LearnEnglish Themes Podcasts are for learners at Intermediate to Advanced level and cover a large number of themes. http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes en-uk Copyright 2008 Mon, 29 June 2009 08:35:00 -0000 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:15:00 -0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss learnenglishpodcast@britishcouncil.org 60 http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/rss/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-150x150-rss.jpg http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes British Council - LearnEnglish - Themes LearnEnglish Themes Podcasts are for learners at Intermediate to Advanced level and cover a large number of themes The recorded article is accompanied by an activity that you can do on your computer while you listen, or print out and do when you want. They are free, and if you subscribe we will send them to you every month. British Council - LearnEnglish - Themes Podcasts learnenglishpodcasts@britishcouncil.org No http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-town-country http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/town-or-country-mouse-article.mp3 Once upon a time, there were two mice – cousins. One lived in the town and the other in the country. Podcasts Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:35:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Once upon a time, there were two mice – cousins. One lived in the town and the other in the country. Once upon a time, there were two mice – cousins. One lived in the town and the other in the country. 00:05:41 british council, learnenglish,learn english podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-drugs http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/qat-article.mp3 Visitors to countries around the Horn of Africa should be prepared for an extraordinary sight. This will be of a man with one great big swollen cheek bulging out, as if a tennis ball has been inserted into it, green teeth and a far away look in his eyes. Podcasts Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:35:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Visitors to countries around the Horn of Africa should be prepared for an extraordinary sight. This will be of a man with one great big swollen cheek bulging out, as if a tennis ball has been inserted into it, green teeth and a far away look in his eyes. Visitors to countries around the Horn of Africa should be prepared for an extraordinary sight. This will be of a man with one great big swollen cheek bulging out, as if a tennis ball has been inserted into it, green teeth and a far away look in his eyes. 00:08:25 british council, learnenglish,learn english podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-deserts http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/desert-article.mp3 "Only the desert has a fascination—to ride alone—in the sun in the forever—unpossessed country—away from man. That is a great temptation." (DH Lawrence) Podcasts Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:45:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No "Only the desert has a fascination—to ride alone—in the sun in the forever—unpossessed country—away from man. That is a great temptation." (DH Lawrence) "Only the desert has a fascination—to ride alone—in the sun in the forever—unpossessed country—away from man. That is a great temptation." (DH Lawrence) 00:04:14 british council, learnenglish,learn english podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-conspiracies http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/conspiracies-article.mp3 Are you convinced that your government is in contact with UFOs? Do you think that President Kennedy was the victim of more than one assassin? Podcasts Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:10:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Are you convinced that your government is in contact with UFOs? Do you think that President Kennedy was the victim of more than one assassin? Are you convinced that your government is in contact with UFOs? Do you think that President Kennedy was the victim of more than one assassin? 00:06:15 british council, learnenglish,learn english podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-peacekeeping http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/solar-power-article.mp3 Which form of energy is free during the day, produces no dangerous waste products and will be available for the next 4 billion years? Solar power, of course. Podcasts Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Which form of energy is free during the day, produces no dangerous waste products and will be available for the next 4 billion years? Solar power, of course. Which form of energy is free during the day, produces no dangerous waste products and will be available for the next 4 billion years? Solar power, of course. 00:05:12 british council, learnenglish,learn english podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-peacekeeping http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/peacekeeping-article.mp3 Wherever there is conflict in the world and enemies have agreed to let a third party or neutral force come in to try and maintain the peace, it is usually the familiar blue helmets of the United Nations that we see on the scene. Podcasts Mon, 25 May 2009 09:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Wherever there is conflict in the world and enemies have agreed to let a third party or neutral force come in to try and maintain the peace, it is usually the familiar blue helmets of the United Nations that we see on the scene. Wherever there is conflict in the world and enemies have agreed to let a third party or neutral force come in to try and maintain the peace, it is usually the familiar blue helmets of the United Nations that we see on the scene. 