Soạn Ôn Thi Cuối Kỳ TTHCM Full

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
21 August 2014
Dealing with boredom
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
Rob: Hello I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob. You know, I'm happy you called me to present this programme with
you because I was there by my desk feeling a bit bored (yawns loudly).
Rob: Great yawn, Finn! A yawn, of course, is that typical reaction of someone who
is bored.
Finn: Yeah, it's when you open your mouth wide and take some air in and slowly
out.
Rob: Okay. Let's make this a programme all about boredom, shall we? And I'll start
by stimulating your imagination.
Finn: Thank you, but how are you going to make me excited and interested in
something, Rob?
Rob: How about I challenge you to a question you might not know the answer to?
Finn: Okay, well, you can try. Go on then.
Rob: Well, I know you like the theatre.
Finn: I do. But it has to be an exciting play or I get restless.
Rob: Restless, you mean unable to sit still because you get bored or worried even.
Okay. I wonder how you'd feel watching the longest continuous play
recorded?
6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Page 1 of 6
bbclearningenglish.com
Finn: That's quite an offer. What do you mean?
Rob: According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest continuous dramatic
performance was held in New Jersey, in the US, in 2010. But do you know
how long the cast for The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco, was on stage for?
Was it for about:
a) 8 hours
b) 17 hours
c) 23 hours
Finn: Wow! They're all pretty long. I'll say b) 17 hours, Rob.
Rob: Goodness! Right. Okay. I'll let you know the answer by the end of the
programme. Now, let's talk more about boredom. I think this is a feeling we
have to learn how to cope with.
Finn: Yes, we have to learn to deal with this situation successfully – to cope with it.
But people often feel they want to change their life, to change their job. They
might feel stuck in a rut.
Rob: That's a good phrase - stuck in a rut. So you mean you've become too fixed in
one kind of job?
Finn: Yes. You know Rob, even I sometimes dream of something a bit more exciting
like being a professional diver or maybe even a pilot of a really fast plane.
Rob: Well, guess what: even pilots get bored, you know?
Finn: Not when they are flying anyway.
Rob: Wrong. When they're up in the air!
Finn: No way! Really? I don't believe you!
Rob: Well, Missy Cummings, an American, was a fighter pilot. Listen to the phrasal
verb she uses meaning to stop being bored, at least for a while. Is there ever
time for a fighter pilot to get bored?

Page 2 of 6
Missy Cummings , former fighter pilot:
Oh my gosh, sure, for the same reasons that commercial pilots get bored. These fighter jets
are very automated when it comes to just holding altitude and heading. So you turn
everything in autopilot and I probably listened to more Oprah Winfrey TV shows on the high-
frequency radios… And so you get good about using the technology to figure out how to
stave off that boredom.
Finn: Ah, so she listened to a show hosted by the American presenter Oprah
Winfrey on the radio to stave off her boredom. Now, to stave off means to
stop or to keep an unpleasant feeling away. In this case she means boredom.
Rob: Yes, indeed.
Rob: But some experts think there's something good about feeling bored.
Finn: Really?
Rob: Let's hear what Tiffany Watt-Smith has to say. She works for the Centre for
the History of Emotions at the Queen Mary University of London. Pay attention
to the word she uses to describe what boredom does to people.
Tiffany Watt-Smith, Queen Mary University of London:

On the one hand people are worried about being under-occupied and bored. On the other
there's a set of anxieties about us having any more downtime, you know. We can constantly
check our phones at the bus stop. Everything is to be filled and what does that do to our
minds? I think boredom is a very useful emotion. It's an emotion which spurs people on to
change something about their environment. If you're bored that gives rise to creativity.
Finn: So boredom spurs people on to change something. To spur on means to

stimulate or to encourage someone to do something.
Rob: So what are you going to do, Finn? How will you change your life?
Finn: Change my life? Okay. Two things. The first one is: I want to know if I got that
question right!
Rob: Well I said at the beginning of the programme that the longest continuous
dramatic performance was held in New Jersey, US, in 2010. And I asked you
how long was the cast on stage for to play The Bald Soprano by Eugene
Ionesco.

Page 3 of 6
Finn: Yes. The options were 8 hours, 17 hours and 23 hours, I think. And I said 17.
Was I right?
Rob: You were not!
Finn: Oh, no!
Rob: It was even longer.
Finn: Wow! 23!
Rob: According to the Guinness Book of Records, the play lasted 23 hours, 33
minutes and 54 seconds. It was achieved by The 27 O'Clock Players who
performed The Bald Soprano at Belmar, New Jersey, USA, on 27 July 2010.
Anyway Finn, what's the second thing you're going to do to stave off your
boredom?
Finn: You know what, Rob? I'm going to book myself a fantastic holiday! Maybe I
could start with a visit to Patagonia in Argentina to see the penguins…
Rob: Yeah, it sounds very exciting. But before you head off to Patagonia, could you
remind us of some of the English words we've heard today?
Finn: We heard:
yawn
stimulating
restless
to cope with
stuck in a rut
to stave off
to spur on
Rob: Thanks Finn. That's it for this programme. I hope you didn't find it boring.
Finn: Not at all. I loved it!

Page 4 of 6
Rob: Please join us soon again for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 5 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
to yawn to open your mouth wide and take air in and out slowly;
usually a sign of boredom or tiredness
stimulating making someone excited and interested in something
restless unable to sit still because you are bored or worried
to cope with to deal with a situation successfully
stuck in a rut become too fixed in one kind of job or situation in life
to stave off to stop or keep away an unpleasant feeling
to spur on to encourage someone to do something
Read and listen to the story online

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/08/140821_6min_dealing_with_boredom.shtml
Story about boredom:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-21895704

Page 6 of 6
6 Minute English
29 May 2014
Brazilian music
NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. And today we're going to talk
about…
Monica Vasconcelos, Brazilian singer:

(Samba beat sounds)
Rob: …Brazilian music! Ah… the samba…! And I'm joined today by Grace, from
Brazil. Hi Grace.
Grace: Hi Rob. Can you sing well? Or do you usually sing, let's say, out of tune
like me?
Rob: Out of tune, so you mean singing or playing notes that are at the wrong
pitch. Yes, I definitely sing out of tune.
Grace: Well, that was the voice of the Brazilian recording artist Monica
Vasconcelos.
Rob: A recording artist – so that’s a singer or musician who creates and

releases music either through a record label or independently. She does
indeed have a very beautiful voice.
Grace: And she sings many types of music including samba, jazz and bossa nova.
Talking about bossa nova, Rob, I have a question for you.
Rob: OK.
Grace: One of the most famous bossa nova tunes is 'The Girl from Ipanema'. It
was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. Do you
know the song, Rob?
Rob: I know it very well. Even Frank Sinatra recorded it, didn't he?
Grace: Yes. So when was the song 'The Girl from Ipanema' recorded
commercially for the first time? Was it…
a) in 1955
b) in 1962
c) or in 1969
Rob: OK, well, I know it's quite old so I'm going to go for 1962. You know, I've
always wanted to know more about the bossa nova. How different is it
from the famous Brazilian samba music?

Page 1 of 4
Grace: Let's listen to the expert, Monica Vasconcelos. Which two words does she
use to compare these musical styles?
Samba is very energetic and full of life… and bossa nova is… It's a little smoother; it's
more understated. Bossa is a combination of complex harmonies, coming from…
particularly Europe and this very cool bossa groove that comes from samba. In addition
to that, you have some particular themes: the sea, love… The bossa nova composers,
they were into beauty.
Rob: So smoother – that means calmer – and understated, meaning more

controlled, more discreet.
Grace: And it's easy to understand the themes of these songs…
Rob: Yes, she says the composers – the writers – of bossa nova were into
beauty – to be into something means to be interested in something. They
were interested in the beautiful things in life.
Grace: The lyrics – the words of the songs – were about boats sailing away, a
beautiful woman walking by the beach…
Rob: A beautiful view and beautiful lyrics. And bossa nova has a very special
kind of groove, meaning the feel and style of the music – and the bossa
nova groove is cool, funky and smooth! And what about rock and pop
music – do Brazilians like these music styles?
Grace: Yes, we do like rock and pop, but a common complaint is that our radio
stations play too many songs from Britain and America. Monica explains.
What phrase does she use to describe the effect of globalisation on local
music?
You take a traditional rock rhythm… and then take a samba groove… The first example is
simpler, so what happens in the process of globalisation where you have rock and pop
coming into different markets all over the world… you have a flattening of the local
grooves which may be a bit more complex, so the simpler ideas end up taking over.
Rob: Monica talks about a flattening of the local grooves – a simplifying of

more complex local music that has happened as a result of rock and pop
influence coming in through globalisation.
Grace: I know you like travelling a lot, Rob. Would you like to go abroad and find
only the very same things you have here in Britain?
Rob: Absolutely not! No! Travelling is all about discovering, hearing local music,
discovering local foods – things that are different from things that are
back at home.

Page 2 of 4
Grace: Well, now let's see how much you know about bossa nova. I asked when
the song 'The Girl from Ipanema' was recorded commercially for the first
time? The options were: 1955, 1962 and 1969.
Rob: And I had a guess and said 1962.
Grace: Oh you got it right, Rob! Yeah, you got it right! The first commercial
recording of 'The Girl from Ipanema' was by Brazilian singer Pery Ribeiro.
Rob: Well, I love talking about music and other cultures but our time is running
out.
Grace: So let's recall the words we heard today.
Rob: Yes, we heard:

out of tune
recording artist
smoother
understated
groove
to be into
lyrics
flattened
Grace: Thanks, Rob. And as we've been talking about music, shall we say
goodbye in the rhythm of samba?
Rob: OK, let's give it a try. Please join us again soon for 6 Minute English from
BBC Learning English.

(Samba beat sounds)
Rob: You're doing it better than me!
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
out of tune singing or playing notes that are at the wrong pitch
recording artist a singer or musician who creates and releases music

either through a record label or independently
smoother more serene, calmer
understated more controlled, discreet
groove cool, funky, smooth
to be into something to be interested in something
lyrics the words of songs
flattening (here) making less complex

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/05/140529_6min_brazilian_music.html
More about Brazil:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18909529

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
6 March 2014
Cinema etiquette
Rob: This is 6 Minute English from the BBC. I'm Rob…
Neil: And I'm Neil.
Rob: Today we're talking about something we must all have an opinion on – it's
cinema etiquette. In other words, what is the right way to behave when
you go to see a film at the cinema?
Neil: Yes, the cinema, the movies or the multiplex. How we behave there is
different from how we behave when we’re watching a film at home – but
some people seem to forget that, don't they Rob?
Rob: Yes, some people treat the cinema like their own homes. They forget
other people are sitting around them. But I'll save my moaning for later
when I'll also be explaining some behaviour and cinema-related
vocabulary.
Neil: How about a question first Rob?
Rob: A good idea. This question is for you Neil. Most of like to take a box of
popcorn into the cinema, but according to the Guinness World Records,
which country was the biggest ever box of popcorn served in? Was it in:
a) Finland
b) Croatia
c) The USA
Neil: I don't know but I'm going to guess that it's the USA because they like
things to be big in America!
Rob: They do don't they. I'll reveal the answer at the end of programme. Now
back to our discussion about cinema etiquette. When I go to see a film, all
I want is a comfortable seat and to be able to see and hear the film. I
don't want distractions!
Neil: You mean people who disturb your enjoyment of the film – by talking or
moving about? People eating really annoys me – I hate the rustle of sweet
wrappers and the crackle of a crisp packet. It's messy too.
Rob: And what's worse is people who turn the auditorium – the place where
we all sit – into their own personal dining room!
Neil: Of course your munching popcorn is fine, isn't it Rob?! But to really
appreciate the surround-sound and clear digital projection you need a

Page 1 of 4
well-behaved audience. Not like the audience that one radio presenter
complained about on his show.
Rob: This was the BBC radio presenter Simon Mayo. Here he is telling film
critic, Mark Kermode, about an annoying moment at a film screening he
went to. Can you hear what happened?
BBC presenters, Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode:

Simon: A new low was reached, as the women in front of me gets the phone out,
standard thing, so sending messages that kind of stuff, and then has an app on her
phone which turns her phone into a mirror, OK. And then with her colleague or member
of family's torch app on their phone, proceeds to do her makeup during the movie!
Mark: That, my friend, is extraordinary.
Neil: Unbelievable! So Simon said that he sat behind a woman who, during the
film, got her mobile phone out.
Rob: Well that's quite common – lots of people now use their phones while
watching a film – we call it 'dual screening' – looking at two screens at
the same time.
Neil: But the phone wasn't for texting or checking messages – but to use an
app to turn the phone into a mirror. Then, using the torch on her friend's
phone, she used the mirror to do her makeup!
Rob: A 'new low' in cinema etiquette! It's bad manners and I wonder why she
even bothered going to the cinema. I don't think mobile phones at the
cinema are a good idea.
Neil: The radio presenters would agree. They have already drawn up a code of
conduct for moviegoers – a list of rules on how people should behave at
the cinema.
Rob: Well, according to this code, there's one disgusting thing that really
shouldn't be done. See if you can hear what it is…
BBC presenter, Simon Mayo:

No shoe removal. You are not in your own front room. A cinema is a public space, keep
your bodily odours to yourself!
Rob: Well said! Simon says don't take off your shoes – keep your odours –
that's your smells – to yourself. He says you are not at home! Amongst
their other big bugbears – or annoying things – are slurping drinks –
that’s drinking noisily - arriving late, and talking during the film.
Neil: Yes, that's a big no-no for me – I really don’t like that. It really breaks
my concentration. And then there are parents who bring their noisy kids.
Rob: Well that's OK if it's a special child-friendly screening but not if the film is
unsuitable for children – the parents are just using the cinema as a
babysitter!

Page 2 of 4
Neil: There is one chain of cinemas in the UK that is offering child-free cinema-
going, and another is trying out a ban on popcorn. Sounds like a good idea
to me.
Rob: Yes, especially if the box of popcorn is as big as the one I asked you about
earlier. According to the Guinness World Records, which country was the
biggest box of popcorn ever served in? Was it:
a) Finland
b) Croatia
c) The USA
Neil: And I said the USA.
Rob: You are wrong actually. The largest box of popcorn was made in Croatia
with a volume of 52.59m³ (cubic metres). It was filled in 1 hour and 57
minutes at an event to mark the opening of a new multiplex cinema. OK
Neil, before this Oscar-winning programme ends, there's just time to
remind us of some of the vocabulary that we've heard today:
Neil: Yes, we heard:
etiquette
multiplex
distractions
auditorium
surround-sound
film critic
dual screening
bad manners
code of conduct
bugbears
slurping
a big no-no
Rob: Thanks Neil, wonderful. Well, we hope you've enjoyed today's programme.
Please join us soon again for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Now, do you fancy some popcorn?
Neil: Yeah I do actually. And this drink's great! (slurping his drink)
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
etiquette acceptable and expected behaviour in a particular

situation
multiplex a large building that contains many separate cinema

screens
distractions things that stop you concentrating on something else
auditorium the place in a cinema or theatre where the audience

sits
surround-sound a system of three of more loudspeakers that allows the

listeners to hear realistic sound all around them
film critic a person who writes about or broadcasts their thoughts

about films
dual screening watching two different screens at the same time
bad manners unacceptable behaviour which doesn't show respect for

other people
code of conduct set of rules about how to behave in a certain situation
bugbears things that annoy or irritate you
slurping making a loud sucking noise when you drink something
a big no-no something most people don't like

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/03/140306_6min_cinema.shtml
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/markkermode/2010/12/the_moviegoers_code_of_conduct.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-25710924

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
Men's body image
Rob: Hello I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hi Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: Today we're talking about men's body image – that means how men feel
about their physical appearance.
Finn: So it's not about fashion – the style of clothes they wear – it's about how they
look physically and how they think other people view them. So come on Rob,
how do you think I look?
Rob: Hmm… You want me to be honest?! You're a handsome chap really but you're
a little skinny, maybe, you don't look like you 'work out' – you know, go to
the gym – but look at me, I can't talk – I don't look too good either!
Finn: Oh come on Rob, I'm sure your wife thinks you look very handsome!
Rob: You'll have to ask her. Well before we explore this subject more and look at
some related vocabulary, let's 'work out' with a question. It's about a survey
on men's body image. In a survey by the University of the West of England,
what percentage of men said they were unhappy about their body?
a) 20%
b) 55%
c) 80%
Finn: Well I think men are quite concerned about their body image so I'm going to
say 80%.

Page 1 of 5
Rob: We'll find out if you are right or wrong later. So let's talk more about body
image. We probably know more about women worrying about things like their
weight, size, and body shape.
Finn: But men also have bodily expectations – in other words, a view on how they
think they should look. But where does this vanity come from?
Rob: Vanity – a good word, that's when you are too interested in yourself and
especially interested in how you look – spending a lot of time in front of a
mirror. I suppose it's from pressure or influence from people we see on TV or
in magazines. People have a perception – or a belief – of what the perfect
body should look like.
Finn: Yes, TV and magazines are full of pictures of men with perfect pecs – that's
chest muscles – perfect hair and dazzling white teeth. A bit like Arnold
Schwarzenegger?
Rob: Not my type! Whilst I like to look fit and healthy, big muscles don't suit me!
The biggest thing I have at the moment is my beer belly – my stomach is
getting a bit too fat – and that's something I'm not too proud of.
Finn: It's very impressive, Rob. Well some men cheat to try and achieve the perfect
physique. They either take certain drugs or drink protein drinks.
Rob: And then there's a muscle-enhancing shirt – that's a padded shirt that you
wear under your clothes that make you look more of a hunk – strong and
muscly. Come on Finn, you must have one of those?
Finn: I'm wearing one right now, Rob. Not really! And Joe Warner, an author and
former editor of Men's Fitness Magazine, thinks they are a waste of time.
What word does he use to describe wearing a padded shirt – and what does
he suggest men should really be doing to improve body image?
Joe Warner, author and former editor of Men's Fitness Magazine:

A lot of people now are obese, they are overweight – it's a real issue in the UK. And it's
another one of these fitness and health gimmicks we see so much of, I think it's just a real
shame people still want shortcuts when it doesn't take an awful lot of effort to get to the gym
or go for a walk and men do need to take more exercise.

