Pratique du Shadowing: How To Talk About June in English | Easy English Podcast - Apprendre l'anglais à l'oral avec la vidéo
Création de la leçon...
1
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Everyday English Academy.
2
I'm Sarah.
3
And I'm Mike.
4
Mike, I walked to the studio today and, wow, it actually felt like summer.
5
Right?
6
The air is different now.
7
It is.
8
Warm, but not too warm.
9
The trees are full and green.
10
And the days are so long now.
11
It's bright until almost ten at night.
12
I know.
13
I love that.
14
It makes the day feel longer.
15
It really does.
16
You wake up and the sun is already there waiting for you.
17
Like a friend who came too early.
18
So, should we just talk about it?
19
Talk about what?
20
June.
21
It's June, Mike.
22
We're standing right in the middle of it.
23
Oh, that's true.
24
And you know what?
25
June is one of my favorite months.
26
Really?
27
Why?
28
Because it feels like the start of something good.
29
Summer is here.
30
The weather is nice.
31
People are happy.
32
That's a good point.
33
There's a different energy in June.
34
People smile more.
35
They do.
36
Even in the supermarket, people seem more relaxed.
37
That's true.
38
In winter, everyone is rushing, cold, in a hurry.
39
In June, they're slow and happy.
40
Exactly.
41
So yes, listeners, today we're talking about June and all the little things that make this month special.
42
And as always, we'll teach you some useful, natural English along the way.
43
But quick question for you listening right now.
44
Is June hot where you live? Or rainy?
45
Or maybe it's even winter for you?
46
Oh, that's true.
47
For our friends in the south of the world, June is cold.
48
Right.
49
It's funny to think about.
50
We're sweating and somewhere else someone is wearing a big coat.
51
The world is a strange place.
52
So tell us in the comments, what's June like where you are?
53
We really want to know.
54
We love reading those.
55
Okay, Mike, let's start simple.
56
What is June, basically?
57
Well, June is the sixth month of the year.
58
It comes after May and before July.
59
Right in the middle of the year.
60
Exactly.
61
The halfway point.
62
And for many of us, June is the official start of summer.
63
Yes, and there's one special day in June that I really like.
64
Oh, what's that?
65
The longest day of the year.
66
We call it the summer solstice.
67
The summer solstice.
68
That's a slightly difficult word.
69
Can you explain it?
70
Sure.
71
The summer solstice is the day with the most daylight in the whole year the most sun.
72
So the sun is up for a really long time.
73
Exactly.
74
In some places, it's bright for 16, 17 hours.
75
Wow, that's a long day.
76
You know, last year on the solstice, the sun went down so late.
77
By the time it got dark,
78
I, hmm, Mike, had already fallen asleep or have already fallen asleep.
79
I always mix up those past tenses.
80
Ooh, good one.
81
Think about it.
82
Two things in the past.
83
One happened before the other.
84
Which tense do we use for the earlier one?
85
Hmm, the earlier action, before it got dark.
86
So it's had already fallen.
87
Exactly.
88
By the time it got dark, I had already fallen.
89
We use the past perfect, had fallen, for the action that happened first.
90
The past before the past.
91
Tricky, but it makes sense.
92
It is.
93
And after that day, the days slowly start getting shorter again.
94
Already?
95
But summer just started.
96
I know, it feels unfair.
97
But don't worry, it's a slow change.
98
Summer is still long.
99
Good, because I'm not ready to think about winter yet.
100
Nobody is.
101
Let's not even say the word.
102
Ha, ha, ha.
103
Agreed.
104
And honestly, the long days change how I feel.
105
I have more energy.
106
Same.
107
In winter, it gets dark at 4 and I just want to go to bed.
108
At four o'clock? At four.
109
It's still afternoon, but my body thinks it's bedtime.
110
But in June, it's bright in the evening and I think the day isn't over yet.
111
Yes, you can have dinner and then still go for a walk after.
112
Exactly.
113
The long evenings give you a second chance at the day.
114
I love that.
115
A second chance at the day.
116
And the mornings, too.
117
The birds start singing so early.
118
Oh, the birds.
119
They wake up at four, and they are so happy about it.
120
Too happy.
121
Sometimes I want to say, please, just five more minutes.
122
Okay, let's talk about June weather, because this is where it gets interesting.
123
Yes, and this is where you and I are going to disagree, Mike.
124
Already?
125
We just started.
126
I can feel it coming.
127
Tell me, do you like hot weather?
128
I love hot weather.
