Radio ESOL

Listen to the description of a place. Listen to the adjectives used.

In this episode, Vanessa talks through a Christmas cake recipe.

In this episode, Rina talks through a recipe for onion bhajis.

In this episode, Mark talks about the food he likes and doesn't like.

In this episode, Saleem talks about the food he enjoyed growing up and his love of Turkish food that he was introduced to as an adult.

In this episode, Diane talks us through a Yorkshire pudding recipe.

In this episode, Zina talks us through a Persian recipe.

In this episode, Julie talks about Japanese food and some of the Japanese dishes she enjoys eating.

In this episode, Eiman talks about traditional Sudanese food. She also talks about what food she likes and doesn't like.

• Eiman talks about asida, which is a traditional Sudanese porridge made from cooked wheat or sorghum flour. It is often sweetened with honey or dates and flavoured with spices.
• Eiman also mentions tagalia, which is popular in the western and central regions of the country. It is a hearty stew made with a combination of grains, legumes, and vegetables.

In this episode, Aga talks about traditional Polish food.

She also talks about what food she likes and doesn't like.

In this episode, Hamida Khoder, a Syrian writer and artist living in Leeds, talks about her involvement in A Tale of Two Cities, a short film based on a collaborative project between a female Syrian refugee group from the organisation 'Damasq' and Leeds Arts University. The premiere of the film is Friday 28th May 2023. Free tickets can be booked by following the link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-tale-of-two-cities-film-premiere-tickets-604746642487?fbclid=PAAaZX_4wcTUiKs4NbRXy5h7UZjtiP4sSuO06STze42hmaL29FDe6OE6Yh8t4

In this episode, we hear two Entry 1 ESOL students, Alpha and Omama, talking about Ramadan and what it's like to fast in the UK.

In this episode, we hear two Entry 1 ESOL students asking and answering questions.

In this episode, we hear two Entry 1 ESOL students asking and answering questions.

In this episode, we hear two Entry 1 ESOL students asking and answering questions.

In this episode, we hear a group of Entry 1 ESOL students talking about shopping.

In this episode, we hear a group of Entry 1 ESOL students describing a friend.

In this episode, we hear a group of Entry 1 ESOL students describing a place.

In this episode, Maryam gives us some shopping tips.

What can people do to save money? 

Is it worth signing up for loyalty cards? 

In this episode, Maryam talks about skincare tips.

Do people have to spend a lot of money on skincare? 

Is the most expensive product the best? 

What's the one skin product everyone should have? 

What are the benefits of a good skincare routine? 

Where can people find skincare recipes?

In this episode, Helen takes us on a 15 minute guided meditation. 

Find a quiet space, listen and relax. 

In this episode, Helen explains what resilience is and talks through techniques we can use to help ourselves relax and feel less stressed. In a second recording, Helen takes us on a guided meditation. 

What is resilience? 

Why is it important? 

When might we need to be resilient? 

What can we do to help ourselves? 

Why are we talking about resilience now? 

In this episode, Garry talks about his time as a student at Britain's first school for partially sighted children and how the development of technology changed things for him. 

Photo: by Garry Cheesbrough [Those Derby Days: A history of The Derby School for the Partially Sighted, Troubador Publishing Ltd, 2017]

In this episode, we hear three Entry 1 students talking.

Meral, Rahel and Yuri introduce themselves and ask each other questions.

In this episode, we hear three Entry 1 students talking.

Yaghob, Mohamed and Amani introduce themselves and ask each other questions.

In this episode, we hear three Entry 1 students talking.

Arash, Yousef and Hassan introduce themselves and ask each other questions.

In this episode, we hear three Entry 1 students talking.  

Jahan, Khady and Basbano introduce themselves and ask each other questions. 

Asmeret and Kaltouma are students in an Entry 2 ESOL class. 

In this episode, they talk about why college is important and offer advice to other learners.

Marianna came to the UK in 2018. She started studying ESOL at the Enfield Centre, Leeds City College to improve her language and help with her search for a job. In this episode, Marianna shares her journey to the UK and talks about her studies from ESOL to GCSE courses. She is now a learning support assistant at Leeds City College for students with high needs.  

In this episode, Garry talks about his passion for painting, the creative process he goes through and what inspires him to paint. 

Photo: painting by Garry Cheesbrough

In this episode, Diane, an ESOL teacher in Leeds, talks about her Dr Martens shoe collection and how the music scene championed this British working class footwear. 

Photo: Nina Hill 

In this episode, Karen, an ESOL teacher in Leeds, talks about her personal journey with poetry.

In this episode, Vanessa, a Maths Course Leader in Leeds, talks about her sailing hobby.

Photo: Paul Hargreaves

In this episode, Arron, an ESOL teacher in Leeds, talks about tips and challenges of learning a new language. 

In this episode, Susanna Carter, iLearn Lead at Leeds City College, talks about when her love of scary stories started and what makes a good horror story.

