6 Minute English

Education & Explainer

About

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow us at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Episodes

  • Searching for life on another planet

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses the search for life on other planets, focusing on research regarding TRAPPIST-1e. The hosts explain the latest data and related language.

  • Should we eat ultra-processed food?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses ultra-processed foods, their convenience, and their link to poor health. Phil and Pippa teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Why are we all so stressed?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Becca and Neil discussing why modern life is stressful. They explore common stressors such as exams, work, and climate change, and offer tips for managing stress and worrying. The episode also intr…

  • Love the foods you hate

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses why people hate certain foods and whether they can learn to love them. A food expert and dietitian offer insights, and the hosts share tips and vocabulary.

  • The future of food

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores the future of food, examining its ties to personal and planetary health, and national security. It includes contributions from a climate reporter and the chief executive of the UK's Climate Change…

  • Are saunas good for you?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses the potential health benefits of saunas. It features insights from a BBC reporter and a professor, and includes new vocabulary.

  • Weight loss drugs

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, explaining how they work and their transition from diabetes treatment to weight management. It also includes vocabulary taught by Georgie and Neil.

  • How do we adapt to the cold?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Phil and Becca discussing how people adapt to and experience cold temperatures differently. They also teach related vocabulary.

  • Should we pay more for chocolate?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses a new EU law that may increase chocolate prices. It features insights from a business owner with cocoa farms and chocolate lovers.

  • Why are some animals black and white?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses why some animals are black and white, featuring examples like zebras, penguins, and orcas. It also introduces new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • The power of pepper

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Becca discussing pepper, a common spice. They explore its various types and how it adds flavor to food, while also teaching new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Dreaming of being a chef

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses the dream of becoming a professional chef. Neil and Becca explore the challenges and rewards of working in a restaurant and teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Artistic swimming

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Phil and Becca discussing artistic swimming, previously known as synchronized swimming. They explore the dedication and hard work required for the sport and introduce new vocabulary related to the…

  • Rethinking dyslexia

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses dyslexia, a condition affecting reading, writing, and spelling. It explores whether different information processing abilities in dyslexic individuals can be an advantage and teaches new vocabular…

  • Why are billionaires building bunkers?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses why some tech billionaires are building underground bunker complexes. They are preparing for a potential major world disaster or collapse of the world order. The episode also teaches new vocabular…

  • Scared to speak English?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Beth and Pippa discussing the common fear of speaking English and strategies for overcoming anxiety related to language learning. They explore the stresses associated with speaking a different lang…

  • What English phrases really mean

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Pippa and Beth discussing the true meanings of English phrases. They explore how language can be used to disguise, misdirect, or change meaning, and teach new vocabulary related to these concepts.

  • Is social media dead?

    Neil and Pippa from 6 Minute English discuss whether social media is in decline. They explore how generative AI impacts user feeds and teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Is it OK to disagree?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Beth discussing the topic of disagreement in society. They also teach new vocabulary related to the discussion.

  • Was Christmas better in the past?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Beth discussing Christmas traditions, childhood memories, and the emotion of nostalgia. They explore the idea of whether past Christmases were as magical as people remember.

  • Finding and eating wild food

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Pippa and Beth discussing foraging for wild food. They also teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • How are horses helping to heal humans?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses the role of horses in helping humans with physical and mental illness. Neil and Georgie explore this topic and introduce related vocabulary.

  • What’s your favourite flavour of crisp?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Beth discussing crisps, also known as potato chips. They explore why crisps are so popular, different shapes, sizes, and flavors, and crispy snacks enjoyed globally, while also teaching ne…

  • How are influencers affecting politics?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Beth and Pippa discussing social media influencers and their involvement in politics. They also teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Do you have good dining etiquette?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses proper dining etiquette, good table manners, and impolite behaviors while eating. Phil and Pippa teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • How important is play?