129
See?
130
I knew it.
131
What's wrong with hot weather?
132
Mike, when it's really hot, I can't think, I can't move.
133
But that's the fun part.
134
You slow down, you relax.
135
That's not relaxing.
136
That's melting.
137
Okay, but June isn't usually too hot, right?
138
It's that nice warm stage before the real heat of July.
139
That's fair.
140
June is warm but gentle.
141
Usually.
142
Usually.
143
But sometimes June surprises you with a heat wave.
144
Ah, heat wave.
145
Good word.
146
Can you explain it?
147
A heat wave is a period of several days that are very hot.
148
Not just one hot day, many hot days in a row.
149
Yes.
150
We had a heat wave last June, and it was almost 40 degrees.
151
40 degrees.
152
That's too much, even for me.
153
See?
154
Even you have a limit.
155
And during that heat wave, I remember I was so tired.
156
I… Mike, do I say I got used to work in the heat or used to working?
157
My brain just froze.
158
Good one.
159
After used to here, do we use the plain verb or the ing form?
160
Hmm, I think after used to, meaning comfortable with, it's the ing form. So, working.
161
Exactly.
162
I got used to working in the heat.
163
That little ing is the trap. So sneaky.
164
Anyway, at 40 degrees, everything is just baking.
165
Baking, good word.
166
It doesn't mean cooking here, right?
167
No, no bread involved.
168
Baking just means very, very hot.
169
It's baking outside.
170
I can't stand it.
171
Or don't sit in the car.
172
It's baking in there.
173
Oh, the car in summer is the worst.
174
You open the door and the hot air hits your face.
175
Like opening an oven and the seat is so hot you can't sit down.
176
You do that little dance.
177
Ah, hot, hot, hot.
178
Everyone knows that dance.
179
And there's another summer feeling, when it's humid.
180
Humid.
181
I was going to say that one.
182
Explain it for everyone.
183
Humid means the air feels wet and heavy.
184
Yes, it's that feeling when you start sweating just standing still.
185
It's the worst.
186
It's so humid today.
187
I need a shower already.
188
And you just had one.
189
Exactly.
190
Humid weather doesn't care.
191
Your shirt sticks to your back.
192
Your hair won't behave.
193
Ugh, the hair.
194
On a humid day, my hair has its own plans.
195
Nothing you can do.
196
So when it's baking and humid, where do you go, Mike?
197
Easy.
198
I find some shade.
199
Shade?
200
Explain it for everyone.
201
Shade is the cool, dark area out of the sun, like under a tree or under an umbrella.
202
Yes.
203
Let's sit in the shade.
204
It's too hot in the sun.
205
The shade is my best friend in summer.
206
I move from tree to tree like a little animal.
207
Have you noticed June weather can change fast, though?
208
Hot all day, then suddenly a big thunderstorm?
209
Oh, yes.
210
Summer storms come out of nowhere.
211
One minute it's sunny, the next minute it's pouring rain.
212
And then 20 minutes later, sunny again, like nothing happened.
213
June is dramatic.
214
Okay, so we have warm weather, long days, sometimes a heat wave.
215
What do people actually do in June? So much.
216
June is when everyone starts planning a getaway.
217
A getaway.
218
I like that word.
219
What does it mean?
220
A getaway is a short holiday or trip, usually just a few days somewhere nice.
221
Right.
222
We're planning a little weekend getaway to the coast.
223
Exactly.
224
People want to escape the city, go to the beach, the mountains, anywhere.
225
I love a good getaway.
226
Even two or three days makes a big difference.
227
In fact, if the weather's nice next weekend,
228
I think I, hmm, will go or would go to the lake.
229
When it's a real plan with a real condition?
230
Ah, the first conditional.
231
Think, is this a real possible plan or just a dream?
232
It's real.
233
It could really happen this weekend.
234
So, we'll go.
235
Exactly.
236
If the weather is nice, I will go to the lake.
237
Real condition, real result.
238
And would go is more for dreams, right?
239
Right.
240
If I were rich, I would go every weekend.
241
One day.
242
Anyway, even two or three days away makes a big difference.
243
It really does.
244
You come back feeling like a new person.
245
And the mood everywhere is just better.
246
Everyone is in high spirits.
247
In high spirits.
248
Good phrase.
249
Can you explain that one?
250
To be in high spirits means to be happy and full of energy, in a really good mood.
251
Yes.
252
Everyone was in high spirits at the summer party.
253
It's true.
