English Rewind - 6 Minute English: How quickly can you learn English?

Summary

This episode of BBC Learning English's '6 Minute English' discusses how to effectively learn English. Hosts Rob and Finn explore various methods, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. They introduce a new online course designed for intermediate learners, available on computers and mobile devices, aimed at enhancing English skills with 15 minutes of daily practice. The show also touches on the necessity of English proficiency for work, study, or UK citizenship, while addressing factors like motivation and age that affect learning speed.

Takeaways

• 😀 The program was originally broadcast on the BBC Learning English website in October 2014.
• 💻 The topic of the episode is about learning English and how technology makes it easier.
• 🧑‍🏫 Rob and Finn discuss how the BBC helps learners worldwide through their online resources.
• ⏳ They launch a new online course that helps learners improve their English with just 15 minutes of daily practice.
• 🗣️ Vocabulary and grammar are the two essential elements of learning English, according to trainer Richard Hallows.
• 🗣️ Richard also emphasizes that it's not necessary to speak with a native accent to be proficient in English.
• 📈 The British government expects immigrants to reach a B1 level of English to be granted citizenship.
• ⏱️ Approximately 360 hours of study are needed to reach a basic conversational level in English.
• 🧒 Children under 11 years old can become fluent in English faster, often within six months.
• 🌍 English is considered an international communication tool and is key for better job opportunities and global access.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the programme?

The main topic of the programme is teaching English and making the learning process easier, including the launch of a new online English course.

What percentage of the British population speaks a first language that is not English according to the 2011 UK census?

According to the 2011 UK census, 7.7% of the British population speaks a first language that is not English, which equates to 4.2 million people.

What are the two key aspects of English language learning mentioned by trainer Richard Hallows?

The two key aspects of English language learning mentioned by Richard Hallows are having a good range of vocabulary and grammar.

Why is it not necessary to have a native English accent, according to the programme?

It is not necessary to have a native English accent because effective communication is more important than sounding like a native speaker.

What are some factors that affect how quickly someone can learn English?

Factors affecting how quickly someone can learn English include motivation, age, and the amount of time spent studying.

How much time is estimated for a beginner to reach ESOL Entry 3 or B1 level in English?

It is estimated that around 360 hours of study are needed for a beginner to reach ESOL Entry 3 or B1 level in English.

What are some reasons people choose to learn English, according to the Facebook responses?

People choose to learn English for various reasons, such as it being a passport to travel, an international communication tool, a key to better job opportunities, and opening doors overseas.

What is the main advantage of online English courses mentioned in the programme?

The main advantage of online English courses is the flexibility of learning anytime and anywhere, which makes English language learning more accessible.

What is the BBC Learning English course aimed at?

The BBC Learning English course is aimed at intermediate learners and covers various aspects of the language through daily 15-minute lessons.

What are some traditional methods of learning English, and how do they compare to online learning?

Traditional methods of learning English include books, leaflets, and face-to-face teachers, but online learning is more accessible and convenient, especially when physical resources are limited.