Podcasts are amazing because they can entertain and educate, even without your full attention.
If you are learning English and would like a few podcasts to help, there are loads of choices. Podcasts are just one of many fun and effective language activities you can include in your routine.
We’ve listed the best English podcasts for both beginners and have also included some tips for getting the most out of podcasts, so keep reading to find out more about the best podcasts for learning English.
The 7 best English podcasts for beginners
Learn English Podcast from the British Council
The Learn English Podcast is excellent for beginners. It is aimed at English language learners from A1 to B1 levels and episodes are discussion-based and cover common everyday situations. Every episode comes with a transcript and a support pack with exercises to test your understanding. There’s even a free app!
Where to listen
Themes
Voice of America: Learning English
If you want to learn American English, then Voice of America: Learning English might be a better choice for you. It’s a clear website that offers different podcasts for beginner, intermediate, and advanced ESL learners. At the beginner level, there are programs focused on basic language skills. Titles include “Let’s learn English,” “Everyday grammar” and “Words and their stories”.
If you are at an intermediate level, however, things get much more exciting. Podcasts cover various topics, including health and lifestyle, science, technology, culture, and news, which can be particularly helpful for chatting to friends in English. All podcasts come with a transcript to help you follow along.
Where to listen
Themes
6-Minute English from the BBC
Are you short on time? 6-Minute English fits into even the busiest schedules. No excuses! 6-minute English is a news podcast produced every week and is aimed at intermediate speakers. Each episode comes with a list of vocabulary, a thought-provoking question, and a transcript so you can follow along in case you miss some words or phrases.
The English here is spoken at a slightly slower speed than usual, making it much easier to understand. Try listening to one six-minute episode per day, and your vocabulary will grow in no time.
Where to listen
Themes
The English We Speak
The English We Speak is produced every week by the BBC. This series is even shorter than 6-Minute English, with episodes only 3 minutes long. Each episode focuses on a different English idiom or expression used in the UK, such as “play a blinder,” “take the biscuit” or “to cut a long story short.”
If you are learning English to move to the UK, this program is highly recommended. The vocabulary is a bit more complex and is aimed at intermediate and advanced students. Most of them are quite weird and will definitely make more sense after three minutes of context!
Where to listen
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