Shadowing Practice: At the Library 📚 Conversation in English - Learn English Speaking with Video

Les maken...
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Hello, what time does the library open?
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It opens in five minutes at 8.30.
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Look, the librarian is on his way.
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Hello, please, you can enter.
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Hello, I would like to know how to join the library.
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To get the membership card, you should give me an identity document.
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You must also complete the registration form with the library regulations.
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Sure, here's my ID card.
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Thanks, please fill in this form.
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Here you go.
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This is your card.
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It is personal and is valid for one year.
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OK, thanks.
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How much does it cost?
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The card is free.
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It gives access to services such as consultation and reading on site,
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listening and viewing documents.
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The library loan.
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Cultural and reading promotion activities.
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Perfect, thanks.
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What are the library hours?
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The library is open to the public.
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Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
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Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am to 7pm It is closed on Saturdays and holidays.
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Thanks for the info.
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Have a nice day.
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Hello, I would like to borrow a book.
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Sure, do you already know which book you want to get?
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Yes, Charles Dickens, Hard Times.
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A moment that I look for it in the catalogue.
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Here you go.
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You should give me your card. Of course.
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The library loan lasts for 30 days.
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You can renew the loan for another 15 days.
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If the book has not been reserved by another user.
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Alright.
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Thank you.
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Good morning.
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Hello, I'm looking for a book about dinosaurs.
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We have so many.
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You should consult the catalogue to see which one interests you the most.
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Sure, where can I consult the catalogue? On that computer.
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Can search for books by subject, by author, by type.
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Perfect, thanks.
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When done, write the location down on a piece of paper.
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Did you find what you were looking for?
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No, the book I need is already on loan to another user.
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Here is the identification number and title.
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Yes, in fact it is already on loan.
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It should be back next week.
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If you want, I'll book it for you.
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Ok, here's my card.
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Done, you can pick it up next Thursday.
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Great, thanks.
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Hello, I need to consult an architecture magazine.
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Sure, did you consult the catalog for localization?
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Yes, here's the number.
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A moment.
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Here is the magazine.
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After reading it, you can leave it on the table so that the staff can relocate it correctly on the shelf.
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Excuse me, is it possible to make photocopies?
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Yes, of course.
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You must purchase a magnetic card. For using the copier.
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How much is it?
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10 euro?
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Here you go.
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Hi, I came to return this book.
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Okay, thanks.
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I need your card.
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Here it is.
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Here it appears that you are two weeks late for the return.
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Yes, I'm sorry I've been out of town.
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I'm sorry but now I have to suspend you from the loan.
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For the same period of time, two weeks.
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Okay, excuse me, it won't happen again. Have a good day.
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Hello, I would like to borrow this book.
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Sure, give me the card.
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It has expired, you have to renew it.
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Alright.
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Excuse me, I would also like to know if I can use the internet.
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Sure, there are dedicated computers.
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Over there, at this moment, there are several free stations.
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You can use the computer for up to 90 minutes.
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Sure, that's fine.
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Hello, we have come for the presentation of the book.
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Of course, the presentation is held in room one.
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It's over there.
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The speakers and the author will soon arrive.
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At the end of the presentation he will sign copies of the book.
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Thank you.
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Excuse me, in the library it is forbidden to consume food and drinks.
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And talk on the phone.
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But what am I doing wrong?
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You are annoying other users.
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You have to go talk outside.
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Alright then.
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Excuse me, I looked in the catalog.
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And I saw that this book is available only in the Library of London.
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If you want we can make an interlibrary loan.
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That is, request the book from the London Library and get it here.
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Well, that would be perfect.
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Give me the card, please.
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How much does it cost to use this service?
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You have to reimburse the shipping costs.
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I have submitted the request.
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We will contact you when the book arrives.
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You have seven days to collect it.
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Sure, OK, thanks.
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That's all for this lesson, if you liked it, don't miss the next lessons and subscribe to the channel.
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See you soon.

Who Will Benefit from This Library Conversation Video?

This video is perfect for beginner to intermediate English learners who want to practice real-life conversations. If you’ve ever felt nervous about visiting a library in an English-speaking country, this dialogue breaks down the key phrases you’ll need—from asking about opening hours to borrowing books. It’s ideal for anyone aiming to build confidence in practical, everyday interactions, whether you’re a student, a new resident, or just looking to sharpen your english speaking practice skills.

Useful Words & Phrases to Add to Your Toolkit

The conversation is packed with standout expressions that feel natural, not scripted. Here are a few to "steal" and use:

  • Membership card: The ID you need to borrow books (e.g., "Can I get a membership card here?")
  • Registration form: The document you fill out to join (e.g., "Where do I find the registration form?")
  • Renew the loan: Extend the time you can keep a book (e.g., "Can I renew the loan if no one else needs it?")
  • On loan: When a book is borrowed by someone else (e.g., "Is this title on loan right now?")
These phrases are practical and will help you navigate libraries—or similar service interactions—with ease.

Tips to Nail the Pronunciation & Flow

To sound more like a native, focus on improve english pronunciation by mimicking the speaker’s rhythm and intonation. Notice how questions rise at the end (e.g., "What time does the library open?") and statements stay flat (e.g., "It opens at 8:30"). A great way to practice is shadow speak: play a short clip, pause, and repeat it immediately, matching the speed and tone. Tools like a shadowing app can help you track your progress, but even repeating the video aloud works. Pay attention to reduced forms, too—like "I’d like" instead of "I would like"—to make your speech sound more natural. With consistent shadowspeaks practice, you’ll soon feel comfortable using these phrases in real life.

Wat is de Shadowing-techniek?

Shadowing is een wetenschappelijk onderbouwde taalleermethode die oorspronkelijk is ontwikkeld voor professionele tolkentraining en gepopulariseerd door polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. De methode is eenvoudig maar krachtig: je luistert naar native Engelse audio en herhaalt het onmiddellijk hardop — als een schaduw die de spreker volgt met slechts 1–2 seconden vertraging. In tegenstelling tot passief luisteren of grammaticadrills, dwingt shadowing je hersenen en mondspieren om echte spraakpatronen tegelijkertijd te verwerken en te reproduceren. Onderzoek toont aan dat het de uitspraaknauwkeurigheid, intonatie, ritme, verbonden spraak, luisterbegrip en spreekvaardigheid aanzienlijk verbetert — waardoor het een van de meest effectieve methoden is voor IELTS Speaking-voorbereiding en echte Engelse communicatie.

Shadowing-techniek: lees de volledige stap-voor-stap-gids →