整椎DIY --滾背

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站立歪斜或坐姿不端正、習慣性翹腳、長時間坐在電腦前都會造成我們脊椎歪曲不直，

脊椎一旦彎曲歪斜，很多毛病會跟著來，所以可以常常做滾背的動作，可以矯正脊椎，

甚至有人長了骨刺也可以治癒哦！每天勤快108下（來回一次算一下），骨刺免開刀，不用快,

慢慢作，矯正脊椎自己來！

　　　　　　　

“滾背”這個動作可以矯正脊椎，基於每個人身體狀況不同，體質也有差異，並非人人可以輕鬆“滾”，

為求安全，再一次談談這個動作。

矯正脊椎的方式很多種，此為其一，不吃藥、不打針，簡易可行。


人體除了特定器官外，全部都受脊髓神經所支配，如果各個支配器官神經

與脊髓之間傳導暢通無阻，各個器官就可發揮正常，一旦脊髓神經系統受

壓迫便容易病變，每一椎別供應人體各個部位。
例：頸椎1C供應部位是頭部血管、大腦垂體、面部、腦部、中耳、內耳、

交感神經系統；神經受壓的結果會頭痛、神經過敏、失眠症、高血壓、

神經桄惚、眩暈、週期症、健忘症、倦怠。
啥！健忘，那我有耶，還有倦怠！！
頸椎2C! 供應部位是眼神經、耳神經、竇、舌、額頭、乳突骨；神經受壓後果：

鼻竇炎、過敏症、重聽、眼疾、耳痛、昏眩、某種眼盲、斜眼、耳鳴....
頸椎3C供應部位：額、外耳、面骨、牙、三叉神經；神經受壓後果:神經痛、

痤瘡、濕疹
頸椎4C供應部位：鼻、唇、口、耳、咽管；神經受壓後果：乾草熱、卡地、

耳聾、增殖腺炎
頸椎5C供應部位：聲帶、頸部脖體、咽；神經受壓後果：喉炎、嘶啞、咽喉炎
頸椎6C供應部位：頸部肌肉、肩部、肩桃腺；神經受壓後果：頸部僵硬、上臂疼痛、

肩桃腺炎、百日咳、哮喘

頸椎7C供應部位：甲狀腺、肩、肘骨囊；神經受壓後果：滑囊症、傷風、甲狀腺症 狀
頸椎8C供應部位：氣管；神經受壓後果：氣管炎、前背、內側小指
胸椎1T供應部位：手臂以下部位、食道、氣管；神經受壓後果：支氣管性氣喘、

咳嗽、呼吸不順、手腕疼痛
胸椎2T供應部位：心臟、包括冠狀動脈及瓣膜；神經受壓後果：功能性心疾、胸痛
胸椎3T供應部位：肺、氣管、胸膜；神經受壓後果：支氣管炎、肺炎、肺充血（

胸膜炎）、流行性感冒　
胸椎4T供應部位：膽囊、膽管；神經受壓後果：膽囊疾病、帶狀��疹、黃疸
胸椎5T供應部位：肝、太陽神經叢、血液；神經受壓後果：肝疾、發熱、低血壓、

貧血、循環不良、關節炎
胸椎6T供應部位：胃；神經受壓後果：神經性胃炎、消化不良、胃灼熱

胸椎 7T供應部位：胰臟、十二指腸；神經受壓後果：糖尿病、胃炎
胸椎8T供應部位：脾；神經受壓後果：抵抗力減低
胸椎9T供應部位：腎上腺；神經受壓後果：過敏症、蕁麻疹
胸椎10T供應部位：腎；神經受壓後果：腎病、倦怠、腎盂炎、腎炎
胸椎11T供應部位：腎、輸尿管；神經受壓後果：痤瘡、小丘疹、癤等皮膚病濕疹
胸椎12T供應部位：小腸、淋巴系統、輸精管；神經受壓後果：風濕痛、氣痛、不孕症
腰椎1L供應部位：大腸、腹股溝；神經受壓後果：便秘、結腸、痢疾、腹瀉、疝氣
腰椎2L供應部位：盲腸、腹部、大腿；神經受壓後果：盲腸炎、痛性痙攣、呼吸困難、靜脈曲張
腰椎3L供應部位：生殖器官、子宮、膀胱、膝；神經受壓後果：膀胱病、月經不調、小產、膝痛
腰椎4L供應部位：前列腺、腰部肌肉坐骨神經；神經受壓後果：坐骨神經痛、腰痛、排尿困難、頻尿
腰椎5L供應部位：小腿、踝、腳；神經受壓後果：腿部血液循環不良、腿無力、足踝腫痛
薦椎S1～S5供應部位：骨盤、臀部、攝護腺；神經受壓後果：薦骼關節病變、脊椎彎曲

