6 Minute English

Can apps teach you a language?

<p>Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of these apps – you can learn on the go, like during your commute to work, rather than committing to a certain time each week, like learning in a class. But are they teaching the languages effectively? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Climate change and extreme weather

<p>Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this impact worse? Climate change may be making this destruction worse. Phil is joined by BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas to learn more about this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

How do we describe smells?

<p>What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate? Smells are all around us all the time, but the English language is often quite general in the way it describes smells, as opposed to other senses like sounds or tastes. But why is this? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Sharing the road with driverless cars

<p>Imagine crossing a road and turning to see a car heading towards you... without a driver! While this might seem scary, driverless cars are already operating safely in many cities around the world. These autonomous cars contain huge amounts of technology to help them drive alongside other road users carefully. But will humans behave as carefully around them? Can we communicate clearly with these 'robotaxis', or are we simply incompatible? Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a> Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Who does the housework?

<p>Unloading the dishwasher, mopping the floor, cleaning the loo... what is your most hated household chore? We all know there are jobs around the house which have to be done regularly, even if they are sometimes boring or unpleasant. But who tends to do the most amount of jobs in your household? And is there anyone who isn't pulling their weight...? Pippa and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260813">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260813</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here:</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

How do climate scientists make predictions?

<p>Across the world, climate change is already beginning to change the way we live our lives. But how big will that change be and what kinds of change will occur? These are the kinds of questions that scientists have been asking for decades. So, how exactly do they try to find answers to such complex questions about the future? Understanding where we are heading might help humanity prepare for the consequences of climate change. Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260806">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260806</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here:</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

The Enhanced Games

<p>What would the world of athletics look like if athletes were allowed to take drugs? Pippa and Neil discuss the Enhanced Games. </p><p>Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260730">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260730</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: </p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Children in warzones

<p>The most recent figure from 2024 says that 520 million children are living in conflict zones. That's about one in every five children worldwide. Some of the discussions in this episode will be about death and trauma. Neil and Becca hear from a journalist who has spent some time with children in warzones and discuss the topic in simpler English.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260723">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260723</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

What's in a footballer's brain?

<p>Football players are faster than ever before. But in a game where every tiny decision counts, elite clubs are turning to neuroscience to understand how players can think, decide and perform even faster. Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260716">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260716</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Should we cycle more?

<p>When did you learn to ride a bike? Perhaps you learnt as a child and have not cycled for a long time. Well don't worry, you can pick it up again quickly – it's just like riding a bike! And if you have never cycled, it's not too late to start. With new cycle tracks and electric bikes, cycling is becoming more and more accessible. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260709">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260709</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Rude emails

<p>What is the rudest email you have ever received? We all deal with emails on a daily basis, but sometimes people can write them too quickly, without thinking enough about how it makes the other person feel. Is there anything that people write in emails which you find impolite? And have you ever sent a rude email yourself...? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260702">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260702</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Stress-free family meals

<p>Are you a fussy eater? Many of us remember foods that we used to hate as children – some of us still do hate those foods! But what can parents do to help encourage their children to eat a healthy diet, without turning every dinner into disaster? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260625">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260625</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Limiting screen time for children

<p>Many parents worry that their children spend too much time on screens. Governments around the world, such as in the UK, Australia and China, are introducing online safety measures to limit the amount of screen time for children or prevent them accessing social media. Neil and Becca talk about their own screen time and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260618">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260618</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

How advertisers make us spend money

<p>What was the last thing you bought? And can you remember why you bought that particular thing, rather than something else? We all like to think we make rational, independent choices when we buy things, but advertisers are constantly trying different strategies to influence us to behave differently. Pippa and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. </p><p>Listen to natural English conversations with Real Easy English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english</a></p><p>Learn English from the news: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260611">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260611</a></p>

The power of poetry

<p>Do you like to read poetry? When was the last time you heard someone recite a poem? Some people may just think of poetry as something they studied at school, but for many people it has a powerful presence in their lives. Poetry can help you connect with others, come to terms with personal emotions, or even spread the word about important global events. If you think poetry is not for you, perhaps you just haven't found the right poem yet! Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Listen to natural English conversations with Real Easy English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english</a></p><p>Learn English from the news: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260604">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260604</a></p>

Living with debt

<p>Many people have to borrow money to make big purchases, like buying a house or a car. When you do this, you have to pay the money back over time – the money you owe is a debt. With the current cost of living getting increasingly high, some people are having to borrow money even for everyday purchases like bills and food. Sometimes this debt can get out of control, which causes anxiety and stress. Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

Making cities feel quieter

<p>What do you prefer – the sounds of birdsong and wind rustling in the trees, or the hum of traffic and chatter of people passing by? Some people like the quiet of the countryside and others love the noise of the city, but did you know that constant exposure to loud noise has been found to increase anxiety? That's why some people have been trying to find ways to make our cities feel quieter. Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. </p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

How reading shapes your brain

<p>Do you remember what it was like before you learnt to read? It's hard to think back that far! Scientific research has shown that learning to read changes the way our brains work. Not only that, but depending on the language you are reading, your brain changes in different ways. Becca and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260514">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260514</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

Searching for life on another planet

<p>Will we ever be able to live on a planet that isn't Earth? A science and space journalist explainss the latest research and data collected from planet TRAPPIST-1e. Neil and Becca teach you some new language to understand this potentially habitable planet.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260507">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260507</a></p><p>Practise your listening skills at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Should we eat ultra-processed food?