00:06:26 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-biodiversity http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/the-eden-project-article.mp3 In 1999, Tim Smit, an ex-rock musician and record producer, borrowed the name of the biblical garden for a collection of space-age domes in a corner of southwest England - the Eden Project. Podcasts Mon, 18 May 2009 10:50:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No In 1999, Tim Smit, an ex-rock musician and record producer, borrowed the name of the biblical garden for a collection of space-age domes in a corner of southwest England - the Eden Project. In 1999, Tim Smit, an ex-rock musician and record producer, borrowed the name of the biblical garden for a collection of space-age domes in a corner of southwest England - the Eden Project. 00:06:35 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-information-society http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/viral-marketing-article.mp3 In 1998 Iconocast gave the award for Internet marketing buzzword of the year to the term 'viral marketing', but what does it really mean? Podcasts Mon, 11 May 2009 10:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No In 1998 Iconocast gave the award for Internet marketing buzzword of the year to the term 'viral marketing', but what does it really mean? In 1998 Iconocast gave the award for Internet marketing buzzword of the year to the term 'viral marketing', but what does it really mean? 00:06:45 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-cryptology http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/cryptology-article.mp3 Dbo zpv sfbe uijt? Ju’t b tfdsfu dpef! If you don’t understand that, it is because I wrote it in a secret code. Podcasts Mon, 4 May 2009 13:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Dbo zpv sfbe uijt? Ju’t b tfdsfu dpef! If you don’t understand that, it is because I wrote it in a secret code. Dbo zpv sfbe uijt? Ju’t b tfdsfu dpef! If you don’t understand that, it is because I wrote it in a secret code. 00:07:11 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-books http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/books-article.mp3 This is a story about how I stopped watching TV and began reading again for pleasure, after ten years in which I hardly turned a page. Podcasts Tues, 28 April 2009 15:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No This is a story about how I stopped watching TV and began reading again for pleasure, after ten years in which I hardly turned a page. This is a story about how I stopped watching TV and began reading again for pleasure, after ten years in which I hardly turned a page. 00:04:22 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-agriculture http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/iguana-farming-article.mp3 When you think of animal farming, cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens and ducks probably come to mind. Podcasts Mon, 13 April 2009 12:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No When you think of animal farming, cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens and ducks probably come to mind. When you think of animal farming, cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens and ducks probably come to mind. 00:08:35 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-health http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/aids-article.mp3 An HIV/AIDS success story: Number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2004: 39.4 million. Deaths from Aids in 2004: 4.9 million. Children (under 15) with Aids by end of 2004: 2.2 million. Podcasts Mon, 06 April 2009 12:40:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No An HIV/AIDS success story: Number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2004: 39.4 million. Deaths from Aids in 2004: 4.9 million. Children (under 15) with Aids by end of 2004: 2.2 million. An HIV/AIDS success story: Number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2004: 39.4 million. Deaths from Aids in 2004: 4.9 million. Children (under 15) with Aids by end of 2004: 2.2 million. 00:06:47 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-jokes http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/jokes-article.mp3 “It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain (famous humorist) Podcasts Mon, 30 March 2009 10:40:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No “It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain (famous humorist) “It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain (famous humorist) 00:06:43 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-weather http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/weather-article.mp3 It's hardly surprising that weather is a favourite topic for so many people around the world - it affects where we choose to live, what we wear, our moods, and perhaps even our national characteristics. Podcasts Mon, 23 March 2009 10:40:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No It's hardly surprising that weather is a favourite topic for so many people around the world - it affects where we choose to live, what we wear, our moods, and perhaps even our national characteristics. It's hardly surprising that weather is a favourite topic for so many people around the world - it affects where we choose to live, what we wear, our moods, and perhaps even our national characteristics. 