Intermediate Lessons
(Lessons are listed in groups of 10, with the newest lesson at the top. Click the page numbers below to navigate to other lessons. Use the 'Choose Lesson…' option in the right-hand column to go to a specific lesson. (The 'Choose lesson…' menu is visible only when you're logged in.))
Digital tablets in the classroom were recently described as a 60 billion dollar hoax. Despite these strong words, it seems we’re on an inexorable drive to place a screen in front of every child in the classroom. But to whose benefit? That’s the subject of our conversation in this lesson.
Lesson #: 184
This lesson is inspired by our having heard about Norway in Michael Moore’s latest satirical documentary. Now, no country is perfect but Norway certainly seems to have a lot going for it. Let’s start with a conversation.
Lesson #: 183
A listener asked about ‘tu’ and ‘vous’. In English, we simply use the pronoun ‘you’ but, in French, things are more complicated. In this conversation, we talk about when to use ‘tu’ and ‘vous’… and how to ‘make the switch’ between the two when our relationships have evolved over time. Let’s listen.
Lesson #: 181
A listener asked said he had recently been in France and had heard a few slang words used frequently. In this lesson, our dialogue makes use of a variety of slang words, some of which are very common. Let’s listen…
Lesson #: 180
He was the world’s most famous boxer. But, to many, he represented much more than a particular sport. In this lesson, let’s talk about Mohammed Ali.
Lesson #: 178
AirBnB has rocked the hospitality industry. For holiday-makers it has proved a boon but hoteliers are up in arms. We discuss the new rental model provided by AirBnB in this lesson.
Lesson #: 177
What exactly does the word ‘education’ mean to you ? Sur le chemin de l’école is a provocative and inspiring documentary from Pascal Plisson. It depicts vividly the insatiable thirst for learning of children in some of the world’s most remote corners. Let’s listen to a dialogue.
Lesson #: 176
This is a very short lesson, focusing on the expression quand même which is very common but which has a variety of meanings in English, depending on the context. Several listeners have asked us about this expression. To elucidate, let’s take a couple of very short snippets of conversation.
Lesson #: 174
The attacks on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters in Paris raise many questions. How far does freedom of speech go? Can we simply say whatever we like, whenever we wish? Let's hear a conversation, to start...
Lesson #: 171
This second part of our two-part lesson focuses on other skiing activities including 'snowboarding' and, of course, the very important social aspect of a skiing trip. Let's listen.
Lesson #: 170