
English with Thiago
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 15 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!
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Latest episodes

May 26, 2024 • 25min
Learn ENGLISH with a SHORT STORY - Frank's Last Case (B2/C1 Vocabulary Level)
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Learn ENGLISH with a SHORT STORY - Frank's Last Case (B2/C1 Level)
In this episode, Thiago reads a story called 'Frank's Last Case' about a police officer who is about to retire. Thiago also highlights vocabulary words and phrases from the story.
Takeaways
- The story explores the theme of retirement and the desire for a better life.
- Vocabulary words and phrases include 'frowned,' 'barely enough,' 'showing off,' 'catch them red-handed,' and 'thoroughly.'
- The story demonstrates the consequences of making unethical choices.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:35 Reading 'Frank's Last Case'
15:11 Vocabulary Highlight: Frowning, Barely Enough, Showing Off & More
22:11 Vocabulary Highlight: Thoroughly Searching
24:09 Conclusion
Link to the story:
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/story-zone/b2-c1-stories/franks-last-case-b2/c1
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
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https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
Background Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/ovioyx
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May 22, 2024 • 22min
Write Better in ENGLISH: Tips to Improve Your WRITING Skills & My New Pronunciation Course is Out on Pre-Sale!
Thiago, an expert in English writing skills, shares valuable tips on improving writing. Topics include daily practice, reading, seeking feedback, technology tools, planning, revising, expanding vocabulary, varying sentence structure, experimenting with styles, and joining writing groups. These tips aim to enhance communication, critical thinking, and language learning.

May 15, 2024 • 38min
Is ENGLISH FLUENCY Enough for SUCCESSFUL LANGUAGE LEARNING? Maybe NOT. Here's Why...
In this episode, Thiago discusses the difference between fluency and proficiency in language learning. He defines fluency as the ability to speak with flow and minimal pauses, while proficiency refers to a person's knowledge and accuracy in the language. Thiago emphasizes the importance of developing both fluency and proficiency and provides tips for improving each. Thiago encourages learners to focus on their individual needs and find a balance between fluency and proficiency.
Takeaways
1) Fluency is the ability to speak with flow and minimal pauses, while proficiency refers to a person's knowledge and accuracy in the language.
2) Developing both fluency and proficiency is important in language learning.
3) Tips for improving fluency include listening extensively, speaking regularly, learning pronunciation and connected speech and recording and listening to yourself.
4) To improve proficiency, focus on studying grammar, expanding vocabulary, reading extensively, and preparing for proficiency exams.
Chapters
0:00-2:48 Introduction2:48-11:43 What is Fluency?11:43-21:28 What is Proficiency?21:28-27:04 Food for Thought27:04-31:06 Tips to Improve Fluency31:06-34:12 Tips to Improve Proficiency34:12-38:00 Final Tips38:00-38:29 Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
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May 12, 2024 • 23min
How To Pronounce the TH SOUND in ENGLISH (Voiceless TH vs Voiced TH) - English Pronunciation Lesson
In this episode, Thiago discusses the TH sound in English. He explains that there are two sounds for TH: voiceless and voiced. He provides examples and practice exercises for both sounds. Thiago also mentions some exceptions to the TH pronunciation and demonstrates how to connect TH sounds in words and sentences. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of practicing the correct TH sound, but also noting that mispronouncing it may not greatly impact communication.
Takeaways
- The TH sound in English has two variations: voiceless and voiced.
- To pronounce the voiceless TH, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth and push out air.
- To pronounce the voiced TH, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth and activate your vocal cords.
- Practice pronouncing words and sentences with the TH sound to improve your pronunciation.
- There are some exceptions to the TH pronunciation, such as "Thomas" and "Thailand".
- When connecting TH sounds in words and sentences, be mindful of the correct pronunciation.
Chapters
0:00-1:16 Intro
1:16-4:04 TH Sounds: Explanation
4:04-10:09 Voiceless TH: Practice
10:09-16:40 Voiced TH: Practice
16:40-18:47 TH in Connected Speech
18:47-20:50 TH in Natural Speech
20:50-22:57 Closing thoughts & Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
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May 8, 2024 • 47min
How I Improved My FLUENCY In ENGLISH With MOVIES and TV Series (My Personal Method with Examples)
In this episode, Thiago discusses his personal method for learning English with movies and TV series. He emphasizes the importance of being active and intentional in the learning process, rather than passively consuming content. Thiago provides step-by-step instructions for using movies and TV series to improve pronunciation, learn vocabulary, and contextualize language. He also highlights the benefits of observing native speakers and the variety of genres available for language learning. Thiago encourages learners to incorporate movies and TV series into their study routine on a daily basis for short periods of time.
Takeaways
- Incorporate movies and TV series into your study routine to improve English skills
- Be active and intentional in your approach, rather than passively consuming content
- Focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, and contextualizing language
- Watch short clips and extract at least one takeaway from each session
- Practice regularly, even for just a few minutes a day
0:00-1:10 Intro1:10-8:53 Why Learn English with Movies & TV Series?8:53-12:51 Active vs Passive Learning12:51-17:24 Method: The Mindset17:24-19:00 Step 1: Looking from above19:00-24:02 Step 2: The Pronunciation24:02-27:15 The Vocabulary27:15-32:01 Contextualizing32:01-33:26 Quick Recap33:26-42:33 Let's Practice!42:33-47:08 Parting Words and Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
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https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
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May 5, 2024 • 16min
How Do You Learn? Learn English & Books (Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker) with Vocabulary Explanations
Author Peter Drucker shares insights on self-management in the podcast. The importance of knowing how you learn best, managing oneself, and personal development are discussed. Tips for English learners on implementing effective strategies in their fluency journey are highlighted.

