👋🏼 Hi, I’m Kristian — a Dutch, non-native English teacher and C2-certified speaker. I'm here to help you speak real, confident English.
🎧 Short episodes. Real topics. No grammar drills — just English you can actually use.
🗂️ Book your first 1-1 class risk-free → https://stan.store/classes
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we ask: “Can you ban kids from social media?” Australia’s new under-16 ban has already begun — and teenagers are finding creative ways around it. We look at a BBC article reporting how the rollout is going so far ( read it here ) and explore six natural chunks that show how people really talk about technology and frustration: stuck it in front of the camera , it let me through , zero faith , do anything other than , ample opportunity , and failed at every turn . These are everyday phrases you can use to sound more natural and confident in your…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we discuss the question: “Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places?” You’ll hear real examples from the U.S. and London and learn six practical chunks that are perfect for discussions about money, fairness, and public policy: levy , subsidize , deter , modest , redress the balance , and vote with their feet . You’ll also get a short scenario-based task to help you practise using this language naturally in your own answers. Subscribe to the newsletter: B2 level email lessons — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Should children under 16 be banned from social media?” You’ll learn how Australia is becoming the first country to introduce this kind of ban — and the key arguments on both sides. We’ll go over essential vocabulary like grooming , harmful content , cyberbullying , get around the rules , invasive , and inaccurate , plus natural phrases to help you express your opinion clearly: in my view , one concern is that… , on the one hand / on the other hand , supporters argue that… , it might lead to… , and there’s a…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Would you buy from a brand that treats its workers badly?” We look at the recent controversy around Shein’s first physical store opening in Paris — and what it says about fast fashion, ethics, and everyday choices. You’ll learn five natural chunks you can use to talk about this topic: convenient / affordable / accessible , treats its workers badly , when money’s tight , demanding better conditions , and being held accountable . You’ll also hear my honest take on where we can draw the line between…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Would you agree to be interviewed by an AI system?” You’ll hear about a real case where a British writer refused an AI interview — and learn three natural chunks you can use to share your own opinion: it didn’t sit well with me , I can see both sides , and strike the right balance . You’ll also hear my personal take on how AI might change job interviews — and where we still need a human touch. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Do smartphones make us more connected, or more lonely?” You’ll hear my honest answer — plus two natural chunks you can use to sound fluent when talking about technology or modern life: a double-edged sword and glued to [something] . You’ll learn how to use them naturally in real conversations and get examples you can reuse right away. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we discuss the question: “Do you think people should love their jobs, or just see work as a way to earn money?” You’ll hear my honest, scripted-natural answer — followed by a breakdown of three useful chunks: pay the bills , figure it out by doing , and get to have . You’ll also review a quick grammar point on using preposition + verb-ing naturally in your own answers. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each).…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Do you believe motivation is something people are born with or can learn?” You’ll learn five natural chunks to discuss motivation clearly and confidently: have a natural drive , develop self-discipline , stay motivated , rub off on others , and set achievable goals . These phrases will help you sound fluent and natural when talking about habits, goals, and personal growth. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I offer private English conversation lessons — real topics, real feedback, real progress. 👉 45-minute sessions…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you think exams are the best way to test students’ knowledge?” You’ll hear a clear model answer and learn 3 natural comparison phrases that help you evaluate and explain ideas clearly — including rather than , better suited for , and depends on . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson is risk-free — you only pay if you’re happy afterwards.…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you believe people will live longer in the future?” You’ll discover 5 natural chunks that help you talk fluently and confidently about health, ageing, and the future — including medical advances , take better care of themselves , life expectancy , cope with , and depends on your lifestyle . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson is risk-free —…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “What qualities make someone a good colleague?” You’ll hear a short model answer and learn 3 natural phrases that help you sound fluent and confident when talking about teamwork — including do their part , feel included , and positive attitude . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson is risk-free — you only pay if you’re happy afterwards.…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “What are some dangers of sharing personal information online?” You’ll discover 5 natural chunks that help you sound fluent and confident — including lose control over your information , identity theft , end up in the wrong hands , give away personal details , and keep things private . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson is risk-free…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you believe machines will ever replace human creativity?” You’ll hear a short model answer and pick up 3 key phrases that make your response sound natural and confident — including machines (can’t) replace human creativity , it feels a bit artificial , and express something unique / bring a personal touch . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “How should cities deal with increasing levels of tourism?” Instead of giving basic answers like “There are too many tourists,” you’ll discover 5 natural chunks that make you sound fluent and confident — including protecting local businesses , invest in infrastructure , get packed , spread tourism evenly , and feel pushed out . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Do you think zoos are good or bad?” You’ll discover five flexible phrases you can use for any controversial topic — including I’m in two minds about this , on the one hand… on the other hand… , it depends on… , there are pros and cons , and in an ideal world… but in reality… . Perfect for Parts 3 & 4 when you need balance and clarity. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Are clothes important to you?” You’ll discover five natural collocations that make your answer sound fluent and confident — including dress casually , dress up , express yourself , make a good impression , keep up with fashion , and suit someone . P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m now opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want to improve their English speaking directly with me. 👉 45-minute sessions for €20, or €150 for 10 lessons (€15 each). The first lesson is risk-free — you only pay…
Download the transcript here . In this episode — the first Speaking Drill — you’ll learn how to make vocabulary automatic with the phrase lend me a hand . Instead of just recognising it, you’ll practise it in six different ways until it feels natural when you speak. These new drill-style episodes help you turn passive vocabulary into confident speaking. Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour audio course with three private coaching sessions — so you can stop guessing,…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Why do people need friends?” Instead of repeating basic words like help or support , you’ll discover natural idiomatic expressions to sound fluent and confident — including be there for , lend a hand , and stand by — plus opposites like ignore , neglect , and leave someone high and dry . Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour audio course with three private coaching sessions — so you…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Is it useful to listen to podcasts made for language learners?” Instead of giving simple answers like “Yes, it’s good for practice,” you’ll discover how to build flexibility with synonyms and opposites — using phrases like useful , beneficial , pointless , and a stepping stone — so you can express yourself clearly and naturally at B2 level. Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour…
Hey, it’s Kristian here with a quick update. I’ll be back with the regular podcast next week. Last week I released my new course — and over the weekend, thanks to feedback from the very first students, I realized there was a chance to make it even better. So this week I’m putting my full focus on improving the course. And next week, I’ll be back with new podcast episodes. Thanks so much for your patience — and if you’re already in the course, you’ll get the complete upgraded version very soon. Check your inbox for a personal note from me.