Page 2 of 5
Rob: So Joe says many people in the UK are obese – they are too fat and it's
dangerous to their health. But he describes trying to pretend to look good by
wearing a padded shirt as a 'health and fitness gimmick'.
Finn: Yes, a gimmick is something that looks good, but is not really useful. And he
says these health and fitness gimmicks are shortcuts to looking healthy.
What's the real solution Rob?
Rob: Easy – do more exercise. Walk, run, cycle or go the gym. Of course body
image is about how you think you look and how you think you should look – I
think the best approach is to accept how you look: we don't want to all look
the same anyway.
Finn: Wise words Rob. We shouldn't forget that beauty is only skin deep. So your
character is much more important than your appearance.
Rob: A good idiom, but still men – and women – are concerned about their body
image. And earlier I asked you, according to a survey, what percentage of
men are worried?
Finn: I said c) 80%. Was I right?
Rob: You were right. The study by the University of the West of England found that
80% of men who responded, said they regularly had conversations about one
another's bodies. And the biggest body issue for them was their beer bellies
and lack of muscles. Well before I head off to the pub… I mean gym, could
you remind us of some of the vocabulary we've heard today:
Finn: Yes, we heard:

body image
workout
handsome
vanity
perception
pecs
beer belly
muscle-enhancing

Page 3 of 5
hunk
obese
gimmick
beauty is only skin deep
Rob: Thanks. We hope you've enjoyed today's programme. Please join us again
soon for another 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
body image how you feel about your physical appearance or how you
think other people view you
workout a period of physical exercise
handsome physically attractive (often used for men)
vanity being too interested in yourself and your appearance
perception a particular way of how you think or understand

something
pecs large chest muscles (short for pectoral muscles)
beer belly slang expression describing a fat stomach, often caused

by drinking too much beer over a long period of time
muscle-enhancing making muscles appear bigger
hunk strong, muscly and attractive man
obese being overweight or fat in a way that causes health

problems
gimmick something that is meant to impress but is not very useful
beauty is only skin deep someone's character is more important than how they
look

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/08/140814_6min_mens_body_image.shtml
More about body image:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16430142

Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
22 May 2014
Coffee addiction
(Slurp of coffee)
Rob: Mmm! A quick sip of my coffee to get me in the mood for today’s
programme! Welcome to 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I’m
Rob.
Finn: And I’m Finn. Rob, you seem to be enjoying that cup of coffee…
Rob: Yes, indeed. I love all styles of coffee – that’s coffee made in different
ways – you could say I am a coffee addict.
Finn: An addict. That’s someone who likes doing a particular activity very much
and they can’t stop doing it. And if you have a strong need to keep
drinking coffee then we could say you have an addiction.
Rob: That’s me! And that’s what we're talking about today – coffee addiction –
and we’ll be talking about the dangers of drinking too much.
Finn: Another word for drinking here is consuming. We'll look at some other
coffee-related language in today’s programme, too. But first, Rob, how
about a question?
Rob: Yes, of course. I have a coffee-related question to ask you. Do you know
which country drinks the most coffee per person? Is it:
a) Egypt
b) Finland
c) Italy
Finn: I think they're all coffee-drinking countries but I’ll say b) Finland.
Rob: OK. As always, I will let you know the answer at the end of the
programme. OK Finn, I haven’t asked you yet if you drink coffee. So do
you?
Finn: I do Rob, yes, but only in moderation – so that means not too much. I
love the taste and the smell especially – we could call that the aroma –
but it's the caffeine contained in the drink that can have a bad effect. If I
drink too much it can give me headaches.
Rob: Right. Well, for me, it's the caffeine that keeps me awake. It stimulates
my brain – it makes me more alert – that's why we call caffeine a
stimulant. Caffeine can also be found in energy and cola drinks and even
in tea.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: The New Scientist magazine says caffeine is a ‘psychoactive drug’ and
that 90% of people in the United States consume it every day.
Rob: Psychoactive drug – so what does that mean?
Finn: It's a drug that affects how a person feels and sometimes how they
behave. The drug can be found in food like waffles and chewing gum,
surprisingly – not just in drinks.
Rob: That’s why scientists who study public health are worried people don’t
know how much caffeine they are taking.
Finn: Indeed. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia.
Rob: So that’s when you can’t sleep.
Finn: And indigestion.
Rob: So that’s a pain in your stomach when it can’t process the food that you've
just eaten.
Finn: And finally, high blood pressure.
Rob: So blood flowing around your body at a higher pressure than is normal.
That's dangerous. Well, sometimes drinking coffee does stop me sleeping
and sometimes I feel very alert and then very lethargic – you know,
that's not having any energy. But I still can’t give up!
Finn: And Rob, you're not alone. We asked people on our BBC Learning English
Facebook page how they felt about coffee, and we had a lot of responses.
Rob: Yumiko says: “My happiest time is smelling coffee beans just after
grinding it. Fresh roasted coffee has a really good fragrance!” Fragrance is
a word usually associated with perfume – but I think she just means the
good smell.
Finn: Samuele says: “One cup of good espresso is the daily energy for my body
and mind”.
Rob: And Rasha claims: “A cup of coffee every day is useful for our health”.
Finn: Ahmed loves coffee too, but he says: “Be aware that too much coffee is
not good for your health”. So there seem to be some good effects and
some bad – or negative – effects of drinking coffee, Rob.
Rob: Well, I find that if I try to give up drinking coffee, I’ll also get headaches
and feel tired.
Finn: And these are what we call withdrawal symptoms – the nasty physical
and mental effects of stopping.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: Well, I may drink lots of coffee but not as much as people in another
country. Finn, earlier I asked you if you knew the people of which country
drink the most coffee?
Finn: And I said b) Finland.
Rob: And guess what – you were right! Yes, the people of Finland consume an
incredible 12 kilograms of coffee per person every year. That compares
with the average consumption of 1.3 kilograms per person.
OK Finn, before we go, there’s just time for you to remind us of some of
the words that we heard today.
Finn: We heard:
addict
consuming
in moderation
aroma
caffeine
stimulant
psychoactive drug
insomnia
indigestion
high blood pressure
lethargic
withdrawal symptoms
Rob: Thanks, Finn.
Finn: Thank you, Rob.
Rob: Do join us again for another edition of 6 Minute English from BBC Learning
English. Bye for now!
Finn: Bye!

Page 3 of 4
addict someone who likes doing a particular activity very

much and they can't stop doing it
consuming eating or drinking something
in moderation (here) not drinking too much
aroma pleasant smell
caffeine natural substance found in tea and coffee that makes

you feel awake
stimulant substance that makes you feel more awake when you
eat or drink it
psychoactive drug a drug that affects how a person feels and sometimes
how they behave
insomnia medical condition where you are unable to sleep
indigestion a pain in your stomach when it can't process the food

you have just eaten
high blood pressure blood flowing around your body at a higher pressure
than is normal
lethargic having little energy
withdrawal symptoms physical and mental effects of stopping doing a regular

activity

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/05/140522_6min_coffee_addiction
More on this story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22530625

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
27 February 2014
Odd job interviews
Rob: Welcome to 6 Minute English with me Rob.
Finn: And me, Finn.
Rob: Finn, I'd like to start by asking you: How many job interviews have you
had?
Finn: That's difficult. Maybe ten interviews in my life.
Rob: Ten. That's quite a few – and do you enjoy going to job interviews?
Finn: I absolutely adore them! No, I'm joking! Who does? Nobody does.
Rob: Well, for me, they are torture! I hate being grilled by a panel – or group
– of people. I know I can do the job but I hate having to convince them!
Today, we'll be discussing some odd job interviews and looking at some
related vocabulary. So Finn, are you ready for your first interview
question?
Finn: Yes Rob, I am raring to go!
Rob: Good to hear. Well, it's important to know what type of job you are being
interviewed for. Some job titles are a bit exaggerated. So, what type of
job has been named a 'Field Nourishment Consultant'? Is it:
a) A waitress
b) A school dinner lady
c) A petrol station assistant
Finn: I think that it's b) a school dinner lady.
Rob: An interesting choice. I'll let you know if you are wrong or right later on.
Let's talk more about job interviews. A traditional interview usually
involves being asked a list of questions, and sometimes you have to give a
short presentation.
Finn: Yes, questions like: "Why do you want this job?" or, "Where do you see
yourself in five years' time?"
Rob: Yeah, that's a tricky one to answer! But some interviewers – the people
who ask the questions – go a bit further and ask the interviewees – the
people being interviewed – to do some inappropriate things.
6 Minute English © British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Page 1 of 4
Finn: You mean they are asked do things are not really relevant to the job.
Such as Alan Bacon, a university graduate, who last year was asked to do
a dance as part of his interview.
Rob: Well, maybe the position – or job – was for a dancer or a children's
entertainer?
Finn: No – it was actually for a job as a sales assistant in an electronics shop;

so, someone who works on the shop floor, giving advice to customers
about what to buy. There's no dancing involved.
Rob: Let's hear from him now. What did he do at the interview to look positive?
And how did he really feel about doing a dance?
Alan Bacon, university graduate:

We all wanted the job, some of us are desperate, like myself, and the idea is just to
keep smiling and go for it. On the surface I had to look positive, I was smiling, I was
laughing along with it, but inside I felt degraded and humiliated especially.
Finn: Oh poor Alan. He felt degraded – so he lost respect from other people –
and he felt humiliated – so he felt embarrassed and ashamed.
Rob: So that's how he felt on the inside but he wanted the job so he put on a
brave face – a positive attitude and a smile on his face; he even laughed.
Finn: Well, later on, he did complain and he got an apology.
Rob: But experts say there are now too many candidates chasing too few jobs
so companies are trying unorthodox – non-traditional ways of recruiting
people - to see who stands out.
Finn: Yes, well, in any job interview it's good to leave a lasting impression –
that means to get noticed and make people remember you. I suppose
doing a dance is a good way of breaking the ice – making people feel
relaxed – but being asked to do something outside your comfort zone also
seems a bit unfair to me.
Rob: Yes, but I guess if you want that job, you'll do anything.
Finn: Well, almost!
Rob: I've heard about people who have had to sing at an interview and also,
role playing – pretending to be someone else and acting out a situation.
Finn: I find just being asked odd or random questions in an interview can make
me feel uncomfortable. And a US employment website carried out a
survey about this and discovered some strange questions…
Rob: Yes they did, such as: "How would you cure world hunger?" and: "If you
were a computer programme, which one would you be?" Here's one for
you Finn: "If you were a word in the English language, which word would
you be?"

Page 2 of 4
Finn: Which word would you be? Oh, come on, that's unfair. Just asking like
that – that's outside my comfort zone Rob!
Rob: Indeed, but I'm trying to break the ice here Finn! Never mind, I'll give you
the job anyway! Seriously, there's no perfect way to interview someone
for a job. If you are having a job interview, my advice would be to keep
calm, think before you speak and if you are asked to do something
inappropriate, tell them how you feel about it!
Finn: And if all else fails you could use a bribe? What do you think? No?!
Rob: Not recommended. However you can bribe me to get the answer to
today's question?
Finn: I don't think I need to. I think I've got the answer right.
Rob: OK, let's find out. Earlier I asked you if you knew what a 'Field
Nourishment Consultant' really is.
Finn: I said b) a school dinner lady – but it could be a man. Is it right?
Rob: It has something to do with food but it's not school dinners. It's actually a
waitress – or waiter. I wonder how we could describe our jobs – maybe we
could be 'Educational Dissemination Executives'?
Finn: Oh yes, very grand. I like that!
Rob: We hope you've enjoyed today's 6 Minute English. Please join us again
soon for another programme.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
grilled (here) asked lots of difficult questions
interviewers people who interview someone for a job
interviewees people who are being interviewed
position job in a company
degraded feeling you have lost respect for yourself and from
other people
humiliated feeling embarrassed and ashamed
put on a brave face hide your feelings of being upset or disappointed
unorthodox different from what is usual or normally expected
recruiting the process of finding and employing someone to work

for a company
leave/ make a lasting behave in a way that makes people remember good
impression things about you for a long time
breaking the ice making someone feel relaxed
role playing pretending to be someone else to act out a pretend

situation
bribe money or gifts you give someone to try and make them
do something

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/02/140227_6min_odd_interviews
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
7 August 2014
Purple tomatoes
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. With me today is Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: Now Finn, I'd like to start by asking you a question. Would you eat a purple
coloured tomato?
Finn: Purple? Well, that depends. Is it a naturally coloured tomato? Where does it
come from? Is this an artificial tomato? Rob, tell me more.
Rob: Artificial – yes, you mean is it man-made and trying to copy something that
is natural? Well, in a way - yes. Because scientists have developed a
genetically modified purple tomato; they took red tomato plants and
changed their genetic patterns so that they now produce new, purple
tomatoes.
Finn: Yes, so this would be an example of GM – genetically modified – food. It's

something we'll be discussing more soon and, of course, looking at some
related vocabulary.
Rob: But here's another question for you Finn that hasn't been modified – or
changed – in any way! GM food has been researched and experimented with
for many years but do you know when the first genetically modified food was
first sold commercially? Was it in:
a) 1974
b) 1984
c) 1994
Finn: Well, we think of GM food as a recent thing so I'll say the opposite, a) 1974.
Rob: OK, we’ll find out if you're right later on. Let's talk more now about
genetically modified food – or GM food. It's called this because the food's
genes have been changed. This means the way it grows is different from the
way it grows when it isn’t touched by humans.
Finn: Yes, so, growing GM food – or crops – is controversial. Some scientists think
it's needed to meet the world's growing demand for food.
Rob: Yes, GM food can resist – or stop the effects of – some pests or bad
weather. It can grow more quickly, meaning even more crops can be
cultivated – or grown.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: But opponents of GM food – people who argue against it – say we don't know
enough about its effect on the environment.
Rob: And then there are the fears about who controls what's grown.
Finn: Yes, but despite this, GM food has become an important part of food
production. Crops like sweetcorn, rape plants, wheat and tomatoes have all
been genetically modified.
Rob: Yes, like the purple tomato, which was recently developed in the UK. It has a
dark pigment – or colour – which gives it the same potential health benefits
as blueberries.
Finn: Well, that sounds like a good thing. And not only that, it has an antioxidant
– that's a substance that stops the decaying process – which tests show
could help fight cancer.
Rob: One day we could see these purple tomatoes on pizzas or in our tomato
ketchup. Let's hear from Professor Cathie Martin who is a plant biologist from
The John Innes Centre who developed this tomato. What does she say is
good about this new food?
Professor Cathie Martin, Plant Biologist, John Innes Centre:

With these purple tomatoes, you can get the same compounds that are present in
blueberries and cranberries that give them their health benefits but you can apply them
to foods that people actually eat in significant amounts and that are reasonably
affordable.
Rob: So she says the good thing about this development is we can get health
benefits from something we eat significant amounts of – so lots of – and
they will be reasonably affordable – so it will be cheap.
Finn: Yes but there's still maybe a problem with the colour. We are affected by the
colour of stuff we put in our mouths. I mean, who eats blue food?!
Rob: That's true. And also because the European Union has restrictions on growing
GM food, this tomato has to be grown in Canada where rules are more
supportive of GM foods.
Finn: OK. Well, Professor Nick Pidgeon, who is an Environmental Psychologist, says
in the UK there is some distrust of GM food.
Rob: He says some people are concerned all this is messing with nature – it's not
natural – and maybe we don't know what the long-term consequences are.
Finn: And a big concern is that large corporations will have control over the
technology. And this could mean they control food prices too. You know Rob,
I think this is a debate that will go on and on and on.
Rob: Indeed. But it's now time to reveal the answer to today's question. Earlier I
asked you if you knew when the first genetically modified food was first sold
commercially.

Page 2 of 4
Finn: I said a) 1974.
Rob: Interesting. The answer is actually 1994. A company called Calgene sold a
product that delayed the ripening of tomatoes.
Finn: OK, well, I guess that means the fruit could last longer and it would stop it
going soft?
Rob: That was the idea. Now, before we go, Finn, could you remind us of some of
the vocabulary that we've heard today?
Finn: Yes, I will.
artificial
genetically modified
genes
resist
pests
cultivated
pigment
antioxidant
significant
affordable
distrust
ripening
Rob: Well, that brings us to the end of today's 6 Minute English. We hope you’ve
enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again soon.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
artificial made by people, copying something made in nature
genetically modified having its genetic structure changed for a particular

purpose (sometime shortened to GM)
genes parts of the DNA in a cell that control the physical

development or characteristics of an individual plant or
animal
resist fight against
pests insects or small animals that damage crops
cultivated developed to be grown on farms
pigment natural substance that gives colour
antioxidant a natural chemical that slows down the decaying

process
significant important or noticeable
affordable not expensive
distrust not trusting or believing someone or something
ripening becoming fully grown or ready for eating

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/08/140807_6min_purple_tomatoes
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25885756

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
15 May 2014
Grown up and living at home
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Finn. Hi Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob.
Rob: Today we’re talking about a subject that many of us have experienced – it's
living at home, particularly when we're grown up and in our twenties. Finn,
what age were you when you left home?
Finn: I was 18 and I'd just finished school, I was really, really excited to see the
world! So I left home quite young.
Rob: Well, I left home at the age of 18 too, to go to university, and I never looked
back!
Finn: Of course, not everyone leaves home when they're that young and we'll be
discussing the reasons why – and discovering why more young people in the
UK are staying at the 'hotel of mum and dad'.
Rob: Yes, we'll explain some related vocabulary too but first I have a question for
you Finn. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, in 2013, what
percentage of 20 to 34 year-olds were living at home with their parents? Was
it:
a) 16%
b) 26%
c) 36%
Finn: I'll say 36%.

Page 1 of 5
Rob: I'll tell you the answer later. Back to our discussion about living at home.
Residing with – or living with – your parents is not that unusual in some
countries. Economic conditions, culture, or family tradition means that some
young people stay at home until they get hitched – or get married.
Finn: Even then, it may be too expensive to rent or buy a house and the married
couple continue to live at one of their parents' homes. But living conditions
can be a bit cramped.
Rob: But in the UK, it has been more common to leave home at a fairly young age
and get your own place to live – maybe sharing it with other people – like a
flatshare.
Finn: Many people may have to move to another city to take up a job – to get a job
– or they may be going to university. But all this comes at a price – there are
bills to pay, there's food to buy, plus the cost of accommodation.
Rob: That's why there has been an increase in young people living with their
parents for longer. The recent economic downturn is the biggest factor. It's
harder for them to get on the property ladder – to buy a house. But what's
it like to be 27 and still living under the same roof as mum?
Finn: Luke Sibson knows. He's 27 and still lives with his mum. What does he say is
the biggest difficulty?
Luke Sibson:
I had set plans to own a house, and a car and have a family by the time I'm 30. I'm now 27
and I'm not any closer to achieving that. There's something very difficult about being a 27-
year-old man living at home with your mum. There's something very difficult about being an
adult living in an environment where you're still a child. It limits me socially; sometimes I
feel it limits me professionally.
Finn: Oh dear, he had big plans for what he wanted by the time he was 30. But he's
still at home and finds it difficult being an adult in an environment – or a
place where you live – where you're a child.
Rob: So he feels like a child because he's being looked after and doesn't have much
independence. This limits him in what he can do socially. I suppose he can't
bring lots of friends home or leave the house in a mess!

Page 2 of 5
Finn: He thinks it also limits him professionally – so it can affect his career. I have
to admit, living at home now would drive me mad.
Rob: Well not everyone has a choice and some might feel the benefits – the good
things – are greater than the bad things. Alberto Baragan is 29 and lives near
Madrid in Spain, a country where unemployment amongst the young is high.
He says home living is not all bad. Can you hear what his reasons are?
Alberto Baragan:
Basically I don't have to wash my clothes, I don't have to make my bed, I don't have to buy
anything for me, 'cos my mum does all these things for me. You don't have to worry about
paying taxes, or paying electricity, any bills; you are living basically for free.
Finn: He says you are 'living for free' – that is quite a big incentive. There's
nothing to buy, no bed to make, no washing to do. You need quite a generous
and kind and generous mother or father to live like that!
Rob: Indeed. The type of parents you have may influence your decision to stay at
home too! Alberto also mentioned there were no taxes or bills to pay, which
is great if you're not earning any money.
Finn: Yes and this is of course the reality for many young people in Spain. But if you
have no choice about living at home, hopefully you at least have a good
relationship with your parents. This means accepting their virtues – their
good points – and their faults.
Rob: Yes, after all, it is their home!
Finn: Spoken like a true parent Rob!
Rob: Behave Finn, and let's see if you answered today's question correctly. I asked
you according to the UK's Office for National Statistics, in 2013, what
percentage of 20 to 34 year-olds were living at home with their parents? Was
it:
a) 16%
b) 26%

Page 3 of 5
c) 36%
Finn: I said 36%.
Rob: You're wrong. The answer is 26%. That's 3.3 million adults. That's an
increase of about 25% since 1996. Well that's it for this programme. Please
join us again soon for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
residing with living with
get hitched (informal) get married
cramped small and crowded
accommodation a place to live in
the property ladder the series of stages in owning a house or flat, starting
with a small place and buying bigger and more
expensive homes as you can afford more
environment (here) the place and the conditions in which someone

lives
benefits positive things you get from a situation
incentive something that encourages you to do something
virtues good qualities in a person
faults bad qualities in a person

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/05/140516_6mi
n_living_at_home.shtml
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25827061

Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
20 February 2014
Drinking around the world
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Neil. Hi Neil.
Neil: Hi Rob.
Rob: Today we’re talking about something many of us are familiar with – drinking
in a bar or a pub. Now Neil, do you have a favourite bar or pub?
Neil: Well, I have a few favourites. One in particular is a pub I used to go to after
work with friends and colleagues where you got personal service – they
brought the drink to you, which is very unusual in this country.
Rob: It certainly is! I like the old-fashioned-style English pubs, with plenty of ale on
offer, cosy little corners to sit in and a roaring log fire. I’m not so keen on
those bright, loud and modern bars – and the drinks are expensive there too!
Neil: You’re very traditional, aren't you, Rob? Well, let's talk more about places to
drink around the world soon and highlight some drinking-related vocabulary.
But first, how about a question?
Rob: Of course. In the UK the word ‘pub’ is short for public house – and there are
over 50,000 of them with many different historical names. But do you know
which name is the most popular pub name? Is it…
a) The Red Lion

b) The Crown
c) The Royal Oak
Neil: That's difficult. There are lots of pubs with those names but I'm going to
guess c) The Royal Oak.
Rob: We’ll find out if you are right or wrong later. So let’s start talking about
boozing – an informal way of saying drinking alcohol. As you know, in the UK
we have the pub as a place where we can socialise – or meet friends – and
drink together. But all around the world people have places to come together
and share a drink – and not necessarily an alcoholic drink.
Neil: A pub is also sometimes called a tavern or even a saloon – that’s the sort of
drinking den you would see in an old cowboy film! But a bar tends to be the
most well-known word for describing a place to have a drink.
Rob: A bar is also the word to describe the long wooden counter that drinks are
put on when you order – or ask for – a drink. There are some amazing bars
to drink in around the world. I drank in one in Sweden that was completely
made of ice: even the glasses were made of ice!