00:06:24 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-ireland http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/saint-patricks-day-article.mp3 Saint Patrick's Day. St. Patrick’s Day is a very well known Irish national holiday, which is celebrated not only in Ireland but all around the world on the 17th of March. Podcasts Mon, 16 March 2009 13:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Saint Patrick's Day. St. Patrick’s Day is a very well known Irish national holiday, which is celebrated not only in Ireland but all around the world on the 17th of March. Saint Patrick's Day. St. Patrick’s Day is a very well known Irish national holiday, which is celebrated not only in Ireland but all around the world on the 17th of March. 00:05:37 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-commonwealth http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/commonwealth-article.mp3 11 March is Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth, is an association of independent sovereign states, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire. Podcasts Mon, 09 March 2009 08:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No 11 March is Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth, is an association of independent sovereign states, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire. 11 March is Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth, is an association of independent sovereign states, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire. 00:03:27 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-womens-rights http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/womens-rights-article.mp3 Sojourner Truth. The name Sojourner may be familiar to you. It was the name of the wheeled robot that was sent on the expedition to Mars in 1997 to explore the surface of the planet. Podcasts Mon, 02 March 2009 14:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Sojourner Truth. The name Sojourner may be familiar to you. It was the name of the wheeled robot that was sent on the expedition to Mars in 1997 to explore the surface of the planet. Sojourner Truth. The name Sojourner may be familiar to you. It was the name of the wheeled robot that was sent on the expedition to Mars in 1997 to explore the surface of the planet. 00:07:54 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-wales http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/wales-article_01.mp3 Wales and St. David. "Gwnewch y pethau bychain = Do the little things (that you have seen me do and heard about)" Podcasts Mon, 23 February 2009 14:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Wales and St. David. "Gwnewch y pethau bychain = Do the little things (that you have seen me do and heard about)" Wales and St. David. "Gwnewch y pethau bychain = Do the little things (that you have seen me do and heard about)" 00:05:32 british council, learnenglish, podcast, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-languages http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/the-meaning-of-tingo-article.mp3 The Meaning of Tingo. "I recently found a book by the writer Adam Jacot de Boinod called The Meaning Of Tingo. As a native speaker of English, I was a bit confused. I had never heard of this word “tingo”, and was curious about the title of the book." Podcasts Mon, 16 February 2009 15:45:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No The Meaning of Tingo. "I recently found a book by the writer Adam Jacot de Boinod called The Meaning Of Tingo. As a native speaker of English, I was a bit confused. I had never heard of this word “tingo”, and was curious about the title of the book." The Meaning of Tingo. "I recently found a book by the writer Adam Jacot de Boinod called The Meaning Of Tingo. As a native speaker of English, I was a bit confused. I had never heard of this word “tingo”, and was curious about the title of the book." 00:06:36 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-board-games http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/little-wooden-armies-article.mp3 Little Wooden Armies. 1500 years ago a king in India named Kaid, who had built a huge empire, was sick at heart. He called his minister, Sassa, to him and said : “Day and night I think about my past battles, I dream of conquests and invasions, I can’t sleep for thinking about imaginary wars and victories. But I have no more enemies, and it is a sin to make war without cause. What can I do to regain my peace of mind? Podcasts Mon, 09 February 2009 11:45:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Little Wooden Armies. 1500 years ago a king in India named Kaid, who had built a huge empire, was sick at heart. He called his minister, Sassa, to him and said : “Day and night I think about my past battles, I dream of conquests and invasions, I can’t sleep for thinking about imaginary wars and victories. But I have no more enemies, and it is a sin to make war without cause. What can I do to regain my peace of mind? Little Wooden Armies. 