5 Types of English Podcasts for Each Level (A1-C1)
On this page
- How to Determine Your Level
- A1 - Beginner
- Suitable podcast features:
- Suggested podcasts:
- A2 - Elementary
- Suitable podcast features:
- Suggested podcasts:
- B1 - Intermediate
- Suitable podcast features:
- Suggested podcasts:
- B2 - Upper-Intermediate
- Suitable podcast features:
- Suggested podcasts:
- C1 - Advanced
- Suitable podcast features:
- Suggested podcasts:
- Summary Table
- How to Use Podcasts Effectively
- 1. Active Listening with WELE
- 2. Listen Repeatedly
- 3. Gradually Increase Difficulty
- Conclusion
Podcasts are excellent resources for listening practice, but choosing the wrong podcast can be discouraging. This article helps you choose the right podcast for your level.
How to Determine Your Level
Listen to 1 minute of a podcast. How much do you understand?
- Below 30%: Too difficult, choose lower level
- 30-50%: Challenging but might be too hard
- 50-70%: Ideal! Hard enough to learn, easy enough not to quit
- Above 80%: Too easy, should level up
A1 - Beginner
Suitable podcast features:
- Very slow speed
- Basic vocabulary (1000 common words)
- Short, simple sentences
- Has transcript
Suggested podcasts:
- Voice of America Learning English: Slow-read news
- English Class 101: Basic lessons
- British Council Elementary Podcasts: Daily topics
A2 - Elementary
Suitable podcast features:
- Moderately slow speed
- Expanded vocabulary (2000 words)
- Longer sentences with connections
- Everyday topics
Suggested podcasts:
- 6 Minute English (BBC): Interesting topics, has transcript
- Espresso English: Short, clear lessons
- Easy Stories in English: Simple stories
B1 - Intermediate
Suitable podcast features:
- Normal or slightly slow speed
- Diverse vocabulary (3000-4000 words)
- Has opinions, analysis
- Various topics
Suggested podcasts:
- All Ears English: Real English, conversational
- TED Talks Daily: Diverse topics, clear speakers
- The English We Speak (BBC): Idioms and expressions
B2 - Upper-Intermediate
Suitable podcast features:
- Natural speed
- Has slang, idioms
- In-depth topics
- Various accents
Suggested podcasts:
- Stuff You Should Know: Interesting topics, conversational
- Freakonomics Radio: Economics, social science
- The Daily (NY Times): In-depth news
C1 - Advanced
Suitable podcast features:
- Fast, natural speed
- Technical vocabulary
- Complex debates, discussions
- Multiple speakers
Suggested podcasts:
- Hardcore History: In-depth history, long
- Lex Fridman Podcast: Tech, AI, philosophy
- Planet Money (NPR): Complex economics
Summary Table
| Level | Speed | Representative Podcast |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Very slow | VOA Learning English |
| A2 | Moderately slow | 6 Minute English |
| B1 | Normal | TED Talks Daily |
| B2 | Natural | Stuff You Should Know |
| C1 | Fast | Lex Fridman |
How to Use Podcasts Effectively
1. Active Listening with WELE
Don't just listen passively. Use WELE to dictate podcasts, receive detailed feedback.
2. Listen Repeatedly
Listen to the same episode 2-3 times. Time 1: understand overview. Times 2-3: catch details.
3. Gradually Increase Difficulty
When current podcasts become easy (80%+), move to the next level.
Conclusion
Choosing the right podcast for your level helps you learn effectively without giving up. Start with podcasts easier than your actual level, then gradually increase.
Tip: WELE has many lessons from TED Talks and podcasts at various levels. Use filters to choose suitable lessons and start dictation now!