Page 1 of 4
Neil: I find wherever I go in the world there is always an Irish-themed pub where
you can usually get a pint of Guinness! In fact it’s claimed the highest pub in
the world, on the route up Mount Everest, is an Irish pub!
Rob: Well, walking up there must be thirsty work. One of the remotest pubs in
the world is in a corner of Greenland. BBC correspondent Rob Crossan
recently reported from there for the BBC. Let’s hear the words he uses to
describe the pub and the customers…
Rob Crossan, BBC correspondent:

There’s only one pub, a windowless bunker where country and western music plays whilst
local men and women, mostly dressed in tracksuits, woolly hats and hiking boots, sit almost
silently around the sparse collection of ripped banquettes and wobbly wooden chairs.
Neil: A very lonely place. The only pub around. It has no windows and he compares
it to a bunker – that is a place that is usually underground and built to protect
people from bullets or bombs.
Rob: Well, a pub is normally a place to have a good time – but this doesn’t sound
like a fun place, because nobody is talking and there is not much furniture to
sit on – it's sparse.
Neil: Yes, just a few ripped banquettes – these are small seating areas arranged
around a table. And some wobbly, wooden chairs. Not the place for a riotous
evening.
Rob: Well, maybe it is. When the drink starts flowing and everyone comes together
on a dark, cold Greenland night, it could be fun. The only problem is that
alcohol is a bit limited, as Rob Crossan explains:
Rob Crossan, BBC correspondent:

Only beer is available, the Danish brands - spirits were completely banned in this part of
Greenland five years ago due to the quite astonishing levels of consumption by the local
population.
Neil: So you can only drink beer. Consumption – or the drinking of – spirits has
been stopped, or banned, because people drank too much of it. Well Rob, you
know you don’t have to drink to have a good time!
Rob: That's true. It’s not good for your health and you get a terrible hangover –
you feel ill – the next day. Maybe I’ll have an orange juice next time I go to
my local boozer – or pub.
Neil: So come on Rob, what is the most popular name for a British boozer?
Rob: Yes, is it:
a) The Red Lion

b) The Crown
c) The Royal Oak
Neil: I think it's c) The Royal Oak.
Rob: You've probably drunk in a few Royal Oaks, haven’t you?
Neil: Yes, I have.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: But you're wrong. The answer is actually The Red Lion. There are 518 Red
Lion pubs in the UK. There are some more unusual names for British pubs too,
such as The Axe and Compass, The Ferret and Trouser Leg, and The Slurping
Toad! OK Neil, there’s just time to remind us of some of the vocabulary we’ve
heard today:
ale
traditional
boozing
alcoholic drink
drinking den
a bar
themed
thirsty work
riotous
consumption
hangover
boozer
Rob: Thanks Neil. We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again
soon for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. Right Neil, do you fancy
a pint now?
Neil: Absolutely, I’ll drink to that!
Both: Cheers!

Page 3 of 4
ale a type of beer
traditional following old-fashioned ways
boozing drinking alcohol
alcoholic drink drink containing alcohol, such as beer or spirits
drinking den place where people go to drink alcohol
a bar (here) a counter where alcoholic drinks are served in a bar

or pub
themed decorated and furnished in a style related to a particular

topic, activity, place or event in history
thirsty work hard physical work that makes you want to have a drink
riotous lively and noisy
consumption (here) drinking
hangover feeling unwell the day after drinking alcohol
boozer slang word for pub
Read and listen to the story online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/02/140220_6min_drinking
More about pubs:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1557_london_extra/page13.shtml

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
Chill and lose weight!
Rob: Hello I'm Rob….
Finn: … and I'm Finn…
Rob: … and this is 6 Minute English. In today's programme we're talking about
slimming – in other words, doing something to lose weight and get thinner.
Not a problem for you Finn?
Finn: Well, I do have a small tyre of fat that is growing around my middle – so even
I don't have a perfect body!
Rob: It doesn't show and maybe you are what we call TOFI – that's thin on the
outside and fat on the inside. But for people who perceive – or think they may
be fat on the outside, there could be some good news.
Finn: Yes, this is to do with research about the temperature of your house. We'll
explain more soon and we will look at some related vocabulary. But first Rob,
have you got a question for me?
Rob: Of course. This is about calories – these are the units that measure how
much energy you get from food. People who want to lose weight try to eat
food with fewer calories in them. But what is the recommended number of
calories an average man needs each day to maintain a healthy weight? Is it:
a) 2,000 calories
b) 2,500 calories
c) 3,000 calories
Finn: I should know this. I think it's c) 3,000 calories.

Page 1 of 5
Rob: We'll find out if you are right later on. Let's talk more now about a possible
new way to slim – or lose weight. New research has found that heating your
house too much could make you fat!
Finn: And turning the central heating down could make you lose the pounds! This
is the claim from Dr Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt, who is a biologist at
Maastricht University Medical Centre.
Rob: That's right. He got some brave volunteers to spend six hours every day for
ten days indoors, in temperatures of just 15 to 16 degrees Celsius whilst just
wearing t-shirts and shorts. That's not something I would normally do!
Finn: But these guinea pigs – a name for people who are used in experiments -
became accustomed to – or used - the cold, and their metabolism worked
faster.
Rob: Metabolism is an important thing. This is the chemical process in your body
that causes you to burn food and turn it in to energy. So in this research,
living in cooler conditions made people's body's burn food faster.
Finn: So they burnt off the calories and that means they lost weight. It sounds like
a simple and easy diet. I like the sound of a diet that doesn't involve too
much effort!
Rob: It doesn't mean you can just be a couch potato – you still need to do some
exercise. But living in a cooler temperature could help to some extent and this
is because of 'brown fat'.
Finn: Brown fat! Let's find out more about this from Dr Wouter van Marken
Lichtenbelt, who's been speaking to the BBC's Health Check programme. What
happens to brown fat when it is activated?
Dr Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt, Biologist, Maastricht University Medical Centre:

Brown fat cells are not really filled with fat, but with other particles that can increase energy
metabolism a lot. So if brown fat gets activated it produces heat so it warms up the body.

Page 2 of 5
Rob: So he says brown fat isn't fat! It has particles that help to increase your
metabolism. When it is activated – or starts working – it makes heat and that
warms up the body.
Finn: It's interesting stuff – and brown fat actually increases after living in cold
conditions. It's particularly found in animals that hibernate – the ones that
sleep during the winter.
Rob: A similar experiment took place in Japan which led to people losing weight.
But I find if the temperature is colder, I want to eat more to warm me up –
particulary unhealthy food or what we call, comfort food.
Finn: Well, the Doctor says we mustn't – and he explains that losing weight this
way also depends on other lifestyle factors – so other ways we lead our life,
such as exercise and what we eat.
Rob: But he does feel understanding environmental conditions – where we live and
work – could be useful in the future.
Finn: He thinks a factor like temperature has been neglected – or not thought
important. But he believes it should be thought about when designing heating
and cooling systems for homes and offices. Does this mean I am going to be
shivering when I'm at work?!
Rob: Well you will be producing extra brown fat instead of the other fat! But
seriously, the Doctor is just talking about turning the temperature down a few
degrees, not turning the room into a freezer. It would certainly help reduce
electricity and gas bills! Well it's time now to reveal the answer to the
question I set you earlier. I asked you what is the recommended number of
calories an average man needs each day to maintain a healthy weight?
Finn: I said c) 3,000 calories.
Rob: The answer is 2,500 calories per day. And the recommended number calories
for an average woman is 2,000 per day. Well, that brings us to the end of
today's 6 Minute English. Please join us again soon.

Page 3 of 5
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
slimming what you do to lose weight and become thinner
calories units that measure how much energy you get from food
lose the pounds reduce your weight
guinea pigs (here) people used in a scientific test to find out the
effects of something on them
metabolism all the chemical processes in your body, especially

those that cause food to be used for energy and growth
diet (here) an eating plan that helps someone eat less and
lose weight
couch potato person who is not very active and watches lots of
television
hibernate spend the winter sleeping
comfort food types of food people eat that make them feel happier
when they are sad or worried

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140731_6min_slimming.shtml
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01qc1rb

Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
What is dark tourism?
Rob: Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m Rob.
Neil: And I'm Neil. Hello.
Rob: Today we’re talking about an unusual type of tourism. Tourism is the
business of providing services such as transport, places to stay, or
entertainment for people who are on holiday.
Neil: But instead of providing sunny holidays in a nice hotel by the sea – this is
where tourists travel to sites of death, brutality and terror. It's being called
'dark tourism'. Rob, have you ever been to any dark tourist destination – or
place?
Rob: Yes. I've visited Auschwitz in Poland – a fascinating trip to an obviously

depressing place. And next month I'm planning to go to Chernobyl – the site
of a catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986.
Neil: So these are not your typical sightseeing trips but a visit to places that make
you curious because of their significance – their importance – in history?
Rob: Exactly. We'll talk more about this soon but not before I set you today's
question. Robben Island in South Africa is one dark tourism destination. It's
where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Do you know in which
year it finally closed as a prison?
a) 1991
b) 1996
c) 1999

Page 1 of 5
Neil: I don't know but I'm going to guess a) 1991 because I think he was released
in 1989 and surely they would have shut it down pretty quickly after that.
Rob: I'll reveal the answer later. So let’s talk more about 'dark tourism'. The word
'dark' is used here because it relates to places that are connected with bad or
sinister things or things that could be considered morally wrong.
Neil: It's strange to want to visit places like these. There is what we call a morbid
fascination – that's showing an interest in things connected with death and
destruction. And these kinds of trips are on the increase.
Rob: Yes, there are organised tours to places like Ground Zero in New York, the
killing fields in Cambodia and the nuclear power station in Chernobyl.
Neil: And there are the battlefields of World War I and II – and the top security
prison of Alcatraz.
Rob: There are also plans to turn the disaster site of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
power plant in Japan into a tourist destination – once the radiation is reduced.
Neil: But why do people want to visit these macabre sites? Well I mentioned
curiosity and a chance to learn about history – but sometimes people just feel
compelled to visit them.
Rob: But what about the ethics of dark tourism – is it wrong to make this trip? Are
we not just exploiting – making money or cashing in on someone's suffering?
Neil: Doctor Phillip Stone is an expert in this subject. He's director of the Institute
for Dark Tourism Research. He says this type of tourism isn't new – people
have been visiting these types of places for years. He says it's always been
there…
Doctor Phillip Stone, Director of the Institute for Dark Tourism Research:
It's not new in the sense that we are fascinated by other death and people's suffering. But
it's how it's packaged up by the tourist industry.

Page 2 of 5
Rob: So he says dark tourism isn't new. In fact a medieval execution was an early
form of dark tourism. Maybe it's just human nature that draws us to these
places? Doctor Stone says it's all about how these dark trips are packaged.
So it depends how they are sold and how tasteful they are – are they
sensitive to the horrors of what has taken place?
Neil: Yes, being able to walk around a historic site or visit a museum is one thing
but how about staying in a former prison in Latvia and paying to be treated
like a prisoner? Or how about crawling around Vietnamese war tunnels whilst
people fire guns outside?
Rob: Maybe that is taking the experience too far. Doctor Stone says there is a
"blurred line between memorialisation and tourism". He means it is hard to
separate going to remember an event and the people who've died with visiting
somewhere as part of a holiday.
Neil: Another issue when visiting these places is how you remember your visit –
you must be respectful - perhaps taking photos, yes, but should you take a
'selfie'? And should you buy a souvenir or send a postcard home?
Rob: Well you certainly wouldn't write on your postcard 'wish you were here'.
Anyway, let's now reveal the answer to the question I set you earlier.
Neil: Yes, this was about the former prison on Robben Island which is now a
popular destination for dark tourism.
Rob: I asked you when it finally closed as a prison. Was it in:
a) 1991
b) 1996
c) 1999
Neil: I said 1991.
Rob: And you were wrong actually. It was in 1996. About 350,000 people now visit
the site every year – which shows how much interest there is in a place that
you would have once never wanted to go near. Is it somewhere you would like
to visit Neil?

Page 3 of 5
Neil: I'm not sure about dark tourism to be honest.
Rob: Ok Neil, could you remind us of some of the vocabulary we’ve heard today:
tourism
depressing
catastrophic
curious
morally wrong
morbid fascination
macabre
compelled
ethics
exploiting
human nature
tasteful
memorialisation
respectful
Rob: Thanks. We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again
soon for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
tourism the business of providing services such as transport,

places to stay, or entertainment for people who are on
holiday
depressing making you feel unhappy and without hope
catastrophic causing huge destruction or suffering
curious interested in wanting to find out about things
morally wrong against what is generally believed to be the right way of

doing something
morbid fascination an interest in things to do with death and destruction
macabre unpleasant or shocking because they are related to death
compelled doing something because you feel forced to or feel it has

to be done
ethics what is believed to be the right way to behave
exploiting (here) using something for financial gain
human nature the natural ways of behaving that most people share:
tasteful showing good judgement about what is suitable
memorialisation the act of honouring someone or an event
respectful feeling or showing admiration for someone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/05/140508_6min_dark_tourism.shtml
Related story:

Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
13 February 2014
Technology at the Winter Olympics
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Finn.
Hello Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob.
Rob: Today we’re talking about the biggest sporting event that's taking place at
the moment – the Winter Olympics at Sochi in Russia.
Finn: Yes, it's the 22nd Winter Games to take place but these ones are the most
expensive ever – they are reported to have cost around £32 billion.
Rob: And it was quite a surprise when the Games were awarded to Sochi back
in 2007 because the city is better known for palm trees than for ski
slopes. But a lot of new technology has gone into making this competition
possible.
Finn: Yes and a lot of technology has been used to make this year's sportsmen
and sportswomen faster than ever – and that's what we'll be discussing
today, as well as explaining some sports-related vocabulary.
Rob: But first Finn, let's see if you can 'go for gold' and get this question right.
One winter sport event in this Olympics is the Biathlon. It involves
competitors doing two things but what are they? Are they:
a) Cross-country skiing and rifle shooting

b) Downhill skiing and rifle shooting
c) Cross-country skiing and swimming
Finn: I'm going to say cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, that's a).
Rob: OK, we’ll find out if you are right or wrong later on. So Finn, are you a fan
of the Winter Olympics?
Finn: I must say I prefer the summer Olympics but I do enjoy watching the
skiing. What about you?
Rob: I particularly enjoy watching the bobsleigh racing – the speed is incredible
and it looks like a really fun thing to do.
Finn: And dangerous!
Rob: Yes. But of course, the athletes need a lot of skill to complete the course
in the fastest time and, of course, win the race.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: Yes, they need to be very fit but technology can also give them a
helping hand. Behind the scenes, computer modelling helps to design
the best wind-resistant bobsleighs - and the best techniques for the
athletes to use.
Rob: This is true for another Olympic sport, speed skating. When there's less
than a second between gold and silver medal, clothing can make a big
difference – a newly-designed speed-skating suit, introduced in 2002,
helped many skaters beat their personal best.
Finn: Yes, they improved their own fastest time. So materials used in the design
of sportswear can give competitors an advantage – and another factor is
the technology in the equipment they use.
Rob: Such as in skiing, where skis are manufactured – or made – with

materials that increase durability - that's staying in good condition for a
long time despite constant use – and stability – keeping skis upright – and
of course, speed.
Finn: Yes, and there are different designs for different types of skiing: some skis
are narrow and light to use for cross-country skiing while others are short
with curved edges, to allow skiers to tackle sharp turns in a slalom race.
Rob A slalom involves lots of tight turns. I tried that when I went skiing once
and it was quite tricky, especially at speed, which is why I took my time,
doing a snow-plough around every pole.
Finn: OK, so no gold medal for you! Ski design is constantly evolving – or
improving – which makes ski events some of the most varied and exciting
of the Winter Games.
Rob: There are other types of skiing in the Winter Olympics such as, ski
jumping, freestyle skiing, skiing moguls and Nordic skiing. All these
need one crucial – or essential thing:
Finn: Skis?
Rob: I was thinking more of snow! But as Sochi is known for its subtropical
climate, using natural snow is a little bit unreliable. That's why loads of
artificial – or fake snow is being made.
Finn: Yes, and snow guns are being used to do this. They eject cooled water and
compressed air to make man-made snow.
Rob: But the problem with this is it uses large quantities of water so it depletes
– or uses up – local resources. It's believed the snowmaking system at
Sochi could empty an Olympic-sized swimming pool in less than one hour.
Finn: Of course ice is another essential ingredient for many of the winter
games. Sports such as: curling, figure skating, ice hockey, luge and
skeleton – that's where competitors, known as sliders, hurtle head first
down the 1.5km course on a sled not much bigger than a tea-tray!

Page 2 of 4
Rob: That really does sound dangerous! And what about the biathlon Finn? I
asked you earlier which two sports that competition involves.
Finn: I really had no idea but I said a) cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
Rob: Well, you're quite knowledgeable actually, because the answer is a). It's
cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Did you know, the biathlon is also
the sweatiest sport at the Winter Olympics? Male athletes typically
produce 2.3 litres (or 4 pints) of perspiration in the 20km race.
Finn: Four pints? Wow! Well, it makes me sweat just thinking about doing
something like that.
Rob: That's it for today, we hope you’ve enjoyed listening. Please join us again
soon for another 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. Bye.
Finn: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
go for gold to try to get the best result possible
people who are good at sport and particularly take part

athletes
in sporting competitions
give (someone) a helping

help someone
hand
designing and planning (here, using a computer

modelling
programme)
personal best the best result you have ever achieved
something that makes one person more likely to

an advantage
succeed than another
staying in good condition for a long time despite

durability
constant use
a race, in which people move around a series of poles,

slalom turning first one way and then the other (usually
skiing)
snow-plough (here) a type of turn or move done when skiing
freestyle using any type of move you want to
moguls piles of snow you jump over when skiing
made by people and used instead of something natural

artificial
(for example: fake snow)
hurtle move very quickly without much control

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/02/140213_6min_sochi.shtml
More about Sochi:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-olympics/2014
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/winter-olympics/25688943

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
24 July 2014
Eid Mubarak!
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Neil. Hello
Neil.
Neil: Hi there Rob. And I'm sure you'll join me in wishing our Muslim listeners Eid
Mubarak!
Rob: Yes, indeed, Eid Mubarak! The end of Ramadan is approaching and they will
be celebrating 'Eid-ul-Fitr', the Festival of the Breaking of Fast.
Neil: 'Fast' is the word for a period of time when you don't eat. And when you eat
after a fast you break your fast.
Rob: Today we are going to talk about Ramadan. But first a question for you, Neil.
Neil: OK. What is it?
Rob: Well, many people around the world are celebrating Ramadan at the
moment. But how many people follow Islam? Is it about:
a) 1.2 billion
b) 1.5 billion or
c) 1.8 billion people
Neil: Right. This is going to be a complete guess. I'll go for the middle option, b)
1.5 billion.
Rob: OK, interesting guess. And do you know which country has the biggest
Muslim population? Do you want to risk a guess?
Neil: I think I know this. I'm going to say Indonesia.
Rob: OK, well, all will be revealed at the end of the programme. First, let's
understand what this celebration is all about.
Neil: Muslims believe in a God called Allah. Eid is an occasion when they thank
Allah for helping them to have bettered themselves by giving up food.
Rob: It is. I asked Muna, our colleague from the Arabic Service at the BBC World
Service, to explain the main purpose of Ramadan. Listen out for the word
which means the ability to control yourself.
Muna, BBC World Service's Arabic Section:

Ramadan is the holy month when we fast. We begin the day with one meal after dawn.
We finish our fast with another meal with the sunset. After this whole month comes Eid

Page 1 of 4
to reward ourselves for this worship. And it's a kind of discipline, to discipline
ourselves and to let us feel how people in need feel when they don't have enough food.
And every Muslim should give an amount of money to the people in need after this
fasting.
Neil: Muna uses the word 'discipline'. When you fast you resist the temptation of
eating.
Rob: And she also talks about reward. After a month of fasting and worship, which
means showing a strong admiration and respect for God – Allah in this case –
the followers of Islam reward themselves with the festival called Eid.
Neil: She says people fast in order to understand the way others in need live.
Rob: People in need – poor people – don't have enough food to eat and might feel
hungry for most of the time and this period of fasting helps Muslims to
experience that.
Neil: And then every Muslim is required to donate – that's give money or gifts - to
the poor. And what does Muna do during Eid?
Rob: Well, Muna, who is a Palestinian living in London, tells us. Listen out for what
she does in the mosque, or the Islamic temple.
Muna, the BBC World Service's Arabic Section:

We go to the mosque after the sunset and we pray together. Then we have coffee and
sweets together. We visit each other. We spend the whole night talking and celebrating
and… in Saudi Arabia for example they can go to festivals, go to coffee shops… yes,
(there are) different ways of celebrating Ramadan and Eid.
Neil: Pray – it's when you speak to God privately or in a religious ceremony, when
you want to express love for God or ask for something or just say 'thank you
for helping me'. Ramadan and Eid also seem to be very social occasions.
Rob: Muna will go to the mosque and after she prays with other Muslims, they eat
together and talk a lot.
Neil: So, there's a personal challenge of fasting, when you have to have discipline.
And also the social aspect of making donations to the poor and sharing a
meal with friends and fellow Muslims.
Rob: And there's another Eid coming up, Neil. It's called 'Eid-ul-Adha'. It's going to
be celebrated in October. Let's listen to what Muna has to say. What happens
before that other Eid is celebrated?
Muna, the BBC World Service's Arabic Section:

The other Eid comes after (the) pilgrimage to the holy places in Saudi Arabia and in
this Eid also the other worship we do is to slaughter sheep or cow or camel and give this
meat to people in need.
Neil: Ah, a pilgrimage – it means a visit to a special place to show respect. In this
case, it is a visit to holy places in Saudi Arabia. It's after the 'Hajj", the
journey to Mecca.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: And again there's a concern about the poor. Muna said the meat of an animal
is offered to those who haven't got enough to eat.
Neil: And now I'm very keen to know how many Muslims there are in the world,
Rob. Was I right at the beginning of the programme?
Rob: Well, the options were a) 1.2 billion; b) 1.5 billion; and c) 1.8 billion people.
Neil: And I said b) 1.5 billion.
Rob: You did, didn't you? And you were right. According to a 2010 study by the
Pew Research Center in the US, Islam is followed by 1.57 billion people,
making up over 23% of the world population. The largest Muslim population
in a country is in Indonesia, a secular nation home to 12.7% of the world's
Muslims. Well done! You got both questions right, Neil.
Neil: Fantastic!
Rob: Unfortunately, we're running out of time but before we go, could you please
remind us of some of the English words we’ve heard today?
Neil: We heard:
fast
breaking (a fast)
reward
worship
discipline
in need
to donate
mosque
pray
pilgrimage
Rob: Thank you, Neil. Well that’s it for this programme. Please join us soon again
for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye and Eid Mubarak!

