BBC Learning English: 6 Minute English - Vocabulary & listening

New bits of English are invented as people use the language in new ways, but what happens when a language comes from an entirely different galaxy – somewhere like Qo’noS*, home planet of the Klingons? Neil and Sam discuss how languages develop and teach some related vocabulary. This week's question: In 2010, Klingon became the first invented language to do what? a) have its own dictionary b) have an opera written c) be recognised as an official language by the United Nations Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary: living language a language that people still speak and use in their ordinary lives my bad used instead of ‘my fault’ to admit that you have made a mistake (informal, US) patron saint someone who is believed to give special help and protection to a particular activity conlang constructed language; artificially invented language, such as Esperanto and Klingon root (of a language) origin or source get stuck on (something) be unable to continue or complete what you’re doing because it’s too difficult To download the audio and a transcript, go to our webpage at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-220113 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Algorithms https://youtu.be/KNhwmHq1asM Do trees have memories? https://youtu.be/fGeQH4_lH3Q How green is nuclear energy? https://youtu.be/naB_3XYRtew Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw #learnenglish #vocabulary #languages #klingon #6minuteenglish

How will technology help us in the future? We discuss how things like the metaverse, energy tech, and AI might influence how we live in years to come and teach you some related vocabulary so you can talk about it too. This week's question According to a 2021 survey by gaming company, Thrive Analytics, what percentage of people who try virtual reality once want to try it again? a) 9 percent b) 49 percent c) 79 percent Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary: three-dimensional (3-D) having the three dimensions of length, width and height, making objects appear real and solid, not flat phygital combining the features of physical and digital worlds to create a new type of experience sceptical doubtful that something is true or useful unwieldy difficult to move or carry because it’s so heavy, large or strangely shaped augmented reality (AR) technology which augments (adds to) the ordinary physical world by projecting virtual pictures, text or characters on top immersive stimulating the senses and surrounding someone so that they feel completely involved in an experience To download the audio and a transcript, go to our webpage at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-220106 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How green is nuclear energy? https://youtu.be/naB_3XYRtew Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Grime: Music from architecture https://youtu.be/l31dAwfYjhI 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ #learnenglish #vocabulary #metaverse #futuretech #6minuteenglish

Can plants 'remember' stressful situations, such as droughts or pests? And if so, does it make them stronger and better able to fight disease? Sam and Neil discuss the topic and teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Trees grow a new ring every year and by counting them we can estimate their age. One of Earth’s longest living trees is The Great Bristlecone Pine, found on the west coast of America. But how long can these trees live? a) over 1,000 years b) over 3,000 years c) over 5,000 years Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary immune system cells and organs which protect the human body from infection and disease food chain plants and animals that are linked in a chain because each thing eats something weaker than it, and gets eaten by something stronger opportunistic takes advantage of a situation to gain benefit, often without thinking whether the action is right or wrong hypothesis idea that explains how or why something happens which has yet to be tested to see if it’s correct drought long period of time with little or no rain not bothered (about something) not worried or concerned because it’s not important to you To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211230 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How green is nuclear energy? https://youtu.be/naB_3XYRtew Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Grime: Music from architecture https://youtu.be/l31dAwfYjhI 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #trees #flora #immunesystem #foodchain #plants #forest

Algorithms are often hidden, but they are very much present in our daily lives. If you order a pizza using an app, join an online dating site or a search engine, they are doing something for you. Sam and Neil discuss maths and teach you related vocabulary. This week's quiz Einstein’s famous equation is E=MC2 - but what does the ‘E’ stand for? a) electricity b) energy c) everything Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary equation mathematical statement using symbols to show how two things are equal bogyman someone that people called bad or evil in order to make other people afraid inscrutable not showing emotions or thoughts and therefore very difficult to know efficient working quickly and effectively in an organised way sort group things which share similarities together in a flash quickly or suddenly To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211223 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How green is nuclear energy? https://youtu.be/naB_3XYRtew Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Grime: Music from architecture https://youtu.be/l31dAwfYjhI 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #algorithms #maths #internet

