

English with Thiago
Thiago Alencar
This is a podcast designed to help intermediate and advanced English learners communicate with more confidence, accuracy, clarity and awareness.
Hosted by Thiago Alencar, a Brazilian English Teacher with over 20 years of experience, this podcast deals with topics such as English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, exam preparation, writing, listening, mindset and everything else related to English learning.
If you feel forever stuck at the intermediate level, this podcast is for you!
Download the B2 Edge app:
https://studio.com/thiago
Hosted by Thiago Alencar, a Brazilian English Teacher with over 20 years of experience, this podcast deals with topics such as English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, exam preparation, writing, listening, mindset and everything else related to English learning.
If you feel forever stuck at the intermediate level, this podcast is for you!
Download the B2 Edge app:
https://studio.com/thiago
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 1, 2024 • 32min
Sound More ADVANCED and FLUENT in ENGLISH With These 40+ Words! (B2, C1 & C2 Vocabulary Level)
Summary
In this episode, Thiago introduces 40 words that can help intermediate and advanced English learners communicate with more confidence, accuracy, clarity, and awareness. He emphasizes the importance of expanding vocabulary range and using different words to sound more advanced. The words include common expressions like 'very good', 'very bad', 'nice', and 'interesting', but Thiago encourages learners to explore other alternatives. By using a variety of words, learners can improve their English skills and effectively convey their ideas.
Takeaways
Expanding vocabulary range is crucial for sounding more advanced in English.
Using different words can improve communication by adding more nuance and clarity.
Common expressions like 'very good', 'very bad', 'nice', and 'interesting' can be replaced with alternative words.
Learning and using alternative words helps learners convey their ideas with more confidence, accuracy, and awareness.
Creating sentences with new vocabulary helps internalize the words.
Chapters
0:00-2:14 Intro & Instructions
2:14-9:42 Alternatives for "Very Good"
9:42-14:58 Alternatives for "Very Bad"
14:58-23:19 Alternatives for "Nice"
23:19-29:26 Alternatives for "Interesting"
29:26-31:31 Outro
Follow me on YouTube:
English with Thiago - YouTube
Apply for private classes with me:
Private Classes | English with Thiago (teachable.com)

Apr 28, 2024 • 23min
Learn English with a SHORT STORY (Bad Blood) - A2/B1 Vocabulary Level
An ominous vampire watches a young couple during their romantic dinner, heightening the tension. As David nervously prepares to propose, a strange presence lurks nearby. Upon reaching home, the couple's argument about who should sacrifice themselves to the vampire showcases the theme of love and sacrifice. Their bickering ultimately annoys the vampire, who declares their relationship 'bad blood' and leaves them unharmed. Vocabulary highlights like 'sit still' and 'bear teeth' add depth to the chilling story.

Apr 25, 2024 • 38min
How To Use The FUTURE TENSES in ENGLISH (Will, Going to & -ING), Pronunciation & The Importance of Studying Grammar
Dive into the intricacies of future tenses in English! Discover how to use present continuous for definite plans and the nuances of 'going to' for intentions and predictions. Learn when to employ 'will' for promises and spontaneous decisions, plus the formal touch of 'shall' for suggestions. Thiago also shares pronunciation tips, including fun reductions like 'gonna.' Ultimately, grasping grammar is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English.

