Shadowing Practice: 1.8k - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 273 sentences and 1755 words to shadow. The speech runs for 22:56. The speaker talks slowly, about 77 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. Only 43% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding. 45 of its 273 sentences are questions, so it is good practice for question intonation and short answers.
Key vocabulary in this video
The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| hallo verb | /həˈləʊ/ | To shout, or to call with a loud voice. |
| grammar noun | /ˈɡɹæm.ə(ɹ)/ | A system of rules and principles for the structure of a language, or of languages in general. |
| taxi noun | /ˈtæksi/ | A vehicle that may be hired for single journeys by members of the public, particularly one with an automated meter to calculate the fare. |
| klar noun | In Karen animism, one of the thirty-seven spirits that are said to embody every individual. | |
| café noun | /ˌkæˈfeɪ/ | A coffee shop; an establishment selling coffee and sometimes other non-alcoholic beverages, simple meals or snacks, with a facility to consume them on the… |
| tomato noun | /təˈmeɪ.toʊ/ | A widely cultivated plant, Solanum lycopersicum, having edible fruit. |
| cathedral noun | /kəˈθiːdɹəl/ | The principal church serving as the office (and some as place of residence) of an archdiocese's/a diocese's archbishop/bishop which is symbolized by an… |
| correctly adverb | /kəˈɹɛk(t).li/ | In a correct manner. |
| fluently adverb | In a fluent manner, as expressing oneself easily, especially in a foreign language. | |
| salami noun | /ˌsəˈlɑmi/ | A large cured meat sausage of Italian origin, served in slices. |
| verstehen noun | /və(ɹ)ˈʃteɪ.ən/ | A stance that attempts to understand the meaning of action from the actor’s point of view, so that the actor is seen as a subject rather than an object of… |
| backpack noun | /ˈbæk.pæk/ | A knapsack, sometimes mounted on a light frame, but always supported by straps, worn on a person’s back for the purpose of carrying things, especially when… |
| vocabulary noun | /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ɹi/ | A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning. |
| pity noun | /ˈpɪt.i/ | A feeling of sympathy at the misfortune or suffering of someone or something. |
| arrange verb | /əˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/ | To set up; to organize; to put into an orderly sequence or arrangement. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| get out verb | To leave or escape. |
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | Will you drink · I'll drink · Will you see |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | I'm taking · are you coming · is shining |
| Obligation: must / have to / need to saying that something is necessary | have to get · have to go · have to understand |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 12 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, don't, doesn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: verstehen /və(ɹ)ˈʃteɪ.ən/, shine /ʃaɪn/
- Long words — get the stress right: vocabulary /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ɹi/, importantly /ɪmˈpɔɹ.tənt.li/, innovative /ˈɪn.əˌveɪtɪv/, communicate /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like hallo, grammar, taxi.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.