In this programme, Neil and Sam discuss geoengineering – the name for a collection of new scientific plans to remove carbon from the atmosphere and stop global warming. And they teach you related vocabulary so you can talk about this too. This week's question Spraying diamond dust in the sky sounds futuristic, but in the 1960s there was a band who wrote a song called ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’. Which band wrote that song? a) The Rolling Stones b) The Beach Boys c) The Beatles Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary nutrient food that plants and animals need to live and grow pod group of whales, also other sea mammals such as dolphins eddy large current of water moving in a circular motion chock-a-block very full of people or things; plenty of something repurpose find a new use for something circular economy economic model which involves sharing, reusing, and recycling existing products as long as possible to avoid waste and to fight climate change To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211216 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Body language online https://youtu.be/adFreL6VqQY The human library https://youtu.be/XGx13d-QdIM Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #climatechange #geoengineering #adaptation #globalwarming #earth

The coronavirus pandemic has forced millions of people worldwide to get used to meeting others only through a computer screen. But how can we make these meetings feel more natural? That's what Neil and Sam discuss, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Erica Dhawan may be a communications expert now, but growing up in Pennsylvania she was a shy and quiet schoolgirl. So how did Erica beat her shyness and become the confident communicator she is today? Did she... a) attend public speaking classes? b) copy the body language of the cool kids at school? c) raised her hand to answer the teacher’s questions, even if she didn’t know the answer? Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary body language communication though the movements and gestures of your body, rather than with words eye contact two people look at each other’s eyes at the same time brainstorming discussing suggestions with a group of people to come up new ideas or solve problems to process to understand information by thinking about it and reflecting on it carefully in unison happening together and at the same time water cooler effect informal conversations and chats between people in their office or workplace (US) To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211209 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #bodylanguage #meetingonline

We learn a lot from books and from talking to people. That's the idea behind an initiative to create a 'human library'. You borrow a person you wouldn’t usually meet for a half-hour candid conversation and learn what it is like to be in their shoes. That's what Neil and Sam discuss, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question The Human Library started out in Denmark but soon spread across Europe and the world. So how many countries have a Human Library now? a) 75 b) 85 c) 95 Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary prejudice unfair and unreasonable dislike of a particular group of people safe space place where you feel protected from danger and harm put someone in a box judge what kind of person someone is based on their appearance or a limited understanding of them feel uncomfortable feel slightly worried or embarrassed, not relaxed, in a social situation walking on eggshells being very careful about what you do and say because you don’t want to upset or offend anyone diversity many different types of people being included together To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211202 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How green is nuclear energy? https://youtu.be/naB_3XYRtew Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Grime: Music from architecture https://youtu.be/l31dAwfYjhI 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #lifeexperience #thehumanlibrary #dialogue #understanding #curiosity #curious

Climate change is reaching emergency levels. Some people think the best option is renewables. Others prefer a return to nuclear energy, arguing that it’s clean, green and more reliable that renewables. But after infamous nuclear disasters like those at Chernobyl and Fukushima, questions about its safety remain. Neil and Sam talk about nuclear energy, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Many of the nuclear power stations built since the 1960s are reaching the end of their planned life, and not everyone thinks they should be replaced. In 2011, one country announced that it would phase out – meaning gradually stop using - nuclear power altogether. But which country? a) Germany b) India c) Brazil Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary renewables types of energy such as wind and solar power that can be replaced as quickly as they are used phase (something) out gradually stop using (something) vivid memories memories that produce powerful feelings and strong, clear images in the mind ingrained (beliefs) so strongly held that they are difficult to change unique selling point (or USP) the feature of something that makes it different from and better than its competitors casualty person or thing that suffers as a result of something else happening To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211125 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Why we forget the things we learn https://youtu.be/1iHeeMlOsyc Why is Super Mario so popular? https://youtu.be/WUcNXALk_fQ Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #nuclearenergy #climatechange #greenenergy

Introduction Many people find it hard to remember things they’ve read or learned while other, sometimes useless, information sticks with them. Georgina and Rob talk about memory, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Chinese student, Chao Lu, has a record-breaking memory. In 2005, she recited the numbers of pi, the mathematical equation describing the proportions of a circle – but how many digits did she manage to remember? a) 48,000 b) 68,000 c) 88,000 Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary photographic memory the ability to remember things in exact detail, like looking at a photograph the odds of the chances or probability that something will happen a one-off something that only happens once suck at (something) be bad at (doing) something (US) memorise learn something exactly so that you can repeat it later deep learning a complete way of learning something that means you fully understand it and will not forget it To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211118 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #memory #memorise #learning