Page 3 of 4
fast period of time without eating
break (a fast) interruption of the fast by eating food
reward get something good in return for a good action
worship follow and show strong respect for a god
discipline ability to control yourself
in need poor
to donate give money or gifts in return for nothing
mosque Islamic temple
pray speak to a god in private or in a religious ceremony
pilgrimage trip to a special place to show respect

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140724_6min_eid_mubarak.shtml
More on this story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
1 May 2014
Modern offices
Rob: Hello, I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I've got Finn with me today.
Hello Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob, how's it going?
Rob: All right. You might notice it's a bit noisier than usual – that's because we're in
our open-plan office.
Finn: Yes, it's a big room full of desks with no walls between them and, as I look
around, I can see maybe about 50 colleagues working very hard at their
computers!
Rob: And today we're talking about open-plan offices – and learning some language
related to office life.
Finn: That's right. Rob, shall we just go back into the studio where it's a bit quieter?
Rob: Good idea. Let's go. (in the studio) Right, come in here.
Finn: That's better. That's good, isn't it?
Rob: Lovely.
Finn: Rob – a question? You know a lot about sound, don't you?
Rob: Well, a bit.
Finn: What do we call a kind of noise that contains the full range of sounds that
humans can hear? Is it…

Page 1 of 5
a) white noise
b) green noise
c) pink noise
Rob: Good question. I'm only familiar with the term 'white noise', so I'll go for a)
white noise.
Finn: Well, we'll see if you're right at the end of the programme. So shall we
continue talking about offices?
Rob: Yes, millions of people like us work in open-plan offices these days, but
they're not new. Do you remember Henry Ford, the American industrialist
from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century?
Finn: Yes, he owned factories and he made the famous Ford cars.
Rob: He's also one of the main names in the story of open-plan offices.
Finn: Yes, Henry Ford was really concerned with efficiency, wasn't he?
Rob: Yes. Efficiency is one of main reasons for open-plan offices – they increase
communication and collaboration among staff.
Finn: Now, a company's staff – its employees – work together for the same goals –
they collaborate, exchanging information and ideas. This can be nice, but
there can be too many of us in a small space!
Rob: Franklin Becker, social psychologist at Cornell University in the US, thinks the
reason open-plan offices have become acceptable and popular, or as he says
– the reason they have taken root – is different. What reason does he give?
Franklin Becker, social psychologist at Cornell University, US:

The fundamental reason why open plan has taken root has nothing to do really with
communication or collaboration or even flexibility. It has to do with the fact that you can
reduce the amount of space per person in an open-plan versus any kind of a closed cellular
office.

Page 2 of 5
Finn: Well, it's all about saving space and money. He says it takes less space per
person in an open-plan office than it does in a cellular office – that's an office
which is made up of lots of small, closed rooms.
Rob: In those offices, the space for each individual – per person - is limited. Which
is why open-plan offices have taken root.
Finn: So some very good reasons for open-plan offices. But what about the noise?
Rob: The noise! Yes! Although open-plan offices can save a company money, they
have hidden costs. Sound expert Julian Treasure explains what they are. He
uses a very important word for business. Which word is it?
Julian Treasure, chairman of the Sound Agency:

Nobody can understand two people talking at the same time. We have bandwidth for about
1.6 people talking. Now that's key when we are talking about open-plan offices because if I'm
trying to do work it requires me to listen to a voice in my head to organise symbols, to
organise a flow of words and put them on paper, for example. And if you're talking at the
same time, then you're taking up one of my 1.6. I'm left with 0.6 in my head. That doesn't
work very well - it reduces my productivity dramatically.
Finn: The word, right at the end there, was productivity. Workers in open-plan
offices get distracted when others speak, and their ability to produce work –
their productivity - is reduced.
Rob: The expert says we can concentrate on 1.6 voices saying different things at
the same time. That's not even two people!
Finn: No, not really. He says one voice is in your own head, to organise the flow,
the movement, of words and ideas when you think and write.
Rob: And the other is… well, people like you on the phone all the time!
Finn: Oh, come on Rob. I suppose I do speak on the phone quite a lot but I didn't
know I was disturbing your work.
Rob: You are.
Finn: Oh, sorry. Shall we go back to the question I asked earlier?

Page 3 of 5
Rob: Okay.
Finn: I asked you about the colour of noise that contains the full range of sounds
that humans can hear. Was it white, green or pink noise?
Rob: Yes. And I went for white noise.
Finn: The answer is, in fact, pink noise. That's the name scientists give noise…
Rob: Interesting colour.
Finn: … the full range of audio frequencies or sounds that humans can hear.
Rob: Okay. Well, it's almost time to go but could you remind us of some of the
English words we heard today?
Finn: Of course. We heard:
open-plan office
industrialist
collaboration
staff
to take root
per person
flow
productivity
Rob: Thanks Finn. Well that's it for this programme. Please join us soon again for 6
Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
open-plan office big office which has few or no walls or rooms inside it
industrialist owner of factories who is influential in business
collaboration working together for the same goal, exchanging

information and ideas
staff group of people who work for a company or organisation
to take root to become acceptable and popular
per person share for each individual
flow movement, especially movement that is smooth and

continuous
productivity rate at which goods are made

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/05/01_6min_modern_offices.shtml
More on this story:


Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
6 February 2014
Learn a thousand foreign words
Rob: Hello I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hi
Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob – or should I say 'ni hao' Rob?
Rob: Your Chinese is very good Finn but I wonder how many more Chinese
words you know? 1,000 perhaps?
Finn: (In Chinese: "Not really, I just know a little…")
Rob: Now you're just showing off! Not being able to speak a foreign language is
a bit of a British trait – or a particular British characteristic. We're not
very good at it although Finn is an exception, he can speak many foreign
languages, can't you?
Finn: Not that many – a bit of German, some French, Polish a little, Chinese of
course, Hokkien, a bit of Japanese… That's about it.
Rob: I'm impressed Finn. Well, now the rest of us Brits are being encouraged to
learn at least 1,000 words of another language. We'll talk more about that
soon but before I start learning my new words, how about a question
Finn?
Finn: Très bien!
Rob: Do you know which is the second most spoken language in England? Is it:
a) Polish
b) Urdu
c) French
Finn: I think I know this one, Rob. I'm going to say a) Polish.
Rob: OK, well, as always I'll let you know the answer at the end of programme.
So, as I mentioned, the British are generally considered to be lazy
linguists – they just don't bother to learn another language.
Finn: I guess the main reason is that when British people travel around the
world they find that English is spoken almost everywhere – so they get by
– they survive on just using their native language.
Rob: I think, in the past, the education system was also to blame. Learning a
foreign language was not compulsory – it didn't have to be studied -

Page 1 of 4
when I went to school, we didn't have to study languages to exam level –
so I took the easy option and studied photography instead of French! But
of course I regret it now. But that wasn't the same for you Finn?
Finn: At first I didn't really like it but you know, I love words, and then one day
I discovered the Chinese language and thought this was fascinating, and
it's a key to a whole new culture.
Rob: Well, recently a campaign was launched for those of us who didn't share
your enthusiasm or have the opportunity to learn another language. The
1,000 Words campaign is encouraging everyone in the UK to learn at least
1,000 words of another language. It hopes to help Britain increase
international trade.
Finn: The group says that a vocabulary of 1,000 words would allow a speaker to
hold a simple conversation. It sounds like a good idea.
Rob: Si! Well, let's hear from the former England footballer and TV presenter,
Gary Lineker, who is supporting the campaign. Can you hear what three
things he says learning another language gives you?
Gary Lineker:
I think it gives you self-satisfaction and self-esteem if you can speak another language
when you're travelling. I think it also gives you an edge in a lot of different areas in the
workplace, not just football.
Finn: So Gary Lineker says there are three things it gives you; it gives you self-
satisfaction, firstly. He means you feel good about learning a new skill.
But it can have negative meaning – self-satisfaction - that you are smug
or pleased with yourself. I don't think he means that here though.
Rob: He also says it improves self-esteem – so you feel good about yourself
and it boosts your confidence. Imagine going on holiday to Spain and
being able to converse with – or speak to – the locals.
Finn: It feels good! And he also mentioned the economic benefits of speaking
another language; it gives you the edge in the workplace. That means it
gives you an advantage, especially if you are dealing with foreign
companies.
Rob: And it also shows politeness and respect for other people by showing you
have made an effort.
Finn: It's something another footballer, Gareth Bale, has tried to do. Last year
he signed for Real Madrid so he tried to master – or to be very good at –
speaking Spanish so he could talk to his fans. This is how he got on:
Gareth Bale:
(In Spanish: Hello. It is a dream to play for Real Madrid. Thank you.)
Rob: Muy bien! Impressive – I think he was saying it was his dream to play for
Real Madrid.

Page 2 of 4
Finn: Rob, your Spanish is very impressive too there. For Gareth Bale, speaking
Spanish will help him fit in – perhaps make him more accepted by his
teammates and his fans.
Rob: But Finn, I have a dilemma. There are so many languages in the world,
which one should I learn first?
Finn: Maybe you could start with the UK's second most spoken language?
Rob: Yes, that's the question I posed earlier: what is Britain's second most
spoken language.
Finn: I said Polish. Polski.
Rob: Yes, of course you are right. According to the 2011 census, the answer is
Polish. The census also found over 104 different languages are spoken in
the UK. Before we go, could you remind us of some of the English words
we've heard today?
trait
linguists
native language
to get by
compulsory
self-esteem
to converse with
to give you the edge
to master
to fit in
Rob: Danke schön, Finn.
Finn: Bitte schön!
Rob: OK, well that's it for this programme. Please join us soon again for 6
Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
trait characteristic
linguists people who study foreign languages or speak them

very well
native language language of a person's home country
to get by to just have or know enough to do what you need to do
compulsory must be done
self-esteem confidence in your value and in what you can do
to converse with to have a conversation with
to give you the edge to have an advantage
to master to learn how to do something very well
to fit in to feel like you belong to a group of people and are

accepted by them

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/02/140206_6min_1000_words.shtml
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
17 July 2014
Star signs
Rob: Hello I’m Rob – a Gemini. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by
Neil.
Neil: Hi Rob. I'm a Virgo. So, what does that say about my personality? That's
the group of thoughts, feelings and behaviours which make you who you are.
It means I am supposed to be independent and observant!
Rob: Really? OK, observant – in other words, quick at noticing things. Well, as a
Gemini, I'm supposed to be witty and adaptable!
Neil: I think that's true. You are adaptable, Rob. You get used to new things and
situations very easily, I think.
Rob: Well, these characteristics we've mentioned are based on what astrologers
say. And astrology is today's theme.
Neil: Astrologers are people who say they can find out about your personality, and
maybe your future, by analysing the position of stars and planets the day
you were born.
Rob: It's controversial. Many astronomers – the scientists who study the stars
and planets – don't believe it's true, but some well-known people believe it's
a very serious business. And I'll put a question to you about that.
Neil: People born under the sign of Virgo are said to be very precise. Hmm, I'm
not so sure about that… But I'd better make sure everything I say today is
very accurate so I fit the description!
Rob: OK. Let's see if you can answer this question accurately. Which of these
famous people were publicly criticised when it came to light that they relied
too much on horoscopes to take decisions? Was it:
a) Margaret Thatcher
b) Nancy Reagan or
c) Michael Jackson
Neil: I think… I can remember this. I think it's Nancy Reagan, b.
Rob: OK. Are you sure?
Neil: I am.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: OK. Well, you'll have to be patient because you won't get the answer until
the end of the programme.
Neil: Now, let me read my horoscope for today…
Rob: Oh, you and your horoscopes, honestly, Neil! Do you know when newspapers
and magazines started to offer horoscopes to their readers?
Neil: No, I don't.
Rob: Well, let's hear from Nicholas Campion, who teaches the cultural history of
astrology at the University of Wales. What does he have to say about it?
Campion, a Pisces, uses one particular word when he describes how people
feel about their place in the universe. Which word is it?
Nicholas Campion, University of Wales:

The newspaper horoscope was invented about 1930. There's a parallel between what
was happening in astronomy at the time. In the late 20s, the idea that the universe is
huge and expanding was discovered and popularised by the astronomer Edwin Hubble.
This became a metaphor for the idea that we live on the edge of a distant corner of the
universe and we are all very insignificant. At the same time we suddenly get these
horoscope columns appearing which I see as a kind of domestication of astrology.
Neil: Insignificant! It means of very little importance. He says that's how people
felt when astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered how huge the universe is…
Rob: And this academic thinks astrology tried to bring this idea under control; it
domesticated it. It brought it to our personal level, and made it all about
routine, everyday events.
Neil: How interesting. It makes us think that the stars are all about us. Astrology
tells us that the stars are all about me! I want to read my horoscope now!
Rob: Well, before you do that, you have to listen to what another specialist, this
time a psychologist, has to say. Paul Rogers, a Sagittarius, teaches at the
University of Central Lancashire, in the north of England.
Neil: A Sagittarius – he might be independent like me. Yes, go ahead!
Rob: OK. Well, he might spoil the fun you're having with your newspaper. Here he
is:
Paul Rogers, University of Central Lancashire, England:

People are misperceiving these generalised statements as being unique to their own
personality. There are other counter biases that people fall prey to, for example, the
confirmation bias. If you believe in something, you'll look for evidence to support that
belief and you'll ignore evidence that rejects that belief.
Neil: He talks about belief! Something which you think is true without much proof.
He says that people who think horoscopes are true do so because the
predictions seem to confirm what they already think about themselves.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: Yes, people look for evidence – an indication that something they believe is
true. But it's all in their mind and not in the stars themselves. People believe
what they want to believe. They need some sense of control over life.
Neil: You know what? This is true. Believe in horoscopes or not, it's very
comforting to have this sense of direction in life.
Rob: Everything seems so unpredictable! Here's something predictable: our quiz.

Let's go back to it and see if you got the question right. I asked you which of
these famous people were publicly criticised when it came to light that they
relied too much on horoscopes. Was it Margaret Thatcher, Nancy Reagan or
Michael Jackson?
Neil: I said Nancy Reagan.
Rob: And you were right. Nancy Reagan, wife of the late president Ronald Reagan,
has long been interested in astrology. In 1988, she was criticised and
ridiculed when it was revealed that she had consulted astrologers during her
time at the White House.
Neil: I knew I was right because I'm always accurate!
Rob: Of course. Well done! Right, well, before we go, could you remind us of some
of the English words we’ve heard today?
Neil: personality
observant
adaptable
astrologers
astronomers
insignificant
domestication
evidence
belief
Rob: Thank you, Neil. Well, that’s it for this programme. Please join us soon again
for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Neil: Here's one thing you can predict: we’ll be back! Bye.
Rob: Bye bye.

Page 3 of 4
personality the collection of thoughts, behaviours and feelings

which make you who you are
observant quick at noticing things
adaptable someone who gets used to new things and situations

very easily
astrologers people who say they can find out about your
personality, and maybe your future, by analysing the
position of stars and planets the day you were born
astronomers scientists who study the stars and planets
insignificant of little importance
domestication process of putting something under human control
evidence (here) an indication that something you believe is true
belief something you think is true without proof

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140717_6min_star_signs.shtml
Story about astrology:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25971921

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
24 April 2014
Young, British and sober
Rob: Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m Rob…
Neil: …and hello, I'm Neil.
Rob: Hello Neil. Today we’re talking about the increase in the number of young
people who have decided not to drink alcohol.
Neil: We're particularly talking about young people in the UK – teenagers and
people in their early twenties. In some countries, drinking is not a big
issue, but in Britain, we’re seeing a change in attitude – in other words, a
change in people’s beliefs and behaviour.
Rob: Now, I started to drink alcohol in my mid-teens. It made me feel grown-

up and helped me let my hair down at parties. It didn't always taste
good though! What about you Neil – when did you start drinking?
Neil: Just like you Rob, I started drinking in my mid-teens, I'd say. It's a big
part of the British social life I would say.
Rob: Yes, and you've never stopped?
Neil: Not to this minute!
Rob: Well, teenagers in the UK may have had a reputation – they were known
for binge drinking. That means drinking lots of alcohol and very quickly.
But as we'll hear, that image is changing. And we’ll be looking at some
vocabulary around the topic of drinking - but not before I give you Neil a
question to stew over.
Neil: 'To stew over'! You mean to think about – so go on, let's have it.
Rob: OK, well, alcoholic drinks can be measured in units. This gives drinkers a
guide to how much they've consumed – or drunk. Drinking too many
units of alcohol can be bad for your health. So how well do you know your
units Neil? Do you know how many units there are in a typical bottle of
wine? Is it:
a) 8
b) 10
c) 13
Neil: I am going to go for 13. I'm pretty confident about this one.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: Unlucky for some, but we’ll find out if you are right or wrong later on. Did
you know the UK National Health Service recommends that a man should
not drink more than 3 or 4 units of alcohol a day, and for women it's 2 or
3 units?
Neil: But we know some young people in the UK who drink far more than that
and get intoxicated – another word for getting drunk. And this often
leads to a hangover – feeling tired and ill the day after drinking – or
worse.
Rob: Well, a report earlier this year by the BBC's Asian Network, found this
picture is changing. Young people are drinking less, or not at all – they are
abstaining.
Neil: That's good news. I find, even at my age, cutting back on drinking is a
hard thing to do. It takes willpower – that's the ability to control my own
behaviour.
Rob: Yes, of course this is not an issue for people from certain cultures, who
don’t drink alcohol because of their religious beliefs. But for others, there
are a number of changes that have encouraged younger people to remain
sober – or not get drunk.
Neil: Well, there have been awareness campaigns – that's when organised
publicity in the media has shown the benefits of not drinking. Also, British
pubs and clubs have been stricter when stopping underage drinkers from
buying alcohol.
Rob: Yes, because officially you have to be 18 years old before you can buy
alcohol. Another reason is the recession – people can't afford to go out
and drink.
Neil: But Jonathan Birdwell, who's a senior researcher at the think-tank Demos,
has another reason. A think-tank, by the way, is a group of experts
brought together, usually by a government, to develop ideas on a
particular subject and to make suggestions for action. See if you can hear
what his reason is…
Jonathan Birdwell, Senior Researcher for Demos:

Around 2004 we see the rise of awareness campaigns around units to consume, and
daily guidelines, we see the arrival of 'drink aware' labels on alcohol. We also see the
rise of negative media stories around binge drinking culture.
I think also significant, is the rise of social media technologies, smartphones, iPads. You
know we have not only new ways of interacting with our friends, which takes up time,
but we also have multiple forms of entertainment that didn't exist, say ten years ago.
Rob: Interesting! One factor for the change is the rise – the increase – in
people using social media technology. He calls this significant – so it’s
important.

