show, why not try to decide how you would answer Gabriela and Bernard's questions? Here they are:

----------
FESTIVALS

1 Which kind of festival is the most famous in your country? And when is it?
2 And do you like this festival? Why? Do you celebrate with your family and friends?
3 What is the historical origin of this festival?
4 Is it religious or has it got other significance?
5 In this festival, what kind of customs are there?
6 And what kind of decoration?
7 What kind of food do [people] eat?
8 What kind of presents do [people] give, if any?
----------

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Geoffroy and Rutger
Topic: Sport

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, in their sixth week of GO2 (a general English course), talk about sport.

Rutger, from the Netherlands, and Geoffroy, from Belgium, this week's presenters, were kind enough to choose the topic, prepare a set of interview questions, distribute copies of the questions before the recording session, interview their classmates, introduce and end the show, and choose the linking jingle. They did a very good job!

We hear interviews with:
- Anne (the Netherlands)
- Philippe (the Netherlands)
- Cherlyn (South Korea)
- Sunny (South Korea)
- Gabriel (Venezuela)
- Emilie (France)
- Geoffrey (Belgium)

Before you listen to the show, why not try to decide how you would answer Rutger and Geoffroy's questions? Here they are:

----------
SPORT

1 What kind of sport do you prefer and why?
2 What is your favourite sport?
3 Can you tell me something about your favourite sport?
4 What kind of sport do you hate?
5 What kind of sport do you like to watch on TV but don't want to play in real life?
6 Is there a national sport in your country?
7 What do you think of the football madness in England?
8 Do you know someone who is famous in sport? (A friend, relative or...?)
9 Who is your favourite sportsman and why?
10 What is the most frightening sport that you know? Would you like to try it one day?
----------

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Cherlyn and Laura
Topic: Movies

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, in their fifth week of GO2 (a general English course), talk about movies.

Cherlyn (South Korea) and Laura (the Netherlands), this week's presenters, did a very good job. They chose and researched the topic; prepared a set of interview questions; distributed copies of the questions before the recording session; introduced and ended the show; and chose the linking jingle.

We hear interviews with:
- Gabriela (Brazil)
- Anne (the Netherlands)
- Philippe (the Netherlands)
- Rutger (the Netherlands)
- Gabriel (Venezuela)
- Sunny (South Korea)
- Emilie (France)
- Geoffrey (Belgium)

Before you listen to the show, why not try to decide how you would answer Cherlyn and Laura's questions? Here they are:

----------
MOVIES

1. What kind of movies do you prefer? Why?
2. What is your favourite movie? Why would you recommend this movie?
3. Who is your favourite actor or actress? Why?
4. Can you tell us something about your favourite scene of all?
5. What is your favourite line of all?
6. In which movie would you like to act? Which character would you like to play?
7. Which recent movie do you think deserves an Oscar? And which actor or actress?
8. What is your favourite soundtrack?
9. What do you think is the most famous movie from your country?
10. Is there a typical kind of movie that you only can find in your country?
11. Which place do you prefer to watch movies?
----------

The show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Borja (Spain) and Emilie (France)
Topic: Blood sports

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, in their fourth week of GO2 (a general English course), talk about blood sports, and in particular, bullfighting.

Borja (on his last day at St Clare's before returning to Spain) and Emilie, this week's presenters, followed the - now standard - process of creating the show, and did a very good job of it. They:
- chose and researched the topic
- prepared a set of interview questions (coming up with good "open-ended" questions, designed to stimulate discussion)
- distributed copies of the questions (a day before the recording session - well done!)
- introduced and ended the show
- chose the linking jingle

We hear interviews with:
- Philippe (the Netherlands)
- Geoffrey (Belgium)
- Anne (the Netherlands)
- Sunny (South Korea)
- Cherlyn (South Korea)
- Laura (the Netherlands)

Before you listen to the show, why not try to decide how you would answer Borja and Emilie's questions? Here they are:

----------
What do you think about blood sports?
What do you think about killing animals?
Do you accept the argument when people say it is their culture?
Can you tell us about a typical blood sport in your country?
Do you agree with the blood sport of your country?
What do you think about bullfighting? And why?
----------

The show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Anne (the Netherlands) and Gabriel (Venezuela)
Topic: Bad experiences

In this show, adult English language students at upper-intermediate level, in their third week of GO2 (a general English course), talk about their bad (and good!) experiences.