Rob and Georgina talk about the famous video game character Super Mario, created in the 1980s and considered iconic. And they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Many people remember Super Mario Bros. as being the first time we saw Mario, but he first appeared in another game – which was it? a) The Legend of Zelda b) Donkey Kong c) Pokemon Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary iconic famous for being connected with something or instantly recognisable a flood of large amount of something in a short period of time cited referenced or noted boom short period of sudden growth unplayable not able to be played holds up standards or quality of something is still as good now as when it was made To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211111 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Should fast food sponsor sport? https://youtu.be/BvNNuSz-EFw Grime: Music from architecture https://youtu.be/l31dAwfYjhI 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #supermario #game #nostalgia

Is it right for companies selling unhealthy products to sponsor sporting events? Why do some companies that make unhealthy food and drinks advertise during the Olympics? That's what Sam and Neil talk about, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question McDonalds had a long history with the Olympic Games until the company ended the partnership ahead of the 2024 games in Paris. But why did McDonalds choose to quit? Was it because: a) they wanted to change the name of French fries to McFries? b) they didn’t want to call their hamburger, ‘Le Big Mac’? or, c) they wanted to be the only company selling cheese for cheeseburgers? Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary sponsor pay for an event or tournament in order to advertise a company or brand in return fast food hot, often unhealthy, food such as hamburgers or pizza that is quick to cook and serve brand attachment a deep emotional connection between humans and brands health halo the perception that something is healthy for you even though there is little evidence to support this ultra-processed food foods containing added artificial ingredients that you wouldn’t add when cooking homemade food beverage any type of drink To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211104 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #sport #fastfood

In this programme, we talk about grime – a style of music which originated in the derelict tower blocks of London. Famous artists are Wiley and Stormzy. We discuss the topic and teach you vocabulary. This week's question Stormzy is one of the most famous grime artists, but what is his real name? a) Michael Omari b) Martin Owusu c) Marvin Appiah Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary eclectic describes taste which includes a wide variety of styles contentious creating or causing conflict coming of age becoming an adult predominant the strongest or most important chants sings the same thing over and over again existential relating to human existence To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211028 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #stormzy #grime #wiley #music #urban

In this programme, Sam and Neil talk about tipping - the act of giving extra money to the waiter or waitress that have served you so well. But are these employees allowed to keep it? And how do they feel when they aren't? We discuss the topic and teach you vocabulary. This week's question The highest restaurant in the world, At.mosphere, is in Dubai, in the building known as the Burj Khalifa – but how high up is that restaurant? Is it: a) 442 metres b) 532 metres c) 622 metres Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary discretionary choice or option to do something; non-obligatory consistent acting the same way over time mandatory describes something you must do imposed forced on someone cashless not using cash or coins pool collect, group together To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211021 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #tipping #restaurant #tips

Angela Merkel has often been referred to as 'mutti' - which means mother in German. Where did this nickname come from and who is she really? That's what Sam and Neil talk about, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question Who was Germany’s first ever chancellor? Was it: a) Otto von Bismarck b) Helmut Schmidt c) Or Franz von Papen Listen to the programme to find out the answer. chancellor person in the highest position in a government or a university hardline describes someone with traditional and strict beliefs that can’t be easily changed put down insult, used to make someone feel stupid or embarrassed put in their place made to feel less important than they are trying to be cliches phrases or ideas that have become meaningless because they’ve been overused deadpan serious facial expression that shows no emotion To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish... [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #angelamerkel

Smart technology is becoming more and more commonplace in people's homes, but coulld it help with the fight against climate change? With many people now trying to reduce their carbon footprint, is AI the answer? That's what Sam and Neil talk about, as they teach you related vocabulary. This week's question How many tonnes of carbon dioxide are humans responsible for emitting into the atmosphere every year? a) 30 billion b) 40 billion c) 50 billion Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary dig something up excavate; remove something from the ground intermittent irregular; not continuous blackouts periods of time without electricity or energy in real time no delay; live machine learning way computers learn and adapt based on collated data simulate produce a computer model To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-211007 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: Going through the menopause https://youtu.be/z2JsYmGmF8E 'I love my language!' https://youtu.be/2z6A62BO2zc Making sense of the census https://youtu.be/u6GOoQnJicg How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #climatechange #technology #artificialintelligence

