 This online resource is based on the television programme of the same title. It can be used as a stand-alone resource or with the TV.
Choose a topic from the main menu. Each topic has the following structure:
| Video or audio
A selection of clips from the tv programmes on which the language activities are based.
To access these, you'll need the RealPlayer 'plug-in'.
Use the control bar to pause, rewind and replay the clips. More details on 'plug-ins' can be found at BBC Online Help.
| Practice activities
These test your understanding of the video and audio clips and let you practise what you've heard and learnt. When you've completed an activity, simply click on the button to get your score.
In general, these activities are based on language functions, similar to those covered by the National Language Standards.
Note that: for the most part, only words and phrases covered in the online topic are accepted as correct answers within the confines of the answer 'script'.
it has not been possible to include every correct possiblity, only those which are reasonably predictable.
| Typing accented characters:
PC users
Hold down the alt key and type the relevant ASCII code using your keyboard number pad with the number lock key switched on:
Spanish
• á 160 • é 130 • à 161 • ó 162 • ú 163
In some systems, holding down the alt + ctrl keys as you type the vowel will produce the vowel with an acute accent.
Italian
• à 133 • è 138 • ì 141 • ò 149 • ù 151
Mac users
For vowels, type the sequence alt + [accent key] + vowel
where the accent key is
[e] key for an acute accent, ´
[ ` ] key for a grave accent
• It is correct for upper case letters to be written with or without accents
| Self-check
Check your language skill level in the topic, either before you start the unit, if you have some knowledge already of the language, or after, to check how well you've done. | Transcripts and translation
These are provided as support to the video and audio files. Try to watch or listen before you look at these, to improve your listening skills.
Follow the links to display the English translation.
| Key language
A selection of key phrases for the topic.
These are the main language functions for each unit. Call them up at any time for reference.
| Key words
Some key vocabulary which will help you understand the online topic. | | Feedback
We are interested in your comments on this site, and what you think of the language activities we have created. |
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