BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
6 Minute English worksheet
How learning to read changes lives
1. Look at the cover image and title of the episode. What do you think this
episode is about? What do you know about this topic already? What
vocabulary do you associate with this topic?
2. Now listen to the first two minutes of the episode.
• What do the presenters say the episode is about?
• What is this week's question? What do you think the answer is?
3. Now listen to the whole episode. As you listen, write down the six items
of vocabulary. What do they mean?
a) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
b) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
c) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
d) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
e) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
f) Word/phrase:_______________________
It means: ___________________________________________________________.
4. What did you learn that was surprising or new in this episode?
5. Answer the quiz questions. Listen again or use the transcript to help you.
1. How many adults in the UK struggle with reading and writing?
a) 1 in 4
b) 1 in 6
c) 1 in 10
2. What is ‘your name written in your own handwriting to show that
something has been agreed by you’?
a) autograph
b) fingerprint
c) signature
3. What is an informal word meaning ‘stupid’?
a) thin
b) thick
c) sharp
4. “I didn’t realise Peter couldn’t read or write – I guess I just……….. that he
could”.
a) took it for granted
b) took it for real
c) took it for true
5. What is ‘the ability to understand basic maths’?
a) literacy
b) oracy
c) numeracy
6. Which verb means ‘to trick someone in order to take their money’?
a) donate
b) cheat
c) assault
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6. Write your own sentences using the vocabulary.
7. Answer the following questions.
• What are three things you have learnt from this episode?
• How does this topic make you feel?
• Give three examples relevant to your life using the vocabulary.
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Answers
3.
a) illiterate
unable to read or write
b) numeracy
the ability to understand basic maths, count, add up etc.
c) signature
your name written in your own characteristic handwriting style, usually to show
that something has been written or agreed by you
d) cheat
trick or deceive someone in order to take their money or valuables
e) take (something) for granted
assume that (something) is true without checking up or finding out about it
f) thick
(informal) stupid, unintelligent
5. 1b, 2c, 3b, 4a, 5c, 6b
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Teacher's notes
This worksheet is standardised so that you can amend and use it as appropriate
with your classes.
Some topics may be difficult for learners, especially those which could be
upsetting or cause offence. Please be mindful of this when using this worksheet,
and adapt it as necessary.
Expansion activities
• Role-play an interview with an 'interviewer' and an 'expert' on this topic.
• Write a short story or article using the vocabulary from this episode.
• Read original articles on this topic.
• For homework: If it is available in your country, download and listen to the
original podcast these extracts were taken from.
6 Minute English worksheet © British Broadcasting Corporation 2024
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