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
Dec 19, 2017 • 9min
Gatlin team doping allegations
Allegations of drug taking connected to world-record holder Justin Gatlin have been made.
Dec 12, 2017 • 8min
Macron renews global warming fight
French president Macron hopes to re-energise the fight against global warming, and that American president, Donald Trump, will join in
Dec 5, 2017 • 9min
Stopping the environmental apocalypse
Environment ministers meet to combat pollution, focusing on banning toxic lead in paint and limiting plastic pollution in the oceans. Exploring the meaning of 'Armageddon' and its inappropriate usage. Definition and examples of pacts, including a story about a no-treats November pact. Origin and modern usage of 'rampant' in describing wild situations. Applications of 'rampant' in personal situations and a challenging Facebook game involving synonyms.
Nov 28, 2017 • 8min
A royal romance
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are going to marry. Neil and Dan teach you how to use language from this news story in your everyday English
Nov 21, 2017 • 8min
President defies a nation
The Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, refuses to step down. Dan and Catherine teach you how to use language in the news in your everyday English
Nov 14, 2017 • 8min
Italy World Cup Fail
Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup. Neil and Dan teach you how to use language in the news in your everyday English
Nov 7, 2017 • 9min
The Russian Revolution: 100 years on
It's 100 years since the Bolsheviks took power in Russia. Neil and Catherine teach you how to use language in the news in your everyday English
Oct 31, 2017 • 8min
Human health affected by climate change
People's health is suffering because of climate change. Neil and Dan teach you how to use language in the news in your everyday English
Oct 24, 2017 • 8min
Toxicity tax for London’s polluting cars
London has introduced a tax to combat air pollution. Dan and Catherine teach you how to use language in the news in your everyday English
Oct 17, 2017 • 9min
Ancient stellar collision makes waves
Two stars hitting each other has been described as ‘cataclysmic’. What does that mean?
