(16 August 2007 1:00 pm)

MUMBAI: BBC World Service has anounced that English learners, wherever they are, can now access a range of BBC Learning English programmes as free podcasts.

The weekly programmes, How To..., Grammar Challenge and Talk About English, which come in bite-size formats and show students how to tackle tricky aspects of the English language, are now available for downloading on demand via bbcworldservice.com/podcasts.

BBC World Service English Learning head Andrew Thompson said, "A really good way to improve your English is to listen on the go to short and sharp, user-friendly tips and suggestions – and that is just what we have prepared for learners, to BBC standards of quality."

How To... is a series of practical six-minute audio programmes helping students discover and practise phrases and expressions which they can use in all kinds of situations, whether it's to order a meal in a restaurant or congratulate someone on their engagement.

In addition to the audio programme and downloadable transcript, the units feature a guided presentation and analysis of a language structure. Each unit is accompanied by various practice activities and is wrapped up with a consolidation quiz.

Each unit offers a downloadable grammar explanation, and learners are also offered English grammar practice material which features personalised feedback by language experts.

Talk About English is a topical 20-minute audio programme. It features quizzes, debates, interviews and discussions with native and non-native speakers both in the studio and on location. It also offers vocabulary support, downloadable programme scripts, word facts and more.

All BBC Learning English programmes can be accessed via bbclearningenglish.com.