Tune In, Turn Up, and Geek Out: How BBC Radio 4 Can Be Your Secret Weapon in Acing English Lang Lit
Jul 24
4 min read
7
22
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"In the summertime when the weather is high" Mungo Jerry sang... (although looking out of the window I could be persuaded otherwise), and even though school and exams are but a distant memory there is still plenty you can do to keep up with the literary world.
Sorry to all you IB Extended Essay students currently researching and writing your first drafts. But, to all of you, remember, reading is something that draws you into other worlds.
Listening does that too… So let me introduce you to Radio 4.
Yes, that’s right – Radio 4. The station your grandparents probably listen to. But before you scoff and scroll away, let me break down how this treasure trove of audio awesomeness can elevate your literary game.
So open the BBC Sounds app on your phone and let’s get going.
Oh, and I apologise in advance but the Top Pick for each category was meant to be just one (as the subheading implies) but quickly became two. I rest my case - Radio 4 is one of the smartest literary sources out there.
1. The Drama Department
Who needs Netflix when you have Radio 4’s drama collection? Forget binging the latest reality estate agent show – instead, immerse yourself in world-class radio plays and books. From adaptations of literary classics to contemporary pieces by up-and-coming playwrights and authors, Radio 4 (and the sister stations such as Radio 3 and 4x) offer a vast library that brings texts to life.
Top Pick: The Poor Olympics and the Flying Housewife: ‘Uplifting, poignant and funny Olympic sports drama based on true events, premiering on the eve of Paris 2024.’ Radio 4
Top Pick: Book of the Week - currently Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang, fab meta writing.
Relevance: A Level / IB literary context
2. The Literary Lounge
BBC Radio 4 is a haven for literary discussion. The in-depth interviews and panel discussions will give you insights and ways of seeing and thinking about literature.
Top Pick: Bookclub, where famous authors discuss their work in depth. It’s like joining a book club with the coolest members, except you don’t have to pretend you did all the reading.
Top Pick: Literary Documentaries - currently Orwell vs Kafka with Ian Hislop and Helen Lewis exploring the extent to which these authors and their works remain relevant in the fast paced and often confusing world of the 21st century.
Relevance: A Level / IB creating an argument - Language courses
3. The Language Lab
For those of you who geek out over grammar and get passionate about phonetics, Radio 4 has plenty to offer. Language-centric shows delve into the evolution of English, the nuances of dialects, and the beauty of linguistic quirks. Perfect for when you need to procrastinate productively.
Top Pick: Word of Mouth is an essential listen. Hosted by Michael Rosen, it’s a deep dive into the oddities and origins of our language.
Relevance: A Level / IB Literature, Language and Literature, Language. GCSE / iGCSE Language
4. The News Desk
Understanding the context in which a piece of literature was written can be crucial and Radio 4’s news programmes provide detailed coverage of current events and historical analysis. Listening to these can help you draw parallels between the text and the real world, making your essays more insightful and relevant.
Top Pick: Today is a staple for current affairs. Not only will it keep you informed, but it can also serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary comparisons in your essays.
Relevance: A Level/IB context / GCSE social, historical, cultural context
5. The Intellectual Escape
Sometimes, you just need a break from the heavy lifting of academic work. Radio 4’s rich array of comedy and quirky shows will rejuvenate your mind, making it easier to tackle that next daunting chapter of your summer reading - shout out to all you Proust readers.
Top Pick: Flight of the Conchords. And my favourite ever episode - Neil Finn Saves the Day!
6. The Cultural Cache
Finally, for those moments when you want to seem effortlessly cultured, Radio 4’s arts and culture programmes have you covered. They explore everything from art exhibitions to theatre reviews, helping you stay ahead of the curve in cultural conversations.
Top Pick: Front Row covers the latest in arts, books, and culture. Drop some nuggets from the latest episode in class discussions and watch as your cultural cache skyrockets.
Top Pick: Desert Island Discs - currently interviewing David Nicholls (he of One Day fame, not that you need to be told).
So there you have it – a plethora of reasons to tune into Radio 4. It’s not just a station; it’s an educational powerhouse, an intellectual retreat, and a companion for your literary journey. The current schedule is great - the back catalogue invaluable.
Happy listening, and may your essays be ever insightful and your grammar ever impeccable! Do drop your 8 life defining record choices in the comments below - it isn’t as easy as it sounds to choose.
Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
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