1500 years ago a king in India named Kaid, who had built a huge empire, was sick at heart. He called his minister, Sassa, to him and said : “Day and night I think about my past battles, I dream of conquests and invasions, I can’t sleep for thinking about imaginary wars and victories. But I have no more enemies, and it is a sin to make war without cause. What can I do to regain my peace of mind? 00:07:01 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-new-zealand http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/new-zealand-article.mp3 New Zealand: two islands where old meets new. Tucked away in the Pacific Ocean, here the sun seems to slip more slowly across the sky, perhaps thanks to Maui, a legendary Maori demi-god, whose magic fishing net caught the sun. Podcasts Mon, 02 February 2009 14:35:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No New Zealand: two islands where old meets new. Tucked away in the Pacific Ocean, here the sun seems to slip more slowly across the sky, perhaps thanks to Maui, a legendary Maori demi-god, whose magic fishing net caught the sun. New Zealand: two islands where old meets new. Tucked away in the Pacific Ocean, here the sun seems to slip more slowly across the sky, perhaps thanks to Maui, a legendary Maori demi-god, whose magic fishing net caught the sun. 00:06:00 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-classical-music http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/mozart-article.mp3 Everything you (n)ever wanted to know about Mozart. Did you know that Mozart was a keen and skilful billiard player? Or that he had a slight deformity of his left ear, usually kept covered by his wig? Podcasts Mon, 26 January 2009 08:35:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Everything you (n)ever wanted to know about Mozart. Did you know that Mozart was a keen and skilful billiard player? Or that he had a slight deformity of his left ear, usually kept covered by his wig? Everything you (n)ever wanted to know about Mozart. Did you know that Mozart was a keen and skilful billiard player? Or that he had a slight deformity of his left ear, usually kept covered by his wig? 00:08:06 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-wordplay http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/how-to-play-with-words-article.mp3 How to Play With Words. "This paragraph is not ordinary. Look at it. At first, it won’t look too odd. Just a normal paragraph - you may think. But look at it again and you might find it a bit unusual. Just a tiny bit. What’s wrong with it, you may ask?" Podcasts Mon, 19 January 2009 17:55:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No How to Play With Words. "This paragraph is not ordinary. Look at it. At first, it won’t look too odd. Just a normal paragraph - you may think. But look at it again and you might find it a bit unusual. Just a tiny bit. What’s wrong with it, you may ask?" How to Play With Words. "This paragraph is not ordinary. Look at it. At first, it won’t look too odd. Just a normal paragraph - you may think. But look at it again and you might find it a bit unusual. Just a tiny bit. What’s wrong with it, you may ask?" 000:07:37 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-telephony http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/mobile-phones-article.mp3 Mobile phones. When Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it was a revolution in communication. Podcasts Mon, 12 January 2009 10:55:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Mobile phones. When Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it was a revolution in communication. Mobile phones. When Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it was a revolution in communication. 00:05:37 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-pilgrims http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/pilgrims-article.mp3 There are many legends surrounding the pilgrims. In fact they were real people: English men and women who wanted to escape the religious controversies and economic problems of their time by emigrating to America. Podcasts Mon, 05 January 2009 08:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No There are many legends surrounding the pilgrims. In fact they were real people: English men and women who wanted to escape the religious controversies and economic problems of their time by emigrating to America. There are many legends surrounding the pilgrims. In fact they were real people: English men and women who wanted to escape the religious controversies and economic problems of their time by emigrating to America. 00:05:10 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-names http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/names-article.mp3 Shakespeare told us that a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. But is that true? Are names important? Podcasts Mon, 29 December 2008 16:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Shakespeare told us that a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. But is that true? Are names important? Shakespeare told us that a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. But is that true? Are names important? 00:04:43 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-christmas http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/christmas-article.mp3 Christmas is one of those holidays which means very different things to different people. Podcasts Mon, 22 December 2008 22:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Christmas is one of those holidays which means very different things to different people. Christmas is one of those holidays which means very different things to different people. 00:06:10 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-twins http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/twins-article.mp3 What do the singer Alanis Morissette, the supermodel Gisele Bundchen and the ex-Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, all have in common? Podcasts Tues, 15 December 2008 12:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No What do the singer Alanis Morissette, the supermodel Gisele Bundchen and the ex-Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, all have in common? What do the singer Alanis Morissette, the supermodel Gisele Bundchen and the ex-Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, all have in common? 