Apr 17, 2024 • 37min
Which English Proficiency Exam Should You Take? (Understanding TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge Tests)
Summary
In this episode, Thiago discusses proficiency exams in English, focusing on the four most popular ones: TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge exams. He explains the purpose of taking a proficiency exam, such as measuring progress, assessing all four language skills, identifying gaps, gaining motivation, and enhancing your resume. Thiago provides an overview of each exam, including their format, scoring, validity, and cost. He also shares his personal opinion and recommends the Cambridge exams for learners who want a more comprehensive assessment of their English skills.
Takeaways
Proficiency exams are useful for measuring progress, assessing all four language skills, identifying gaps, gaining motivation, and enhancing your resume.
TOEIC is primarily used for professional settings, while TOEFL is popular for academic purposes, especially for studying in the US.
IELTS is widely accepted for university applications in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and it also serves immigration purposes.
The Cambridge exams offer a suite of English certification exams, each testing a specific level of English. They provide a more comprehensive assessment and do not expire.
Choosing the right proficiency exam depends on your goals, such as work, university, immigration, or personal learning.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Proficiency Exams
07:41 Overview of TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Exams
23:42 Benefits of Cambridge Exams
34:36 Balancing English and Native Language
Article I read in the episode: https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-tests/
To learn more about TOEIC & TOEFL, go this website:
https://www.ets.org/
To learn more about IELTS, go this website:
https://ielts.org/
To learn more about the Camrbridge Exams, go this website:
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes

Apr 10, 2024 • 45min
How To Understand The CEFR Levels & Which Level is Right For You? A Breakdown of Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 & C2 in English
Summary
In this episode, Thiago discusses the CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2) and their significance in language learning. He explains that the CEFR is an international standard for evaluating language proficiency and provides a general understanding of each level. Thiago emphasizes the importance of setting goals based on the CEFR levels and encourages listeners to reflect on their current level and the level they aspire to reach. He also mentions a free test available on the Cambridge website to help determine one's level.
Takeaways
The CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2) provide a framework for evaluating language proficiency.
Understanding the CEFR levels can help set goals and guide language learning.
The higher the CEFR level, the more complex and nuanced the language skills become.
Reflecting on one's current level and desired level can help create a roadmap for language learning.
The Cambridge website offers a free test to determine one's CEFR level.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the CEFR Levels
19:26 B2: An Excellent Level for Work and Travel
28:52 Reaching Higher Levels: C1 and C2
Council of Europe Website:
The CEFR Levels - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (coe.int)
Cambridge Online Test:
General English (cambridgeenglish.org)
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes

Apr 3, 2024 • 41min
How I Went From A1 To C2 Level Without Going To An English-Speaking Country (My English Learning Journey)
Summary
In the first episode of his podcast, English with Thiago, Thiago shares his English learning journey from being a complete beginner to achieving a C2 level of proficiency. He emphasizes that he learned English in Brazil without going abroad or participating in an exchange program.
Thiago highlights the importance of celebrating small victories and being prepared for frustration in the language learning process. He also encourages learners to be curious, flexible, and open to feedback.
Thiago's immersion experience included watching DVDs, changing the language settings on his devices to English, and engaging in conversations with tourists.
Teaching English and interacting with experienced teachers further enhanced his language skills. Thiago concludes by emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and invites listeners to follow his podcast and consider private classes with him.
Takeaways
Thiago learned English in Brazil without going abroad or participating in an exchange program.
Celebrate small victories and be prepared for frustration in the language learning process.
Be curious, flexible, and open to feedback in order to improve your English.
Create your own immersion experience by watching movies, changing language settings, and engaging in conversations with English speakers.
Teaching English and interacting with experienced teachers can enhance language skills.
Lifelong learning is essential for continuous improvement in English.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:56 Purpose of the Podcast
01:54 Starting the English Learning Journey in Brazil
04:09 Beginning as a Teenager
05:09 Challenges Faced in Learning English in Brazil
09:29 Lack of Resources and Self-Study
10:38 Utilizing Course Books and Grammar Books
12:05 Importance of Celebrating Small Victories
14:16 Importance of Input and Speaking Practice
17:30 Importance of Curiosity and Flexibility in Learning English
21:00 Professional Experience and Immersion in English
25:21 Working in a Call Center and Improving Listening and Speaking Skills
30:27 Creating Personal Immersion in English
34:53 Becoming an English Teacher and Continuous Learning
39:42 Taking Proficiency Exams and Teaching Experience
41:49 Continuous Learning and Conclusion
Follow my socials:
YouTube Channel:
English with Thiago - YouTube
Instagram:
Thiago Alencar (@teacher.thiagoalencar) • Instagram photos and videos


