Rethinking dyslexia

Rethinking dyslexia

Author: BBC Radio February 5, 2026 Duration: 6:47

Dyslexia is a condition which makes it difficult for people to read, write and spell. But, can the ability to process information differently actually be an advantage? And why do dyslexics make excellent spies? Phil and Pippa 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-260205

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

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
Could we live without plastic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:14
Is it time to start living without plastic? Beth and Neil discuss this.
What and where is Little Italy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:14
How did Italian food become famous throughout the world? Find out with Neil and Georgie
Social media and teenage health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:09
What are the risks of social media to teenage health and what can be done about them?
Mystery flying objects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
What exactly did navy pilots see in 2004? The US investigates these UFOs now, in 2023.
Elephant-proof farming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
What happens when an elephant wants to eat your crops? How can you stop it?
Should we farm octopus? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
Is it OK to eat animals that can feel emotion? Learn vocabulary on this topic.
Ways to live for 100 years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
More and more people are living to 100, but what is the secret of a long life?
How green is your money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:12
Should climate change make us think where to invest our money? Learn useful vocabulary.
Mushrooms: Medicine or myth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
Today the medicinal mushroom industry is big business. But are there actually benefits?