00:04:53 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-human-rights http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/great-apes-article.mp3 Chimpanzees, and the other great apes - gorillas, orang-utans and bonobos (pygmy chimps) - are always one of the favourite attractions in any zoo. There seems little doubt that the main reason for this is because they are so similar to us, and the more "human" their behaviour, the more the visitors to the zoo enjoy themselves. Podcasts Tues, 09 December 2008 11:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Chimpanzees, and the other great apes - gorillas, orang-utans and bonobos (pygmy chimps) - are always one of the favourite attractions in any zoo. There seems little doubt that the main reason for this is because they are so similar to us, and the more "human" their behaviour, the more the visitors to the zoo enjoy themselves. Chimpanzees, and the other great apes - gorillas, orang-utans and bonobos (pygmy chimps) - are always one of the favourite attractions in any zoo. There seems little doubt that the main reason for this is because they are so similar to us, and the more "human" their behaviour, the more the visitors to the zoo enjoy themselves. 00:05:47 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-gambling http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/gambling-article-02.mp3 Human beings have spent large amounts of money trying to beat the laws of probability for centuries. Podcasts Mon, 01 December 2008 16:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Human beings have spent large amounts of money trying to beat the laws of probability for centuries. Human beings have spent large amounts of money trying to beat the laws of probability for centuries. 00:05:47 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-scotland http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/scotland-article.mp3 The Sick Man of Europe? "We Scots get a bad press for our lifestyles, to say the least. Some years ago, Jack McConnell, First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, called us 'one of the most unhealthy countries in Europe,' with a culture of 'lack of exercise, drugs abuse, excessive drinking and over eating.'" Podcasts Mon, 24 November 2008 11:20:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No The Sick Man of Europe? "We Scots get a bad press for our lifestyles, to say the least. Some years ago, Jack McConnell, First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, called us 'one of the most unhealthy countries in Europe,' with a culture of 'lack of exercise, drugs abuse, excessive drinking and over eating.'" The Sick Man of Europe? "We Scots get a bad press for our lifestyles, to say the least. Some years ago, Jack McConnell, First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, called us 'one of the most unhealthy countries in Europe,' with a culture of 'lack of exercise, drugs abuse, excessive drinking and over eating.'" 00:05:15 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-assassination http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/assassination-article.mp3 "My heart burnt within me with indignation and grief; we could think of nothing else ... Every one is feeling the same. I never knew so universal a feeling." (Elizabeth Gaskell 1865) Podcasts Mon, 17 November 2008 18:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No "My heart burnt within me with indignation and grief; we could think of nothing else ... Every one is feeling the same. I never knew so universal a feeling." (Elizabeth Gaskell 1865) "My heart burnt within me with indignation and grief; we could think of nothing else ... Every one is feeling the same. I never knew so universal a feeling." (Elizabeth Gaskell 1865) 00:09:47 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, assassination, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-esp http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/extra-sensory-perception-article.mp3 Some believe that we all have the ability of ESP to some degree but that most of us choose not to develop it. Podcasts Mon, 10 November 2008 16:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Some believe that we all have the ability of ESP to some degree but that most of us choose not to develop it. Some believe that we all have the ability of ESP to some degree but that most of us choose not to develop it. 00:04:55 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, esp, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-computers http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/girls-games-article.mp3 Computer games have been criticised for quite some time over a whole range of issues. Some people say they are overly violent and encourage violent behaviour particularly in children. Others say that they make children hyperactive, unsociable and are bad for their eyes. Now, however, it seems that computer games have also become a feminist issue. Podcasts Mon, 03 November 2008 16:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Computer games have been criticised for quite some time over a whole range of issues. Some people say they are overly violent and encourage violent behaviour particularly in children. Others say that they make children hyperactive, unsociable and are bad for their eyes. Now, however, it seems that computer games have also become a feminist issue. Computer games have been criticised for quite some time over a whole range of issues. Some people say they are overly violent and encourage violent behaviour particularly in children. Others say that they make children hyperactive, unsociable and are bad for their eyes. Now, however, it seems that computer games have also become a feminist issue. 