尾骨Co4供應部位：直腸、肛門；神經受壓後果：痔瘡、搔癢症、尾骨疼痛
以上資料供參考。這些是瑜珈老師給我們的寶貴資料之一，分享一下，人多少脊椎都有彎曲不正，所以才有些毛病，

平常生活上累積的習慣造成，像是翹二郎腿啊，以前我不自覺也會，習慣養成了，真不是一下子就改掉的，真的是

破壞容易建設難喔，沒事滾滾背可以幫助矯正，記得地上要舖墊子以免傷到，別在沙發或彈簧床上滾。這不是在廢話嗎！

　

滾背方式：
1.併腿屈膝坐在地上，兩手環抱住小腿，自然呼吸別太急促，收腹拱背，身體往後從尾椎、腰椎一節一節觸及地面，

剛開始腳還先不用越過頭，多做幾下後再視自己身體狀況，然後滾到胸椎、頸椎，腳尖朝上，漸漸地雙腳越過頭，

腳打直腳尖著地。我們瑜珈老師的學員們第一次學皆能做到，按照老師的指示，稍用點力一蹬就有衝力幫助我們往後，

腳也能順勢越過頭而腳尖著地了。雙手環抱小腿下方一點會較有力。

2.躺在地上，兩腳屈膝，兩手環抱住小腿，抬頭收腹拱背，身體往後從尾椎、腰椎、胸椎一節一節碰觸地面，如此前後滾過來滾過去。

　

練瑜珈需視自己身體狀況，做不到不能太勉強，滾背這個動作若無法將腳越過頭可以練第2點就好。

有骨刺的人動作可更小更慢些。　

　　　
                    　　　　     
Q:己經有駝背的人可以滾背嗎？　　
A:可以的，但要慢慢地輕輕前後搖擺即可。或者頭不抬起直接躺在地上，抱著腳彈動就好，老人家這麼做就可以了。

                            

Centenarians!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
Centenarians
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 6
Yvonne: This is 6 Minute English, I'm Yvonne Archer - and thanks to Alice for joining
me today.
Alice: Hi, Yvonne!
Yvonne: Hi! Now, when people in the UK reach the ripe old age of 100, something
rather special usually arrives in the post for them.
Alice: Yes, they get a congratulatory card from the Queen.
Yvonne: Exactly. But it seems that the Queen will have to send out lots more cards in
the future. But before we hear why, are you ready to answer today's question,
Alice?
Alice: Yes, ready and waiting!
Yvonne: Grand! The oldest female to complete a marathon was from the United States
- but how old was she?
a) 92
b) 97 or
c) 101 years old
Alice: Oh, that's difficult. They're all quite old. Because we're talking about people
over the age of 100, I'll guess 101 years old.
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 6
Yvonne: Good answer, but as usual you'll have to wait until the end of today's “6 Minute
English” to find out if you're right or wrong. Now, reaching the age of 100
used to be quite rare - unusual. But government figures show that in 2009,
there were 11,600 people over that age here in the UK.
Alice: That's quite a lot!
Yvonne: Exactly. Well, that number is set to rise because it's expected that more than
three million of today's under-16s will live to be centenarians. Alice, explain
what 'a centenarian' is for us, please?
Alice: A centenarian is someone who has reached 100 years old - or older.
Yvonne: Wow. Let's hear more on that from Fran Cartwright of Age UK, who's at an
exercise class for the over 70s.
Insert 1: Fran Cartwright, Age UK
Well, people are living longer. We have wonderful clients here who are approaching a
hundred; they're still exercising. So by mental and physical activity, they can achieve
that.
Yvonne: In that class, there are clients who are approaching - are almost - a hundred
years old and they're still exercising.
Alice: Yes, and Fran Cartwright from Age UK says they can achieve the age of a
hundred through mental activity and physical activity - by exercising both
mind and body.
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 6
Yvonne: Right, well, here's how one woman in the exercise class compares herself and
her friends with her own great grandmother.
Insert 2: Woman at exercise class for over 70s
My great grandma, you know, she was, you know - I thought they were ancient. We're
not today, are we? You know, we're reasonably healthy.
Yvonne: The woman and her friends are all over the age of 70. Some of them are great
grandparents too, but she wouldn't describe them in the same way that she'd
describe her own great grandmother, would she?
