June 2026
This free lesson comes from our Vocabulary Builder series, where you’ll learn six key words through one of Christian’s engaging stories. Inside the Academy, you’ll find 400+ lessons like this to help you build your vocabulary step by step.
In this video, Christian first teaches us some vocabulary which he then uses in a joke!
Below the video, you’ll also find a list of today’s words, along with discussion questions you can use to practice with other learners.
Today’s vocabulary words are:
Just watching the video isn’t enough to really remember these words. The best way to make them stick is to use them in conversation or connect them to your own life. Find another learner and use the following questions in an informal chat:
Discussion Questions:
- Do you have a good or bad priest story?
- Tell us about your favorite birds.
- Are animal shelters common in your country?
- Does your language have a lot of informal synonyms for prostitutes? Describe some of the less vulgar options.
- Can you recite any verses from memory? Where did you learn them?
Academy Updates
Speaking Challenge Badges
Learning a language is the work of a lifetime. That’s why it helps to set small goals along the way to keep yourself motivated. In the Academy, we have more than 100 digital badges designed to challenge members, encourage progress, and make the journey of learning English more rewarding.
The badge system also allows students to chart their own path by choosing what they want to focus on. The badges shown above are awarded through our Speaking Challenge activity. Members can earn one point per day by sending a Speaking Challenge voice message to our Telegram group. Over the weeks and months, those points gradually add up, unlocking new badges along the way.
More than 200 people have unlocked the 25 Voice Message Badge throughout the Academy’s history. It’s one of the most challenging badges to earn because those first steps into recording and sharing a voice message can feel quite intimidating.
At the other end of the scale, only six members have ever passed the incredible milestone of 500 voice messages. That’s more than four years of consistently showing up and participating… a truly remarkable achievement.
Those six members also highlight the international spirit of our Academy community:
- Bozhan from Bulgaria
- Massimo from Italy
- Selma from Brazil
- Stefan from Slovakia
- Stefania from Italy
- Ulla from Germany
Whether you’re inside the Academy or learning on your own, remember to set small goals for yourself — and don’t forget to celebrate those milestones when you reach them.
Peek into the Classroom: Musical Night with Katty
Every Saturday from 18:00 to 19:00 CEST, Teacher Katty leads a live session called “Musical Nights with Katty” – a laid-back jamming session with music, lyrics and more.
Through songs, artists and stories the group explores vocabulary, pronunciation, and real spoken English in a dynamic and relaxed atmosphere.
Each session combines listening, discussion, and fun speaking activities designed to build confidence while discovering the power and meaning behind music. From timeless legends to modern voices, every Musical Night is a chance to experience English through rhythm, emotion, and creativity.