Learning English Stories

Discover Jane Austen’s Emma through a lively English-learning retelling filled with matchmaking schemes, mistaken affections, and tangled romantic misunderstandings. Follow Emma’s attempts to arrange Harriet’s future, Mr Elton’s surprising intentions, Frank Churchill’s confusing behavior, and the revelation that changes everything. Along the way, learn eight different uses of the word “right”.

Shipwreck survivor Prendick arrives on a mysterious island ruled by strange laws and inhabited by half-human creatures. He uncovers Dr Morrow’s disturbing experiments to transform animals into people, but the plan spirals into violence when a powerful puma escapes. Along the way, learn eight useful ways to use “with” in English.

Follow Huck Finn through a restless childhood, a violent father, and a daring escape. Hiding on an island, he meets Jim, and together they travel down the Mississippi through danger, deception, and narrow escapes. When Jim is captured, Huck joins Tom Sawyer in a risky rescue, while nine useful meanings of “come” bring the story to life.

Enjoy the classic tale of Cinderella, from her difficult life with a cruel stepfamily to a magical transformation by her fairy godmother. Follow her dazzling night at the king’s ball, her midnight escape, and the prince’s search for the owner of a glass slipper. Along the way, learn 12 useful ways to use the verb “go” in English.

A wicked goblin’s shattered magic mirror spreads evil, changing Kay and sending him into the Snow Queen’s icy kingdom. Gerda begins a dangerous search, meeting a robber girl and a magician along the way. At last, she reaches the frozen palace, where love and warm tears may be the key to rescuing Kay.

Enjoy the legendary tale of Robin Hood in simple English. Follow the outlaw as he challenges the Sheriff, gathers his Merry Men, helps those in need, and reunites with Marian. There’s a daring archery contest, a royal pardon, and a final arrow that marks his resting place. Along the way, learn nine useful ways to use “stand.”

Enjoy a fast, accessible retelling of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy’s classic romance. Discover how wealth, pride, rumours and misunderstandings keep them apart, while learning 11 useful expressions with “look” in just five minutes. Follow their journey from a disastrous proposal and revealing letter to a surprising path toward marriage.

Discover the ancient tale of Pygmalion, a sculptor who rejects human relationships and creates an ideal woman from ivory. As he falls deeply in love with his lifelike statue, he prays to Aphrodite for a miracle. Along the way, learn eight useful meanings and expressions of “round” in just five minutes.

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 13 uses of ‘long’ - in 5 minutes.FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS?Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English ConversationsThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 9 uses of ‘run’ - in 5 minutes. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comDid you know that we have many other podcasts to help you improve your English? Listen to a real conversation, learn English from the news and lots more. Check them out here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcastsSign up to weekly updates with our email newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599Explore our website to find plenty of resources to help you learn: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/