Alice: No, she describes her own great grandmother as 'ancient' - so old, that she was
almost an antique, or even prehistoric!
Yvonne: Oh dear. And in contrast, at a similar age, the woman says that she and her
friends are reasonably healthy - they're in fairly good health. But here's how
two young people feel about the possibility of an extended old age - living
longer than they'd expect to.
Insert 3 – Two young men
Young man 1: It would be an achievement living that long, but I wouldn't be able to do
much then. I'd just probably be sitting around in a chair.
Young man 2: I don't think it would be fun because you've got to live with strangers
which you don't know.
Yvonne: Well, they don't seem too enthusiastic about living until one hundred - and
possibly beyond - do they?
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 6
Alice: No, they don't. Although the first young man said that he thought it would be
an achievement to live that long. He doesn't think he'll be able to do much by
then - except sit around in a chair.
Yvonne: And the second young man thinks that being old won't be any fun because he'll
have to live with strangers - people he doesn't know - rather than with friends
and family.
Alice: But government figures seem to say otherwise, predicting that one in four
children in Britain will live until they are 100 years old.
Yvonne: So hopefully, both young men are wrong about what will happen to them when
they're old. Alice, did I tell you that I've got a friend who's now 102 years old?
Alice: You did. What an achievement! And she's still very active, isn't she?
Yvonne: Definitely. She was dancing at her sister's 100th birthday party just last
weekend! And what about your sprightly, lovely grandfather, Alice?
Alice: Yeah, my grandpa's over 90 and he does lots of crosswords. I think it keeps his
mind very active.
Yvonne: Excellent! And to keep your mind active Alice, back to today's quiz. Earlier, I
told you that the oldest female to complete a marathon was from the United
States. But was she 92, 97 or 101 years old?
Alice: I guessed 101 years old.
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 6
Yvonne: And, unfortunately, you were wrong. She was actually 92 years old and it only
took her nine hours and almost a minute.
Alice: Fantastic! I hope we'll be able to do that when we get into our 90s.
Yvonne: Let's hope so - and more importantly, that we're really healthy too. But that's all
for "6 Minute English" from BBC Learning English. Do join us again soon.
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 6 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
the ripe old age of an informal expression emphasising that someone has
lived for more years than most people
a marathon a race of about 26 miles or 45 kilometres which takes place
on public roads
centenarians people who are 100 years of age or older
mental activity things that people do to make or keep the mind healthy
physical activity things that people do to make or keep the body healthy
great grandmother the mother of someone's grandmother
ancient extremely old, from a time in the distant past
extended lengthened, extra long, lasting longer than usual
strangers people who you don’t know or are familiar with
sprightly energetic, lively, active
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13137233
Read and listen to the story online: http://bbc.in/k83d4O