00:04:10 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities,computers http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-staple-foods http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/feeding-the-world-article.mp3 Feeding the world - why we need rice : Rice is low-fat and high in energy, and you can mix it with just about anything to make a wide variety of tasty nutritious dishes. Ask anyone from any country in the world to tell you their favourite rice recipe and you will get a wide selection, ranging from sushi in Japan to risottos in northern Italy. Podcasts Mon, 20 October 2008 17:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Feeding the world - why we need rice : Rice is low-fat and high in energy, and you can mix it with just about anything to make a wide variety of tasty nutritious dishes. Ask anyone from any country in the world to tell you their favourite rice recipe and you will get a wide selection, ranging from sushi in Japan to risottos in northern Italy. Feeding the world - why we need rice : Rice is low-fat and high in energy, and you can mix it with just about anything to make a wide variety of tasty nutritious dishes. Ask anyone from any country in the world to tell you their favourite rice recipe and you will get a wide selection, ranging from sushi in Japan to risottos in northern Italy. 00:04:42 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities,food http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-food http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/you-are-what-you-eat.mp3 Food "When I was at school, our teacher told the class “You are what you eat.” My friends and I would laugh and call each other ‘hamburger’ and ‘biscuits’. Our teacher was trying to show us the importance of eating the right food to stay healthy." Podcasts Mon, 13 October 2008 11:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Food "When I was at school, our teacher told the class “You are what you eat.” My friends and I would laugh and call each other ‘hamburger’ and ‘biscuits’. Our teacher was trying to show us the importance of eating the right food to stay healthy." Food "When I was at school, our teacher told the class “You are what you eat.” My friends and I would laugh and call each other ‘hamburger’ and ‘biscuits’. Our teacher was trying to show us the importance of eating the right food to stay healthy." 00:05:30 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-disasters http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/natural-disasters-article.mp3 Natural disasters take many different forms and can happen without warning. Earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, drought, typhoons and hurricanes are all natural disasters. Podcasts Mon, 6 October 2008 16:10:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Natural disasters take many different forms and can happen without warning. Earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, drought, typhoons and hurricanes are all natural disasters. Natural disasters take many different forms and can happen without warning. Earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, drought, typhoons and hurricanes are all natural disasters. 00:06:07 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-old-age http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/building-bridges-article.mp3 Building bridges. "Being old is when you know all the answers but nobody asks you the questions." (Anonymous) Podcasts Mon, 29 September 2008 08:40:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Building bridges. "Being old is when you know all the answers but nobody asks you the questions." (Anonymous) Building bridges. "Being old is when you know all the answers but nobody asks you the questions." (Anonymous) 00:06:07 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-rescue http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/rescue-article.mp3 Rescue at Sea - the RNLI : "Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!" Podcasts Mon, 22 September 2008 12:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Rescue at Sea - the RNLI : "Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!" Rescue at Sea - the RNLI : "Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!" 00:05:21 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-peace http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/peace-symbols-article.mp3 "The concept of peace is a very important one in cultures all over the world. Think about how we greet people. In some languages, the phrases for greetings contain the word for peace." Podcasts Mon, 15 September 2008 17:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No "The concept of peace is a very important one in cultures all over the world. Think about how we greet people. In some languages, the phrases for greetings contain the word for peace." "The concept of peace is a very important one in cultures all over the world. Think about how we greet people. In some languages, the phrases for greetings contain the word for peace." 