The soothing power of books - 6 Minute English

How can books help us relax and feel more alive during troubled times such as during the coronavirus pandemic? Would reading be one of the best ways to find relief from the pressures of modern life? Neil and Georgina talk about 'bibliotherapy' and teach you related vocabulary along the way in this free English lesson.

This week's question
What is the best-selling book of all time? Is it:
a) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling
b) A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
c) Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
scanning
reading rapidly in order to find specific facts

literature
written works including novels, poetry and plays which are considered to have artistic value

hemisphere
half of a sphere, usually the earth or the brain

coming to life
starting to be activated after a quiet period

scalp
skin under the hair on your head

stimulus
something that encourages activity in people or things

You can download the audio and transcript from our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200521

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