King Cyrus' Cylinder!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
King Cyrus' Cylinder
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 6
Yvonne: Hello, I'm Yvonne Archer, this is 6 Minute English and thanks to Alice for
joining me today.
Alice: Hi Yvonne.
Yvonne: Hello Alice. Now recently, an artefact - a very old piece of art - which many
historians regard as the world's first ever human rights charter was on loan
for a while from the British Museum to the National Iranian Museum in
Tehran.
Alice: Very interesting.
Yvonne: It is, and it's small, it’s made of clay and is a cylindrical shape. And the Cyrus
Cylinder, as it's often called, is two and a half thousand years old!
Alice: That’s very old. Is it still in perfect shape?
Yvonne: I think it is, yes. But before we find out more, you'd better answer today's
question, Alice.
Alice: OK - I’m ready and waiting.
Yvonne: Very good. Which country does the British Museum's oldest artefact come
from?
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 6
a) Benin
b) Iraq or
c) Tanzania
Alice: I’ve got no idea - so I’m going to guess …Tanzania.
Yvonne: OK. And I’ll tell you whether you’re right or wrong later on in today’s “6
Minute English”. King Cyrus of Persia, now Iran, ordered the cylinder to be
inscribed way back in 539 BC. Alice, can you explain how an inscription is
different from writing for us, please?
Alice: Sure. When we write, it's usually on the surface of something with ink - or with
graphite if we’re using a pencil. But King Cyrus's words were 'inscribed', so
they were engraved - or carved - into the surface of the cylinder. And we can
actually feel the writing with our fingers if we touch the inscription, not just
look at it.
Yvonne: And here's BBC Front Row presenter, John Wilson, to tell us what is inscribed
on the Cyrus Cylinder:
Insert 1: John Wilson, BBC Front Row
This object records how he liberated the city of Babylon from tyranny, how he freed and
repatriated enslaved people. And how he decreed that all the people of Babylon should
be allowed to practice their own religion and culture.
Yvonne: The little clay object records - or tells us - how King Cyrus liberated the city of
Babylon from tyranny. Now there's a word we don't hear too often! Alice, can
you explain what is 'tyranny' is for us, please?
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 6
Alice: Well, 'tyranny' is a type of behaviour that is cruel, oppressive and very unfair.
For example, we might hear a dictator described as 'tyrannical'. So freeing the
city of Babylon from tyranny is generally thought to have been a good thing.
Yvonne: As we heard, King Cyrus freed the enslaved people and sent them back to their
homes - he repatriated them. And what about that word 'decreed' - that's
another old fashioned and rather formal word, isn't it?
Alice: Yes, it is. If a ruler decrees something, he or she makes it officially known that
it is now law. And King Cyrus of Persia decreed that people should be allowed
to practice their own religion and culture.
Yvonne: The cylinder was on display in Tehran for about seven months and during that
time, about two million people went to see it. Here's what one exhibition
visitor told John Wilson about the artefact:
Insert 2: Woman in National Iranian Museum and John Wilson
Woman: Iran was the centre of the world so many years ago but nowadays, we're left
apart. In our schools and universities, they don't talk about these things.
John Wilson: Because it's part of the pre-Islamic history?
Woman: Yeah.
Yvonne: The woman says that Iran was the centre of the world many years ago.
Alice: So in her view, at one point, Iran was the most important country in the world.
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 6
Yvonne: Mm. She says they don't talk about things like the Cyrus Cylinder in schools or
universities in Iran because it's an object from a time when the country wasn't
yet the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Alice: Yes, as she puts it, it's part of their pre-Islamic history, which isn’t often
talked about.
Yvonne: Well, despite the fact that Britain and Iran don't engage much politically, they
were able to agree on this exhibition after some discussion. As Neil
MacGregor, director of the British Museum explains, that has been important:
Insert 3 – Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum
In this context there have been conversations between British diplomats and Iranian
diplomats about human rights. So the exhibition itself doesn’t address these big issues of
the relationship, what it does do is create a space in which difficult conversations can
take place.
Yvonne: OK Alice, it's time to answer today's question! Which country does the British
Museum's oldest artefact come from?
Alice: And I said Tanzania.
Yvonne: And you were right! Hey!
Alice: Incredible. Pure luck! How old is it?
Yvonne: It’s actually 1.8 million years old, and it’s a stone tool that was made by man.
Now as your reward, Alice, you get to remind us of some of today’s language.
Alice: With pleasure:
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 6
an artefact
inscribed
tyranny
repatriated
exhibition
Yvonne: Now that’s all we’ve got time for - but do join us again soon for more "6
Minute English".
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 6 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
an artefact a very old piece of art or an object made by humans
human rights charter legal document which says how people must be treated by
governments and each other
a cylindrical shape something with fairly flat, circular ends and longer straight
sides
inscribed writing which is cut into the surface of something so that it
is permanent
tyranny cruel, oppressive treatment of people by their leaders
repatriated sent back to their own countries
decreed officially announced
exhibition display of a group of objects or art in a public place
pre-Islamic history here, events which happened in Iran before the country
became an Islamic state
engage interact, talk to each other, discuss
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11264102
Read and listen to the story online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2011/05/110505_6min_english_iran_rights_page.shtml