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
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Private Classes | English with Thiago (teachable.com)

Apr 28, 2024 • 23min
Learn English with a SHORT STORY (Bad Blood) - A2/B1 Vocabulary Level
Summary
In this video, Thiago reads a story about a vampire and a young couple. The vampire watches the couple in a restaurant and follows them home, intending to drink their blood. However, the couple argues about who should offer themselves to the vampire, and the vampire becomes tired of their bickering and leaves them alone. Thiago highlights vocabulary words and phrases from the story, such as 'bad blood,' 'sit still,' 'hiss,' and 'bear teeth.'
Takeaways
Listening to stories in English can help improve language skills
Vocabulary words and phrases from the story include 'bad blood,' 'sit still,' 'hiss,' and 'bear teeth'
The couple's argument about who should offer themselves to the vampire highlights the theme of sacrifice for love
Chapters
00:00-2:50 Intro
2:50-13:43 The Story: Bad Blood
13:43- Vocabulary Explanation & Outro
Link to the story on the British Council website:
Bad blood – A2/B1 | LearnEnglish (britishcouncil.org)
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes

Apr 25, 2024 • 38min
How To Use The FUTURE TENSES in ENGLISH (Will, Going to & -ING), Pronunciation & The Importance of Studying Grammar
Summary
In this episode, Thiago discusses the future tenses in English, including the present continuous, going to, will, and shall. He explains when and how to use each tense, providing examples and pronunciation tips. Thiago emphasizes the importance of studying grammar to improve accuracy and precision in English communication.
Takeaways
The present continuous can be used to talk about future plans and arrangements that have already been decided and arranged.
Going to is used to talk about plans and intentions, as well as to make predictions about the future.
Will is used for present decisions and promises, as well as to make predictions.
Shall is a more formal variation of will and is often used to make suggestions or ask for suggestions.
Studying grammar is important for understanding the structure of the language and improving accuracy in communication.
Chapters
00:00-2:23 Intro
2:23-9:44 Present Tenses With Future Meaning
9:44-15:20 Going to, Plans, Intentions & Pronunciation
15:20-18:08 Going to for Predictions & Past Meaning
18:08-23:47 The Many Uses of "Will"
23:47-27:05 How to Use "Shall"
27:05-29:42 "Will" (Contractions)
29:42-31:02 "Shan't" and "Will" for Predictions
31:02-37:33 Recap, The Importance of Grammar & Outro
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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