    Pippa and Phil discuss the importance of play, focusing on new playground designs that incorporate unconventional materials. The episode also teaches new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Do you like garlic?

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Beth discussing the uses of garlic. New vocabulary is also taught during the discussion.

  • Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day, with experts discussing its importance for healthy eating habits. Georgie and Phil discuss the topic and introduce new vocabulary.

  • Did a civilisation exist on Earth before humans?

    Beth and Phil from 6 Minute English discuss the possibility of an advanced civilization existing on Earth before humans. They also teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Are we too fixated on protein?

    This episode of 6 Minute English discusses the importance of protein for health, including its role in bodily functions like growth and muscle building. It also considers whether the focus on protein has overshadowed other important food g…

  • What makes a good citizen?

    In this episode of 6 Minute English, Neil and Georgie discuss the qualities of a good citizen. They explore whether being a good citizen involves more than just voting and following the law, and introduce new vocabulary.

  • Have you ever seen a whale?

    Phil and Georgie from 6 Minute English discuss the historical relationship between humans and whales, including their size, swimming ability, and whale songs. The episode also teaches new vocabulary.

  • The criminal trade in ancient objects

    This episode of 6 Minute English features Neil and Beth discussing criminal networks that steal and trade ancient objects. They also teach new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • Would you like a robot companion?

    Neil and Beth explore the concept of using robots as companions and household helpers. They also teach listeners new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • What causes hearing loss?

    In this episode of 6 Minute English, Neil and Georgie discuss the causes of hearing loss related to aging and explore whether it can be prevented. The hosts also teach listeners new vocabulary related to the topic.

  • The joys of writing lists

    Phil and Beth explore why lists play such a significant role in our everyday lives. This episode of 6 Minute English examines the purpose of various types of lists while teaching listeners new vocabulary.

  • What's it like to be a twin?

    Neil and Beth discuss the lives of twins and the common questions people often ask. They also teach useful new vocabulary related to the topic of twinhood.

  • What's your favourite snack?

    In this episode of 6 Minute English, the hosts explore the differences between healthy, homemade snacks and modern, packaged options. The discussion includes resources like a transcript, worksheet, and an interactive quiz.

  • Grown-ups buying kids’ toys

    Phil and Beth discuss the trend of adults purchasing toys for themselves and explore related vocabulary in this episode of 6 Minute English.

  • Are you flourishing?

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores the concept of flourishing and how it relates to general wellbeing.

  • What is the manosphere?

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores the concept of the "manosphere" and masculinity influencers on social media. It includes learning materials such as a transcript, worksheet, and quiz.

  • What is degrowth?

    Phil and Hannah from the BBC podcast What in the World discuss the concept of degrowth. They explore the idea of whether shrinking the economy could help protect the planet.

  • How can we help wild bees?

    This episode of 6 Minute English examines the endangered status of wild bee species in the UK and explores potential ways to help them.

  • Do you need to declutter your home?

    This episode explores the concept of decluttering and whether listeners need to tidy up their homes. It discusses the practice of getting rid of items that are no longer needed.

  • How do you say sorry?

    Neil and Beth explore the topic of apologies and how they are expressed in different cultures around the world.

  • Are plant-based substitutes healthier than meat?

    Neil and Georgie examine whether plant-based meat substitutes are healthier than the meat products they replace in this episode of 6 Minute English. The discussion includes related vocabulary learning.

  • How do babies communicate?

    In this episode of 6 Minute English, Beth and Neil explore how babies communicate their needs to parents before they can speak and introduce related vocabulary.

  • Can climate change affect our mental health?

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores the connection between climate change and mental health, offering advice on how to protect one's well-being.

  • How important is politeness?

    This episode of 6 Minute English explores the importance of politeness and discusses whether our choice of language affects how others perceive us.

  • What's your favourite kind of noodle?

    Neil and Beth explore the history of noodles and introduce new vocabulary in this episode of 6 Minute English.