The menopause can be a difficult time in a woman’s life. But with age comes wisdom and experience and in more and more societies around the world the menopause is being talked about more openly. That's what Sam and Georgina talk about, as they teach you related vocabulary. What is the average age for a woman to reach the menopause in Britain? a) 49 b) 51 c) 53 Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary taboo custom to avoid publicly talking about certain topics or doing certain activities for social or religious reasons, or because people find discussing them uncomfortable pay your dues do what’s expected of you; do your duty (UK) surplus to requirements no longer needed ageism the unfair treatment of older people because of their age symptom something wrong with your body or mind that is a sign of some illness or physical process double whammy situation where two unpleasant things happen at the same time (informal) To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210930 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #menopause #ageing #women

Ai-Da is a robot that paints and creates art - but what else could they do in the future? Neil and Sam discuss the topic and teach you related vocabulary. This week's question The name, Ai-Da, uses the abbreviation for ‘artificial intelligence’ - AI - to make a woman’s first name, but which famous, real-life Ada was the robot named after? Was it: a) Ada Brown?, b) Ada Lovelace? or, c) Ada Maris? Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary dystopia an imaginary future society where everything is bad non-verbal communication communication that does not involve speaking such as using physical gestures and facial expressions appeal the quality in someone that makes them attractive and interesting compelling so exciting and interesting that it holds your attention battles to win problems to be solved; obstacles to be overcome iron (something) out remove or find solutions to a problem To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210916 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #robots

Episodes of extreme weather seem to be more frequent and some scientists suspect this might be caused by human-induced climate change. Climatologist Geert Jan van Oldenborgh talks about a heatwave that surprised climate modellers because it exceeded even the worst expectations. Neil and Sam discuss the topic and teach you related vocabulary. This week's question On 1st July Canada saw the temperature break records in Lytton. But just how hot did it get? a) 39 point 6 degrees Celsius b) 49 point 6 degrees Celsius c) 59 point 6 degrees Celsius Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary wildfire a fire that is burning strongly and out of control in the countryside wake-up call shocking event which should make people realise that we need to take to change a situation heatwave short period of time, such as few weeks, when the weather is much hotter than usual jump a sudden increase gradual happening slowly over a long period of time shake someone’s confidence make someone doubt something that they were certain was true To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210909 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #globalwarming #climatechange #extremeweather #climateemergency

Just like humans, chimps are highly intelligent. They live in social groups, have leaders and a desire for power. Neil and Sam talk about the topic and teach you related vocabulary along the way. This week's question Research shows that the reason chimpanzee behaviour so closely resembles human politics is because biologically we are almost identical. Did you know that a chimp is more like a human than like a gorilla? So, Sam, my quiz question is this: biologically, how close are chimpanzees to humans? a) 79 % b) 89 % c) 99 % Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary alpha male the most successful and powerful male in any group over the hill used to describe someone who is old and no longer useful or attractive the power behind the throne someone who does not have official power but who secretly controls things coalition different political groups who join together for a limited time to form a government get together join together as a group; combine spoils benefits, advantages or profits obtained by winning a war or being in a position of power To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210930 [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How to disagree better https://youtu.be/rWHGKGS7zSc​​ Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ How can we make the web a better place? https://youtu.be/wMQjmpVgor8​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #chimpanzee #politics #chimp #animalworld

Millions of people have tried to trace their family history and discover how their ancestors lived hundreds of years ago. And one of the most useful documents for research is the census. What is a census for? Why was it created? That's what Neil and Sam discuss as they teach you vocabulary. This week's question When BBC television programme, Who Do You Think You Are?, researched the family history of the British actor Danny Dyer, they discovered that the actor was related to someone very famous – but who? A) King Edward III B) William Shakespeare C) Winston Churchill Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary census system of officially counting and classifying every person of a nation’s population figure out understand something; find the answer to something conscription the act of forcing people to join the army by law taxation system of taxing people an amount of money to be paid to the government to fund public services clerk office worker whose job involves keeping records tabulate show information in the form of a table with rows and columns [Cover: Getty Images] To download the audio and a transcript, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210819 You'll find the exclusive episode about Jeff Bezos here: https://bbc.in/2XaVbLF More 6 Minute English episodes: The history of swimming https://youtu.be/Iigy0LpJjN4 The language of wine https://youtu.be/WbAeqhkL8aA Meditation and your brain https://youtu.be/sm6EtQg-hxw​​ No more bosses https://youtu.be/ktgDXNML2uI​​ Learn to talk about broken hearts in 6 minutes! https://youtu.be/WBLuy_YU-Zw​​ Coronavirus vs other pandemics https://youtu.be/kjVd228S-yQ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #census #population