

Thinking in English
Thomas Wilkinson
Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary.
I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.
Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.
Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Visit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/
Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.
I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.
Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.
Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Visit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/
Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 13, 2022 • 9min
Creative and Critical Thinking Challenge! (English Riddles)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
Today, I want you all to practice using your critical, creative, and out-of-the-box thinking skills by answering a few challenging English riddles!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/06/13/creative-and-critical-thinking-challenge/
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3 English Riddles!
Awesome English Riddle Challenge!!
5 Challenging English Riddles!
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Riddle 1
What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?
Riddle 2
What month of the year has 28 days?
Riddle 3
There’s a one-story house in which everything is yellow. Yellow walls, yellow doors, yellow furniture. What colour are the stairs?
Riddle 4
You see me once in June, twice in November and not at all in May. What am I?
Riddle 5
What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?
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Jun 8, 2022 • 24min
155. What is an Endangered Language? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
A recent report has revealed that nearly 2500 languages are at risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Why do languages die out? Does it matter if they do? And how can we save an endangered language? Let’s talk about this on today’s episode of Thinking in English!
TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/06/08/155-what-is-an-endangered-language/
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Sanam Monteiro: Creative Writing, Making Mistakes, and Learning English!
Every Royal Word You Need to Know! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
154. Why Can’t America Ban Guns? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
153. Should We Pay Reparations for Slavery? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary List
Endangered (adj) - things that may soon not exist because there are very few around now
The rhino is an endangered animal
Generation (n) - all the people of about the same age within a society
The younger generation smokes less that their parents did
Elder (n) - an older person, especially one with a respected position in society
You should listen to the advice of your elders
To absorb (v) - to take something in, especially gradually
Towels absorb moisture
at the expense of (phrase) - resulting in the loss of something
They chose to speed up production at the expense of safety
To document (v) - to record the details of an event, a process, etc
His interest in cars has been well-documented
Exclusively (adv) - only
That YouTuber has an exclusively female audience
To revitalise (v) - to give new life, energy, activity, or success to something
They made a plan to revitalise the city centre
Multilingualism (n) - knowledge of more languages than a native language
The school embraced multilingualism and offered classes in the country’s three national languages
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Jun 6, 2022 • 34min
Sanam Monteiro: Creative Writing, Making Mistakes, and Learning English!
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
Sanam Monteiro is poet, activist, political science graduate, youth worker, former intern for United Nations Women, and a friend of mine who once let me sleep on her sofa in Brussels! I invited Sanam on to Thinking in English today to discuss her experiences of both learning and teaching English.
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/06/06/sanam-monteiro-creative-writing-making-mistakes-and-learning-english/
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Does Your English Accent Matter? w/ Dan Sensei (English Conversation Lesson)
Feminist Majo: Maintaining Advanced English, Feminism, and East Asia
What is the Point in Studying Latin? w/ Village Green English
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Follow Sanam and the Compass Collective!
Sanam's Instagram - @namnaaam
Compass Collective - https://www.compasscollect.com/
Compass Collective Instagram - @compasscollect
Donate to Compass Collective
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 2022 • 18min
Every Royal Word You Need to Know! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
To mark the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the UK is holding a large celebration this week called the platinum jubilee! And this episode of Thinking in English is going to introduce you to every “royal” word you need to know to talk about the Queen, the Monarchy, and the Crown!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/06/01/every-royal-word-you-need-to-know/
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154. Why Can’t America Ban Guns? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
153. Should We Pay Reparations for Slavery? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
How to be an ACTIVE English Learner!!
152. Why are the Falkland Islands so Controversial? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2022 • 23min
154. Why Can’t America Ban Guns? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT THE PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
America has a problem with gun violence. But they struggle to do anything about it. Even after tragic mass shootings it is unlikely that anything will be done to prevent such a thing happening again. So, why can’t America ban guns? By the end of today’s episode you should have a clearer idea!
TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/30/why-cant-america-ban-guns/
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153. Should We Pay Reparations for Slavery? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
How to be an ACTIVE English Learner!!
152. Why are the Falkland Islands so Controversial? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary List
Firearm (n) - a gun that can be carried easily
Pistols and revolvers are firearms
Homicide (n) - murder
The number of homicides in the city increased last year
To bear (v) - to have or continue to have something; to carry something
He arrived bearing gifts
Equivalent (n) - having the same amount, value, purpose, qualities, etc
$50 is roughly equivalent to £40
Background checks (n) - a check of what a person has done in the past, often to help decide whether or not to employ them
A criminal background check showed he had been arrested as a teenager
Would-be (adj) - wanting or trying to be
Would-be soldiers are required to pass physical examinations
Amnesty (n) - a period of time during which people are not punished for committing a crime
People who hand in illegal weapons to the police will not be prosecuted during the amnesty
Lobby (n) - a group of people who try to persuade the government or an official group to do something
The pro-coal lobby has succeeded in stopping the government from shutting down the mine
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May 25, 2022 • 26min
153. Should We Pay Reparations for Slavery? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT TO PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
During recent trips to the Caribbean, the British royal family has faced demands for reparations and compensation for the UK’s involvement in the historic slave trade. What are reparations? And should we pay reparations for slavery? Let’s talk about this on today’s episode of Thinking in English!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/25/should-we-pay-reparations-for-slavery/
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How to be an ACTIVE English Learner!!