Page 2 of 4
Neil: Yes, all this interaction with our friends takes up time. And time is also
taken up using what he calls multiple forms of entertainment – things like
gaming and watching films online. There's more of it now.
Rob: So maybe one way to cut down on drinking is to keep busy! But does this
mean going out boozing – or drinking alcohol – is a thing of the past?
Neil: Not yet, Rob. Although there are more coffee shops and ice cream
parlours now, to spend time in – alcohol abuse still remains a problem
among the young in the UK.
Rob: Well, on that sobering thought, let me reveal the answer to the question I
set you earlier. I asked if you knew how many units there are in a typical
bottle of wine. Is it:
a) 8
b) 10
c) 13
Neil: I said 13 but I want to change my mind and say b) 10.
Rob: Well, actually, that's a good idea because it is 10. Did you know that one
unit equals 10 ml or 8 grams of pure alcohol, which is around the amount
of alcohol the average adult can process in one hour? OK, before we go,
please could you remind us of some of the words and phrases that we've
heard today?
attitude
let my hair down
binge drinking
consumed
intoxicated
hangover
abstaining
willpower
sober
awareness campaigns
boozing
Rob: Thanks. Well, it's time now for a healthy glass of orange juice I think. We
hope you’ve enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again soon for
another 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. Bye.
Neil: Cheers!

Page 3 of 4
attitude feeling or opinion about something
let my hair down relax and enjoy myself
binge drinking drinking a lot of alcohol in a short space of time
consumed eaten or drunk (something)
intoxicated drunk; unable to behave normally because you have

drunk too much alcohol
hangover feeling tired and ill the day after drinking too much
alcohol
abstaining not doing something
willpower the ability to control your behaviour
sober not drunk; without any alcohol in your system
awareness campaigns planned activities to increase people's knowledge and

understanding of a subject
boozing slang word for drinking alcohol

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/04/140424_6min_sober
Related story:

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
10 July 2014
Brazilian economy
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. My Brazilian colleague, Grace, is
with me today. Hello, Grace.
Grace: Hi Rob!
Rob: Today we're talking about the Brazilian economy, and we'll have some language
related to money and investments. Grace, you know what? I want to be rich!
Grace: Oh, so do I, Rob. So do I.
Rob: But, should I invest my money in Brazil?
Grace: That's a difficult question, Rob. Let me give you an easier question first, and then
we can listen to an expert who knows all about it.
Rob: OK – well ask me the easy question then.
Grace: What's the name of the Brazilian currency? Is it…

a) the Brazilian peso
b) the real
c) the guarani
Rob: Mmmm… b) the real.
Grace: I'll give you the answer at the end of the programme. And I can even show you
some Brazilian notes and coins.
Rob: OK, that's exciting. You are going to show me Brazilian notes – pieces of paper
money, and some coins. Good. I love coins. And I know some people actually
collect them.
Grace: But now let's talk about the Brazilian economy. You're going to hear BBC
business reporter Robert Plummer. Overall, does he think the Brazilian economy
is strong?
Robert Plummer, BBC business reporter:

The Brazilian economy is at a crossroads. It's now been two decades since the anti-
inflation plan, which changed the currency in Brazil. But the government arguably has not
really built on that legacy: there are structural reforms, the tax system needs changing; a
lot needs to be done to put the Brazilian economy on a sustainable footing.
Grace: He's says it's at a crossroads – in a place where it could do well, but a lot needs
to change first – it could go either way.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: Yes, 20 years ago there was an anti-inflation plan, a plan to stop inflation,
which is the continuous increase in prices of goods and services. It makes life
very hard!
Grace: It was a very good plan, you know. Before that, you would go to a shop to buy
food and each month the same amount of goods cost more and more. The
salary? Well, the salary remained the same. It was a real nightmare!
Rob: I can imagine. But he said, after that, the government hasn't built on the plan's
success. To 'build on' success is to use success to do more things and get more
success, to achieve more.
Grace: Rob, earlier you asked about investing in Brazil. Let's hear what the BBC expert
has to say about it. Which thing might attract investors?
Robert Plummer, BBC business reporter:

The Brazilian economy is as globalised as anywhere else. It's offering investment
opportunities for foreign investors. It has some of the highest real interest rates in the
world so there's a chance of a quick profit. But it's also a risky place. People pay a premium
to get a better profit. If, on the other hand, other investment opportunities arise elsewhere,
this is 'hot money'; it can flow out again as easily as it flowed in.
Rob: So the chance of a quick profit! It's the money you earn after you pay costs.
Well, sounds good to me!
Grace: Yes, he says that's because it has very high interest rates – which here means
the percentage your money grows when it's invested.
Rob: But this extra money is not guaranteed. The analyst also talks about risk. He
says the Brazilian market is a risky place.
Grace: Yes… risky… it means that there is a possibility of something bad happening, like,
for example, Rob, losing all your money.
Rob: Oh dear! So I should think carefully, but… I think I'm in luck today. I think I got
the right answer to the question you put to me at the beginning of the
programme.
Grace: The name of the Brazilian currency?
Rob: Yes, that's it.
Grace: Well, the choices were: the Brazilian peso, the real or the guarani. And you said?
Rob: I said 'real'.
Grace: Well, you're in luck, Rob. I don't know if you're going to be rich but you know
already the name of the currency. The Brazilian peso does not exist and the
guarani is Paraguay's currency. The Brazilian currency had several names in the
20th Century: from 'contos de reis' to 'cruzeiros' and then 'cruzados'. After that
anti-inflation plan in the mid-90s, the name changed to 'real' – one 'real', ten
'reais' – this is for the plural. Here are some of the notes, Rob. Have a look.
Rob: OK. They are all different colours. We have two 'reais'… with a picture of a turtle.
Ten 'reais' with it, a very nice picture of a parrot on the back…

Page 2 of 4
Grace: Yes. And when I look at this parrot, Rob, to be honest, I imagine it saying to me:
"don't spend it, don't spend it", so I can save and, maybe, make a nice pot of
money.
Rob: And how much would I need to buy a 'cafezinho' – a small cup of Brazilian-style
coffee?
Grace: Well, one cafezinho in Sao Paulo, for example, can cost from 2.50 to 3.50 reais -
three reais and fifty 'centavos'. Or even more, if you go somewhere a bit fancy.
And if you go to a supermarket, you might be able to buy a bottle of one litre of
coconut water for around 12 reais.
Rob: Good, good. I'll hang on to these notes, thank you.
Grace: Well, our time is up but before we go, could you remind us of some of the words
we heard today, Rob?
Rob: Of course. We heard:

notes
at a crossroads
anti-inflation
to build on
interest rates
profit
risky
Grace: Now it's time to say goodbye and go for a cafezinho, Rob.
Rob: Of course it is, but please join us again soon for 6 Minute English from BBC
Learning English. Ate logo (see you later).
Grace: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
notes pieces of paper money
at a crossroads (here) at a point in time when it could do well, but a lot

needs to change first
anti-inflation against inflation; inflation is the continuous increase in

prices of goods and services
to build on to use success to do things and become even more

successful
interest rates percentage a bank or company pays you when you give
them your money, or the amount it charges you when you
borrow from them
profit money you earn after you pay costs
risky dangerous; having the possibility of something bad

happening

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140710_6min_brazilian_economy.shtml
More on Brazil:

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
17 April 2014
Air pollution in China
Rob: Hello I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: In this programme we're talking about a serious problem that has been
affecting some of the big cities in China: that's air pollution.
Finn: Yes, or better known as smog. Smog is polluted air that is a mixture of
smoke and fog. I've experienced this in Shanghai and it's not a nice thing to
breathe in.
Rob: It certainly isn't good for your health. We'll talk more about this soon and
explain some pollution-related vocabulary. But let's start with a question for
you, Finn. According to research by the World Health Organisation, which
country has the city with the world's worst air pollution? Is it:
a) China
b) India
c) Iran
Finn: Well, I think it definitely used to be China. I'm going to say it's still China.
Rob: We'll find out if you are right later on. Let's talk more now about the pollution
problem which is choking – or making it difficult to breathe in – many
Chinese cities.
Finn: Pollution is a word that can describe anything that damages something that is
pure. So light pollution is when a pure dark sky is contaminated – or spoiled
by street lights and lights in the city.
Rob: And noise pollution is when loud or annoying sounds like traffic noise spoil a
quiet and peaceful environment. But the smog affecting Chinese cities is a
form of air pollution – clean air has become dirty.
Finn: Yes. Well, smog used to be a problem in other world cities like London, where
a combination of fog and smoke from factories and trains sometimes made
the air quite dirty and dangerous.
Rob: Yes, sometimes the air was so dirty and so thick they described it as a 'pea-
souper' – meaning as thick as pea soup!
Finn: A 'pea-souper' – that's good isn't it! In Los Angeles, fumes – that's the bad
gases from car engines – and poor weather conditions used to cause poor air
quality. But now, new laws and a change in technology mean the air in these
cities is cleaner and safer. So, Rob, why is it bad in China now?

Page 1 of 4
Rob: Well Finn, China is becoming more industrialised. That means more factories
are being built, and more electricity is needed, and that often comes from
coal-fired power stations. And of course, more people are driving cars.
Finn: Yes they are. Well, at certain times last year, the air was so poisonous in
Shanghai that children were not allowed outside and schools were closed.
Rob: Generally, the air is a threat to public health. It's particularly bad for people
with asthma – and it could lead to lung cancer. In the capital Beijing,
pollution regularly goes over the safety limits set by the World Health
Organization (WHO). So what can be done?
Finn: Well, the BBC's David Shukman has been investigating the problem and found
that the Chinese authorities are spending £180 billion on cleaning up the air.
See if you can hear what the two main things are that they're trying to do in
Beijing:
David Shukman, BBC Science Editor:

Well first, they're closing down any power stations within the city that burn coal, that's the
biggest source of pollution; next they're trying to limit road traffic – greener cars will get
priority. And officials say they're confident they can clean up.
Rob: So the plan is to close down coal-fired power stations because they are the
source – or the place where most of the pollution comes from.
Finn: Yes, and the other plan is to limit – to set a maximum amount of – traffic on
the roads. Greener cars will be allowed on the roads first – they will have
priority.
Rob: Of course 'greener' isn't referring to the colour of the car, Finn – it's a term to
describe something that causes less pollution and is better for the
environment.
Finn: So these are the cars that use less fuel or might use cleaner fuel that has less
particles in it that usually make the air dirty. Officials believe that this green
technology will clean up the air.
Rob: China is also going to use more renewable energy – this is power made by
natural materials that never get used up, such as wind and water. This would
reduce air pollution caused by burning coal.
Finn: Yes, well of course, all these changes will take a long time. But Rob, it's time
now for you to tell me the answer to today's question.
Rob: Yes, earlier I asked you, according to research by the World Health
Organisation, which country has the city with the world's worst air pollution?
Finn: I thought it was a) China.
Rob: You did but the answer is Iran.
Finn: Is it now?! Which city?
Rob: Apparently the city of Ahwaz. Now, before we go, Finn, could you remind us of
some of the vocabulary that we've heard today?

Page 2 of 4
Finn: OK. We had:
air pollution
smog
choking
contaminated
pea-souper
fumes
industrialised
poisonous
asthma
greener
renewable energy
Rob: Well, that brings us to the end of today's 6 Minute English. We hope you've
enjoyed today's programme. Please join us again soon.
Finn: Please do.
Rob: Bye bye.
Finn: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
air pollution particles that make the air dirty and difficult to breathe
smog mixture of smoke, gases, chemicals and fog
choking (here) preventing people from breathing properly
contaminated made dirty or less pure
pea-souper a slang term used to describe poor quality air that is

difficult to see in
fumes strong-smelling and dangerous gas
industrialised having lots of heavy industry
poisonous very harmful and could cause death
asthma medical condition that makes it hard to breathe
greener (here) better for the environment
renewable energy power made from natural resources that never get used
up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/04/140417_6min_smog
Related story:

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
30 January 2014
When does adulthood start?
Neil: Hello I'm Neil. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hello Neil.
Neil: Now, I have a question for you: what age did you leave home?
Finn: I left home at 18, Neil.
Neil: That's quite young, isn't it? Why did you leave home?
Finn: Well, I really wanted to see more of the world.
Neil: We could say that was the end of your childhood and the beginning of your
adulthood. It's a time when you begin to stand on your own two feet.
Finn: You mean it's when I started to be independent, to look after myself and act
like a grown-up – well, maybe, a bit like a grown-up!
Neil: Yes, it's when you're supposed to think and act like a man! Well, according to
some experts, the age when adulthood begins could be increasing. I'll tell
you more about that soon and we'll look at some vocabulary to do with
growing up. But before that, I have another question for you Finn. In
England, people can get married without asking their parent – or without
consent, at the age of 18. Do you know what the youngest age is men can
legally marry in Bangladesh? Is it:
a) 15
b) 18
c) 21
Finn: I honestly have no idea. So I'll say b) 18.
Neil: OK. I'll let you know the answer at the end of programme. Back to our
discussion about the age we really become an adult. Leaving home or getting
married could be some of the signs of maturity and becoming a grown-up.
Finn: There are many other signs too but, certainly in the UK, people regard 18 as
the age when we reach the end of adolescence – a point where you've
changed from being a child to being an adult. You should, in theory, think
and behave like one.
Neil: Well, that is the theory. We know that people develop at different speeds and
some never grow up. I'm sure we know people like that!

Page 1 of 4
Finn: One or two! But child psychologists – the people who study how children
behave – now think adolescence could last until the age of 25.
Neil: Twenty-five is when they stop being an adolescent. Medical and educational
professionals now have a better understanding of how our hormones – the
chemicals in our body – develop and how our brain works.
Finn: Yes. They say that we keep developing into our twenties.
Neil: A child psychologist called Laverne Antrobus, who works at the Tavistock
Clinic in London, appeared in a BBC magazine article recently and said: "The
idea that suddenly at 18 you're an adult just doesn't quite ring true... my
experience of young people is that they still need quite a considerable
amount of support and help beyond that age."
Finn: So she says the idea that we become an adult at 18 doesn't ring true – that
means, it doesn't sound true. Young people need help and support until
they're older.
Neil: She also suggests that some young people continue to live at home because
they need more support during these 'formative years' – the time when you
are growing up. Well, that might be true for some but I was ready to leave
home at 18 – I was bored at home and ready for my freedom!
Finn: I know the feeling. Well, in the same BBC article, Frank Furedi, Professor of
Sociology at the University of Kent, thinks what you did is a good thing. He
says: "There is a loss of aspiration for independence and striking out on your
own. When I went to university it would have been a social death to have
been seen with your parents, whereas now it's the norm."
Neil: So he thinks living at home makes you lose the aspiration – or the desire to
be independent, and he says in his day it would have been social death – so
embarrassing - to be seen by others to live at home!
Finn: Yes, and I think he's saying living at home stops you growing up quickly.
Neil: Does this mean we are developing a generation of big babies?
Finn: Maybe not Neil but this is an interesting subject. Could it be we are
mollycoddling young people for longer – that means protecting them and
looking after them?
Neil: Yes, or it could be that young people are living at home for longer for
economic reasons – they can't afford to leave home.
Finn: Or maybe there is some truth in the idea it takes longer for us to grow up? I
think I'll go with that theory.
Neil: That would explain your juvenile behaviour Finn! Now, let's find out if you
got today's question right. Earlier I asked you if you knew what the youngest
age a man can legally marry in Bangladesh is?
Finn: I said 18, I think Neil.

Page 2 of 4
Neil: You were wrong. It was option c) 21. Apparently, it's 21 for men, and 18 for
women. Now Finn, could you remind us of some of the growing up related
words that we heard today.
adulthood
stand on your own two feet
maturity
adolescence
psychologists
hormones
formative years
social death
mollycoddling
juvenile
Neil: Thank you. We hope you've enjoyed today's programme. Do join us again
soon for 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. Goodbye.
Finn: Goodbye.

Page 3 of 4
adulthood the period of life when you are an adult
stand on your own two feet be independent; look after yourself
maturity behaving and thinking like a grown up
adolescence period in your life when you change from being a child
to an adult
psychologists person who studies the human mind, their emotions

and behaviour
hormones chemicals in the body that influence the development,

growth and sex of an animal
formative years period of time when someone develops their character

and beliefs
social death embarrassing situation
mollycoddling over protecting or doing too much for someone
juvenile young person but not yet considered an adult

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/01/140130_6min_adulthood
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
3 July 2014
Are faster cyclists more attractive?
Rob: Hello, welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm Rob.
Finn: And I'm Finn. Hi Rob.
Rob: It's that time of the year for the famous Tour de France cycle race and today
we're discussing research that says successful cyclists are seen as more
handsome than their struggling colleagues.
Finn: Yes, we're talking about professional cyclists – people who get paid for taking
part in cycle races. Not something you'd find me doing!
Rob: Nor me. Although I do enjoy cycling for fun – as a hobby and as a work-out
to keep fit. And I believe you bought a bike once Finn?
Finn: You're right, I did – I was hoping to ride into work every day to save money
and, like you, to keep fit. But, sadly, I got a flat tyre and have never been on
it since.
Rob: Oh dear. Well, this new research will make you feel even more deflated – or
sad and disappointed – and I'll tell you why soon. We'll also explain some
vocabulary related to keeping fit. But first let's start with a question.
Finn: A very fine idea, Rob.
Rob: This is about the Tour de France, which this year starts in the UK. The first
stage begins in the city of Leeds but do you know how long the first stage is?
Is it:
a) 151 km
b) 191 km
c) 221 km
Finn: I'll say 151, a).
Rob: Well, we'll find out if you're right or wrong later on. One thing we do know is
the winner of this first stage will be the most attractive man in the race –
that's if we believe this research.
Finn: Yes, this is the research published in the Royal Society journal, Biology
Letters.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: That's right. Women were asked to rate – or score – facial attractiveness
among riders in the 2012 Tour de France, which was won by Britain's Bradley
Wiggins.
Finn: Yes, a man known for his distinctive sideburns, that's the hair on the side of
his cheeks! And, being a world-class cyclist, he does of course have a lean
body – one without any fat.
Rob: Like me?!
Finn: No, not at all like you, or me!
Rob: Now, Dr Erik Postma, from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the
University of Zurich, who carried out the test, found the 10% best riders
were considered, on average, to be 25% more attractive than the worst
10%.
Finn: OK, I see. So this would suggest that healthy, physically fit and successful
men would, on average, be seen as more attractive by women. So, not really
very good news for us is it Rob?
Rob: No. Other studies have also shown that women fancy – or are attracted to –
men with good sporting skills. Well, this study hasn't just looked at physical
skills, but more essential and basic characteristics such as stamina and
endurance.
Finn: Yes. Stamina is the ability to keep going over a long period of time without
getting tired. And endurance is the ability to do something that's hard, or
difficult, also for a long period of time. Now, these are important things in a
long-distance cycle race.
Rob: Yes, they are. But going back to the research, in total 800 women were
asked to score attractiveness – how the cyclists looked – not just stamina or
endurance. And, as we mentioned…
Finn: …the best cyclists were seen as more attractive. So the man who was voted
the most attractive, did he win the Tour de France in 2012?
Rob: No, you mean Bradley Wiggins, he wasn't included in the research. It was
actually French rider Amael Moinard who came top – perhaps not the fastest
competitor but still much fitter than we'll ever be. I don't know what it is
about his looks, and nor does Dr Postma, but scientists conclude that humans
have evolved to recognise athletic performance in faces.
Finn: Well, I'm not a woman but I can see that all the men who take part in a race
like the Tour de France are fit and healthy and tough.
Rob: Well, your feelings are pretty normal. The researchers also found that men
who took part had a fairly similar view on who was handsome as the women
did. I think it's just jealousy!
Finn: Maybe, I think so.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: But one thing that didn't make much difference was smiling. It was rated as
likeable but not attractive.
Finn: So, you're saying I should wipe the smile off my face and get on my bike for
a bit of training?
Rob: Well, before you pedal off, let's reveal the answer to today's question. Earlier
I said the first stage of the Tour de France begins in the city of Leeds but do
you know how long the first stage is?
Finn: I had no idea, and I said a) 151 km.
Rob: You'd be cheating because the answer is actually 191 km.
Finn: Oh yeah, taking a shortcut.
Rob: Yes. There are a total of 21 stages, covering a distance of 3,656 kilometres.
And it all finishes in Paris on July 27th. Now, before we go, Finn, could you
remind us of some of the vocabulary that we've heard today?
Finn: Yes, today we heard:
handsome
work-out
deflated
sideburns
lean
fancy
stamina
endurance
jealousy
enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again soon. Bye.
Finn: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
handsome good-looking and attractive (usually only referring to a

man)
work-out physical exercise
deflated (here) feeling less confident and unhappy
sideburns hair that grows on a man's cheeks
lean thin, with no fat
fancy (here) to be attracted to (someone)
stamina the ability to do something over a long period of time

without getting tired
endurance the ability to do something that is hard or difficult for a

long period of time
jealousy an unhappy feeling because someone has something

that you would like or can do something that you would
like to do

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140703_6min_tour_de_france
Related story:

