Hello, I'm Neil. Welcome to 6 Minute English.
With me in the studio today is Rob.
Hello, Neil.
Traditionally, January is the month in which people try to make their New Year's resolutions work.
Some want to get fit, others swear they will drink less alcohol and there are those who want to stop smoking.
Many people might wish to stop smoking here in England because, according to a plan,
smoking in cars with children will be banned under new laws put forward by the government.
And a similar move is being discussed in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Today we're talking about this new proposal restricting where people are allowed to smoke.
And you'll learn some related vocabulary so you can have your own discussion on the subject.
We usually talk about smoking as a habit – that's what we do every day without even thinking and it's difficult to give up.
Well, this ban is going to cause controversy, in other words, disagreement expressed in an angry, public way.
Yes, smokers are trying hard to carry on enjoying their cigarettes.
But there are a couple of places where they've already lost the battle, Rob.
And where's that?
I'm giving you a chance to tell me.
Bans on smoking in cars where children are present already exist in some regions of particular countries.
Is it: a) in the French capital, Paris b) in some US states c) in Greece I don't know but I'm gonna go for b) in some US states.
OK. Well, we'll have the answer to that question at the end of the programme.
Now let's hear the argument in favour of a ban.