Anne and Gabriel, this week's presenters, prepped really well for the show. They...
- chose the topic
- prepared a set of interview questions
- distributed copies of the questions at the beginning of the recording session
- introduced and ended the show
- chose the linking jingle (something dramatic to match the topic!)

We hear interviews with:
- Sunny (South Korea)
- Borja (Spain)
- Gabriela (Brazil)
- Philippe (the Netherlands)
- Cherlyn (South Korea)
- Laura (the Netherlands)
- Emilie (France)

Here are Anne and Gabriel's questions:
----------
Have you ever had a bad experience...?
- with animals
- with foreigners
- with death
- with public transport
- while abroad (on holiday or something)
- while doing shopping
- at school
What is the most horrible experience you have ever had?
----------

The show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK.

Presenters: Philippe (the Netherlands) and Sunny (South Korea)
Topic: Holidays

In this show, adult English language students in their first week of GO2 (an upper-intermediate level general English course) talk about their past and future holidays.

Philippe and Sunny, this week's presenters, did a grand job of preparing the show. Before the recording, they chose the topic and prepared a set of interview questions, which they distributed at the beginning of the recording session, to help their classmates mentally prepare for the interviews. Jointly, Sunny and Philippe introduced and ended the show, and chose the linking jingles. Great work, guys!

We hear interviews with:

Gabriela (Brazil)
Anne (the Netherlands)
Gabriel (Venezuela)
Borja (Spain)
Emilie (France)
Laura (the Netherlands)

Here are Sunny and Philippe's questions:

========================================
Philippe & Sunny
Questions for Podcast
Topic : Holiday.

LAST SUMMER HOLIDAY
1. Where have you been during the last summer ?
2. What is your happiest memory ?
3. A : How was the local food?
B : Did you enjoy their culture?

ST CLARE'S HALF TERM HOLIDAY
1. We have 1 week holiday in October, did you know that?
2. Do you already have a plan for that holiday?
3. Why do you want to go to this place?

IDEAL HOLIDAY
1. What is your ideal holiday?
2. What was your best holiday in your life?
3. What was your worst holiday in your life?
4. Which country do you want to visit?
============================

The show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Orlando (Germany)
Topic: Personal Introductions

In this show, adult English language students in their first week of GO2 (an upper-intermediate level general English course) introduce themselves.

Orlando, in his first podcast and last day at St Clare's, bravely volunteered to introduce and end the show, and chose the linking jingle - thanks Orlando!

We hear interviews with:

Gabriela (Brazil)
Cherlyn (South Korea)
Laura (the Netherlands)
Borja (Spain)
Gabriel (Venezuela)
Anne (the Netherlands)
Philippe (the Netherlands)
Emilie (France)
Orlando (Germany)

The show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenters: Sunny (Shaorong) and Shaorong (China)
Topic: Best experiences while studying in the UK

In this special one-off episode, adult English language students on a general English course in the UK talk about their best experiences during their time in Oxford.

As part of a special afternoon class on practical computer skills, two students, Sunny from South Korea, and Shaorong, from China, created the materials for this podcast.

They prepared by
- listening to sample podcasts
- choosing the topic for their own podcast episode
- rehearsing interviews and
- getting to know the software and hardware tools needed.

They interviewed three students during their free time, and took photos of everyone involved, except Polina, unfortunately.

We hear:
Antoine (Switzerland)
Polina (Russia)
Sana (Libya)

Then in class Sunny and Shaorong prepared the picture of the people involved, to accompany the podcast, and started checking and editing the audio clips.

Afterwards, the teacher, Geoff, finished checking the audio clips, equalised levels, assembled the final podcast audio track, adding a punctuating jingle, and exported it as an MP3 file. This audio file and the picture the students had made were put up on the podcast feed.

What about you? What have been your best experiences in Oxford and the UK? Please listen to our discussion and add your comments on our blog page at bardwellroad.podomatic.com.

This show was produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Julio (Spain)
Topic: impressions of Britain

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about their impressions of Britain, and what they miss about life in their home countries.

Please listen to our discussion and leave a comment on our blog page.

Julio, from Spain, is this week's presenter. He chose the topic, prepared interview questions (with the help of class teacher Geoff), introduced and closed the show, interviewed his classmates, and selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show. Julio's classmates, Joey, from China, and Shayma, from the UAE, then interviewed him!

We also give a shoutout to our friends in Brooklyn, Richard Green's students. Hello!

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the file was converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Joey (China)
Topic: crime and punishment, especially capital punishment

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about crime and punishment, and in particular, about whether they are for or against capital punishment (the death penalty).