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
10 April 2014
Is there more of the world to explore?
Rob: Hello, I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: In this programme we’re talking about exploration – that's a journey to a

place to learn something new about it. It's a sort of educational trip.
Finn: Yes, you may have heard about famous explorers – the people who made
these journeys and learned new and amazing things – like Captain Cook or
Christopher Columbus.
Rob: Yes, Columbus was the Italian explorer who explored the Americas over 500
years ago. There are many other people who travelled around the world
seeking out – or looking for – new land, people, plants and animals. But
now in the 21st century, do you think there’s any more of the world left to
discover?
Finn: Ah, well, that's a question we'll be 'exploring' today and we'll also discover
some exploration-related vocabulary. But first Rob, I'm sure you have a
question for me?
Rob: Of course, yes. My question is about a modern-day explorer from the UK.
He's called Ed Stafford. In 2011 he became the first person to do what? Was
it…
a) circumnavigate – or go all the way round – the world in a canoe

b) ski down Mount Everest
c) walk the length of the Amazon River
Finn: I'm going to say a) the first person to go round the world in a canoe.
Rob: OK, well, we’ll find out if you are right or wrong later on. So let’s talk more
about exploration. There are many reasons why people have wanted to
explore.
Finn: Yes. Sometimes it was to find new natural resources – things like oil,
rubber or gold. Sometimes people wanted to find new land to occupy and
build on; and sometimes people have just been inquisitive – or interested –
in finding out what somewhere is like. That sounds a bit like you Rob?
Rob: Well, I do enjoy travel and adventure – and although I've explored places
that are new to me – I haven't yet found an undiscovered river or island.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: Well, I hope you do. With satellite technology and modern transport, maybe
every corner of planet Earth has already been discovered and there’s nothing
left to find, I wonder?
Rob: Well, that's not something that the travel journalist, Christina Lamb, would
agree with. She's seen a lot of the world but says there's still more to be
discovered. Let's hear from her now. What phrase does she use to describe
somewhere that hasn't been found yet?
Christina Lamb, travel journalist

There still are a few places in the world that are unexplored. I've travelled quite a lot in
the Amazon and there, there really are still places where maps don't have anything on
them and it says uncharted territory, which I think is the most exciting thing you can
see on a map.
Rob: So there are still a few places to explore – places that are not on a map!
Christina Lamb called them 'uncharted territory'.
Finn: 'Uncharted' means a place that is completely new – and 'territory' is another
word for an area of land. So, uncharted territory – imagine discovering
somewhere like that!
Rob: It would be amazing – but sometimes people are already living in these
places – these are the tribes – or groups of people – who have never had
contact with the outside world.
Finn: Well, even if every tribe, every lost city, every piece of land had already been
discovered, a travel writer called Colin Thurbron claims we can still re-explore
and discover new things. So, what things keep changing which mean we
should never stop exploring?
Colin Thurbron, author

What there's always a role for, is for reinterpreting a culture – going back there for
every generation. Not just because the culture has changed but the judgements and
priorities of every generation of traveller has changed too.
Rob: OK, so he talks about culture – that's the way of life for a particular group of
people. Cultures change, but also our views change too: he says our
judgements and priorities change – that means we keep seeing things
differently.
Finn: So you mean we see things in a new way every time we go back and look at
them. In that case, maybe we will never stop exploring our planet.
Rob: Yes, there's always something new to discover in the world and even beyond
it – people are already venturing into space, the universe – where next?
Finn: Yes, absolutely. But I think I still need to explore my own city first – there's a
lot more to discover in London before I head off to Mars!
Rob: Maybe you just haven't got any wanderlust – that's the desire to travel –
unlike explorer Ed Stafford. Earlier I asked you what he became the first
person to do in 2011?

Page 2 of 4
Finn: I said a) go round the world in a canoe. I guess I'm wrong.
Rob: You're wrong. Nice try! He was actually the first person to walk the length of
the Amazon River. Your challenge now Finn is to remind us of some of the
vocabulary that we've explored today.
Finn: In a canoe? Of course. Well, we had…
exploration
explorers
seeking out
circumnavigate
natural resources
inquisitive
uncharted territory
tribes
culture
venturing
wanderlust
enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again soon.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
exploration a journey to a place to discover something new about it
explorers people who go on a journey of exploration
seeking out finding something by looking for it in a determined way
circumnavigate to travel all the way around something (particularly the

world)
natural resources valuable things that occur naturally, such as wood or

oil, that can be made into things we can use
inquisitive keen to learn and ask questions
uncharted territory an area of land not shown in detail on a map
tribes (here) large groups of related families who live in the

same area and share the same language, customs and
beliefs
culture a set of ideas, beliefs and behaviour held by a

particular group of people
venturing going on a journey that may be dangerous
wanderlust a strong desire to travel

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/04/140410_6min_exploration
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01npt18

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
23 January 2014
Glass half full
Rob: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English, I'm Rob and with me is Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: You sound very cheerful – so, how are you feeling?
Finn: I'm good thanks. Things are going well. I'm here in the studio with you, I'm going
on holiday next week, and I'm really enjoying this cold weather.
Rob: Really – I think it's miserable outside but I suppose you're a good example of an
optimist - someone who always looks at life from a positive point of view. It's a
good thing, Finn. The opposite of an optimist is, of course, a pessimist.
Finn: Well Rob, there is some hope for pessimists because research is taking place to see
if people's attitude to life can be switched from negative to positive.
Rob: Well I'll drink to that! Finn, here's a glass of lemonade to celebrate – the only thing
is - it's half empty, there's not much left in there.
Finn: Stop complaining Rob – that's half full – look, there's still enough to enjoy.
Rob: If you say so. We'll explain more about that glass half empty saying shortly. But
first, how optimistic are you about getting today's question right?
Finn: Extremely positive.
Rob: OK. Well do you know who wrote this famous quote: "A pessimist sees difficulty in
every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty". Was it:
a) Winston Churchill
b) Oscar Wilde
c) Charles Dickens
Finn: It's a good quote. I'm not sure but I'm think I'll say b) Oscar Wilde.
Rob: You sound optimistic! I'll give you the answer at the end of the programme. So we
are talking about being an optimist or a pessimist. It's not something that can be
easily measured; it more of a state of mind.
Finn: A state of mind is how you think or feel. There are many factors that can influence
– or affect this. Certain events in a person's life, such as someone you know dying,
or losing your job, can trigger – or cause – a negative feeling about life.
Rob: And people with depression – a medical condition where someone is very unhappy
– tend to be pessimistic.
Finn: Indeed. But scientists are now looking inside our heads to see what's going on and
if there is a way to change how we feel.
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2014

Page 1 of 3
Rob: A medical journalist and doctor called Michael Mosley has been looking into this. He
says our attitude to life – the positive or negative way we view life – affects our
personality.
Finn: What phrase does he use to describe the importance of optimism and pessimism in
our characters?
Medical journalist and doctor, Michael Mosley:

Our personalities are a complex interaction of character traits that affect behaviour, emotions
and ultimately the lives we lead. And one of the fundamental drivers is how optimistic or
pessimistic we are. This is also one of the hottest new areas of scientific research.
Rob: OK, so he says one of the fundamental drivers in shaping our personality is how
optimistic or pessimistic we are. A fundamental driver means the most important
thing that makes something happen.
Finn: So our outlook on life drives – or shapes – our behaviour, our emotions and
character traits – traits are the particular qualities we have. This subject is
described as 'one of the hottest new areas of research' – hottest here means latest
and most popular.
Rob: And the research may find a way to change people from seeing a glass being half
empty to one that is half full.
Finn: There's that phrase again! We sometimes say pessimistic people describe a glass of
water or beer as being half empty – they have already drunk half of it and there's
not much left.
Rob: But someone who is optimistic, like you Finn, would view the glass as being half full
– there is still half of the drink left to enjoy. It really depends on your point of
view – how you view things.
Finn: We asked our BBC Learning English audience how full or empty their glass is. What
have they been saying?
Rob: Mariola says "My glass is half full because I'm going on holiday next Friday!"
Finn: And Raquel says "My glass is always half full because it's the best way to be
happy!"
Rob: But Mon Tran says "My glass is half empty. I'm far away from my family and
missing them so much."
Finn: Well maybe scientists will be able to help Mon Tran and others to feel more
optimistic about life in the future? Well Rob, I'm optimistic that I got today's quiz
question right.
Rob: Let's find out. Earlier I asked who wrote this famous quote: "A pessimist sees
difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Finn: I said b) Oscar Wilde.
Rob: You are wrong. They were the words of Winston Churchill. Ok that's it for this
programme. Do join us again soon for more 6 Minute English from BBC Learning
English.
Both: Bye.

Page 2 of 3
an optimist someone who thinks good things will happen
a pessimist someone who always thinks bad things will happen in a

situation
a state of mind how you feel and what you think
influence have an effect (on something or someone)
trigger cause / make happen
depression a medical condition where someone is very unhappy

and cannot lead a normal life
point of view how someone judges a situation
personality how you behave, feel and think
drivers (in this situation) things that make something else

happen
traits particular qualities or characteristics that someone has

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/01/140123_6min_glass_half_full.shtml
More on this story:


Page 3 of 3
6 Minute English
26 June 2014
Brazilian food
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by my
colleague Grace, who's from Brazil. Hello Grace.
Grace: Hi Rob. It's good to be here. But I hope you don't mind my Brazilian
accent.
Rob: Of course not. Most people have an accent – the important thing is to be
able to communicate… and your accent is charming, Grace! So, you're
going to talk about Brazilian culture?
Grace: Yes, Brazilian food is on the menu today, and we will whet your appetite
with language about food.
Rob: Great! Well, nothing makes me happier than tasty food! And I'm a bit of a
gourmet, you know.
Grace: Well, if you are a gourmet – someone who likes high-quality food – you
will not be disappointed if you go to Brazil. But first, let me put a question
to you.
Rob: OK, I like a challenge.
Grace: Brazil is the biggest coffee producer in the world. According to the
International Coffee Organization, which of these countries is in second
place? Is it…
a) Colombia
b) Indonesia
c) Vietnam
Rob: Yes, all places that produce coffee but I'm going to go for: a) Colombia.
Grace: We’ll find out if you're right or wrong later. Now let’s talk about food.
Rob: Good, yes. I'd like to know: if I go to a Brazilian family's home, what will I
eat? What's the staple food of Brazil?
Grace: The basic food in Brazil – the staple food – is rice and beans. You can
have it with fried eggs, a steak or some salad. But there's a special dish
called 'feijoada'. Thomas Pappon, a Brazilian who blogs about food,
explains what it is. And then, tell me: what kind of dish is this?

Page 1 of 4
Thomas Pappon, Brazilian food blogger:
There’s a sophisticated version of rice and beans which is served during festivities and in
every restaurant on Saturdays. It's called 'feijoada'. It's a stew made of black beans
and with pieces of pork. The main dish is served with side dishes such as fried greens
and toasted manioc flour. There's no room left for dessert after this!
Rob: It's a stew! I like a good stew – a kind of food in which meat or fish or
vegetables are cooked slowly with just a little bit of liquid. But no
dessert?! I need my dessert, Grace!
Grace: The main dish is quite filling, Rob. You won't need a pudding, sweet or
fruit afterwards. And there are lots of side dishes with it.
Rob: These are small dishes which accompany the main one – and they sound
very appetising too.
Grace: They sound appetising; in other words, it makes you really want to eat
them. And at the end of the meal you wash these dishes down with a
'caipirinha'.
Rob: A caipirinha?
Grace: A very special Brazilian drink. Thomas Pappon can give you the traditional
recipe for it. Listen out for what he does with the lime.
Thomas Pappon, Brazilian gastronomy blogger:

You cut a lime into quarters, put it in a glass with a tablespoon – a generous tablespoon
– of sugar. You break up the lime by pounding and pressing the lime with a wooden
spoon until the sugar is dissolved into the lime juice. Then you add crushed ice, mix it
very well and add – of course – the main ingredient here, 'cachaça' which is a spirit
made of sugar cane. I tell you, be adventurous. Why not experiment with other fruits
like passion fruit, strawberries or kiwis. Some people dilute this cocktail with a bit of
water, but most Brazilians like myself, take it without any water at all.
Grace: There you go. The traditional caipirinha!
Rob: So you break up the lime by pounding it – by hitting or beating it very

hard. I think I can do that.
Grace: Yes. And, a surprise for you, Rob, I don't have a caipirinha here but I
brought a bit of Brazilian cachaça in this little cup. I brought the bottle
from my native Sao Paulo. It's a spirit – a strong alcoholic drink – so be
careful with it.
Rob: I'll have a little sip first time, OK.
Grace: Strong, huh?!
Rob: Yes.
Grace: Are you still on your feet?
Rob: Just about, just about.

Page 2 of 4
Grace: Good, well let me tell you the answer to the question from the beginning
of the programme. Brazil is the biggest coffee producer in the world. I
asked which of these countries is in second position. Is it… Colombia,
Indonesia or Vietnam?
Rob: And I said Colombia.
Grace: Well, Rob, I'm afraid it's not right. The correct answer is: c) Vietnam. The
other two countries, they are really great producers of coffee as you know
but Brazil has been consistently the biggest producer and Vietnam has
kept the second place, with roughly half of what Brazil produces. The main
types of coffee exported are Arabica and Robusta. Good strong coffee,
Rob!
Rob: Indeed. Sounds good.
Grace: Talking about coffee makes me want a cafezinho, which is a good strong
coffee in a small cup as we have in Brazil. And you might need one after
the cachaça, Rob.
Rob: I might, indeed.
Grace: But first let's recall the words we heard today:
Rob: OK, we heard:
gourmet
staple food
stew
side dish
dessert
appetising
pounding
spirit
Grace: Thanks, Rob. Now, shall we go and have our cafezinho?
Rob: Well, actually, I'd like some more cachaça, if that's possible? Please join
us soon again for more 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Both: Saúde! (Cheers!) Bye.

Page 3 of 4
gourmet someone who likes high-quality food
staple food food ordinary people eat regularly
stew a kind of food in which meat or fish and vegetables are

cooked slowly with a little liquid
side dish dish with a small portion that accompanies the main dish
dessert pudding, sweet or fruit eaten at the end of a meal
appetising If food is appetising, it smells really good and makes you

want to eat it.
pounding beating hard
spirit strong alcoholic drink (for example, whisky, gin, vodka)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/06/140626_6min_brazilian_food.shtml
More about Brazil:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
Scottish independence
Rob: Welcome to 6 Minute English with me Rob…
Neil: …and me Neil.
Rob: Today we're talking about national independence - that's when one
nation is free from control by another country. Neil, can you think of any
countries that have become independent?
Neil: Well, Scotland is talking a lot about this at the moment.
Rob: Yes, it is. It's a big political issue which we'll talk more about soon. And of
course we'll be looking at some words related to independence. But let's
start with a question. How well do you know your history? The Declaration
of Independence was made by thirteen American colonies that were
fighting for freedom from the British Empire. But do you know what year
that declaration – or announcement – was made? Was it:
a) 1776
b) 1786
c) 1796
Neil: I am pretty sure it's a) 1776.
Rob: You sound quite confident, don't you, but I'll let you know the answer
later on. Let's talk more about independence. We often hear about groups
of people campaigning or fighting for independence from the country
that rules them.
Neil: Yes, like the Basque people in Spain, or the Kurds in Iraq. This is when a
certain group of people want their own homeland to preserve – that's
keep alive – their culture or beliefs.
Rob: And sometimes, a whole nation wants to break away from the country
that rules it because it feels it would be better for its people. That's what's
happening in Scotland right now, isn't it Neil?
Neil: Well, not quite. Not everyone in Scotland wants to break away from the
United Kingdom. This is a plan suggested by the ruling political party in
Scotland – the Scottish National Party. But they are asking people to vote
on the decision.
Rob: And this vote on a single issue – or referendum – is happening in

September. Politicians who want Scotland to be separate from the UK are

Page 1 of 4
trying to persuade the public to vote in favour of independence. Other
politicians are trying to persuade people to vote 'no'.
Neil: Independence would mean Scotland would be able to control things like its
tax system, its immigration policy and people would have a Scottish
passport.
Rob: Well, let's hear from Alex Salmond, the Leader of the Scottish National
Party, talking when he first announced there would be a referendum.
What words did he use to describe how he wanted the debate – or
discussion – on independence to be?
Alex Salmond, Leader of the Scottish National Party

Divergent views are the very essence of democracy; robust debate is part of what
makes us Scottish. The exchanges, the criticism and the debate must be passionate –
how else could it be in Scotland? But let these contributions be based on fact, reason,
logic, rather than smears, or allegations or misinformation.
Neil: Alex Salmond said divergent views are the very essence of democracy –
so all different views are important and that is what makes a democracy.
And he encouraged debate about independence.
Rob: Yes and he said the debate should be robust – so strong, firm and
determined…
Neil: …and it should be passionate – expressing powerful emotions.
Rob: But most importantly, the debate should be based on real information –
facts – not misinformation or what he calls smears – in other words, lies.
Neil: Well, Scottish people will go to the ballot box in a few months' time to
vote. And if they vote 'yes' for independence, we, Rob, might have to
show our passports if we cross the border from England into Scotland.
Rob: Imagine that! And the Scottish people might lose the BBC – the British
Broadcasting Corporation – and get their own smaller Scottish
Broadcasting Corporation.
Neil: Of course, there's always been a – let's say – friendly rivalry between the
two countries. And we are used to our nations competing independently in
football and rugby tournaments.
Rob: Of course, being an Englishman I know who's best! But seriously, the idea
of an independent Scotland isn't that strange. The Act of Union, which
brought Scotland together with England and Wales, only came into being
in 1707. Before that, Scotland was independent.
Neil: And only last century, Ireland fought for its independence from Britain.
Rob: And in 1947, India succeeded in becoming independent from British rule,
a day that's now commemorated – or remembered – as a national
holiday.