British republicans!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
British republicans
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 5
Yvonne: You're listening to 6 Minute English, I'm Yvonne Archer and Stephen has
kindly joined me for today's programme. Hello Stephen!
Stephen: Hi Yvonne!
Yvonne: This year, there's a special British bank holiday so that people can watch and
celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. But it's
worth noting that some people are making it clear that they won't be
celebrating at all.
Stephen: Well, I suppose at this time, it's easy to forget that not everyone supports royals.
Yvonne: That's true. Some think that a hereditary monarchy – a system where people
are born into royalty – is inconsistent with the idea of a democracy.
Stephen: Some people believe that those two systems don't work well together. But antimonarchism
isn't new, is it?
Yvonne: No, it's not. In fact, King Charles the first was executed - or put to death - in
1649 after a bloody civil war. So, I've a rather gruesome question for you
today, Stephen. Are you ready?
Stephen: Oh, my knees are knocking!
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 5
Yvonne: Why were British royals put to death by beheading rather than hanging?
a) It was faster, because gallows – a special wooden structure - wasn't needed.
b) It was less brutal to the prisoner as they died more quickly.
c) More executioners preferred to use the axe.
Stephen: I think it's probably a, because it was faster and they just wanted to get the
execution over and done.
Yvonne: Right - as usual, we'll find out whether you're right or wrong later on in today’s
"6 Minute English". So, roughly how many people in Britain are monarchists –
people who support the monarchy? Let's hear from the BBC's Gabriel
Gatehouse:
Insert 1: Gabriel Gatehouse, BBC News
Opinion polls suggest that support for the monarchy hovers around the 70, 75% mark
and has done for quite some time now. But that doesn't mean that a quarter of all
Britons want to get rid of the Queen as head of state. In fact, real die-hard republicans
are pretty difficult to come by.
Yvonne: So support for the monarchy hovers around, or is usually, between 70 and 75%.
But as we heard, that doesn't mean that the remaining 25% - a quarter of all
Britons - want to get rid of the Queen. In fact, we heard that die-hard
republicans are not easy to find, or to come by. Stephen, what does Gabriel
Gatehouse mean by 'die-hard republicans'?
Stephen: Well, republicans believe that a country should be lead by someone who has
been elected by its citizens, rather than by someone who was born into the
position. And 'die-hard' republicans are very firm or very unlikely to change
their views.
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 5
Yvonne: Thanks, Stephen. Well, the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse did manage to find a
group of people who we could describe as 'die-hard republicans'. They belong
to a British anti-monarchy campaign group called Republic, which thinks that
scrapping the monarchy would make politicians more accountable.
Stephen: They think it would make politicians more answerable to the people who put
them in power.
Insert 2: Graham Smith, Republic
By 2025, we want the monarchy gone or going. And it can be done, it can be achieved.
And there are plenty of examples in history. If you go back in time and you ask people,
let's say ten years ago, how long before America has a black president? Most people
would have said 20, 30, 40 years. It happened in eight.
Yvonne: Graham Smith from Republic compares the possibility of scrapping the British
monarchy with how Americans saw the possibility of having a black president
10 years ago.
Stephen: Yes, he says that happened much more quickly than they thought it would – in
just eight years. So he uses that example to say it's possible that Britain could
scrap the monarchy by 2025.
Yvonne: Well, for many, the monarchy is a big part of Britain's identity. Even
Americans, who are generally proud to live in a republic, seem to enjoy the
British monarchy, especially things like royal weddings!
Stephen: That's true, but is support for the royals consistent with their views on liberty?
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 5
Yvonne: That’s a good question. And here's what historian, Professor Justin Champion,
says on that:
Insert 3: Professor Justin Champion, historian
The remarkable thing is that with all of its problems to do with race and class, liberty
means something in America. Liberty is the thing around which their national identity is
built. Ours is built around castles and queens and kings when really, it ought to be built
about being a free-born English man.
Yvonne: Professor Champion thinks it's remarkable - extraordinary - that with all their
problems around race and class, liberty - or freedom - still mean something in
America. He says that's what their national identity is built around.
Stephen: But Britain's national identity, he says, is built around castles and queens and
kings - the monarchy!
Yvonne: Well, the debate has been going on for centuries and I’m sure it will continue.
So in the meantime, Stephen, what's the answer to today's gruesome question?
Why were British royals put to death by beheading rather than hanging?
Stephen: And I think I said, because it was the quickest way.
Yvonne: It's actually because it was less cruel to behead people. Hanging was saved for
the commoners.
Stephen: Well, I guess I'm going to have to read up more of my history again.
Yvonne: Yes. And that's all for "6 Minute English".
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 5
Vocabulary and definitions
a hereditary monarchy a system where a royal family rule a country, with the
children of each king or queen succeeding their mother or
father as the next ruler
inconsistent with not matching or similar to
gruesome something involving death or injury which is very
unpleasant
gallows place where people are hanged by the neck until they die,
after being convicted of a crime
die-hard republicans people who are very committed to their country being a
republic, where all leaders are voted into power
elected given political power or responsibility after being voted for
by people in an election
scrapping getting rid of, or abolishing
more accountable more responsible for actions and decisions
identity the characteristics which someone or something is known
for
class a person’s place in society, based on their wealth and the
privileges available to them
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13125501
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2011/04/110426_6min_english_republicans_page.shtml