Please listen to our discussion and leave a comment on our blog page about what the situation is in your country, and what you think.

Joey, from China, is this week's presenter. He chose the topic, prepared interview questions (with the help of class teacher Geoff), introduced and closed the show, interviewed his classmates, and selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show.

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the file was converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Aziz (Saudi Arabia)
Topic: Smoking and the new anti-smoking law to be introduced in England on July 1st, 2007

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about smoking and discuss the new anti-smoking law to be introduced in England on July 1st of this year, 2007. Under this new law, smoking will not be permitted in public places. For more information, see this BBC News article, for example:
England smoke ban to start 1 July
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6196910.stm

A big hello to Ricardo Verde and his students "across the pond" (as we say) in New York City, USA!

Please listen to our discussion and tell us how things are in NYC and the USA generally! How many of you smoke? Has anyone given up recently? Is smoking permitted inside public buildings in NYC? How strict are the smoking laws in the USA? Do smokers respect the laws or find ways around them? What's your forecast for the new law coming to England?

Aziz, from Saudi Arabia, is this week's presenter. He chose the topic, prepared interview questions, introduced and closed the show, interviewed his classmates, selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show, and press-ganged his two group teachers, me (ex-smoker), Geoff Taylor, and Helen Brown (smoker), into service to get points of view from native Englanders!

A big thanks to Azo (smoker) and to guests Shayma (non-smoker), from the United Arab Emirates, and Suliman (smoker), from Saudi Arabia. A special big thank you to group teacher, Helen Brown, for agreeing to be interviewed, and for her refreshingly sardonic contribution!

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the file was converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Shayma (United Arab Emirates)
Topic: Oxford restaurants and food

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about Oxford restaurants and food.

Shayma, from the United Arab Emirates, is this week's presenter. She chose the topic, prepared interview questions, introduced and closed the show, interviewed her classmates, and selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show.

A big thanks to her and to her guests, Aziz and Suliman, from Saudi Arabia, and Joey, from China.

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the file was converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenters: Natsupa and Tuptim (Thailand)
Topic: Holidays and travel

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about holidays and travel.

Natsupa and Tuptim, from Thailand, are this week's presenters. They chose the topic and with the help of their classmates, planned the show content, with each person volunteering a sub-topic to talk about. Natsupa and Tuptim introduced and closed the show, interviewed their classmates, and selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show.

Shayma, from the United Arab Emirates, talks about the country she most wanted to visit in the future.

Julio, from Spain, talks about a very scary incident that happened during one of his holidays.

Aziz, from Saudi Arabia, talks about the best place he has ever visited on holiday.

Suliman, from Saudi Arabia, talks about what holidays mean for him, and his worst ever holiday experience.

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Deniz (from Italy)
Topic: Cars and driving

In this show, adult English language students in an upper-intermediate level general English course in the UK talk about cars and driving.

Deniz, from Italy, is this week's presenter. He chose the topic and with the help of his classmates, planned the show content (which followed on nicely from class studies during the week), with each person volunteering a sub-topic to talk about. Dennis introduced and closed the show, interviewed his classmates, and selected the jingle used to link the sections of the show.

Suliman, from Saudi Arabia, talks about differences between car use in his country and the UK

Natsupa, from Thailand, and Shayma, from the United Arab Emirates, talk about getting a driving license in their countries

Joey, from China, gives advice on the correct way to start off from a parked position

Tuptim, from Thailand, talks about how her mother saved her from a near-death experience behind the wheel

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

This show is produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK

Presenter: Suliman
Topic: Personal Introductions

CONTENT

In this show, produced at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, UK, adult English language students in their first week of GO2 (an upper-intermediate level general English course) introduce themselves.

PEOPLE

Suliman, a new student, in his first podcast, bravely volunteered to introduce and end the show, and chose the linking jingle - thanks Suliman!

We hear interviews with:
Deniz (Italy)
Julio (Spain)
Natsupa (Thailand)
Shayma (United Arab Emirates)
Suliman (Saudi Arabia)
Tuptim (Thailand)

PRODUCTION

As usual, the show was recorded in class, on second teacher, Geoff's, Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Producers: Sofia (Portugal) and Thomas (Venezuela)

In this show, through a video photo slide show and voice-over, Sofia and Thomas present an overview of Oxford, the city of students.

The show includes introductions to:
- the origin of the city
- the universities
- interesting tourist sites

HOW THE SHOW WAS MADE...

