
Learning English Stories
Improve your English with these short dramas and stories. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2025 • 6min
Classic Stories: Around the World in Eighty Days
Join Phileas Fogg on his daring quest to travel around the world in just 80 days. Encounter thrilling obstacles, including a relentless detective hot on his trail. Discover the unexpected twists in this race against time, all while learning fascinating uses of the word 'around'. Hilarity and romance blend seamlessly as Fogg and his loyal servant Passepartout navigate challenges and forge bonds. Get ready for a classic adventure filled with excitement!

Feb 14, 2025 • 6min
Classic Stories: The Turn of the Screw
Dive into a chilling ghost story set in the isolated Bly House, where a young governess faces eerie supernatural encounters. The narrative unfolds on Christmas Eve, creating a perfect backdrop for spine-tingling tales shared by guests. Discover the unsettling connections between the apparitions and the children in her care, making every twist more haunting than the last. Additionally, learn about various uses of the word 'turn' while immersing yourself in this classic tale.

Feb 7, 2025 • 6min
Classic Stories: Treasure Island
Dive into a thrilling pirate adventure as Jim Hawkins uncovers a hidden treasure map linked to Captain Flint. Experience the tension on the high seas with Captain Smollett, who must confront a mutiny led by the cunning Long John Silver. As alliances shift and danger looms, Jim finds unexpected allies and faces treachery head-on. This classic tale is not just about treasure; it’s a journey of courage and self-discovery.

Jan 31, 2025 • 6min
Classic Stories: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 10 uses of ‘picture’. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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Jan 24, 2025 • 6min
Classic Stories: Northanger Abbey
Dive into the enchanting world of Catherine Morland as she navigates friendship and love in Bath. Encountering a cast of intriguing characters, she faces social dilemmas and self-discovery. The story unfolds with misunderstandings at Northanger Abbey, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Ultimately, Catherine's journey leads to revelations and a life-changing proposal, highlighting the complexities of relationships and triumphs in love.

Jan 17, 2025 • 5min
Classic Stories: Rumplestiltskin
Dive into a classic tale where a girl must turn straw into gold through cleverness and a mysterious ally. The story captures themes of greed and desperation as she navigates challenges and makes a fateful deal. The narrative takes a surprising turn with a dramatic revelation that highlights the importance of knowledge. Additionally, the discussion sheds light on the darker aspects of the wellness industry, revealing unsettling stories that call for awareness and protection of the vulnerable.

Jan 10, 2025 • 8min
Christmas Stories: How to tell a story
The hosts share heartwarming true Christmas and New Year stories, emphasizing storytelling techniques like foreshadowing. They discuss how hinting at future events captivates audiences, paired with a personal tale about an unexpected snowfall. Descriptive language steals the spotlight, bringing festive narratives to life. A unique ritual involves guests releasing past burdens into a fireplace, showcasing the contrast of verb tenses. Finally, they explore tense usage to enhance storytelling, inviting listeners to dive deeper into language learning.

Jan 3, 2025 • 8min
Christmas Stories: New Year rituals and blenders
Dive into humorous tales of chaotic Christmas gifts, like a bulky blender that sparks misadventures. Explore the joy of New Year rituals as participants reflect and release negativity through a lively group tradition. Discover fascinating personal anecdotes about symbolic cleansing, including a unique practice from Colombia, all while embracing the spirit of renewal. It's a delightful blend of laughter, reflection, and cultural insights that captures the essence of the holiday season.

Dec 27, 2024 • 6min
Christmas Stories: Christmas trees and caravans
Georgie and Phil share real stories about Christmas. TRANSCRIPT
Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/christmas-stories/241227
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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Dec 20, 2024 • 9min
Christmas Stories: Ice skating and car disasters
Beth and Neil share real stories about Christmas.TRANSCRIPT
Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/christmas-stories/241220
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English for Work
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ Learning English Grammar
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.