Sham weddings!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
Sham weddings
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 6
Yvonne: I'm Yvonne Archer, this is 6 Minute English and Rob has joined me for today's
programme. Hello, Rob!
Rob: Hello, Yvonne, good to be here!
Yvonne: So, with the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton just a
few days away, I thought we'd talk about weddings – but weddings of a
different kind. Any ideas, Rob?
Rob: Hmm. Is it your wedding?
Yvonne: Well, before I reveal all – you'd better answer today's question!
Rob: OK then – fire away.
Yvonne: OK. How long was the world’s longest-lasting marriage?
a) 79 years
b) 82 years or
c) 86 years
Rob: Hmm. I’ll have a guess at 79 years – I think 86 and 82 years is just a little bit
too long.
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 6
Yvonne: Mm. As usual, I'll tell you the correct answer at the end of today's "6 Minute
English! Now, back to weddings, and today, we're talking about 'sham
weddings'. Rob, would you explain what 'a sham wedding' is for us, please?
Rob: Yes, of course. Well, something that's 'a sham' isn't genuine – it's not real. So,
for example, in a sham wedding, one of the people getting married may be
doing it for money.
Yvonne: And you've got two more examples there for us haven’t you, Rob - adjectives
that describe something that isn't real or genuine.
Rob: Yes, we can say 'fake' or 'phoney' - which is an American English word. So, 'a
fake wedding', 'a phoney wedding'.
Yvonne: Thanks. Now, it's not just the people who are actually marrying each other who
are guilty in the event of a sham wedding. Alex Brown, a Church of England
minister was found guilty of conducting sham marriages at his church. Here's
June Kelly, the BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent, on what happened to him:
Insert 1: June Kelly
He was jailed for joining together 360 bogus brides and grooms over a four year period.
Now, if a couple want a C of E service and one of them is a non-European, they'd have
to apply for a common licence first; greater scrutiny for them and more controls on the
clergy.
Yvonne: Alex Brown was actually jailed. The BBC's June Kelly describes what he did
over a four year period as: 'joining together 360 bogus brides and grooms'. Of
course, 'brides and grooms' are women and men who are about to be joined
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 6
together in marriage. But can you explain what 'bogus' brides and grooms are
for us please, Rob?
Rob: Well, 'bogus' is another adjective we can use to describe something that's not
genuine. For example, false information might be described as 'bogus'; 'I was
given a bogus address and phone number' for example.
Yvonne: Yes, that's a good example. As we heard, if a couple wants to have a C of E
wedding - that's short for 'a Church of England wedding' - and one of them is
non-European, they now have to apply for a common licence. Why, Rob?
Rob: Well, applying for a common licence means greater controls on the clergy -
that’s the vicars and ministers - so they can avoid conducting sham marriages.
And there will be greater scrutiny for couples - more thorough background
checks on them - to make sure they're not bogus brides and grooms.
Yvonne: The Church of England, together with the UK Border Agency, has developed
guidance to help stop vicars being exploited - or unfairly used - by people who
want them to carry out sham marriages. The British Immigration Minister,
Damian Green MP, explains more about what he thinks the guidance will
achieve.
Insert 2: Damian Green MP, British Immigration Minister
There's been more freedom for vicars to act in the past. So what this does is make it
necessary for them to take action, which will mean that anyone trying to marry in
church - which the criminal gangs that lie behind sham marriages have often exploited
as a fairly easy loophole - that loophole will now be gone.
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 6
Yvonne: Damian Green believes that a loophole will now be gone, making it much
more difficult for bogus couples, vicars and criminal gangs to carry out sham
weddings. So, how would you describe 'a loophole', Rob?
Rob: A loophole. Well, that’s something that allows people to escape punishment
even if they're doing something wrong, because the law doesn't specifically say
that it's illegal. For example, people sometimes escape paying taxes because of
a loophole in the law.
Yvonne: And it's a loophole that has lead to an increase - a rise - in the number of sham
weddings taking place here in the UK. So, we’ve mentioned a Royal Wedding,
a sham wedding and now for the world's longest marriage! Rob, how many
years did you say the longest lasting marriage went on for?
Rob And I said 79 years. Was I right?
Yvonne: No, it was actually 86 years!
Rob: Wow, that’s a long time!
Yvonne: It’s an American couple that’s been married for 86 years and eleven months.
Rob: Congratulations!
Yvonne: Now, as your reward, Rob, you get to remind us of some of the language we've
heard today!
Rob: Certainly, OK! We heard:
a sham wedding
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 6
phoney
bogus
scrutiny
a loophole
Yvonne: Beautifully read, Rob! Now, that's all we’ve got time for on today's "6 Minute
English" - but we hope you'll join us again soon.
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 6 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
a sham wedding a wedding which is false or not real, perhaps arranged to
gain money dishonestly
phoney fake or false
bogus not genuine
scrutiny careful observation or examination of something
a loophole a way of avoiding a rule or law
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13046296
Read and listen to the story online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2011/04/110421_6min_sham_weddings_page.shtml