Sofia and Thomas scripted the show with a sequence of photographs, mainly taken by Sofia (plus a few from Geoff, class teacher). They spent a lot of time trying to identify the different buildings in the pictures, working closely with a map of Oxford city centre. They also used other text resources for background information.

This show was made during class time, using photos and recorded voices, all edited in the program Windows Movie Maker on the students' own laptops, and exported as a .wmv (Windows Media) file at 320x280 pixels.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Unfortunately, none of the students' video shows, all in .wmv format, seem to download on the podcast subscribers' RSS feed, but they seem to play correctly in a web browser like Internet Explorer or Safari, on both Mac and Windows PCs. Please be patient, as "buffering" seems to take a little while!

If your are using a Mac, and .wmv video files won't play at all, an excellent solution is to install the FREE Flip4Mac Windows Media Components for QuickTime software. You can download it from Microsoft at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/wmcomponents.mspx

In this show, we speak about a typical students' day in Oxford.

In this show we speak about:

* St Clare's accommdation.
* St Clare's school
* The weather
* St Clare's activities
* Adriana's work
* Night life in Oxford

HOW THE SHOW WAS MADE...

This show was made in Geoff's class. We used photos and recorded our voices. First Cesar speaks and after Adriana.
We used Movie Maker Program to do this show. Geoff teaches us every Thursday in computer class how can we use this.

Presenters: Eloisa (Spain), Nicolas (Belgium)
Topic: GO5 class tell about the life at school and after school.

In this show, we are going to speak about the life at school and the life after school.
- St Clare's,Oxford (GO5).
-In class, the hard working hours!!!
-Happy moments during the class.
-Parties after school.

HOW THE SHOW WAS MADE...
Photos and voice in Movie Maker.

Thanks to Geoff Taylor.

Quiz master: Nicolas (Belgium)
Topic: GO5 class play a general knowledge trivia quiz

In this show, adult English language students in GO5, a low intermediate level, mixed nationality, general English course at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, play a general knowledge trivia quiz, in multiple-choice format, in the style of a radio or TV quiz show, with a presenter, and two teams of contestants.

We didn't have traditional "buzzers" for contestants to sound, to indicate readiness to answer, so instead we used the classroom hole-punch machine. The strange sound you often hear after the question is read is contestants banging and whacking and sometimes fighting over this small metal device!

You can read the questions and choices below, but to find out the correct answers, you will have to listen to the show!

THANKS...

Huge thanks to Nicolas for volunteering to host this week's show. He adopted the style of quiz master, and did it brilliantly, delaying giving the correct answers to build tension exactly like a professional broadcast quiz master. His warm, humorous style added greatly to the fun atmosphere of the show.

Massive thanks as well to Bridget Doyle, GO5 class second teacher, for preparing the students with language before the show, and especially for designing the format (quiz show) of this week's show, and choosing the content. It was a really good departure from the normal show format, and the participants had a lot of fun.

HOW THE SHOW WAS MADE...

As usual, the show was recorded during Bridget's "3rd hour" class on Geoff's Apple PowerBook computer with the iLife 06 program Garageband 3 (http://www.apple.com/uk/ilife/garageband/). After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

In this show, two little audio "stingers" from Garageband are used to signify correct or incorrect answers. For correct answers, there is a triumphant drum roll (Comedy Drum Roll). For incorrect answers, a regretful whistle (Comedy Whistle). The jingle, again from Garageband, is Roadtrip.

THE QUIZ: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE / TRIVIA QUESTIONS

1. King Louis XIV was the first person to wear:
a) a wig
b) high-heels
c) false teeth
d) a false nose

2. Where does Indian Ink come from?
a) India
b) Pakistan
c) Japan
d) China

3. What is it impossible to do when you sneeze?
a) jump
b) hear
c) smell
d) keep your eyes open

4. In which country do people bump foreheads when they shake hands?
a) Tibet
b) Ireland
c) Afghanistan
d) Thailand

5. What couldn’t King George I do when he became king of England?
a) he couldn’t speak French
b) he couldn’t speak English
c) he couldn’t read
d) he couldn’t write

6. Which sport did the Chinese invent nearly 2,000 years ago?
a) a kind of golf
b) basket ball
c) fishing
d) swimming

7. What were the Oscars made of during the Second World War?
a) silver
b) paper
c) wood
d) plastic

8. Why was the corkscrew invented?
a) to open bottles
b) to pull out teeth
c) to clean your ears
d) to open doors

9. Where were croissants invented?
a) France
b) Scotland
c) Austria
d) Germany

10. What was Winston Churchill before he became Prime Minister of England?
a) a milkman
b) a teacher
c) a dentist
d) a Shakespearean actor

