BBC Podcasts

Introduction In Spain, a special species of cow has been reintroduced to the wild to help prevent wildfires. A cow firefighter? Now I've 'herd' everything! Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. This week's question According to the Natural History Museum of Utah, what proportion of wildfires is caused by people? a) two out of every five b) three out of every five c) four out of every five Listen to the programme to hear the answer.

Vocabulary where (someone) is coming from someone's opinion or perspective background the area that someone has most experience in what can (something) do for me? how can (something) help or improve things? renaissance new interest or activity in a subject out of favour less popular or appealing real-time information is presented as it is happening

Introduction How can artificial intelligence be used to help police solve crime? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. This week's question In 2020, a magazine called the Radio Times asked readers who their favourite TV detective was. Who was the most popular? a) Sherlock Holmes b) Hercule Poirot c) Miss Marple Listen to the programme to hear the answer.

Example: You're very upset! Take a deep breath and relax. Have you cleaned your teeth today? Your breath smells terrible. Brian's been drinking beer. I can smell it on his breath.

Vocabulary polyglot someone who knows lots of languages tune into (something) listen and pay attention to something juggling doing lots of things at the same time brain workout exercise for your brain pick up (a skill) learn a skill through practice rather than being taught soldier on keep doing something even though it’s difficult

Introduction Is learning languages good for you? In this episode, Neil is joined by Hannah from the What in the World podcast to talk about people who know lots of languages. This week's question Which country has the most official languages? a) Zimbabwe b) Switzerland c) Bolivia Listen to the programme to hear the answer.

Vocabulary call ahead of time phone before an appointment, or before going somewhere accommodate give someone what they need protocols strict rules for how something is done (allergy) capital of the world a place that is known for (allergies) drop off get lower over time or so used to indicate that a number is an estimate, or is not exact

Introduction Do you know anyone who has 50 allergies? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. This week's question What is the most common allergy in the world? a) Peanuts? b) Pollen? c) Dairy? Listen to the programme to hear the answer.

Vocabulary touch wood an expression used in spoken English in order to avoid bad luck snuffles/sniffles minor illnesses that affect your nose back me up an expression used in conversation to ask someone to say something to support your opinion tickety-boo fine and in good order dampen (something) make something weaker prone to (something) likely to be negatively affected by something