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Every episode
6 Minute English
30 episodes
Who does the housework?
Aug 13, 2026 · 7 min
Unloading the dishwasher, mopping the floor, cleaning the loo... what is your most hated household chore? We all know there are jobs around the house which have to be done regularly, even if they are sometimes boring or unpleasant. But who tends to do the most amount of jobs in your household? And is there anyone who isn't pulling their weight...? Pippa and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transc…
How do climate scientists make predictions?
Aug 6, 2026 · 7 min
Across the world, climate change is already beginning to change the way we live our lives. But how big will that change be and what kinds of change will occur? These are the kinds of questions that scientists have been asking for decades. So, how exactly do they try to find answers to such complex questions about the future? Understanding where we are heading might help humanity prepare for the consequences of climate change. Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Learn E…
The Enhanced Games
Jul 30, 2026 · 7 min
What would the world of athletics look like if athletes were allowed to take drugs? Pippa and Neil discuss the Enhanced Games. Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260730 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.b…
Children in warzones
Jul 23, 2026 · 7 min
The most recent figure from 2024 says that 520 million children are living in conflict zones. That's about one in every five children worldwide. Some of the discussions in this episode will be about death and trauma. Neil and Becca hear from a journalist who has spent some time with children in warzones and discuss the topic in simpler English. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260723 Practi…
What's in a footballer's brain?
Jul 16, 2026 · 6 min
Football players are faster than ever before. But in a game where every tiny decision counts, elite clubs are turning to neuroscience to understand how players can think, decide and perform even faster. Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260716 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learninge…
Should we cycle more?
Jul 9, 2026 · 6 min
When did you learn to ride a bike? Perhaps you learnt as a child and have not cycled for a long time. Well don't worry, you can pick it up again quickly – it's just like riding a bike! And if you have never cycled, it's not too late to start. With new cycle tracks and electric bikes, cycling is becoming more and more accessible. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/…
Rude emails
Jul 2, 2026 · 7 min
What is the rudest email you have ever received? We all deal with emails on a daily basis, but sometimes people can write them too quickly, without thinking enough about how it makes the other person feel. Is there anything that people write in emails which you find impolite? And have you ever sent a rude email yourself...? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/featu…
Stress-free family meals
Jun 25, 2026 · 7 min
Are you a fussy eater? Many of us remember foods that we used to hate as children – some of us still do hate those foods! But what can parents do to help encourage their children to eat a healthy diet, without turning every dinner into disaster? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260625 Practise your listening with The Listening…
Limiting screen time for children
Jun 18, 2026 · 7 min
Many parents worry that their children spend too much time on screens. Governments around the world, such as in the UK, Australia and China, are introducing online safety measures to limit the amount of screen time for children or prevent them accessing social media. Neil and Becca talk about their own screen time and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260618 Pr…
How advertisers make us spend money
Jun 11, 2026 · 7 min
What was the last thing you bought? And can you remember why you bought that particular thing, rather than something else? We all like to think we make rational, independent choices when we buy things, but advertisers are constantly trying different strategies to influence us to behave differently. Pippa and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Listen to natural English conversations with Real Easy English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english…
The power of poetry
Jun 4, 2026 · 7 min
Do you like to read poetry? When was the last time you heard someone recite a poem? Some people may just think of poetry as something they studied at school, but for many people it has a powerful presence in their lives. Poetry can help you connect with others, come to terms with personal emotions, or even spread the word about important global events. If you think poetry is not for you, perhaps you just haven't found the right poem yet! Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabul…
Living with debt
May 28, 2026 · 7 min
Many people have to borrow money to make big purchases, like buying a house or a car. When you do this, you have to pay the money back over time – the money you owe is a debt. With the current cost of living getting increasingly high, some people are having to borrow money even for everyday purchases like bills and food. Sometimes this debt can get out of control, which causes anxiety and stress. Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: h…
Making cities feel quieter
May 21, 2026 · 7 min
What do you prefer – the sounds of birdsong and wind rustling in the trees, or the hum of traffic and chatter of people passing by? Some people like the quiet of the countryside and others love the noise of the city, but did you know that constant exposure to loud noise has been found to increase anxiety? That's why some people have been trying to find ways to make our cities feel quieter. Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https:…
How reading shapes your brain
May 14, 2026 · 7 min
Do you remember what it was like before you learnt to read? It's hard to think back that far! Scientific research has shown that learning to read changes the way our brains work. Not only that, but depending on the language you are reading, your brain changes in different ways. Becca and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260514 Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real…
Searching for life on another planet
May 7, 2026 · 7 min
Will we ever be able to live on a planet that isn't Earth? A science and space journalist explainss the latest research and data collected from planet TRAPPIST-1e. Neil and Becca teach you some new language to understand this potentially habitable planet. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260507 Practise your listening skills at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Learn langua…
Should we eat ultra-processed food?
