Is it OK to disagree?

Is it OK to disagree?

Author: BBC Radio January 1, 2026 Duration: 6:39

Are we becoming a divided society? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.

Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260101

The Listening Room - improve your listening skills here: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.


Ever feel like you want to improve your English but can't find the time? 6 Minute English from BBC Radio is designed for exactly that. Each episode is a compact, six-minute conversation built around a curious topic, from the science of happiness to the history of coffee. Within that short format, you'll hear authentic clips from across the BBC, giving you a real taste of how English is spoken in various contexts. The presenters naturally introduce and explain useful vocabulary and phrases that come up during their discussion, helping you build practical language skills. This podcast turns a brief moment in your day-a commute, a coffee break-into a genuine learning opportunity. It’s more than just a lesson; it’s a regular dose of engaging content that sharpens your listening comprehension and expands your vocabulary without feeling like a textbook. You get to hear different accents and speaking styles, all while exploring fascinating subjects. Whether you're looking to feel more confident in conversation or simply enjoy the rhythm of the language, this series makes consistent practice both achievable and genuinely interesting. Tune in for a quick, effective, and enjoyable way to connect with the English language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 318

6 Minute English
Podcast Episodes
How important is play? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
We all remember playgrounds when we were children – slides, swings, climbing frames. But have you heard of the new playgrounds which are designed to include things that others might consider junk... like old tyres and wo…
Do you like garlic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:41
It makes our food tasty and our breath smelly, but what are some of the other uses of garlic...? Apart from warding off vampires, of course! Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transc…
Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:38
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Or do you prefer toast, cereal, yogurt or something else? Maybe you usually don't bother with breakfast! Well, some experts believe that a large breakfast could be the key to mai…
Did a civilisation exist on Earth before humans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
Do you believe that life exists on other planets? Well, here's an even more mysterious idea: Have you ever considered that there might have been another civilisation with advanced technology on planet Earth... before hum…
Are we too fixated on protein? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:47
We know that protein is important for our health. It plays a crucial role in many of the body's functions, including growth, repair, the immune system and, of course, building muscles! But has our love for protein come a…
What makes a good citizen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:42
Is a good citizen someone who votes and follows the law? Or is there more to it? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:…
Have you ever seen a whale? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
How have humans treated whales throughout history? Their sheer size, their ability to swim to great depths and their whale song have captured our imaginations throughout history. But have humans always had a positive rel…
The criminal trade in ancient objects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:41
Many of us like to visit museums to see ancient artefacts in person – it's an exciting way to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. But did you know that there are criminal networks which steal…
Would you like a robot companion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
Many of us could use extra help around the house – but what if that help came from a robot? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this epi…
What causes hearing loss? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
As we get older, our hearing naturally gets worse. But what are the causes of this decline? And is there anything we can do to prevent it? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full trans…