Learn English with these 5 free podcasts
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Living in the digital age has quite a few perks – especially when it comes to (cat videos and) language learning: gone are the days when you had to lug around a heavy book filled with English Grammar lessons. Instead, you can now improve your English at the push of a button – for example with podcasts. They’re the perfect way to complement your English classes and pick up some new vocabulary during your commute or workout. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the best five podcasts for English learners of all levels. Happy listening!
Elementary-level podcasts
_Learn English
_Let’s start with Learn English – a fantastic podcast from the British Council. The episodes are discussion-based and cover everyday vocabulary and situations. What’s more, “Learn English” offers a wealth of free support material. Not only can you download each episode’s transcript, but you can also take short quizzes to test your recently acquired knowledge. It’s the best way to retain all those new words and make lightning-fast progress.
_Voice of America
_Do you want to improve your English while listening to current and interesting topics? Then, Voice of America: Learning English is for you. This information service has different kinds of audio programs that are narrated at slower than normal English speed. What’s more, each program caters to different interests. The “American Mosaic” program discusses pop culture in the United States – like the new movies, for example. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy “The Making of a Nation”, which talks about U.S. history. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg: additional programs focus on science and even grammar – so not only will you learn English, but you’ll get super smart, too!
Intermediate-level podcasts
_6 Minute English
_With its 6 Minute English podcast, the BBC has managed to create a fun way to learn English. The episodes are based on everyday situations and feature a discussion between two people, Nick and Alice. The topics are so entertaining – addressing questions like “Are bears back to stay?” or “How much is your spouse worth? – you’ll forget you’re learning English. Plus, each episode has a transcript and a vocabulary list with definitions.
_Podcasts in English
_Podcasts in English is remarkable if only for its sheer variety. Indeed, the website offers a wealth of podcasts for every level. What’s more, the episodes are quite short –normally under 5 minutes – perfect for those pressed for time. They also address entertaining topics, which include such gems as “10 remarkable facts about the world cup” to “planking,” and there’s a wide range of quality support material.
Advanced-level podcasts
_The English We Speak
_In The English We Speak, the BBC focuses on idioms and expressions – one of the final steps in mastering the language. The podcast features a light conversation between two people who take up one fun and popular idiom every week. One of my favorite episodes focused on expressions like “eye candy” and “sweet tooth.” And the best part? You’ll hear idioms used in context, which is the best way to pick up new vocabulary and polish your English.