Take English Learning Everywhere with Podcasts
Are you looking for an easy way to learn English? Are you too busy to learn English? Or, do you finally have a little free time and you just want to relax? One or all of the above? Then it’s time to explore that purple microphone app preloaded into your phone. Podcasts contain some of the best free and interesting English learning contents ever and we’ve rounded up a few for you that you can listen to when you’re busy, riding the bus, or just relaxing on the beach.
Free English Learning Podcasts for the Beach or the Bus
Podcasts (portmanteau of iPod and broadcast) are a great way to learn English and expand your vocabulary, listening skills and fluency anywhere, anytime. And they are mostly free. Whether you only have a few minutes a day or even no time at all, there is something interesting you could be listening to.
Topics for all Tastes
Podcasts are pre-recorded episodes of audio or video that you can either stream or easily download onto most smart phones or devices and listen to them in the car on the bus, train, airplane, while you’re cleaning, cooking or lying on the beach or even while you’re working. What makes listening to podcasts so effective is that you can choose from a broad range of topics. Listening to something you’re interested in helps improve your passive language skills which is the first step to acquiring new English in natural context. Summer is a great time to explore podcasts but luckily contents are as endless as we wish our summers were and so perfect all year round!
We’ve rounded up a few free podcast series to help you get started doing nothing.
Great Free Podcasts for Learning English
The English We Speak
A fantastic podcast from the BBC which consists of more than 300 short episodes (4 minutes or less). Each episode focuses on a particular phrase or slang expression. The phrase or expression is introduced in a conversation between two people who speak slowly. This podcast is ideal for all levels especially if you want to learn more informal English.
Learning English
A daily 30-minute program by Voice of America on current events and history with a focus on the United States. Learning English offers episodes for all skill levels and you can pick a particular topic such as Arts and Culture or Science and Technology.
GO Natural English
Over 100 short episodes, most of which are shorter than 5 minutes. The podcasts include topics such as how to have better telephone conversations, the difference between each and every, top ten movies for learning English and there are also many short interviews with people from around the world who share their experiences learning English.
Down to Business English
A podcast focused on English learners who are using the language in a business environment. There are many free episodes available on a variety of different business topics.
Premier Skills Podcasts
And for all those football fans there is even a weekly podcast put out by the British Council and the Premier League. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of football as a means to learn English.
There’s something for everyone, from Business English to Conversational English, from Culture to Sports. Easy, free no excuse English lessons to listen to anytime, anywhere and everywhere.