Learning English from the News
BBC Radio
Learn the language you need to understand news stories in English. Every week we talk about one big news story and the vocabulary in the headlines that will help you understand it. And in our special Our World in English episodes, we share documentaries from around the world and across the BBC in simple English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
Nov 8, 2023 • 6min
Israel-Gaza War: One month on
The podcast discusses the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, including the reasons for Israel's bombings and the death toll. It explores the concepts of ceasefires and humanitarian corridors, and the closure of the humanitarian corridor by Israel. It also explains the verb 'escalate' and its meaning in the context of war.
Nov 1, 2023 • 6min
Friends say goodbye to Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, most famous for playing Chandler Bing in 'Friends', has died. Reactions to his death and appreciation of his career. Exploring the phrase 'sparring partner' in relation to Matthew Perry as an actor. Quiz on the same topic.
Oct 25, 2023 • 6min
Nature destroying nature
This podcast discusses the destructive impact of non-native animals and plants on biodiversity. It explores the concept of repelling in insect repellents and people, and analyzes the high-stakes fight against invasive species. Additionally, it delves into the meanings of 'high stakes' and 'running rife'.
