Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

What TV shows should you binge watch to learn to speak more effectively and CONNECT in English?

You’ll find out the answer to this question and so much more in today’s episode.

Here is a listener question that we’ll answer today:

“Recently I am thinking about listening to the Friends audio version and I chose it because it’s my favorite sitcom but I am not sure if the phrases in it are still current today.

Do you think I can still use it?

Which program shows me the most up to date expressions?”

-Nicole from China

 

Our Response:

Yes, it’s still ok to use Friends.

The English phrases that they use are not out of date.

There might be some situations that are out of date like the fact that they didn’t have mobile phones when they created the show.

You would have to go much further back to shows from the 1950’s and 1960’s and shows that are in black and white, then you will find shows that you don’t want to mirror because the language will be old fashioned.

 

Other shows you can try:

  • Orange Is the New Black
  • Breaking Bad
  • Modern Family
  • How I Met Your Mother
  • True Detective (warning- this one is dark and the dialogue is hard to understand)
  • Seinfeld

 

It’s a good idea to choose a show that is HOT right now because it will be an easy way to get into conversations with native speakers.

Choose a show that thrills you and that sucks you in.

You want to be addicted to it.

You should want to watch it every week.

 

Can you use these shows to prepare for your next exam?

Yes you can BUT you need to do the right activities to supplement the show if you want to build real skills that you will get you your target score on the IELTS Exam. Every activity should be linked to the scoring system.

That’s why it makes sense to invest in an IELTS course where we’ll show you how to use the shows in a smart way so that you don’t waste your time.

 

What to consider when you choose a show:

  • Can you understand enough to get hooked or to get addicted (should be around 70-80%)?
  • Can you talk about it with other friends? Is it a popular show? Are people talking about it? Will you be able to add to the conversation?
  • Can you watch it regularly? Make sure that you have the time to get into it

 

How to start a conversation about a TV show:

  • Hey do you watch Orange Is the New Black? Who’s your favorite character? How far into it are you?
  • What shows are you into?
  • What’s your favorite show these days?

 

*Bonus phrase: To binge watch

This means that we consume a lot of a show.

We watch one episode after another and sometimes we watch an entire series in one weekend.

 

Do you like Friends or another TV show?

What phrases have you used to connect with native speakers around these shows?

Let us know in the comments.

  • Badges (1)
  • Badges-1 (1)
  • Badges-2 (1)
  • US_ListenOn_AmazonMusic_button_black_RGB_5X
  • App-Store-Button
  • google-play-badge
  • Badges (1)
  • Badges-1 (1)
  • Badges-2 (1)
  • US_ListenOn_AmazonMusic_button_black_RGB_5X