Apr 30, 2026 · 7 min
What is your ultra-processed guilty pleasure? Many of us love home-cooked food, but when we're in a rush, it's often more convenient to eat snacks, or to buy quick, easy meals from the supermarket which we simply have to heat up. These are often ultra-processed forms of food, which recent studies have linked to poor health. Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_202…
Why are we all so stressed?
Apr 23, 2026 · 7 min
Worrying about exams, work or climate change in the news. It's no wonder modern life is stressful. Becca and Neil hear from a presenter and psychologist about managing stress. Learn some tips to help with worrying and stress, as well as some new vocabulary and phrases! Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423 Learn language to use at work in Office English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/off…
Love the foods you hate
Apr 16, 2026 · 7 min
Are there some foods that you just hate? Have you ever hated a food in the past but started liking it? We hear from a food expert and a dietitian about why there are some foods we just hate and even fear, and whether it's possible to learn to love them. Neil and Becca discuss this, learn some tips for loving the foods you hate, and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260416 Learn langua…
The future of food
Apr 9, 2026 · 7 min
Many of us are trying to be more careful with our food choices, both for our personal health and for the health of the planet in general. But did you know that the food we buy is closely linked to national security? Neil and Pippa hear from climate reporter and a chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee, and teach you some new vocabulary.
Are saunas good for you?
Apr 2, 2026 · 7 min
How do you feel about being in a small room heated to a temperature of 80°C? Believe it or not, some people love it! There might be some health benefits to this hot habit too! Georgie and Neil hear from a BBC reporter and a professor from BBC Radio 4 programme Inside Health. You'll also learn some useful language! Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english…
Weight loss drugs
Mar 26, 2026 · 7 min
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are modified versions of natural hormones which make us feel full when released into the body. Prof Giles Yeo explains how the drugs, which were originally used to treat diabetes, are now being used for weight loss. Georgie and Neil teach you some useful vocabulary. Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026…
How do we adapt to the cold?
Mar 19, 2026 · 7 min
Where is the coldest place you have ever been? Did you enjoy the experience? Some people don't seem to mind the cold, whereas other people seem to feel it much more strongly and keep themselves wrapped up in as many layers as possible. But why do we feel it in different ways? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/f…
Should we pay more for chocolate?
Mar 12, 2026 · 6 min
How often do you eat chocolate? It's one of the most loved sweet treats in Europe, but a new EU law could make chocolate more expensive. A business owner, who has small cocoa farms in these places, shares their thoughts and concerns about the new law. We also hear from chocolate lovers about whether they would pay more for their favourite chocolate, and about whether they looked at where their chocolate was produced. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Read along with…
Why are some animals black and white?
Mar 5, 2026 · 7 min
How many animals can you think of that are black and white? Zebras, penguins, orcas, snow leopards… there are loads! But have you ever wondered why these animals have developed such unique and striking appearances? Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. As always, find a free transcript, worksheet and quiz for this episode on our website: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260305 And find NEW episodes of Office English here…
The power of pepper
Feb 26, 2026 · 7 min
How often do you use pepper? It's one of the most common spices to add to food, so common in fact that many of us don't just use it when cooking, but also place it on our dinner tables to add extra flavour! But how much do we really know about pepper? There are hundreds of different varieties worldwide and they all have the power to add that special something to our food. Neil and Becca discuss this seasoning and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.…
Dreaming of being a chef
Feb 19, 2026 · 7 min
What did you have for dinner last night? And did you cook it yourself? Many people cook at home regularly, for themselves and for others, but have you ever thought about cooking professionally? Working in a restaurant can be tough, but for some people, becoming a top chef is a dream job. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. ✔️ Find a free worksheet, transcript and interactive quiz to help you learn: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english…
Artistic swimming
Feb 12, 2026 · 7 min
How long can you hold your breath underwater? And what about if you were doing a gymnastic and dance routine as well...? Artistic swimming, which used to be known as synchronised swimming, requires dedication, hard work and passion. Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a transcript and worksheet for this episode here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260212 Want to improve your speaking confidence? Learn from expert…
Rethinking dyslexia
Feb 5, 2026 · 7 min
Dyslexia is a condition which makes it difficult for people to read, write and spell. But, can the ability to process information differently actually be an advantage? And why do dyslexics make excellent spies? 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_2026/ep-260205 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningengli…
Why are billionaires building bunkers?
Jan 29, 2026 · 7 min
People around the world have been preparing for what they believe will be a major world disaster in the near future. Now, some tech billionaires are joining the trend by building underground bunker complexes to keep them safe if the world order collapses. Do they know something we don't? Neil discusses this with Hannah, from the What in the World podcast, and they teach you some new vocabulary. Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/lear…
Scared to speak English?
Jan 22, 2026 · 7 min
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 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔…
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