Social Mobility!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
Social Mobility
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 6
Rob: Hello, I'm Rob, and Yvonne has joined me for today's 6 Minute English. Hello,
Yvonne!
Yvonne: Hello, Rob.
Rob: Today, we're talking about social mobility in the UK and a plan by the
government to try and improve it.
Yvonne: Social mobility is a big issue, and something that is very important.
Rob: Yes, and the coalition government in the UK is hoping its new strategy will
help make things better for everyone. Now, today I wanted to ask you,
according to government statistics what percentage of the UK population has
attended an independent or private school? Is it:
a) 7%
b) 12% or
c) 24%
Yvonne: I’m going to say 24%.
Rob: OK! Interesting. Well, as usual, I'll give you the answer at the end of today's "6
Minute English". So let's talk about social mobility. Would you like to explain
what this term really means, Yvonne?
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 6
Yvonne: Sure. Social mobility describes the extent an individual's status can change in
terms of their position in a social hierarchy.
Rob: A social hierarchy. So this is about the class system. But how can we tell which
class a person belongs to?
Yvonne: Well, this is often defined by a person's material wealth, their occupation and
their education. So this is what the government's new strategy is hoping to
improve for everyone.
Rob: Yes, but it particularly aims to give more opportunities to poorer people from
the lower class, some of which live in poverty. Let's hear from the
government’s social mobility tsar, Alan Milburn. He spoke to the BBC about
the aim of improving social mobility.
Insert 1: Alan Milburn
What social mobility is in the end is about breaking the link between a person's class or
income being dependent on the class or income of their parents, and unfortunately our
country tends to have a stronger correlation between parental income and class, and
children's income and class, than comparable countries.
Rob: So Alan Milburn says in the UK there is a strong correlation – or link –
between the income and class of parents and the income and class of their
children.
Yvonne: Oh, so he’s suggesting that people who are poorer and in a lower class now are
in the same situation as their parents were?
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 6
Rob: Mm, that's right and this is worse than in other similar countries. That's why he
says we need to break this link.
Yvonne: To break the link. But Rob, how is the government hoping to do that?
Rob: Well, shall we hear from David Willetts? He’s the Universities and Science minister.
He can explain the government's new approach.
Insert 2: David Willetts
You've got a clear statement of how at each stage these kind of hinges, these moments in
peoples lives when they make crucial transitions - we want those transitions to be better
for everyone. We want for everyone to see much more clearly what their opportunities
are and how they can seize them.
Yvonne: So David Willetts is talking about improving the crucial transitions in
people's lives. What are those Rob?
Rob: Well, these crucial transitions are the important points in our lives where we
can make a decision that could have consequences later on. Things like which
school we go to, which university we choose, or which career we take.
Yvonne: Ah, these are important choices or key decisions. So the government wants to
make it easier for people to know what their opportunities are and how they
can access them.
Rob: Or what David Willetts said was, "how they can seize them" – or get them. The
ultimate vision for this strategy is to create a fairer society. But, of course, this
government plan is just a strategy - it's not a policy and there's no extra money.
Yvonne: Hmm. Well, maybe we should hear from Frances Cairncross who's an
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 6
economist. She thinks it's not the government's responsibility to improve
social mobility.
Insert 3: Frances Cairncross
I approve of anything that increases the chances for young people of getting ahead, but a
lot of the things that improve those chances happen in the family, they don't happen at a
government level. They happen if you have parents who talk to you, if you have parents
who care whether you finish your homework. That's part of social mobility and it’s an
extremely important part.
Yvonne: That's Frances Cairncross, who says she approves of any initiative - or idea -
that helps young people, but many things that improve the chances of them
getting ahead come from home.
Rob: Yes. She believes that much of the responsibility comes from the parents. If
they talk to their children, take an interest in their homework, it can really help
them get ahead in life.
Yvonne: Mm. Well, maybe she has a point there, Rob! Now, Rob, it's time you gave me
the answer to your question.
Rob Ah yes. I asked you, according to government statistics, what percentage of the
UK population has attended an independent or private school? Was it 7%, 12%
or 24%?
Yvonne: And I said 24%, but I think I’m terribly wrong.
Rob: Ah, you can’t change your mind now! I’m afraid you are wrong. The answer
is actually just 7%. OK, Yvonne, please could you remind us of some of the
words that we used in today's programme.
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 6
Yvonne: social mobility
a strategy
social hierarchy
material wealth
opportunities
a correlation between
crucial transitions
consequences
to seize
responsibility
Rob: Thanks so much, Yvonne.
Yvonne: You’re welcome. And that's all for today, but do join us again for more "6
Minute English" soon.
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English © bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 6 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
social mobility how much a person’s position and privileges in society are
allowed to change (often due to their financial situation or
social background)
a strategy a detailed plan of action
social hierarchy a system in which people occupy different positions based
on their wealth or privileges available to them
material wealth money and property owned
opportunities situations in which it is possible for someone to do
something
a correlation between a link, or a close connection, between
crucial transitions changes or alterations which could prove important in the
future
consequences the results of earlier decisions or actions
to seize to take hold of quickly and firmly
responsibility accepting ownership of something, often a problem
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12976217
Read and listen to the story online:
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Philanthropy!

