

Learning English Stories
BBC Radio
Improve your English with these short dramas and stories. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Dec 13, 2024 • 4min
Classic Stories: Macbeth
Delve into the tragic rise and fall of Macbeth, driven by dark prophecies and relentless ambition. Witness the intense emotions of guilt and paranoia that engulf him post-regicide. Then, unravel the dark secrets hidden within the wellness industry, revealing troubling experiences under the guise of safety. Explore a university tutor's story that exposes exploitation and calls for integrity. This captivating weave of classic narrative and contemporary issues invites reflection on ambition and ethics.

Dec 6, 2024 • 4min
Classic Stories: The Vampyre
Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 9 uses of ‘keep’ - in 5 minutes.FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
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✔️ Learning English ConversationsThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Nov 29, 2024 • 4min
Classic Stories: The Princess and the Pea
Dive into a whimsical fairy tale where a prince discovers true royalty with a clever test involving a pea under layers of mattresses. The story unfolds in delightful fashion, emphasizing the magic of authenticity in love. Shift gears as the podcast uncovers unsettling realities within the wellness industry, revealing personal stories of exploitation. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing these injustices for meaningful change. Embrace enchanting tales alongside eye-opening truths!

Nov 22, 2024 • 5min
Classic Stories: The North Wind and the Sun
Discover the timeless fable of the North Wind and the Sun, where strength meets gentleness. This captivating story showcases how kindness triumphs over force, as the Sun convinces a man to shed his coat with warmth instead of aggression. Additionally, learn ten intriguing uses of the word 'catch' in just five minutes. An entertaining blend of storytelling and language learning awaits!

Nov 15, 2024 • 4min
Classic Stories: Moby Dick
Dive into the gripping tale of a man's obsessive journey aboard the Pequod. Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit of the legendary whale, Moby Dick, unfolds amidst fierce storms and the crew's mounting despair. The podcast captures the escalating tension and tragedy of their fateful chase. As chaos reigns, only Ishmael survives to recount the harrowing adventure, leaving listeners with a poignant reflection on obsession and survival.

Nov 8, 2024 • 4min
Classic Stories: King Midas and his Golden Touch
Delve into the cautionary tale of King Midas, illustrating the dangers of greed and the pursuit of excess. Discover how his fabled golden touch becomes a double-edged sword, turning not just objects, but also relationships, to gold. This classic myth reveals that true happiness lies not in riches but in generosity and meaningful connections. Learn seven versatile uses of 'touch' woven throughout the narrative, enriching your English language skills while enjoying a timeless story.