getting the most out of bbc radio 4 - for esol students

'Talk radio' is not the easiest thing - especially when it's not in your own language - but there is enough choice on BBC Radio 4 to find something of interest - and therefore something which should hold your attention, even when it gets difficult.

Looking at yesterday's schedule:
BBC Radio 4 FM - Schedules, Monday 21 April 2014
there are all sorts to choose from:

The beginning of a new series - with each programme lasting only 15 minutes:
For a taster, try the first minute of introduction, then jump to 5.45 - 7.45, with some very clear readings.
Then again from 9.30 for a little more.
In other words, you'll find some bits interesting and understandable and other bits too much - but just skip over them or only 'half-listen':

In Search of Ourselves: A History of Psychology and the MindHigh Anxieties

Martin Sixsmith examines the government's plan for a national 'happiness index'.

BBC Radio 4 - In Search of Ourselves: A History of Psychology and the Mind, High Anxieties


A look at how to get healthier - at 30 minutes - with lots of animated interviews. Perhaps try the beginning and the end of the programme:

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

Is prolonged sitting bad for us? Chris Bowlby gets up from his desk to find out. 

BBC Radio 4 - Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Jay Doubleyou: we sit too much - so get up and move!


And very animated talk about science, climate change and invention... in 30 or 45 minutes. I'd listen to the last part - from 31.30 where we hear all about a 'sheep-wrecked' and 'bald' British landscape and the 'white plague'...
What are the issues? Do you agree?

Start the WeekJames Lovelock

Anne McElvoy looks to the future with James Lovelock, Joanna Haigh and George Monbiot. 

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, James Lovelock
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