
Learning English from the News
Learn the language you need to understand news stories in English.Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Latest episodes

Jan 24, 2024 • 7min
US and UK strike Houthis
US and UK launch airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen in response to attacks on ships. Analyzing expressions used in UK and US airstrike headlines to understand their purpose in weakening the Houthis and preventing further attacks.

Jan 17, 2024 • 6min
Taiwan election angers China
The podcast discusses Taiwan's recent presidential election, highlighting the election of William Lai and China's angry response. It explores the complexities of Taiwan-China relations, the maintenance of the status quo, and the dual meaning of the word 'fuming'. The hosts also explain the metaphorical meaning of 'rock solid' and its connection to US support for Taiwan.

Jan 10, 2024 • 6min
Dog meat banned by South Korea
South Korea has banned the killing and sale of dogs for their meat; a new law with a transition period is in place. Animal campaigners are thrilled about the ban, breaking down the word 'overjoyed'; the hosts also mention other words meaning very happy and encourage audience to watch more news reviews on their website for English language learning.

Jan 3, 2024 • 7min
Earthquake hits Japan on New Year's Day
Search for survivors after earthquake hits Japan. Urgency of rescuers in saving lives. Death toll and impact of earthquakes. Aftershocks and their additional damage.

Dec 20, 2023 • 6min
Richest 1% harm planet most
Charity Oxfam's report reveals that the richest 1% emits as much carbon as the poorest two thirds, linking luxurious lifestyles to climate change. The hosts examine the meaning and implications of words like 'loaded' and 'plundering' in relation to wealth inequality.

Dec 13, 2023 • 7min
2,000 new species on extinction list: COP28
Discussion includes the addition of 2,000 creatures to the endangered species list, the metaphor of a trickle becoming a flood with temperature increase, impacts of climate change on threatened species, and the critical state of biodiversity.

Dec 6, 2023 • 7min
Faked accident: YouTuber jailed
A social media influencer has been jailed for staging a plane crash on YouTube to gain views and money. The hosts discuss the case and explain the meaning of 'staging' and 'stunt'.

Nov 29, 2023 • 6min
India tunnel rescue
41 workers trapped in a tunnel in India for 17 days have been rescued in a heart-stopping ordeal. The podcast discusses nail-biting moments and explores expressions for nerve-wracking situations. It also analyzes the adjective 'makeshift' and provides examples of makeshift accommodation and classrooms.

Nov 22, 2023 • 7min
Bad bosses make people quit
New research reveals that bad bosses are causing people to quit their jobs. The podcast discusses the negative impact of bad bosses on employee turnover, the importance of effective management, and the lack of formal training for most managers. It also explores the concept of informal training and accidental managers driving attrition.

Nov 15, 2023 • 6min
Iceland prepares for volcano
Iceland declares state of emergency due to series of earthquakes, possible volcanic eruption. Discussion on the meaning of 'imminent' and fear it creates. Introduction to 'impending' and concept of a 'swarm'. Exploration of 'swarm' and 'frantic' in relation to earthquakes and worries.