00:05:40 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-literacy http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/illiteracy-article.mp3 "I’ve written this article and you’re reading it. So we are members of the same club. We’re both literate - we can read and write." Podcasts Mon, 08 September 2008 17:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No "I’ve written this article and you’re reading it. So we are members of the same club. We’re both literate - we can read and write." "I’ve written this article and you’re reading it. So we are members of the same club. We’re both literate - we can read and write." 00:05:54 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-space http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/the-moon-article.mp3 The moon: As the brightest and biggest thing in the night sky, the moon has inspired music, poetry and stories for centuries. Federico Garcia Lorca wrote a ballad about it. Debussy composed a piece for piano. Frank Sinatra wanted someone to fly him there. Podcasts Sun, 07 September 2008 08:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No The moon: As the brightest and biggest thing in the night sky, the moon has inspired music, poetry and stories for centuries. Federico Garcia Lorca wrote a ballad about it. Debussy composed a piece for piano. Frank Sinatra wanted someone to fly him there. The moon: As the brightest and biggest thing in the night sky, the moon has inspired music, poetry and stories for centuries. Federico Garcia Lorca wrote a ballad about it. Debussy composed a piece for piano. Frank Sinatra wanted someone to fly him there. 00:05:05 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-festivals http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/crazy-festivals-article.mp3 There are festivals going on somewhere in the world every day of the year. We have selected a few of the more unusual, colourful festivals from around the world. Podcasts Mon, 25 August 2008 08:20:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No There are festivals going on somewhere in the world every day of the year. We have selected a few of the more unusual, colourful festivals from around the world. There are festivals going on somewhere in the world every day of the year. We have selected a few of the more unusual, colourful festivals from around the world. 00:09:59 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-slavery http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/slavery-article.mp3 Slavery is the idea that a human is someone’s property, that he/she can be bought, sold and owned; and forced to work without being paid. This concept has been around for thousands of years and all major civilizations used slaves at some point. Podcasts Mon, 18 August 2008 08:40:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Slavery is the idea that a human is someone’s property, that he/she can be bought, sold and owned; and forced to work without being paid. This concept has been around for thousands of years and all major civilizations used slaves at some point. Slavery is the idea that a human is someone’s property, that he/she can be bought, sold and owned; and forced to work without being paid. This concept has been around for thousands of years and all major civilizations used slaves at some point. 00:06:58 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-youth-culture-student-power http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/student-power-article.mp3 Student power: when most people think of strikes, they think of factory workers asking for better pay and conditions, or perhaps refusing to work to support a colleague who has been unfairly sacked. Podcasts Mon, 11 August 2008 10:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Student power: when most people think of strikes, they think of factory workers asking for better pay and conditions, or perhaps refusing to work to support a colleague who has been unfairly sacked. Student power: when most people think of strikes, they think of factory workers asking for better pay and conditions, or perhaps refusing to work to support a colleague who has been unfairly sacked. 00:03:54 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, student, young, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-olympics http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/olympics-02-article.mp3 In 2004 the Olympic Games returned to its home in Greece, where it began around 3000 years ago. The first recorded Olympic festival took place in 776 BC. Similar festivals had been organised for at least two or three centuries prior to this, but 776 BC saw the start of a regular festival which was to take place every Olympiad, or four year period. Podcasts Mon, 4 August 2008 08:50:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No In 2004 the Olympic Games returned to its home in Greece, where it began around 3000 years ago. The first recorded Olympic festival took place in 776 BC. Similar festivals had been organised for at least two or three centuries prior to this, but 776 BC saw the start of a regular festival which was to take place every Olympiad, or four year period. In 2004 the Olympic Games returned to its home in Greece, where it began around 3000 years ago. The first recorded Olympic festival took place in 776 BC. Similar festivals had been organised for at least two or three centuries prior to this, but 776 BC saw the start of a regular festival which was to take place every Olympiad, or four year period. 