11. What was the yo-yo originally used for?
a) as a weapon in the jungle
b) as a game
c) as a measuring tool
d) to get honey

12. If someone “passes away” they:
a) leave
b) die
c) faint
d) fall over

13. If someone is “feeling blue” they are:
a) unhappy
b) painting the house
c) happy
d) angry

14. When you say that you are “broke” you are:
a) crying
b) you don’t have any money
c) disappointed
d) happy

15. When you are “over the moon” you are:
a) crazy
b) far away
c) on an aeroplane
d) very happy

Presenter: Gabriela (Brazil)
Topic: GO5 class tell true stories of their own bad personal experiences

In this show, adult English language students in GO5, a pre-intermediate level, mixed nationality, general English course at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, told true stories of bad personal experiences that had happened to them.

THE STORIES
- Nicolas tells how he and his cousin got into trouble when he was eleven
- Eloisa tells about a bad experience with a motorbike when she was fifteen
- Cesar tells about a bad experience with a microwave when he was ten
- Steven tells about a dangerous experience with his bicycle about ten years ago
- Sofia tells about a very distressing experience (especially for her parents!) when she was nine
- Gabriela tells about a frightening experience in a lake when she was fifteen
- Thomas tells about a disturbing experience outside his apartment

THANKS...
Thanks to Gabriela for opening and closing this week's show and for choosing the jingle for the show. Thanks as ever to Bridget Doyle, GO5 class second teacher, for helping the students prepare the content for the show.

HOW THE SHOW WAS MADE...
As usual, the show was recorded during Bridget's "3rd hour" class on Geoff's Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Presenters: Thomas (Venezuela) and Eloisa (Spain)
Topic: GO5 class talk about their favourite things

In this show, Thomas and Eloisa, adult English language students in GO5, a pre-intermediate level, mixed nationality, general English course at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, interviewed their classmates about their favourite things.

We hear interviews with:
Steven (China)
Adriana (Brazil)
Cesar (Spain)
Sofia (Portugal)
Gabriela (Brazil)

THANKS...
Great big thanks to Thomas and Eloisa for their brilliant hosting of this week's show! Thanks too to Gabriela, on this, her first podcast, for choosing the jingle for the show. Lastly, thanks as ever to Bridget Doyle, GO5 class second teacher, for helping the students prepare the content for the show.

As usual, the show was recorded during Bridget's "3rd hour" class on Geoff's Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3. After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

Guest presenter: Andres from Spain
Topic: Special magazine program where students in GO5 class interview students in GO4 class

Short description:
In this show, adult English language students in GO5, a pre-intermediate level mixed nationality general English course at the Bardwell Road Adult Centre, St Clare's, Oxford, interviewed students in GO4, the next level up (intermediate).

Menu of interviews:
- Adriana interviewed Andres (Spain) about Spanish bullfighting and nightlife
- Thomas interviewed Goran (Montenegro) about why he is in Oxford, his opinion of the teachers in St Clare's, the politics of Montenegro
- Adriana interviewed Yu (Taiwan) about differences between UK and Taiwan, especially food
- Nicolas interviewed Joseph (Venezuela) about differences between life in the UK and Venezuela
- Sofia interviewed Iva (Bulgaria) about advice for tourists to Bulgaria (where to go and what to see, what to eat)
- Eloisa interviewed Alexis (Belgium) about differences in life between life in the UK and Belgium, and his personal life
- Sofia interviewed Renate (Brazil) about how she chose what to study at university, and her plans after she graduates
- Eloisa interviewed Naho (Japan) about differences between the UK and Japan, and her personal ambitions
- Cesar interviewed Minki (S. Korea) about the most famous and popular sport in his country (the martial art, taikwondo)

Our thanks:
- to the students of GO5 for agreeing to the interviews!
- to Bridget Doyle, GO5 class second teacher, helped the students prepare the content for the show, and to Mark Jennings, GO4 class teacher, who helped manage the event.
- to Andres in GO4, who introduced and ended the show and chose the linking music.

How the show was made:

The show was recorded during Bridget and Mark's "3rd hour" classes on Geoff's Apple PowerBook computer with the program Garageband 3, and on Geoff's 4th generation iPod with a microphone attachment.

After editing in Garageband, the audio volume was leveled using the program Levelator (www.gigavox.com/levelator), and converted to MP3 using LameBrain (check at www.macupdate.com).

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