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
Philanthropy
NB: This is not a word for word transcript
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 1 of 6
Yvonne: Hello, I'm Yvonne Archer and Alice has joined me for today's 6 Minute
English. Hello, Alice!
Alice: Hello, Yvonne.
Yvonne: Of course, the world news is often about the financial crisis, so I thought it
would be nice to hear about philanthropy on today's programme.
Alice: Very good choice.
Yvonne: Thanks, Alice. So how about explaining 'philanthropy' for us?
Alice: Sure. 'Philanthropy' is something people or companies do to help others in a
practical way. For example, they might give away some money to help
improve other people’s lives.
Yvonne: Hmm. Thanks, Alice. So philanthropy is about generosity, really – giving and
being kind to other people. Now, before we hear more I've a question for you.
Are you ready, Alice?
Alice: I am.
Yvonne: OK. Of course, coins have been around for hundreds of years. But where was
the first true paper money used? Was it in:
a) China
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 2 of 6
b) Turkey or
c) Egypt
Alice: Oh, I would guess…Turkey.
Yvonne: OK! So, as usual, I'll give you the answer at the end of today's "6 Minute
English". Recently, two of the world's wealthiest men – Americans Bill Gates
and Warren Buffett, were in India.
Alice: Ah, yes - Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft and Warren Buffett is a very
successful investor. They're both US dollar billionaires and have given away
considerable – or very large - amounts of money.
Yvonne: Exactly. And in India, there are 55 billionaires, so Bill Gates and Warren
Buffett met some of them who are industrialists and businessmen, to talk
about philanthropy. Let's hear Bill Gates explain more about their trip to India.
Insert 1: Bill Gates
You know, our goal is just to talk about philanthropy and learn from other people. Our
experience is that when we talk about it with others that there's a tendency for them to
do somewhat more. But we're not trying to, you know, make anyone feel guilty - we're
just here to talk about why we do it and see if there's a chance to work together.
Yvonne: Bill Gates talked about their goal – what they're aiming to do or are trying to
achieve by visiting India. Did you catch what that was, Alice?
Alice: Yes, several things, actually. Their goal was to talk to people about
philanthropy – and why they do it. They also wanted to learn from other people
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 3 of 6
and find out whether there's a chance – an opportunity – that they might be able
to work together.
Yvonne: And what did Bill Gates mean when he said that, after he and Warren Buffett
speak to other wealthy people, "there's a tendency for them to do somewhat
more"? What's 'a tendency to do something'?
Alice: 'A tendency to something' means you’re more likely to do it. So by talking to
other wealthy people about philanthropy, it's more likely they’ll get involved.
Yvonne: Next, here's the BBC's Shalu Yadav with a little more information on that visit
to India by two of the world's richest men:
Insert 2: Shalu Yadav, BBC
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have been successful in inspiring billionaires in the
United States and China to give away a notable part of their wealth for a good cause.
But out of India's 55 billionaires, only a handful have shown the same enthusiasm.
Yvonne: Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have managed to make other billionaires in the
United States and China feel that it's a good idea to give away a notable part
of their wealth - a fairly large amount of their money - for a good cause. Alice,
what does the BBC's Shalu Yadav mean by 'for a good cause'?
Alice: Well, 'for a good cause' means for what the philanthropists think is a good
reason. For example, if you give money to a charity that helps people to access
clean drinking water, most people would agree that it’s a good cause. You're
giving your money away to help other people.
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 4 of 6
Yvonne: Mm. So far, only a handful of – very few - of India's 55 billionaires have
shown the same enthusiasm to become philanthropists. So far, they haven't
shown the same amount of passion and eagerness that Bill Gates and Warren
Buffett show for philanthropy.
Alice: Perhaps they give to charity in other ways?
Yvonne: That’s true! OK Alice, I haven't got any money to give you – but you've got
something for me, and that's the answer to today's question!
Alice: And hopefully, I've got the right answer?
Yvonne: Well, let's see. I asked: where was the first true paper money used? Was it in
China, Turkey or Egypt?
Alice: And I said Turkey.
Yvonne: Well, the first coins came from what is now Turkey, but the answer is China.
True paper money was used between 600 and 1455 there, although true paper
money didn't really work well until it was printed in Massachusetts in the
United States in the 1690s. So Alice, as you're feeling so philanthropic, why
don't you remind us of some of the language we heard in today's "6 Minute
English"?
Alice: Today, we heard:
philanthropy
billionaires
industrialists
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 5 of 6
a tendency to do something
a notable part of
a good cause
a handful of
enthusiasm
Yvonne: Lovely, thanks so much, Alice. And that's all for today, but do join us again for
more "6 Minute English" soon.
Both: Goodbye!
6 Minute English c bbclearningenglish.com 2011
Page 6 of 6
Vocabulary and definitions
philanthropy the effort to improve something by giving time, money or
attention
billionaires people whose wealth is greater than a billion - in this
example - US dollars
industrialists people who own or develop big businesses
a tendency to do something usually does something
a notable part of a significant aspect of
a good cause a problem or charitable organisation worthy of money and
attention
a handful of very few of
enthusiasm eagerness to do something or be involved in it
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12847057
Read and listen to the story online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2011/04/110407_6min_english_philanthropy_page.shtml