

6 Minute English
BBC Radio
Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at
bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at
bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes
Mentioned books

21 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 7min
Less salt, better health
Discover the hidden dangers of excessive salt consumption and its impact on health. Learn about the WHO's guidelines for daily salt intake and hear a personal story from Kazakhstan highlighting historical dietary habits. The episode contrasts traditional food preservation methods with today's health concerns. It also discusses global efforts to tackle high salt diets and offers vocabulary tips related to food preservation, making it a great resource for language learners.

16 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 6min
Meet a real Willy Wonka
Delve into the whimsical world of chocolate-making with an enthusiastic inventor from a vintage Finnish candy shop. Discover the creative challenges they encounter while crafting sweet delights. Learn about the intriguing process of launching a new chocolate bar, including how consumer demand shapes the market. Plus, get insights into the surprising history of the UK's favorite chocolate! This tasty journey blends innovative thinking with delightful flavors, leaving you craving more.

11 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 6min
Why we love dumplings
Dive into the delicious world of dumplings, where every culture adds its unique twist! Discover the rich history that stretches from the Silk Road to Ghana’s comforting kenki. Learn about the diverse ingredients and shapes that make dumplings a global favorite. Explore the joy and significance of dining expressions around these culinary delights, highlighting how they bring people together over shared meals. Whether it’s British suet or spicy Kenyan favorites, dumplings truly embody comfort food for many!

26 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 7min
Kids and climate change
Young people share their deep concerns about climate change and its impact on their futures. Anxiety stemming from this crisis is prevalent among the youth, and the roots of activism, exemplified by figures like Greta Thunberg, are explored. The podcast also discusses how adults can support children in navigating their fears, emphasizing honest conversations and collaboration in tackling environmental issues. Overall, it sheds light on the emotional burden many kids feel and the importance of addressing these topics compassionately.

4 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 7min
Birthday cakes
Explore the delightful evolution of birthday cakes, from simple homemade treats to elaborate artistic creations. Discover the cultural significance behind these sweet symbols of celebration and hear personal stories that highlight their importance. Dive into the debate between traditional bakers focused on flavor and modern innovators who embrace creative designs. Reflect on memorable moments linked to birthday cakes, including the peak month for UK births, while learning some new vocabulary to add to your celebrations.

67 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 6min
The science of falling in love
Dive into the chemistry of love and uncover how hormones shape our romantic feelings. Discover the fascinating interplay between lust and attraction, revealing the biological secrets of desire. Interactive quizzes add a fun twist as you learn about physiological responses between lovers. Personal stories enrich the discussion, illustrating the powerful effects of dopamine on our relationships. Tune in for a captivating journey through the science behind falling in love!

86 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 6min
Why read books, not screens?
Dive into the debate about why books might be better than screens for reading. Discover how physical books can enhance focus and improve comprehension, especially for children. Explore the cognitive benefits of deep reading, which fosters critical thinking and empathy. Learn about effective reading strategies to truly enjoy literature and engage more deeply with the content. This discussion also highlights the drawbacks of our modern screen habits and what they mean for our cognitive development.

46 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 6min
AI to reduce animal testing
Artificial intelligence is changing drug testing by simulating biological processes, reducing animal trials. Discussing the controversy of animal testing, ethics, and AI's role in medical research. AI predicts chemical safety for humans, animals, managing toxicology data. AI processes data for chemical testing, reducing animal testing, introducing vocabulary related to data analysis.

36 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 6min
The school that puts the kids in charge
Discover how children take charge at the Bamboo School in Thailand, managing the school, making decisions, and learning responsibilities. Explore the unique educational approach where students engage in community service, providing real-world experiences beyond traditional academics.

51 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 6min
What can we learn from toddlers?
Discover the insightful lessons adults can learn from toddlers, such as positive self-talk and celebrating small victories. Explore the challenges and milestones of the toddler developmental stage, prompting reflection on behavior and personality growth.