Page 2 of 4
Neil: But, while some countries aim to have self-rule – another word for
independent rule – others want to share things which are usually unique
to a country. For example, the member states of the European Union work
together in trade and some share the same currency – the Euro.
Well, this brings us back to your question Rob, when some American
states declared independence from British rule.
Rob: Yes, that was the Declaration of Independence – but what year was it?
Neil: I said a) 1776.
Rob: And of course, you were right. It was 1776. This was the beginning of a
new nation that became the USA – and Independence Day is now
celebrated every year on the 4th of July. I wonder if Scotland will be
celebrating its own independence day in just a few years' time? OK Neil,
please could you remind us of some of the independence-related words
that we've heard today.
Neil: OK, here we go:
independence
declaration
campaigning
referendum
in favour of
debate
divergent views
robust
passionate
smears
rivalry
commemorated
self-rule
Rob: Thanks Neil. We hope you've enjoyed today's 6 Minute English. Please join
us again soon for another programme.
Neil: Goodbye.
Rob: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
independence (here) freedom from political control by another

country
declaration an official statement saying something is going to

happen
campaigning trying to persuade other people or the government to

change something
referendum a time when everyone in a country can vote on a

particular issue
in favour of supporting an idea
debate a serious discussion of a subject in which many people

take part
divergent views different opinions
robust (here) firm and determined
passionate showing strong beliefs, enthusiasm or emotion
smears lies that damage someone's reputation
rivalry competing with each other
commemorated remembered (a person or event)
self-rule when people from a country or region choose their own

government

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/04/140403_6min_independence
More on this story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25155234

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
Business English: Misunderstandings
Feifei: Hello and welcome to another episode of 6 Minute English with me Feifei.
Neil: And me Neil.
Feifei: How are you Neil and what are we talking about today?
Neil: I’m very well, and today we’re talking about misunderstandings. A famous
French writer once said that "Language is the source of misunderstandings"
and with me in the studio today are colleagues Conrado and Stephani, who
have come in to tell us all about a misunderstanding they had recently.
Conrado and Stephani, welcome.
Stephani: Thank you.
Conrado: Thank you.
Neil: So, tell us about your story.
Conrado: Well, we work in the same company, but in different offices. And one day I
was speaking to Stephani on the phone, and I asked her a question, and
she didn’t know the answer, so she said "hang on".
Stephani: ‘Hang on’ means wait. I wanted him to wait while I found the answer.
Conrado: But I got confused, I thought ‘hang on’ was the same as ‘hang up’, and
‘hang up’ means ‘put the phone down, finish the phone call’
Stephani: So when I came back with the answer, he was gone! So I called him back
and told him the answer, then he asked another question, so I said ‘hang
on’ again, and again he was gone! Three times I had to call him back!
Conrado: I didn’t understand why she was getting angry with me. She got really
angry actually, before we sorted it out.
Neil: Hang up, hang on… That’s a really good one!
Feifei: If only you’d had Business Betty there to help…
Neil: Ah Business Betty. (The door opens) Ooh here she is now.
Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty!
BB: Hello!
Neil: Hello Betty and may I say you’re looking absolutely fantastic as ever.
6 Minute English © BBC Learning English 2013

Page 1 of 5
BB: Thank you Neil and how can I help you?
Neil: We need some tips on avoiding misunderstandings.
BB: Certainly. If language is the source of misunderstandings, the best way to

avoid misunderstandings at work is to check what people mean when
they’re talking to you. There are several ways to do this. You can simply
say "What do you mean by that?"
Neil: What do you mean by that?
BB: That’s right. Or you can tell the person what you think they mean, in your
own words. Say "Do you mean…?"
Neil: Do you mean…?
BB: Or "So, are you saying…?"
Neil: So, are you saying…?
BB: Or "Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…?"
Neil: Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…?
BB: Good Neil. You can say "Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you
saying…?"
Neil: Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you saying…?
BB: Or you can ask the other person to explain what they mean. Say
something like "Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?"
Neil: Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?
BB: Or say "Sorry, could you go over that again?"
Neil: Sorry, could you go over that again?
BB: "Could you expand on that?"
Neil: Could you expand on that?
BB: And finally, another way to avoid misunderstandings is to check that the
person you’re talking to has understood you. Just ask them! Say
something like "Is that clear?"
Feifei: Is that clear?
BB: Or, after an explanation, say "Does that make everything clear?"
Feifei: Does that make everything clear?
BB: And never forget the golden rule of avoiding misunderstandings – if in

doubt, ask! It’s better to ask now than make a mistake later.

Page 2 of 5
Neil: Thanks Betty.
BB: You’re welcome. Bye!
Neil/FF: Bye!
(Door closes)
Neil: She’s so good… don’t you think so, Conrado and Stephani? Don’t you think
she’s brilliant - Business Betty?
C & S: Oh yes!
Feifei: Well that’s very good because we’re about to put it to the test!
Neil: Yes Conrado and Stephani. Let’s imagine that you’re back there now in
your offices you’re having this conversation that got you into so much
trouble. But this time use some of Betty’s tips and see if you can get it
right.
Feifei: Does that make sense? Have another go at the hang on / hang up
conversation, but this time do what Betty suggested. OK? Are you ready?
C & S: Yes, we are ready.
Role-play
Conrado: Ring ring!

Stephani: Hello, Stephani speaking.
Conrado: Hello Stephani, it’s Conrado. I just wanted to ask if the reports are ready.
Stephani: The reports… do you mean the monthly reports or the yearly reports?
Conrado: Oh sorry, yes, the monthly reports.
Stephani: The monthly reports. OK, just hang on.
Conrado: Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you saying "Wait a minute"?
Stephani: Yes, just hang on a couple of minutes please.
Conrado: OK.
Stephani: (A couple of minutes' later) Hello Conrado, sorry to keep you waiting. The
monthly reports are nearly ready - the accountant is finishing them this
afternoon.
Conrado: Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean they’ll be ready by the end of
today?
Stephani: Yes, they’ll be ready by 5 o’clock today. Does that make everything clear?
Conrado: Oh yes, thanks, that’s great. Thank you very much!
Stephani: You’re welcome.
Feifei: And that’s the end of today’s role-play!
Neil: How was it for you two?
Conrado: It was great, much much better.
Stephani: Yes, I wish we’d done it that way in the first place.
Neil: That’s good and that’s it.

Page 3 of 5
Feifei: Are you saying that we’ve reached the end of today's programme?
Neil: Yes we have, so thanks for helping us out today Conrado and Stephani. It’s
goodbye from all of us. Join us again for another 6 Minute English!
All: Bye!

Page 4 of 5
Misunderstandings: Key phrases
Checking what someone What do you mean by that?

means
Do you mean…?
So are you saying…?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…?
Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you saying…?
Asking someone to explain Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?

what they mean
Sorry, could you go over that again?
Could you expand on that?
Checking that someone has Is that clear?

understood you
Does that make everything clear?

Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
Deleting memories
Finn: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm Finn.
Rob: And I'm Rob.
Finn: Rob, I'm going to ask a personal question – do you have any bad memories?
Rob: Yes. When I was young I was bitten by a dog. And he bit my arm. Not nice.
Finn: Really? Do you ever wish you could delete – or remove – that memory?
Rob: Oh yes, absolutely. Yes. I don't want to remember that.
Finn: OK. Well, today we'll be talking about new research that has successfully
deleted memories. We'll also explain some vocabulary related to the brain.
But, as always, first let's start with a question.
Rob: A good idea Finn.
Finn: We're talking about the role of neurons in the brain – these are the cells
that transmit information. So, roughly how many neurons do scientists think
we have? Is it:
a) 8-10 million
b) 8-10 billion
c) 80-100 billion
Rob: Wow. I know we have a lot of neurons; however, a 100 billion would be a lot
to get into your brain, so I'm going for the small number, 8 to 10 million.
Finn: OK, Rob. We’ll find out if you are right or wrong at the end of the
programme. So, how have scientists managed to remove specific memories?
Well, the research was carried out in the Netherlands at Radboud University,
Nijmegen.
Rob: Yes, they've been using something called ECT – electroconvulsive therapy –
this treatment involves electric pulses through the brain.
Finn: Yes – it's quite a controversial treatment, partly thanks to films like One
Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, where a terrified patient is strapped to a table
and forced to receive these shocks…
Rob: But it's used as a last resort – a last option - for people with severe
depression. Now, in this study they've been looking at neurons – and

Page 1 of 4
memories are actually stored in the connections between these neurons,
according to Dr Martin Kroes on the team.
Finn: He says these connections take some time to become permanent, and "if you
disturb this process, you lose the connection between the brain cells
altogether".
Rob: So, if you lose the connection – you lose the memory. That was the idea.
Could they make it work in an experiment? Listen to BBC reporter Anna
Holligan talking about what happened to the patients.
BBC reporter Anna Holligan:

Participants were patients already being treated with ECT. They were shown two sets of
picture cards each telling a story. Then just before an ECT session they were shown one
of the stories again to reactivate that particular memory. The results were remarkable,
after the ECT they forgot the story they just looked at, while the memory of the other
story was unaffected.
Finn: So – patients were shown two sets of cards. Then, just before ECT, they were
shown one of the sets again to reactivate it – to make it active again.
Rob: They then had ECT – and when they woke up, they forgot the memory of the
card they had just looked at – the one that had just been reactivated.
Finn: Yes. Now, we should mention that one of the side-effects of ECT is memory
loss – so why is this surprising? It's because they were able to target specific
memories.
Rob: OK. Well, it's thought that this new technique could help people with PTSD –
post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a memory-related illness where people
who experience something very stressful and upsetting, something
traumatic, such as war, continue to be affected by it psychologically.
Finn: Yes, the hope is that these traumatic memories could be deleted.
Rob: Which would be an exciting development. Now, before we forget, let's remind
everyone of today's question.
Finn: Yes, very good. Well, it was about the number of neurons in the human
brain. Now, are there:
a) 8-10 million
b) 8-10 billion
c) 80-100 billion
Rob: And I thought it was just a mere 8 to 10 million.
Finn: Well there are, supposedly, 80 to 100 billion of these things in our brains.
Not all scientists agree on the exact number. But still it's about as many as
there are stars in the whole Universe.
Rob: It would take forever to count those!

Page 2 of 4
Finn: I don't know who's counting – one by one! Now, Rob, can you remind
everyone about today's vocabulary?
Rob: I think that memory has been removed!
Finn: Oh, it's been deleted? OK!
Rob: Only joking.
Finn: You have it?
Rob: Yes, I have it now, it's come back to me! We heard:
delete
neurons
pulses
controversial
a last resort
depression
reactivate
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
traumatic
Finn: Thank you very much Rob. And that's it for this week's 6 Minute English. We
hope you’ve enjoyed today’s programme. Please join us again soon.
Rob: Bye.
Finn: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
delete remove, take away
neurons cells in the brain that transmit information
pulses short period of energy or electricity
controversial causing disagreement
a last resort a method used when all other methods fail
depression a mental illness where someone is very unhappy and

anxious
reactivate bring back into action
PTSD (post-traumatic stress a mental illness where somebody feels very anxious
disorder) after a frightening or shocking experience, such as war
traumatic causing severe emotional anxiety
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/06/140619_6min_memories
Related story:

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
27 March 2014
What is freedom?
Rob: Welcome to 6 Minute English with me, Rob.
Finn: And me, Finn. Hello.
Rob: In today's programme, we're talking about freedom. It's a big subject and
it's something the BBC has been exploring in its Freedom 2014 season.
Finn: That's right. There's been a season of programmes about what freedom
means to different people.
Rob: Well, we're going to try and summarise what freedom really is and look at
some related vocabulary. But first a definition – what does freedom
mean?
Finn: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, freedom is the power or right
to act, speak, or think as one wants.
Rob: Yes, it's something many people expect to have – we consider it our right
- but certain people in some of the world do not get to experience the
feeling of freedom.
Finn: You mean some people are restricted and controlled in what they can
and can't do.
Rob: Some organisations try to rank countries – or give them a score – based
on how free its people are. It's calculated according to certain factors -
and my question for you today Finn is, according to the World Freedom
Index 2013 by the Canadian Fraser Institute, the people of which country
came out as number one, in terms of having the most freedom? Was it:
a) the USA
b) Sweden
c) New Zealand
Finn: I'm going to say c) New Zealand.
Rob: We'll see if you're right later on. So let's talk more about freedom – a
word that means many things to many people. We sometimes hear about
political freedom – where people are able to vote in elections to choose
who runs their country – and where people are able to challenge what
their leaders do. We often refer to this system as a democracy.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: Many people would say that any system of democracy should
automatically include the right to free speech – that’s the right to say
what you want about anything you want. We also hear about freedom for
women – when they have the same rights as men. This is one form of
equality. We also hear about equality for people of different colour,
religion or sexual orientation. People usually don't feel free or equal if they
are treated differently because of something like their race, colour, gender
or disability. One example of this is the system of apartheid, which
passed laws to restrict the freedom and rights of black people in South
Africa.
Rob: Many of those laws are no longer in existence – but freedom is still an
issue around the world today. The BBC Freedom 2014 season looked at
examples of modern-day slavery in the Thai fishing industry. There is
forced labour, where people are made to work in terrible conditions for
little or no money.
Finn: There's also secrecy and surveillance – when you're being watched by
the government; these can also be seen as ways of controlling someone's
freedom. And some say that blocking the public’s access to certain
information limits freedom.
Rob: Yes, the American computer expert Edward Snowden famously disclosed
thousands of confidential – or secret – documents held by America's
National Security Agency so people could see what information was being
kept about them.
Finn: But possibly the most personal example of having your freedom restricted
is when you are held unfairly against your will – in prison or as a hostage,
which is what happened to Norman Kember, a British man who was taken
hostage in Iraq in 2005.
Rob: He says the only thing that kept him free was his mind. He would picture
something good in his head. So, although as a hostage his body wasn't
free, he could still feel free by thinking about his garden - the flowers and
trees and the sound of birdsong. Simple pleasures.
Finn: Freedom really came for him when he was eventually rescued during a
military operation on 23 March 2006, and the first thing he did when he
returned to England was… walk in his garden. It must have been a great
feeling.
Rob: In different situations, people around the world have fought to win their
freedom in many different ways. They have held protests and marches,
and campaigned for a change in laws and attitudes – changing the way
people think.
Finn: And when people living under a regime want to make a change for the
better they sometimes take to the streets to chant, shout and sing. Lots of
songs have been written about freedom. But if you can't sing, there's
another, newer way to make your voice heard: people use social media to
spread their message and hopefully get support for their cause. It's what

Page 2 of 4
happened in a number of uprisings in the Middle East, such as the Arab
Spring.
Rob: Let's get back to the question I asked you earlier about which country
came first in the World Freedom Index 2013, according to the Canadian
Fraser Institute?
Finn: I said c) New Zealand. Was I right?
Rob: Yes, well done, the answer is New Zealand. The freedom index was based
on a number of measures such as freedom of speech, religion, economic
choice and women's rights. You can find more detail about the BBC
Freedom Season on the BBC website. We'll be back with more 6 Minute
English very soon. Please join us then.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
right something that you are morally or legally allowed to do or

have
restricted limited by rules or laws
democracy a system of government in which people vote in elections to

choose the people who will govern them
free speech the right to say anything you want about anything
equality everyone having exactly the same rights and opportunities

regardless of colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
age etc.
apartheid the political system that existed in the past in South Africa,
in which only white people had political rights and power
forced labour being made to do hard physical work
surveillance the careful watching of a person or place, often secretly and

usually done by people in authority, such as the police
confidential secret; only for certain people to see
campaigned tried to achieve political or social change by persuading

people in authority to do something
regime a method of government that controls the country in a strict

and unfair way
civil rights the basic rights that all people in a society should have
whatever their race, sex, religion etc.
cause idea, aim, belief or way of thinking that a group of people

share and try to persuade others to support

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/03/140327_6min_freedom.shtml
More on this story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-25683135

Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
9 January 2014
Downsizing for Italy's Casanovas
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Finn. Hi
Finn.
Finn: Hi Rob.
Rob: Today we are talking about Casanovas. Finn, could you explain what one
is?
Finn: Yes a Casanova is a man who is a smooth talker, very charming and great
at seducing women – to be blunt, or to be honest, they are good at
getting women into bed!
Rob: Yes, they have many sexual partners. Do you know anyone you could call
a Casanova?
Finn: No, nobody. The name is often related to Italian men because it comes
from the 18th Century Italian adventurer and writer, Giacomo Girolamo
Casanova, who was known for his sexual adventures.
Rob: Well the modern-day Casanova could be in trouble, as we’ll be explaining

soon. But first, a question for you Finn.
Finn: I hope you won’t be asking how many sexual partners he had?
Rob: Nothing like that. Do you know which Italian city he was born in?
a) Florence
b) Rome
c) Venice
Finn: I consider Venice the city of love so let’s say c) Venice.
Rob: I’ll let you know the answer at the end of programme. So let’s talk more
about Italian Casanovas. These promiscuous men are suffering because
of today’s economic problems.
Finn: Yes – unlike me and you Rob – they’re struggling to woo women – that
means to attract them and give them attention. They often do this
financially – by spending money on them.
Rob: So these Italian Casanovas used to buy their ladies gifts and treats, like
meals or a night in a swanky hotel, but now they can’t afford it.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: Well, no sympathy from me. But like all of us, they have had to cut costs -
but in Italy, where unemployment is more than 12%, they’ve had to make
some bigger sacrifices.
Rob: Ha, you mean they have had to give up some of their women – or at least
cut back – reduce – the gifts they are buying. It means the Italian women
they woo will have to lower their expectations – they’ll have to expect
less!
Finn: Or go elsewhere! This is something the BBC’s Emma Jane Kirby has been
investigating for the programme From Our Own Correspondent. She
discovered real life examples of men who are downsizing – in other
words, spending less.
Rob: Let’s hear some of her report now. What word is used to describe a
Casanova’s secret girlfriend’? And what gifts did the Casanova traditionally
give her?
BBC Correspondent, Emma Jane Kirby:

The economic crisis has hit Italian men where it hurts most; with their country still in
recession and the cost of living soaring, the Latin lover has had to rein in his appetite.
The traditional kept mistress, secretly hidden away in her fully paid-up flat and lavished
with furs and jewels, has been consigned to history.
Finn: That’s Emma Jane Kirby describing the economic situation in Italy. She
says the country is in recession – that means the economic situation is
bad. It also means, as she said, the cost of living is soaring – so going up.
Rob: And it’s these rising costs that has hit Italians ‘where it hurts most’.
Finn: That sounds painful! But of course she means ‘in the pocket’ – in other
words the biggest pain men are suffering is financial. Financial pain.
Rob: Did you hear another name the correspondent used for a Casanova? It
was a Latin lover. The Latin lover has had to rein in his appetite – so
he’s had to learn to control or limit his romantic habits.
Finn: And one of his habits was having a kept mistress – so another woman he
would support financially. These women were kept secret, hidden away
but lavished with furs and jewels.
Rob: Lavished – that’s a good word – it means to give a lot – so these men
were giving their mistresses lots of gifts. But not any more!
Finn: No. Now some of them can only offer simple pleasures like a cup of coffee,
a walk in the park and if they’re eating out they might have to ‘go Dutch’
– that means split the bill 50:50.
Rob: It sounds tough being a Casanova these days. But I wonder what their
wives think about this?
Finn: Well, they probably don’t know, but the number of people getting divorced
is going down as the Casanova can no longer afford to support two

Page 2 of 4
women. So maybe the recession in Italy is having a positive effect for
married women at least!
Rob: For now, the Casanova can only rely on his charm and good looks and
possibly just stick to window shopping – or just eyeing up women
without taking things further.
Finn: It sounds like hard work being a Casanova Rob. I’ll stick with women one
at a time!
Rob: Very wise. Now let me reveal the answer to today’s question. Earlier I
asked you which Italian city was Giacomo Girolamo Casanova born in?
Finn: I said c) Venice.
Rob: You were right. He was born in Venice in 1725. Well that’s it for this
programme. Please join us soon again for 6 Minute English from BBC
Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
seducing persuading someone to have sex with you
promiscuous having lots of sexual partners
to woo to try and start a romantic relationship
swanky fashionable and expensive
downsizing making smaller or cutting back
mistress (here) woman who is having a sexual relationship with

a married man
Latin lover a stereotypical way to describe a romantic and

passionate male lover from a Mediterranean or Latin-
American country
rein in control or limit something that has developed too much
lavished gave someone a lot of something, such as money
go Dutch to pay just for your own food and drink when eating
with other people
window shopping (here) looking at women but without planning to try to

develop a relationship
eyeing up looking at someone with sexual interest

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/01/140109_6min_casanova
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
12 June 2014
Brazilian football
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. The World Cup is on. I love
football and that's what we are going to talk about today. Let's kick off the
programme with Pele!
Pele, Brazilian football player:

I was invited to go to Italy, to Spain. I was okay in Santos, it was my team. The team used
to win almost all the tournaments. And then I never have, you know, desire to play outside
Brazil or to play for money.
Rob: So that's Pele, one of the most celebrated football players in the world. And
I've invited Grace, my Brazilian colleague, to have a chat about football in her
home country.
Grace: Hi Rob.
Rob: Hi there. Well, is Pele still popular in Brazil?
Grace: As far as football goes, Pele's record speaks for itself, Brazilians love him; but
when he talks about politics, well, he's often criticised. But you started – you
kicked off – the programme talking about Pele, so of course our quiz question
today is about this fantastic player.
Rob: Okay, well, shoot!
Grace: How many goals did Pele score in his career? Was it…
a) About 700 goals

b) About 1,200 goals
c) About 1,600 goals

Page 1 of 5
Rob: Well, I know he was a great player, but 1,600 sounds too many, so I'll go for
the middle answer - around 1,200 goals.
Grace: We’ll find out if you are right or wrong a bit later. Now let’s get this ball rolling
and talk about football.
Rob: Yes, good idea. It's interesting that Pele mentioned in the clip that he wouldn't
leave his team – Santos - to play football abroad…
Grace: Yes, although, he did end his career with the New York Cosmos. In any case,
Pele said he didn't play for money. When he said that he was already well
known and had some money in his pocket, but Pele came from poverty.
Rob: Yes, his family didn't have much money at all. They lived in poverty.
Grace: Football has changed the lives of many youngsters in Brazil. Listen out for the
expression Brazilian sports reporter Daniel Gallas uses to describe how
football can help someone.
Daniel Gallas, Brazilian sports reporter:

Football is very important for social mobility in Brazil because not many people have the
chance to move from poverty into higher classes. For a while football was also a profession
which young men could follow through a proper career that they wouldn't have in other
areas. But nowadays middle class guys are becoming well known.
Rob: So football is important for social mobility - the ability to go from one class of
society to another.
Grace: And poor youngsters who have a natural talent to play football can become
middle class – they can own a home, have a car, live comfortably. Nowadays
some players come from the middle class already. And they… well, they
become millionaires!
Rob: Lucky them! They do earn their money but they are very exposed when they
play. Supporters can be very demanding. I know I am. I want to see my team
score goals!