254
In June, people just seem lighter, happier.
255
I think it's the sun.
256
The sun puts everyone in high spirits.
257
Probably.
258
When I see blue sky in the morning, my whole day feels easier.
259
Same.
260
It's hard to be in a bad mood when the sun is shining.
261
Well, unless you're stuck at work.
262
Oh, that's painful.
263
Sitting inside, looking out the window at the beautiful day.
264
And the clock moves so slowly.
265
You just want to run outside.
266
The longest afternoon of your life.
267
And listeners, here's a question for you.
268
What's your perfect summer getaway?
269
Yes, tell us.
270
The beach, the mountains, a big city.
271
For me, somewhere quiet.
272
A small town, slow days, good food.
273
For me, somewhere by the water.
274
A lake, the sea, anything with water.
275
That sounds lovely, actually.
276
It is.
277
There's something about water in summer.
278
It just feels right.
279
I agree.
280
But you know, June isn't perfect.
281
Wait, here it comes.
282
The problem you mentioned earlier.
283
You remembered. Of course.
284
You said there's a June problem nobody talks about.
285
Okay, okay, yes.
286
Here's the thing.
287
June can be a little stressful.
288
Stressful?
289
In what way?
290
Because suddenly everyone has a packed schedule.
291
A packed schedule.
292
That means very busy, right?
293
Full of plans?
294
Exactly.
295
A packed schedule means your calendar is full.
296
Too many things to do.
297
Ah, so in winter you do nothing, and in June… In June, there's a wedding, a birthday, a barbecue, a trip, all in one weekend.
298
That's so true.
299
Everyone saves their events for summer.
300
And every weekend is full.
301
You're never just home.
302
I feel that.
303
Last weekend, I had three parties.
304
By Sunday, I was exhausted.
305
I had, hmm, too much plans or too many plans.
306
I always mix those two up.
307
Ooh, good one.
308
Think, can you count plans?
309
One plan, two plans?
310
Yes, I can count them.
311
So it's too many.
312
Exactly.
313
Too many for things we count.
314
Too much for things we can't.
315
Like too much work.
316
That's a useful one.
317
Too many plans, too much stress.
318
Perfect example.
319
And then you start to feel restless.
320
Restless.
321
Good word.
322
You explain it this time.
323
Okay.
324
Restless means you can't relax.
325
You feel like you have to move, do something, go somewhere.
326
Yes, when you're sitting at home, but your brain says, go, do something, summer is happening without you.
327
Exactly.
328
I felt restless all weekend.
329
I couldn't sit still.
330
I get that a lot in summer.
331
There's so much happening, you don't want to miss it.
332
But here's the funny thing.
333
Sometimes I'm so busy having fun that I need a holiday from my holiday.
334
A holiday from your holiday.
335
That is so real.
336
You go on a getaway, you do 10 things a day, and you come home more tired.
337
And you think, I need to rest now from all that resting.
338
Exactly.
339
So honestly, sometimes it's okay to stay home and do nothing.
340
I agree.
341
You don't have to do everything.
342
One good day is better than five tired days.
343
Well said.
344
Okay, but let's talk about the other June problem.
345
There's another one?
346
The heat at night.
347
I can't sleep when it's hot.
348
Oh, this is real.
349
The room is warm, the air doesn't move.
350
You flip your pillow to the cold side every two minutes.
351
The cold side of the pillow is the best feeling in summer.
352
It is for about 30 seconds.
353
Then it's warm again.
354
And you flip it back all night long.
355
It's a battle you can never win.
356
So how do you beat the heat, Nike?
357
Beat the heat?
358
Nice.
359
That means to find a clever way to stay cool when it's very hot.
360
Exactly.
361
We went to the cinema to beat the heat.
362
Cool air, dark room, perfect.
363
Oh, that's a good one.
364
For me, a cold shower and a fan.
365
That's how I beat the heat at night.
366
Smart.
367
For me, it's a cold drink and ice cream.
368
Ice cream is always the answer.
369
Always.
370
And in the day, I drink so much water.
371
Cold water with ice.
372
Good idea.
373
People forget to drink enough water when it's hot.
374
They do.
375
And then they feel terrible and don't know why.
376
True.
377
So that's another way to beat the heat.
378
Just drink water.
379
Okay, before our quick review, let's do a little shadowing practice.
380
Yes, this is the easy, fun part.
381
We say a short sentence, and you repeat it out loud after us.
382
Listen carefully.
383
Copy the rhythm.
