IELTS Energy Podcast 946: Learn English With Tommy Through Music, Books and Film

Tommy Bradford, an English teacher in Germany, shares his journey of starting his company, Learn English with Tommy. He discusses innovative methods to improve English skills, such as using music, films, and comic books. Tommy emphasizes the importance of engaging with content that challenges learners and provides tips.

What challenge did Tommy face when he first moved to Germany?

• He struggled with the German language.

• He disliked the weather.

• He couldn't find a job in his field.

• He didn't have the necessary qualifications.

What unique method does Tommy's company use to teach English?

• Learning through intensive grammar drills.

• Learning through music, books, and movies.

• Learning through travel experiences.

• Learning through traditional textbooks.

Which artist's song does Tommy analyze in his blog post?

• Elton John

• Marvin Gaye

• The Beatles

• Stevie Wonder

What is Tommy's first tip for using music to learn English?

• Listen to music without lyrics.

• Avoid songs with idioms.

• Read his blog post for detailed steps.

• Focus only on the melody.

What should learners focus on when watching films or series?

• Ignoring the subtitles.

• Grasping the general themes.

• Memorizing the script.

• Understanding every single word.

Why might subtitles not always be helpful according to Tommy?

• They are not available in all languages.

• They don't capture fast speech.

• They distract from the visuals.

• They are often inaccurate.

What does Tommy recommend for learners who struggle with accents in series?

• Only watch series with familiar accents.

• Stop watching the series.

• Focus on understanding every word.

• Continue watching to get used to it.

What does Tommy suggest about the level of books learners should read?

• Books should be below their current level.

• Books should be in their native language.

• Books should match their current level.

• Books should be slightly above their current level.

What is a benefit of reading comic books for language learning?

• They are only for children.

• They use complex language.

• They are engaging and use limited text.

• They are not available in English.

What is Tommy's view on using different media for language learning?

• It is ineffective and confusing.

• It is beneficial and diverse.

• It should be avoided.

• It is only for advanced learners.