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the common Part 1 question: “What do you like about your hometown?” Instead of giving flat, simple answers like “It’s nice,” you’ll get 3 natural chunks you can use right away to sound more fluent and confident at B2 level. Grab the course here: Crack B2 Speaking Part 1 — 10 audio lessons to turn the words you know into phrases you can actually use when you're put on the spot. Just €9.99, with lifetime access. Join the newsletter here: Daily B2 email lessons — get extra vocabulary challenges and model answers straight…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll move from knowing vocabulary to actually using it under exam pressure. This is your first speaking drill: two short exercises that help you turn passive collocations into confident speaking. What you get: ✅ A confidence-builder with renewable energy sources ✅ A challenge drill with reduce your carbon footprint ✅ Practice flipping tenses and swapping words to make the phrases flexible Don’t just listen — join in, repeat out loud, and feel the difference. This is how you prepare to speak automatically in the exam, without freezing. Want…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What are the most serious environmental issues in your country?” using 5 natural collocations that make your answers sound clear, precise, and exam-ready. What you get: Collocations like renewable energy sources , single-use plastics , and reduce your carbon footprint , plus a short model answer that shows how to sound confident without just saying “bad” or “a problem.” Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for…
👉 Tell me what worries you most about the B2 Speaking Exam: Fill in this quick form Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What job would be a dream come true for you?” with 5 natural adjective combinations that instantly upgrade your answers beyond basic words like “good” or “nice.” What you get: Adjective combos like well-paid creative job and exciting travel job , a clear grammar tip on commas, plus a model answer that shows how to sound precise and enthusiastic in Part 1. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build…
👉 Quick question for you: Tell me what worries you most about the B2 Speaking exam . Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What led you to choose your current job or field of study?” using 5 natural phrases to show enthusiasm and sound confident in Part 1. What you get: 5 phrases like I’ve always been fascinated by… and What really excites me about… , a model answer, plus tips on how to express enthusiasm naturally without sounding fake. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day:…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn a simple formula to manage your time in Part 1 of the B2 Speaking exam so every second counts. What you get: A clear 20–25 second structure (two reasons, one example, one wrap-up), model answers for practice, plus strategy insights to avoid answers that are too short or too long. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for live speaking practice? Get all the details on B2 First Academy classes, scheduling, and your free trial:…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Do you think AI makes life easier?” without rambling by using the OREC method: Opinion, Reason, Example, Conclusion . What you get: A clear model answer plus the 4-step OREC structure to stop going in circles and make your answers more focused, fluent, and exam-ready. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for live speaking practice? Get all the details on B2 First Academy classes, scheduling, and your free trial:…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How can employers encourage employees to do more sport?” using 5 natural collocations that make you sound accurate and confident. What you get: A confident model answer plus 5 flexible collocations — set up activities, offer incentives, encourage participation, promote a healthy lifestyle, provide free gym membership — to upgrade your vocabulary for workplace topics. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for live…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How important are exams in your country?” using 5 natural expressions that stop you from going blank and help you sound clear and fluent. What you get: A confident model answer plus 5 flexible expressions — play a big role, under a lot of pressure, make a huge difference, a necessary evil, room for improvement — to give your answers more depth and confidence. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for live…
Download the transcript here . In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Why would it be difficult to live without a mobile phone?” using 5 natural expressions that instantly upgrade your vocabulary. What you get: A clear model answer plus 5 expressions — essential, rely on, can’t do without, a lifesaver, keeps you going — to help you avoid sounding basic and show more range in your English. Want daily B2 practice? Get a 4-minute vocabulary quiz to help you build confidence for exam day: https://subscribepage.io/b2firstacademy Ready for live speaking practice? Get all the details on B2…
About Cambridge English B2 Exam Training
👋🏼 Hi, I’m Kristian — a Dutch, non-native English teacher and C2-certified speaker. I'm here to help you speak real, confident English.
🎧 Short episodes. Real topics. No grammar drills — just English you can actually use.
🗂️ Book your first 1-1 class risk-free → https://stan.store/classes
Cambridge English B2 Exam Training is a English learning podcast from Kristian. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
