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.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>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>

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. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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 –&nbsp;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.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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Can apps teach you a language?

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917</a>Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. 6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917</a>Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>

Is rejection good for us?

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.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>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>

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. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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.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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Climate change and extreme weather

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.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>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>

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. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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.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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

How do we describe smells?

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.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>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>

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. Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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.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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Sharing the road with driverless cars

Neil and Georgina talk about Covid-19 and teach you related vocabulary.

Neil and Georgina talk about Covid-19 and teach you related vocabulary.

The medicine of coronavirus

Find out how growing plants in space might help develop better crops.

Find out how growing plants in space might help develop better crops.

Food made in space

Neil and Sam discuss how sport is giving hope to young people leading the toughest lives.

Neil and Sam discuss how sport is giving hope to young people leading the toughest lives.

Sport against poverty

Companies are rushing to install technology to make offices safer. Neil and Sam discuss.

Companies are rushing to install technology to make offices safer. Neil and Sam discuss.

Covid-19: The office after lockdown

Can wearing masks in public help prevent the spread of coronavirus? Rob and Sam discuss.

Can wearing masks in public help prevent the spread of coronavirus? Rob and Sam discuss.

Should we wear a face mask?

Rob and Sam discuss the new generation's desire to make the world a better place.

Rob and Sam discuss the new generation's desire to make the world a better place.

Millennials and business

Neil and Sam talk about being a saver in a consumer culture and teach you vocabulary.

Neil and Sam talk about being a saver in a consumer culture and teach you vocabulary.

Is being thrifty a virtue?

Takeaway apps are changing food culture. We talk about it and teach you vocabulary.

Takeaway apps are changing food culture. We talk about it and teach you vocabulary.

The food delivery revolution

Sam and Georgina talk about the movement and teach you related vocabulary.

Sam and Georgina talk about the movement and teach you related vocabulary.

What difference has #MeToo made?

We talk about the over-reliance on recycling rather than reducing the use of plastics

We talk about the over-reliance on recycling rather than reducing the use of plastics

Is the recycling system broken?

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a>Follow us at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a>

Education

Language Learning

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a>Follow us at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a>

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