She also talks about the iLearn Hub and how students use it to develop their study skills.  

In this episode, Alam returns to the Enfield Centre to talk about his time at Leeds City College and how he's now studying a degree at Leeds Beckett University. He also gives advice to other ESOL students. 

Transcript: 

My name is Alam. I studied at the Enfield Centre for 3 years. I did my GCSE English and maths. It was a challenge for me, but finally, it's a dream come true. What I enjoyed most about studying at the Enfield Centre was the atmosphere, the people, everything,  and I found it easier to study because I received a lot of support from my teachers. There was also a balance between academic and social activities. This helped me to grow as a person and as a student.

Studying at the Enfield Centre has enabled me to develop my career as well, as it has given me unlimited support to succeed in my studies. Being inspired by the support and teaching that I have received, I am now studying at one of the best universities in the UK to complete my degree in civil engineering, to become a chartered engineer.

As a young child, I developed a keen interest in civil engineering, shadowing my father at work, while he was coordinating a development project in the village. So since that time, engineering has been my first thought and my principal goal is to be a civil engineer.

I would like to continue with my goal by studying a masters degree. After I get my degree, I would like to work in my field.

I just want to say one message to all students who are studying at the Enfield Centre - I would like to say just one message - work hard, chase your dreams, don't give up and believe me, you can do it and you will reach your goal.

Arman came to the UK in 2015 and started studying ESOL Entry 1 at the Enfield Centre, Leeds City College in 2016. 

In this episode, Arman returns to the Enfield Centre to talk about the challenges of balancing study with work, what he has been doing in the last 6 years and what he hopes to do next. 

Augustine arrived in the UK in 2018. In this episode, he shares his journey of studying ESOL and GCSEs and moving on to Level 2 Health, Science and Social Care. 

He currently combines study with supporting other students by working at Leeds City College Students' Union. Augustine hopes to go to university next and to eventually work in a hospital or care environment where he can help people. 

Listen to students talking about their favourite person.

Part 2: Ali, Asmeret, Myassar, Abrahet, Solomon, Fikir, Jaber

Listen to students talking about their favourite person. 

Part 1:  Hadi, Fitsum, Kaltouma, Rosaria, Asmerom, Kevin

In this episode, we hear Carolyn talking about beekeeping.

In this episode, we hear Jennie talking about her allotment. Students were asked to send in questions. These are the 10 questions she answers: 

Question 1: What is an allotment? 

Question 2: Are all plots the same size? 

Question 3: Do allotments take a lot of time?

Question 4: Is an allotment only a spring and summer hobby and what can be planted in winter? 

Question 5: Do I need a lot of tools? 

Question 6: What can be planted? What are you planting? 

Question 7: What's the best time of day to spend on the allotment?

Question 8: Does everyone plant the same things? 

Question 9: Is it cheaper to grow food than to buy at the supermarket?

Question 10: What's the best thing about having an allotment? 

In this episode, we hear Wendy talking about how she enjoys arts and crafts, including painting, drawing, weaving and batik. Wendy talks about how videocalls during lockdown inspired one of her paintings. 

In this episode, we hear Hilary talking about how she enjoys walking and being outdoors to help her wellbeing. Studies and medical professionals have talked about the many benefits being outside can have, including lowering stress, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as lifting your mood and improving mental health, whether you choose to walk, run or sit in the garden! 

In this episode, we hear Sheila talking about how she enjoys running and taking part in parkrun. Parkrun takes place every Saturday / Sunday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 23 countries across five continents. 

In this episode, we hear Jenny talking about how she enjoys singing and playing the guitar. 

Written by Jennie Cole

Flo: Jennie / Elsie: Hilary / Party Host: Ahmed

With special thanks to Azmera, Pricila, Nelson, Marinela and Gheorghina

PART 4:

(car sound can be heard)

Elsie: That was a nice letter! Are you going to visit Jack in London?

Flo: Yes, it will be lots of fun.

(sound of rain)

Oh, it’s started to rain! Look at this window! (windscreen wipers can be heard)

I can hardly see through this window. (sound of the car driving along)

What a journey, it’s taken a while to get here, hasn’t it?

Elsie: Yes, but think what we’ve learnt! All those homophones we never knew existed.

Flo: Well, I KNEW the words, I just didn’t realise what they were called.

Elsie: …or that there were so many of them!

(Flo laughs)

Flo: It’s certainly made me think a little more about the language I use. Elsie: We’d better go in then!

(car can be heard to stop, door opens, then closes…) The ringing of a doorbell can be heard.

PARTY HOST:

(a party atmosphere can be heard into the background)

Hello, Flo and Elsie! It’s good to see you! Come and join the party! We’re just playing a game, here’s the clue: “a word which sounds the same but is spelt differently…”

Flo and Elsie together: (excitedly) Homophones!!