Page 2 of 5
Grace: Let's hear what reporter Daniel Gallas has to say about what Brazilians – and
Rob – like to see on the pitch. Listen out for the positions of the players who
are not very famous, not very celebrated in Brazil.
Daniel Gallas, Brazilian sports reporter:

Brazilians like to see attacking football. They want to see strikers like Ronaldo, Bebeto,
Romario always aiming for the goal and not just passing the ball around from one side to the
other or backwards… they just want to move forward all the time. Brazilians don't tend to
boast too much about their goalkeepers.
Rob: So we have the goalkeepers – the players who are between the goalposts –
that area in football where you have a frame and a net. They try to prevent
the other team from scoring goals…
Grace: And Brazilians, to be honest, they don't tend to pay too much attention to
them. They cheer like mad when the strikers score.
Rob: The strikers are very important – the players who go on the attack, who strike
the ball and hopefully score! These are the ones we like to boast about!
Grace: I speak proudly – I boast about - Neymar, veterans like Ronaldo, Bebeto. And
obviously, the best player of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento – our
Pele!
Rob: Pele, yes. Well, I have my heroes too, you know. Here in England we have
David Beckham of course our great footballer of modern times, but there're
some classic players like Bobby Charlton and have you heard of George Best?
Grace: Yes, George Best, I've heard about him…
Rob: Very famous, yes. Well, look, we are running out of time but first, I want to
know if I got the answer to the quiz right.
Grace: How many goals did Pele score during his career as a footballer? The figure
was rounded off to make it easier for you. The options were: about 700; 1,200
or 1,600.

Page 3 of 5
Rob: And I said 1,200. Was I right?
Grace: Oh, yes. Scored the goal, Rob! According to the international governing body
of football, FIFA, Pele scored 1,281 goals in his career. In one match against
Botafogo in 1964, Rob, Pele hit the back of the net no less than eight times.
Rob: Wow, amazing!
Grace: Indeed. And now we must go. But let's remember the words we heard today.
Rob: Yes, we heard:
to kick off
poverty
social mobility
middle class
striker
goalkeeper
to boast
goalposts
That's it for today. Please join us soon for another 6 Minute English from BBC
Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 4 of 5
to kick off (here) to start something; the first kick of the game when
two players from the same team in the centre circle play
the ball and start the match
poverty extreme lack of money or resources
social mobility ability to go from one level of society – one class – to

another
middle class level in society where people typically can own a house, a
car, buy food and live comfortably
striker player who kicks the ball to score goals
goalkeeper football player who stops the ball from crossing the goal-
line and is allowed to use his hands to do that
to boast to speak with pride
goalposts the wooden sticks which form a frame and have a net
attached to them

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/06/140612_wc2014_6min_brazilian_football.shtml
More about Brazil:


Page 5 of 5
6 Minute English
20 March 2014
The male brain, the female brain
Finn: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I’m Finn
and with me is Rob. Hi Rob.
Rob: Hi Finn.
Finn: Rob, I have a question for you. Are you good at reading maps?
Rob: I have to say, I am, I really enjoy reading maps and I understand them well.
Finn: That's interesting. And today we're talking about new research into the
differences between men's and women's brains, and looking at some
vocabulary about brains and thinking. Now, this research says that men are
better at some things, like reading maps.
Rob: Yes, well, I'm good at reading maps and even my wife would agree. She
makes me do all the map reading in the car.
Finn: But women are better at other things – like remembering faces. That's
according to this research. And before we look at it, I have a question about
this incredible and mysterious thing – the human brain. Rob, you're a brainy
– that is, an intelligent guy, but how much does the average human brain
weigh? Is it:
a) 1.4 kg
b) 2.2 kg
c) 3.6 kg
Rob: I'll have to use my brain for this. I'm really racking my brains - that means
to think very hard. Right, well, I think: c) 3.6 kg.
Finn: OK we'll find out if you're right later on. Now this research was by a team
from the University of Pennsylvania in the US. They looked at the brains of
nearly 1,000 men and women and found they are 'wired differently'.
Rob: Yes – so they are connected in different ways.
Finn: Let's listen to Dr Ruben Gur talking about the connections in each
hemisphere - each half or each side - of the brain. What's the difference
between men and women?
Dr Ruben Gur, University of Pennsylvania:

What we found was that in males, the stronger connections run within each hemisphere,
within each half of the brain. In women the stronger connections are between the two
sides of the brain.

Page 1 of 4
Finn: So: men have better links – that's stronger connections - inside each half of
the brain. So the connections inside the right hemisphere are good, and the
connections inside the left hemisphere are good too.
Rob: But women have stronger connections between each side – the links are
better going from one side to the other, from left to right. But what does that
mean?
Finn: Well, they say these differences might explain why men are better at learning
and performing a single task, like cycling or navigating – that's reading
maps and finding your way around.
Rob: And it explains why women are often better at multi-tasking – that's doing
several things at once.
Finn: The research also showed women are better at remembering words, faces
and information about other people, and they also had longer attention
spans – that means they could concentrate on a task for longer without
becoming distracted. Rob? Rob? Are you there?
Rob: Ah sorry. I was miles away. You might be right Finn! But not everyone
agrees with this research.
Finn: No, Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg from the University of Oxford says the
connections inside the brain are not 'hard-wired': in other words, that
means they are not permanently fixed and they keep changing.
Rob: She said the brain is very complex – so you can't make generalisations
about it – generalisations are statements that are often true but based on a
limited amount of information.
Finn: But overall I think it's an interesting idea. We asked our audience on social
media what they thought about the study.
Rob: Cremildo from Mozambique said he's a man and agrees with the survey, and
he admires his mother who is able to do a lot of things by herself.
Finn: Pen Pae from Thailand says it depends on the individual – she's good at
reading maps and multi-tasking – but don't ask her about language or
driving.
Rob: And Hana Potki from Iran agrees – she said it took her five times to pass her
driving test!
Finn: Now Rob, earlier I asked you if you knew how heavy the human brain is, on
average:
Rob: And I said c) a heavy 3.6 kg.
Finn: Very very heavy brain and a lot heavier than the average human brain. The
answer was in fact a) 1.4 kg. This compares with the average of 7 kg for
whales and 1.4 for dolphins. Albert Einstein's brain was only 1.2 kg; that's

Page 2 of 4
lower than average, so size isn't everything. Now, Rob, before we go – would
you remind us of today's brain-related words?
Rob: Of course. We had:
brainy
rack my brains
hemisphere
navigating
multi-tasking
attention spans
hard-wired
generalisations
Finn: Great. Thank you Rob. And thanks everyone for listening. Join us again for
more 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English.
Rob: Bye.
Finn: Goodbye.

Page 3 of 4
brainy (informal) clever, intelligent
rack my brains think very hard to answer a question or solve a problem
hemisphere half (of something round in shape)
to navigate to find your way around a new place, often using a map
multi-tasking doing several things at the same time
attention span the maximum amount of time that you can concentrate on one
thing
hard-wired designed to work in a particular way which cannot be changed
generalisation a statement that is often true but based on limited information

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/03/140320_6min_male_female_brain
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
2 January 2014
Showrooming and shopping
Rob: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English with me, Rob.
Finn: And me, Finn.
Rob: Hello Finn. Well, Happy New Year to you. Here we are in 2014, the festive
season is over – so Finn, did all that Christmas shopping break the
bank?
Finn: You mean, did I spend too much money? Well, yes I did, but I put most of
it on plastic – my credit card – so I’ll pay for it next month.
Rob: Well, clearly you didn’t have enough money to buy me a present! Anyway,
today we are talking about shopping and a relatively new style of
shopping called showrooming.
Finn: Yes, showrooming – this is where customers visit shops to see and test
products before going online to buy them.
Rob: We’ll be discussing that soon and looking at vocabulary to do with

shopping. But before we do, Finn, you’re a man who likes to shop - but do
you know which country has the most people who shop online? Is it:
a) The United Kingdom

b) The USA
c) Korea
Finn: Well, I know the internet is very big in Korea but I think the USA has
more online shoppers.
Rob: OK, well, I’ll let you know the answer at the end of programme. So today
we’re talking about how technology is changing the way we shop and how
it could spell disaster – or be very bad for – the high street.
Finn: The high street – this is a term we use in Britain to mean the collection of
everyday shops that we normally see in our town centres. Things like shoe
shops, newsagents, supermarkets.
Rob: We know that the high street is competing with the internet. I buy things
like CDs, electrical goods and food online, from the comfort of my home.
Finn: Ah but have you ever ‘showroomed’ before, Rob? That means going to a
shop, having a look at something and then going home to buy it online.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: Yes, I bought a camera at a knock-down price online, although it was
from the same retailer as the shop that I saw it in. I know I’m not alone
in doing this though. Research by a company called Foolproof, found 24%
of people ‘showroomed’ while Christmas shopping last year.
Finn: And a market research company called TNS found one third of consumers
around the world said they used this tactic – or this type of shopping.
Rob: Now, although people do it to try and save money, there are other
reasons for this too, as we can hear from the Head of Technology at TNS
UK, Amy Cashman. See if you can hear what the three reasons are:
Head of Technology, TNS UK, Amy Cashman:

There’s basically three main points that this kind of behaviour can overcome. People are
short on time, short on money and they want reassurance about the products they are
buying. So they use the internet in store and online on their mobile which we found is
particularly prevalent, to do things like try and get to the bottom of where they can find
a cheaper price elsewhere but also get information, product reviews and also do things
like look at store layouts and see where products are so they can go and find them
faster.
Finn: So she says there are three main reasons for people to showroom: They
are short on time, short on money, and they want reassurance.
Rob: Yes, reassurance – so they want to know what the product really looks like
and they want to be confident they are buying the right thing.
Finn: I think that’s true, I like to inspect what I am buying. If you go to a shop
and look at the real thing, you get a much better idea of what it’s like than
from a photo on the internet or in a catalogue – but I also want a bargain
– in other words, the best price.
Rob: That’s why Amy Cashman said customers sometimes use the internet in
store – so in the shop – to ‘get to the bottom of’ where they can get it
cheaper. We could say they use the internet to shop around.
Finn: That's a good phrase, meaning to look around for the best deal. Using a
smartphone is an increasingly popular way to do this.
Rob: Smartphones are also useful for getting product reviews – these are the
kind of opinions or comments about the product.
Finn: Yes, and you can also use smartphones to scan the barcodes on the
product and compare prices that way.
Rob: So it seems browsing – that’s looking at things to buy – but not actually
purchasing something in store – is set to increase. Does this mean the
death of the high street, Finn?
Finn: I think it will have to adapt or make changes. It could try to compete on
price more or offer more incentives when you are in the shop.

Page 2 of 4
Rob: Incentives – these are things to encourage you to buy the product there
and then. Perhaps a discount voucher or a free gift?
Finn: And we mustn’t forget that buying in a shop means you can get expert
advice from the sales assistant and you can get good aftercare.
Rob: Well, I didn’t need expert advice buying my Christmas presents this year.
Finn: Oh, why was that?
Rob: Well, I bought gift vouchers for everyone! Now Finn, it’s time to see if you
belong to the nation with the biggest online shoppers. Earlier I asked you
if you knew which country has the most people who shop online - is it:
a) The United Kingdom

b) The USA
c) Korea
Finn: I said b) The USA.
Rob: A good guess but you were wrong. The answer is the UK. I don’t know if it
means we're the laziest people or just the best bargain hunters! Well,
that’s it for this programme. Please join us again for 6 Minute English from
BBC Learning English.
Both: Bye.

Page 3 of 4
break the bank cost too much
on plastic on a credit card
showrooming an activity where customers visit shops to see and test

products before going online to buy them
the high street a typical street in the centre of a town or village, where
everyday shops and businesses are located
a knock-down price an extremely cheap price
retailer person or shop selling things to the public
reassurance (here) getting comfort and confidence from seeing

something yourself
a bargain a price that is lower than usual
shop around go to several shops before deciding what to buy
product reviews opinions and comments about what a product is like
browsing looking at things in one or more shops without

intending to buy anything
incentives things that make people want to do something,

because they know they will get a benefit
aftercare support or advice offered to a customer after buying

something

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/01/140102_6min_showrooming
More on this story:


Page 4 of 4
6 Minute English
13 March 2014
Are you a winner?
Rob: Hello I’m Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m joined today by Neil. Hello
Neil.
Neil: Hello Rob.
Rob: Now Neil, I have a question for you – do you think you are a winner?
Neil: You mean someone who has a lot of success in everything?
Rob: Well, not exactly – I'm just talking about competitions – do you have a lot of
success or luck in winning them?
Neil: Competitions? No, not at all. I don't think I've ever won a competition.
Rob: Ah, bad luck. That means you're not a 'comper'. That's an informal name for
someone who takes part in – or enters – competitions on an almost semi-
professional basis. They spend a lot of time trying to win something.
Neil: You mean winning prizes – or free gifts.
Rob: I do. And Neil, you could win a prize if you can correctly answer today's
question. So, are you ready?
Neil: I'm ready.
Rob: Well, a lottery is one kind of competition where the prize is money. The
biggest cash prizes can be won in the USA – but do you know what the
biggest ever cash prize to be paid in America is? Is it:
a) $590 million
b) $890 million
c) $1 billion
Neil: Well, things tend to be big in America, so I'm going to go for c) $1 billion
dollars.
Rob: I'd like to win that. We’ll find out if you are right or wrong later on. So let’s
talk more about 'compers' – people who regularly take part in competitions.
We could say they are hooked on – meaning addicted to – taking part.
Neil: Yes, the lure – or attractiveness – of winning big prizes means these people
just can't stop answering quiz questions, writing slogans and captions or
solving puzzles.

Page 1 of 4
Rob: Some people go to great lengths – or put a lot of effort into winning
something – even if it's just a box of chocolates or a coffee mug. It's just the
excitement of winning.
Neil: But sometimes there are big prizes to win – a new car, a speedboat or a
holiday of a lifetime. The only problem is that these prizes are either not easy
to win or there are millions of people trying to win them.
Rob: I've certainly never won anything as fantastic as that – but one man who has
had plenty of good luck is Martin Dove, who is a retired lecturer and an
expert 'comper'.
Neil: He certainly is. He's won a yacht, a racehorse and lots of smaller prizes too.
Let's hear from him now. Listen out for the names he says people have called
him…
Martin Dove, a 'comper':

I've been a comper for 40 years. It's like admitting some addiction isn't it really! Some
people have called me the Master of Comping, the King of Comping, the Guru of
Comping, but it's just a word, it's just a phrase, it's just I was fairly high-profile.
Rob: So, he says he was fairly high-profile – that means he was often seen in
public, mentioned in newspapers, or appeared on television. And because he
was high-profile he got called a few nicknames…
Neil: …names like the master of comping – so someone who is very good or
skilled at it. And the king of comping – not an actual royal king but someone
is the best at doing something. And the guru of comping – that's someone
who other people respect and go to for advice about comping.
Rob: Well, he knows his stuff and he still checks out competitions on cereal boxes
and crisp packets for the next big win. He's even written books on the
subject and offered advice to other compers.
Neil: But comping has changed, Rob. There are lots of competitions to enter on
the internet now. Every webpage you look at seems to tempt us with a
fantastic prize to be won.
Rob: That's true. But Martin Dove doesn't think that is necessarily a good thing.
Can you hear why?
Martin Dove, a 'comper':

The thing is now competitions are far easier to enter than they ever were. In the old
days I could spend a fortnight crafting a slogan and really working hard and really being
proud of it. Now all you have do is 'click, click, click, click, click' and because it only
takes 30 seconds to do, 20 minutes you can knock out 40 competitions. And you can get
a million entries now, so it's a million to one.
Neil: So, competitions online are easier to enter – you just have to click. Martin
said he could enter about 40 competitions in just 20 minutes!
Rob: But because it's so easy, more people enter and so the odds – or chances of
winning are less. Sometimes, a one in a million chance of winning – a very

Page 2 of 4
rare or unlikely chance. I wonder what your chances are of getting today's
question right Neil?
Neil: One in three maybe?
Rob: Maybe! Well, earlier I asked you what is the biggest ever cash prize to be
paid out in a lottery in the USA? Is it:
a) $590 million
b) $890 million
c) $1 billion
Neil: I said it was c) $1 billion
Rob: And you are wrong. It's actually only $590 million; that was won by an 84-
year-old woman in Florida last year. Neil, what's the biggest prize you've
ever won?
Neil: I think I once, about 10 years ago, won £10 on the British National Lottery.
Rob: Wow, that's a big win! Well, for getting today's question wrong you get the
consolation prize of reminding us of some of the words that we've heard
today.
Neil: OK, we heard:
luck
comper
prizes
lottery
hooked on
the lure
slogans
high-profile
master
guru
the odds
one in a million
Rob: OK. Thanks Neil – you really are a winner. Well, we hope you’ve enjoyed
today’s programme. Please join us again soon for 6 Minute English from BBC
Learning English.
Both: Bye!

Page 3 of 4
luck success you have by chance not by using skill
comper a slang term for someone who regularly and

enthusiastically enters competitions
prizes rewards you get for winning something like a

competition
lottery a game where people buy a lottery ticket hoping that

their numbers are chosen by chance in the draw so that
they win a money prize
hooked on (here) enjoying doing something and doing it as much

as you can
the lure the attraction (of doing something)
slogans short, easy to remember phrases used in advertising
high-profile often seen in public and in the media
master (here) a man who is very good or skilled at something
guru someone respected and who people speak to for advice

about something (here it is winning competitions)
the odds the chances of something happening
one in a million an extremely unlikely chance (of something happening)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/03/140313_6min_compers
More about competitions:


Page 4 of 4

Soạn Ôn Thi Cuối Kỳ TTHCM Full

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Soạn Ôn Thi Cuối Kỳ TTHCM Full

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

BBC Learning English

NB: This is not a word for word transcript

Finn: Okay, well, you can try. Go on then.

Rob: Well, I know you like the theatre.

Finn: I do. But it has to be an exciting play or I get restless.

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Finn: Not when they are flying anyway.

Rob: Wrong. When they're up in the air!

Finn: No way! Really? I don't believe you!

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Rob: Yes, indeed.

Tiffany Watt-Smith, Queen Mary University of London:

Finn: So boredom spurs people on to change something. To spur on means to

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Rob: You were not!

Finn: Oh, no!

Rob: It was even longer.

Finn: Wow! 23!

Finn: Not at all. I loved it!

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

stimulating making someone excited and interested in something

restless unable to sit still because you are bored or worried

to cope with to deal with a situation successfully

to stave off to stop or keep away an unpleasant feeling

to spur on to encourage someone to do something

Read and listen to the story online

Story about boredom:

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Monica Vasconcelos, Brazilian singer:

Rob: A recording artist – so that’s a singer or musician who creates and

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Monica Vasconcelos, Brazilian singer:

Rob: So smoother – that means calmer – and understated, meaning more

Grace: And it's easy to understand the themes of these songs…

Monica Vasconcelos, Brazilian singer:

Rob: Monica talks about a flattening of the local grooves – a simplifying of

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Rob: And I had a guess and said 1962.

Grace: So let's recall the words we heard today.

Rob: Yes, we heard:

Monica Vasconcelos, Brazilian singer:

Rob: You're doing it better than me!

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

recording artist a singer or musician who creates and releases music

smoother more serene, calmer

understated more controlled, discreet

groove cool, funky, smooth

to be into something to be interested in something

lyrics the words of songs

flattening (here) making less complex

Read and listen to the story online

More about Brazil:

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Rob: This is 6 Minute English from the BBC. I'm Rob…

Neil: And I'm Neil.

Neil: How about a question first Rob?

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

BBC presenters, Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode:

BBC presenter, Simon Mayo:

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Neil: And I said the USA.

Neil: Yes, we heard:

6 Minute English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2014