00:05:54 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, sport, olympic, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-transport http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/trains-article.mp3 Railways are not a modern invention as most of us think. The idea of transporting things and people on rails has been around for a long time. Podcasts Mon, 28 July 2008 08:50:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Railways are not a modern invention as most of us think. The idea of transporting things and people on rails has been around for a long time. Railways are not a modern invention as most of us think. The idea of transporting things and people on rails has been around for a long time. 00:05:43 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, transport, trains, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-home http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/danger-bird-bath-article.mp3 Accidents: we all know that chainsaws are very dangerous - in Britain 1207 people had to visit hospitals after accidents with chainsaws in 1999. However, in the same year, 16,662 people – more than twelve times as many - were injured by their sofa! Podcasts Mon, 21 July 2008 09:00:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Accidents: we all know that chainsaws are very dangerous - in Britain 1207 people had to visit hospitals after accidents with chainsaws in 1999. However, in the same year, 16,662 people – more than twelve times as many - were injured by their sofa! Accidents: we all know that chainsaws are very dangerous - in Britain 1207 people had to visit hospitals after accidents with chainsaws in 1999. However, in the same year, 16,662 people – more than twelve times as many - were injured by their sofa! 00:04:37 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, accidents, home, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-animals http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/wild-animal-trivia-article.mp3 Read/listen to some facts about animals that will amaze you. Then try and read between the lines to answer the questions. Podcasts Mon, 14 July 2008 10:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Read/listen to some facts about animals that will amaze you. Then try and read between the lines to answer the questions. Read/listen to some facts about animals that will amaze you. Then try and read between the lines to answer the questions. 00:05:04 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, animals, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-cooperatives http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/cooperatives-article.mp3 The idea of the co-operative is one of the greatest British inventions. To be more exact, it all began with a small shop in Toad Lane, Rochdale in Lancashire. Podcasts Mon, 07 July 2008 10:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No The idea of the co-operative is one of the greatest British inventions. To be more exact, it all began with a small shop in Toad Lane, Rochdale in Lancashire. The idea of the co-operative is one of the greatest British inventions. To be more exact, it all began with a small shop in Toad Lane, Rochdale in Lancashire. 00:07:36 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, cooperatives, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-canada http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/canada-article.mp3 "Like most people I suppose, I know the USA from watching American films. I think my view of Canada is nearly the same, the only problem is that you can’t see much of Canada in American films." Podcasts Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:30:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No "Like most people I suppose, I know the USA from watching American films. I think my view of Canada is nearly the same, the only problem is that you can’t see much of Canada in American films." "Like most people I suppose, I know the USA from watching American films. I think my view of Canada is nearly the same, the only problem is that you can’t see much of Canada in American films." 00:05:10 british council, learnenglish, podcast, current, canada, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-refugees http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/refugees-article.mp3 A refugee, defined by the United Nations, is a person who is unable or unwilling to return to their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or because they belong to a particular social group. Podcasts Thu, 08 Jun 2008 00:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No A refugee, defined by the United Nations, is a person who is unable or unwilling to return to their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or because they belong to a particular social group A refugee, defined by the United Nations, is a person who is unable or unwilling to return to their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or because they belong to a particular social group 00:04:32 british council, learnenglihsh, podcast, current, refugees, english, language, activities http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-podcasts-themes-sea-monsters http://podcasts.britishcouncil.org/podcasts/sea-monsters-article.mp3 Question: What animal is over 30 feet long, has a big head, enormous eyes, a mane like a lion, a long neck, a body like a snake and lots of arms like an octopus? Answer: Nobody knows. Podcasts Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:15:00 -0000 British Council - LearnEnglish No Question: What animal is over 30 feet long, has a big head, enormous eyes, a mane like a lion, a long neck, a body like a snake and lots of arms like an octopus? Answer: Nobody knows. Question: What animal is over 30 feet long, has a big head, enormous eyes, a mane like a lion, a long neck, a body like a snake and lots of arms like an octopus? Answer: Nobody knows. 00:04:18 british Council, learnenglish, podcast, current, sea, monsters, english, language, activities