Written by Jennie Cole

Flo: Jennie / Elsie: Hilary / Party Host: Ahmed

With special thanks to Azmera, Pricila, Nelson, Marinela and Gheorghina

PART 3:

(traffic jam and car horns in distance…)

Flo: I knew we’d get stuck in the afternoon traffic! Look at the time, we’re going to be late!

Elsie: Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. (swerve of car can be heard)

Flo: I got a letter from Jack yesterday. Elsie: Oh yes? Where is it?

Flo: In the envelope there – you can read it, if you like.

TASK! (listen and change the homophone words to the correct spelling)

Elsie:

Deer Gloria,

it was so nice to here from you last weak. I would love to meat you in London next month. Do you no the name of a good hotel? My friend says a hotel called The Grand is worth trying. I’m sure you won’t be bored in London, there’s lots to sea. The whether should be warm too, though we will have to weight and sea. We could visit a museum, as it wood be such a shame to waist your time in London. I’m afraid it is very noisy here though, and you won’t have very much piece. Please right and tell me when you plan to arrive and I will meet you,

from Jack.

Written by Jennie Cole

Flo: Jennie / Elsie: Hilary / Party Host: Ahmed

With special thanks to Azmera, Pricila, Nelson, Marinela and Gheorghina

PART 2:

(car can be heard to swerve on the road)

Elsie: watch the ROAD, Flo! Be careful how you drive!

Flo: Oh, sorry, all that interesting talk on homophones has distracted me. Elsie: I WOULD have saved it until later, had I know. I’ve been reading about homophones all WEEK.

Flo: I didn’t realise how common homophones actually are. Elsie: What do you mean?

Flo: Well, just as we were talking, we said three homophones! You told me to watch the ROAD. R-o-a-d, which is what we’re driving on. This type of ROAD is a way people or vehicles pass between places. They drive from A to B on a road. But I remember when my brother RODE a horse, meaning he sat on the horse.

Elsie: Oh yes! And I just said then that I WOULD have saved all this very interesting talk, which is spelt w-o-u-l-d, meaning that perhaps I should have, but the word can also be spelt wood (w-o-o-d) which is what trees are made from.

Flo: You also said you’d been reading about homophones all WEEK, and that word can be spelt w-e-e-k, which is a period of seven days, but it can also be spelt w-e-a-k, which means a lack of strength or power.

Elsie: That’s right!

Flo: There you go again!

Elsie: What do you mean?

Flo: The word ‘right’ can be spelt r-i-g-h-t, which can mean ‘correct,’ but my friend forgot to WRITE a note, which is spelt w-r-i-t-e.

Elsie: There seems to be so many! I need a rest from talking so much. Would you mind if I had a few minutes sleep on the way?

Flo: Oh, that’s fine, Elsie. I’ll keep driving. (sound of the car cruising along the road)

Written by Jennie Cole

Flo: Jennie / Elsie: Hilary / Party Host: Ahmed

With special thanks to Azmera, Pricila, Nelson, Marinela and Gheorghina

PART 1:

(a car can be heard driving; there is the sound of a horn) 

Flo: Come on Elsie, hurry up!

(a car door opens then closes and the car sets off)

Elsie (breathless): I’m sorry I’m late, Flo!

Flo: Why are you so late? What have you been doing?

Elsie: I’ve been reading about homophones all afternoon.

Flo: Homo what? Is that a word that is spelt the same, but has a different meaning?

Elsie: No, Flo, that’s a homonym. I’ve been reading about homophones.

Flo: Tell me more, Elsie!

Elsie: Well, the word ‘homo’ comes from the Greek word ‘homos’ meaning ‘same.’ The word ‘phone’ means sound.

Flo: So that must mean homophones are words which have the same sound?

Elsie: Yes, that’s right, Flo.

Flo: Like the word stairs and stares?

Elsie: Yes! The word stairs can be spelt s-t-a-i-r-s, meaning a flight of steps, like the ones you would walk up to get to the top of a house. It can also be spelt s-t-a-r-e-s, meaning gazing very openly, which is what some of the people did to me that day I dyed my hair pink! I certainly got a lot of stares that day!

Flo: Ahh, the day you dyed your hair. So the word ‘dyed’ is also a homophone then, isn’t it? It can be spelt d-y-e-d, meaning ‘to colour something,’ or d-i-e-d, meaning to stop living. But why are these homo whatsits…

Elsie: Homophones, Flo.

Flo: Those are the ones. Thanks, Elsie. Why are they so important?

Elsie: It’s important to know the difference in homophones words. Though the sound is the same, the meaning is very different.

Flo: Very interesting! So let me see if I’ve understood this. Homophones are pronounced in the same way, but are spelt differently?

Elsie: That’s right.

Flo: Before I ask you anymore, I’ll just stop here for some petrol, Elsie…

(car indicator can be heard)