384
Copy the sound.
385
Ready?
386
Here we go.
387
It's very hot this week.
388
Let's sit in the shade.
389
I can't sit still today.
390
Don't forget to drink water.
391
I need a little getaway.
392
Nice work.
393
Try saying those again later today.
394
The more you say them, the more natural they feel.
395
Okay, Mike, I think we should do a quick review before we finish.
396
Good idea.
397
Let's go through the words from today.
398
First, summer solstice.
399
The longest day of the year with the most sun.
400
Baking.
401
Very, very hot.
402
It's baking outside today.
403
Humid.
404
When the air feels wet, heavy, and sticky.
405
Heatwave.
406
Many very hot days in a row.
407
Shade.
408
The cool, dark area out of the sun.
409
A getaway.
410
A short holiday or trip.
411
In high spirits.
412
Happy and full of energy.
413
Packed schedule.
414
A calendar that's very full and busy.
415
Restless.
416
When you can't relax and you want to move or do something.
417
And beat the heat to find a clever way to stay cool.
418
That's a lot of useful words for summer.
419
It really is.
420
And you can use these with friends, at work, anywhere.
421
Try using one or two this week.
422
Even one sentence is good practice.
423
Yes.
424
Maybe text a friend, it's baking outside today.
425
They'll be so impressed with your English.
426
So, listeners, we have one more question for you.
427
Yes.
428
Tell us in the comments, do you love the heat like Mike?
429
Or do you run for the shade like Sarah?
430
I don't run.
431
I just walk quickly to the shade.
432
Sure, sure.
433
So pick a side.
434
Are you Team Hot or Team Shade?
435
Write it down and tell us what June is like where you live.
436
We read every single comment.
437
We really do.
438
And if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Everyday English Academy.
439
Give us a like.
440
It helps more learners find us.
441
Share it with a friend who's learning English, too.
442
Thank you so much for spending part of your day with us.
443
Keep practicing, keep listening, and enjoy your June.
444
But stay in the shade, okay?
445
Beat that heat.
446
Perfect ending.
447
Take care, everyone.
448
Bye, everyone.
449
you
Context & Background
In the podcast episode "How To Talk About June in English," hosts Sarah and Mike discuss the unique characteristics of June, a month that symbolizes the arrival of summer. They share their personal experiences of the season, highlighting the changes in weather, people's moods, and the vibrancy that comes with longer days. This engaging conversation provides listeners with an authentic context for learning English, as it reflects real-life situations and feelings associated with the month of June. Through this episode, learners can pick up natural expressions and improve their spoken English skills.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- “It feels like summer.” – A phrase to describe the shift in seasons and weather.
- “People seem more relaxed.” – A observation about the mood of individuals during warmer months.
- “The days are so long now.” – A useful way to discuss longer daylight hours.
- “June is one of my favorite months.” – A great sentence for expressing personal preferences regarding time.
Step-by-step Shadowing Guide
To enhance your English speaking skills using the content from this episode, follow this shadowing guide:
- Listen Actively: Start by watching the video or listening to the podcast without any distractions. Pay careful attention to the pronunciation and intonation of Sarah and Mike.
- Identify Key Phrases: As you listen, jot down the key phrases listed above. These expressions are commonly used in conversational English.
- Shadow the Speakers: Using a shadowing app, play the audio again, but this time, repeat what the speakers say immediately after them. This practice will help you improve your rhythm and pronunciation.
- Record Yourself: Use your smartphone to record your shadowing attempts. This allows you to compare your speech with the original. Listen for clarity, speed, and accuracy.
- Reflect and Adjust: Identify areas where you struggle and focus on those phrases in your practice. Engage in IELTS speaking practice with a friend to further develop your skills while discussing similar topics.
By incorporating this structured approach into your routine, and using a shadowing site or app, you can effectively learn English with YouTube while mastering conversational nuances that relate to seasonal themes like June. This method not only supports language acquisition but also enhances your overall communication abilities.
Qu'est-ce que la technique du Shadowing ?
Le Shadowing est une technique d'apprentissage des langues fondée sur la science, développée à l'origine pour la formation des interprètes professionnels. Le principe est simple mais puissant : vous écoutez de l'anglais natif et le répétez immédiatement à voix haute — comme une ombre suivant le locuteur avec un décalage de 1 à 2 secondes. Les recherches montrent une amélioration significative de la précision de la prononciation, de l'intonation, du rythme, des liaisons, de la compréhension orale et de la fluidité.