152. Why are the Falkland Islands so Controversial? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
150. How to Stop Procrastinating!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary List
head of state (n) - the official leader of a country, often someone who has few or no real political powers
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state in 15 countries
Atrocity (n) - an extremely cruel, violent, or shocking act
They are currently investigating the atrocities committed during the war
To trace (v) - to discover the causes or origins of something by examining the way in which it has developed
She traced her family back 400 years
Impoverished (adj) - very poor
He was an impoverished young actor
Wrongdoing (n) - a bad or an illegal action
She has denied any wrongdoing
Descendant (n) - a person who is related to you and who lives after you
They claim to be the descendants of the royal family
To emancipate (v) - to free a person from another person’s control
Slaves in the British empire were mostly emancipated in 1833
Appalling (v) - very bad
The weather today is appalling
Precedent (n) - an action, situation, or decision that has already happened and can be used as a reason why a similar action or decision should be performed or made
There is already precedent for promoting people with no formal qualifications in this company
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May 23, 2022 • 23min
How to be an ACTIVE English Learner!!
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT TO PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
On today’s episode of Thinking in English, I’m going to talk about active learning. Active learning is the best way to study and improve your English ability, but most language learners do not learn actively. How can you become an active English learner? Keep listening to find out!
FULL TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/23/how-to-be-an-active-english-learner/
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Does it Always Rain in England??: British Stereotypes Explained!
152. Why are the Falkland Islands so Controversial? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
150. How to Stop Procrastinating!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2022 • 24min
152. Why are the Falkland Islands so Controversial? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT TO PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
40 years ago Britain and Argentina fought a bitter war over a few small and remote islands in the Atlantic ocean. The Falkland islands remain a controversial issue today. Where are the Falklands? Why did Argentina and Britain go to war over them? And who should control the islands? Let’s discuss these questions on today’s episode of Thinking in English!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/16/why-are-the-falkland-islands-so-controversial/
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151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
150. How to Stop Procrastinating!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Does Your English Accent Matter? w/ Dan Sensei (English Conversation Lesson)
149. Should Cannabis be Legal? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary List
Remote (adj) - far away in distance
He lives in a remote mountain village
Sparsely (adv) - with only a small number or amount of people or things
His room is sparsely furnished
To renounce (v) - to say formally or publicly that you no longer own, support, believe in, or have a connection with something
Gandhi renounced the use of violence
Sovereignty (n) - the power of a country to control its own government
Talks are ongoing over the sovereignty of the disputed island
To occupy (v) - to move into and take control and/or possession of a place
Troops quickly occupied the city
To surrender (v) - to stop fighting and admit defeat
They would rather die than surrender
To inherit (v) - if you inherit a situation, problem, department, etc., you become responsible for dealing with it or managing it
When I took on the job of manager, I inherited a lot of financial problems
Undisputed (adj) - if something is undisputed, everyone agrees about it
He is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
Self-determination (n) - the ability or power to make decisions for yourself, especially the power of a nation to decide how it will be governed
The UN considers self-determination to be a human right
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May 11, 2022 • 21min
What is Creative Thinking?
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT TO PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
Today I’m going to talk about creative thinking. And towards the end of the episode, I’ll give you some tips and advice on how to become a creative thinker! Whether you are a student, a writer, a businessperson, or any other professions, learning to think more creatively will surely be useful!
TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/11/what-is-creative-thinking/
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151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
150. How to Stop Procrastinating!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Does Your English Accent Matter? w/ Dan Sensei (English Conversation Lesson)
Tips For University Applications and How to Improve Your Listening: Answering Your Questions!
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 2022 • 19min
151. What is Roe v. Wade? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR SUPPORT TO PODCAST!!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/donate-and-support/
What is Roe v. Wade? Why is it such a controversial and significant decision? And why is the US Supreme Court going to reverse it? By the end of today’s episode of Thinking in English, you should be able to answer all of these questions and have learned some very useful legal English vocabulary!
TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/05/09/what-is-roe-v-wade/
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150. How to Stop Procrastinating!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Does Your English Accent Matter? w/ Dan Sensei (English Conversation Lesson)
Tips For University Applications and How to Improve Your Listening: Answering Your Questions!
149. Should Cannabis be Legal? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary List
To leak (v) - to allow secret information to become generally known
He leaked the names of the suspects to the press
To overturn (v) - to change a legal decision
The Supreme Court overturned their earlier decision
Absolute (adj) - very great or to the largest degree possible
I have absolute faith in her judgement
Trimester (n) - human pregnancy is divided into three month periods called trimesters
Women are usually offered their first scan in the first trimester of pregnancy
Pseudonym (n) - a name someone uses instead of their real name
George Orwell was a pseudonym - his real name was Eric Blair
To terminate (v) - to end or stop
They terminated my contract in October
To hear (v) - officially listened to by a court, council, etc
The case was heard by the High Court
Egregiously (adv) - extremely bad in a way that is very noticeable
The decisions made by that country have been egregiously wrong
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