Sometimes it’s difficult to practise for the listening part of the exam, especially as the exam tests such specific vocabulary and situations. So, would you like to learn maritime English and be entertained at the same time? So what about learning English from TV series and films? Don’t just take my word for it, there has been a ton of research that shows how effective television and film can be for you.
So rather than just passively watching TV, here are some ways to make your learning more effective.
How to learn English with TV. Based on research
Watch with a notebook and write down any useful phrases or words that you hear. Try to repeat the phrases out loud.
Review your notes the following day. Work on the words that you have trouble remembering. Use flashcards, keep your notebook with you, and regularly revise.
List of useful TV shows for Cruise Ship Staff
Here’s a list of TV shows and films related to working at sea or on cruise ships, along with their genres, short summaries, and potential learning outcomes:
Below Deck 2013-present day
Genre: Reality TV, Documentary
Summary: This reality series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the crew working on luxury yachts, showcasing the challenges and drama of their high-pressure jobs.
What you’ll learn: Offers insights into the roles and responsibilities of yacht crew members, communication skills, and problem-solving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will hear lots of useful vocabulary in a very clear context. Sometimes they speak a bit quickly so you might need to watch with subtitles.
Mighty Ships 2008-2021
Genre: Documentary
Summary: Each episode of this documentary series takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced ships, showcasing their operations and capabilities.
What you’ll learn: Offers insights into ship engineering, navigation, and the functioning of various types of vessels. Also provides exposure to the global shipping industry. The vast majority of these ships are cruise ships.
Billion Pound Cruise 2020
Genre: Documentary
Summary: Behind the scenes of the most creative-thinking and mammoth ship ever built – Symphony of the Seas – with the crew who work around the clock to keep holidaymakers happy.
What you’ll learn. What it’s like to work on a cruise ship. A look at how things function on a cruise ship. The commentary is very clear and not very fast, it’s spoken with a British neutral accent. Very good for listening to vocabulary in context.
Films
Jack and Jill 2011
Genre: Comedy
Summary: Adam Sandler plays both Jack and Jill who go on a cruise and annoy the other passengers.
What you’ll learn: You’ll hear lots of vocabulary related to cruise ships.
YouTube and Vlogggers
Then there is YouTube too, with the price of camera equipment falling, the quality of some Vbloggers is very high indeed. Search for British-based vloggers Gary Bembridge (Tips For Travellers), Emma Le Teace (Emma Cruises), and the very enthusiastic duo Ben and David (Cruise With Ben And David)