
Podcast
6 Minute English
By BBC
506
35.68k
Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations.
Find more at https://www.bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations.
Find more at https://www.bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Scared to speak English?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Do you ever feel scared to speak in English? Lots of people find speaking a different language stressful. Beth and Pippa talk about learning languages and how to fight your fears of speaking English.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-26012
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
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07:11
What English phrases really mean
Episode in
6 Minute English
We've all been there – we're talking to someone and they say one thing, when we know they mean something else! British people love to play with language, using it deliberately to disguise, misdirect or even change their meaning entirely. But why do we do it? And what are some of the common things to look out for? Pippa and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260115
Learning English from the News - learn English from news headlines here: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026
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06:38
Is social media dead?
Episode in
6 Minute English
What is your favourite social media platform? Do you still use it as much as you did three or four years ago? With the rise of generative AI, many social media users are finding their feeds cluttered with content that they feel no real connection with. Is social media on a downward spiral? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260108
The Listening Room - improve your listening skills here: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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06:37
Is it OK to disagree?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Are we becoming a divided society? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260101
The Listening Room - improve your listening skills here:
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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06:39
Was Christmas better in the past?
Episode in
6 Minute English
It's Christmas time in the UK. And like with celebrations around the world, people have lots of traditions that they do every year, and memories about Christmas from their childhood. But were the Christmases of the past as magical as we remember? Neil and Beth discuss a strange emotion we can feel at Christmas called nostalgia.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251225
The Reading Room - improve your reading skills here:
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:51
Finding and eating wild food
Episode in
6 Minute English
Where do you get your fruit and vegetables – a supermarket, a greengrocer... or the wild? For our distant ancestors, foraging for wild food was vital for survival, while these days we tend to rely on farmed food, bought in shops. Pippa and Beth discuss foraging and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251218
The Reading Room - improve your reading skills here:
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:36
How are horses helping to heal humans?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Horses and humans have had a close relationship for thousands of years, but did you know that horses, along with other animals, are being used to help with physical and mental illness? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251211
The Reading Room - improve your reading skills here:
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:41
What’s your favourite flavour of crisp?
Episode in
6 Minute English
You might know them as potato chips, but here in the UK we call them crisps... and we love them! With many different shapes, sizes and flavours, there's a lot to choose from, but why do we like them so much? And what are some of the other crispy snacks enjoyed around the world? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251204
LEARN ENGLISH GRAMMAR
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06:36
How are influencers affecting politics?
Episode in
6 Minute English
We've seen influencers on social media posting about all sorts of things – from lifestyle and fashion, to sports, travel, gaming and music. But did you know that some social media influencers are trying to get involved in politics? Beth and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251127
LEARN ENGLISH GRAMMAR Improve your grammar here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-grammar
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06:41
Do you have good dining etiquette?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Do you know the 'proper' way to behave during meals? And what would be the worst thing someone could do while eating? This episode is all about etiquette, what makes good table manners and what is considered rude! Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251120
LEARN ENGLISH GRAMMAR Improve your grammar here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-grammar
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06:34
How important is play?
Episode in
6 Minute English
We all remember playgrounds when we were children – slides, swings, climbing frames. But have you heard of the new playgrounds which are designed to include things that others might consider junk... like old tyres and wooden pallets! Pippa and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251113
THE READING ROOM
Improve your reading here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:40
Do you like garlic?
Episode in
6 Minute English
It makes our food tasty and our breath smelly, but what are some of the other uses of garlic...? Apart from warding off vampires, of course! Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251106
THE READING ROOM
Improve your reading here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:41
Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?
Episode in
6 Minute English
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Or do you prefer toast, cereal, yogurt or something else? Maybe you usually don't bother with breakfast! Well, some experts believe that a large breakfast could be the key to maintaining healthy eating habits. Georgie and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251030
THE READING ROOM
Improve your reading here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:37
Did a civilisation exist on Earth before humans?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Do you believe that life exists on other planets? Well, here's an even more mysterious idea: Have you ever considered that there might have been another civilisation with advanced technology on planet Earth... before humans? Beth and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
THE READING ROOM Improve your reading here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_london_letter_challenge/
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06:43
Are we too fixated on protein?
Episode in
6 Minute English
We know that protein is important for our health. It plays a crucial role in many of the body's functions, including growth, repair, the immune system and, of course, building muscles! But has our love for protein come at the expense of other important food groups, like fibre? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251016
THE READING ROOM: Improve your reading skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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06:47
What makes a good citizen?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Is a good citizen someone who votes and follows the law? Or is there more to it? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251009
Real conversations in easy English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english
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06:42
Have you ever seen a whale?
Episode in
6 Minute English
How have humans treated whales throughout history? Their sheer size, their ability to swim to great depths and their whale song have captured our imaginations throughout history. But have humans always had a positive relationship with whales? Phil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251002
THE LONDON LETTER CHALLENGE for elementary learners: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_london_letter_challenge/
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06:40
The criminal trade in ancient objects
Episode in
6 Minute English
Many of us like to visit museums to see ancient artefacts in person – it's an exciting way to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. But did you know that there are criminal networks which steal and trade these ancient objects? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250925
THE LONDON LETTER CHALLENGE for elementary learners: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_london_letter_challenge/
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06:41
Would you like a robot companion?
Episode in
6 Minute English
Many of us could use extra help around the house – but what if that help came from a robot? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250918
THE LONDON LETTER CHALLENGE for elementary learners:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_london_letter_challenge/
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06:43
What causes hearing loss?
Episode in
6 Minute English
As we get older, our hearing naturally gets worse. But what are the causes of this decline? And is there anything we can do to prevent it? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250911
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TRY LEARNING ENGLISH FROM THE NEWS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025
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06:40
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The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.
History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
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