<p>What is your ultra-processed guilty pleasure? Many of us love home-cooked food, but when we're in a rush, it's often more convenient to eat snacks, or to buy quick, easy meals from the supermarket which we simply have to heat up. These are often ultra-processed forms of food, which recent studies have linked to poor health. Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260430">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260430</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Why are we all so stressed?

<p>Worrying about exams, work or climate change in the news. It's no wonder modern life is stressful. Becca and Neil hear from a presenter and psychologist about managing stress. Learn some tips to help with worrying and stress, as well as some new vocabulary and phrases!</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Love the foods you hate

<p>Are there some foods that you just hate? Have you ever hated a food in the past but started liking it? We hear from a food expert and a dietitian about why there are some foods we just hate and even fear, and whether it's possible to learn to love them. Neil and Becca discuss this, learn some tips for loving the foods you hate, and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260416">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260416</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

The future of food

<p>Many of us are trying to be more careful with our food choices, both for our personal health and for the health of the planet in general. But did you know that the food we buy is closely linked to national security? Neil and Pippa hear from climate reporter and a chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee, and teach you some new vocabulary.</p>

Are saunas good for you?

<p>How do you feel about being in a small room heated to a temperature of 80°C? Believe it or not, some people love it! There might be some health benefits to this hot habit too! Georgie and Neil hear from a BBC reporter and a professor from BBC Radio 4 programme Inside Health. You'll also learn some useful language! </p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260402">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260402</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Weight loss drugs

<p>Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are modified versions of natural hormones which make us feel full when released into the body. Prof Giles Yeo explains how the drugs, which were originally used to treat diabetes, are now being used for weight loss. Georgie and Neil teach you some useful vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260326">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260326</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

How do we adapt to the cold?

<p>Where is the coldest place you have ever been? Did you enjoy the experience? Some people don't seem to mind the cold, whereas other people seem to feel it much more strongly and keep themselves wrapped up in as many layers as possible. But why do we feel it in different ways? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260319">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260319</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Should we pay more for chocolate?

<p>How often do you eat chocolate? It's one of the most loved sweet treats in Europe, but a new EU law could make chocolate more expensive. A business owner, who has small cocoa farms in these places, shares their thoughts and concerns about the new law. We also hear from chocolate lovers about whether they would pay more for their favourite chocolate, and about whether they looked at where their chocolate was produced. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260312">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260312</a></p><p>Improve your speaking confidence and skills with our series 'Beating Speaking Anxiety': <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Why are some animals black and white?

<p>How many animals can you think of that are black and white? Zebras, penguins, orcas, snow leopards… there are loads! But have you ever wondered why these animals have developed such unique and striking appearances? Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>As always, find a free transcript, worksheet and quiz for this episode on our website: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260305">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260305</a></p><p>And find NEW episodes of Office English here or by searching 'Learning English for Work' on your favourite podcast app: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our weekly highlights in your inbox: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p><p>Other podcasts you might enjoy: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories</p>

The power of pepper

<p>How often do you use pepper? It's one of the most common spices to add to food, so common in fact that many of us don't just use it when cooking, but also place it on our dinner tables to add extra flavour! But how much do we really know about pepper? There are hundreds of different varieties worldwide and they all have the power to add that special something to our food. Neil and Becca discuss this seasoning and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260226">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260226</a></p><p>Want to boost your speaking skills? Try Beating Speaking Anxiety, our series to help fight your fears of speaking English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Dreaming of being a chef

<p>What did you have for dinner last night? And did you cook it yourself? Many people cook at home regularly, for themselves and for others, but have you ever thought about cooking professionally? Working in a restaurant can be tough, but for some people, becoming a top chef is a dream job. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>✔️ Find a free worksheet, transcript and interactive quiz to help you learn: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260219">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260219</a></p><p>✔️ Try our new series about the fears that come with speaking a foreign language. Find the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' podcast episodes and video explainers here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>✔️ Don't forget to subsribe to our newsletter, where you get all our updates weekly: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>Have you tried some of our other podcasts? Try these next: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p>