Shadowing Practice: #115 Working on the side (Med) | SBS Learn English - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
121 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Learning English helps me to pick up a side gig and make ends meet.
2
SBS acknowledges the traditional custodians of country and their connections and continuous care for the skies,
3
lands and waterways throughout Australia.
4
Do you maybe feel like you aren't earning enough?
5
A lot of my friends are feeling like that and they're looking for ways to earn some extra money.
6
So I thought it would be useful to learn how to talk about it.
7
Hi, I'm Josipa and in this episode we are practicing everyday English you can use to talk
8
when you are working on the side.
9
If you are working on the side, you are doing a small job or activity you do outside your main job to earn extra money.
10
It could be anything from driving people around to selling something online
11
or even turning a hobby into a bit of extra cash.
12
By the way, if anyone needs a dog sitter, let me know because I'm available.
13
Anyway, let's join Alan and Claire.
14
They've just finished work and are walking down the street together.
15
Claire notices Alan has gone quiet.
16
He looks like he is thinking about something.
17
I might do some work on the side.
18
This job isn't cutting it.
19
Tell me about it.
20
I've picked up a side gig recently.
21
Is it hard to juggle everything?
22
I've already got so much on my plate.
23
Yeah, a bit.
24
I just do it in my spare time.
25
It's not much, but helps make ends meet.
26
These days, with the cost of living going up, no wonder that so many people are looking for ways to earn extra income.
27
Extra income is additional money you earn on top of your main income or salary.
28
Let's see what other useful phrases we can practice first.
29
Alan said.
30
I might do some work on the side.
31
So, as we already heard, when you say that you have some work on the side,
32
you have another small job to earn extra income that is different from your main employment.
33
For example, I do a bit of graphic design work on the side.
34
You could also say, I might take a side hustle.
35
To take on a side hustle is to start doing extra work outside your main job to earn more money.
36
Hustle means to work hard and move quickly to get something done.
37
It can also mean trying hard to make money or succeed, often with energy and effort.
38
For example, you could say...
39
I've taken on a side hustle doing freelance design.
40
If you're doing freelance work, you are earning money by working for yourself and doing jobs for different people or companies.
41
Alan also said, My main job just isn't cutting it.
42
If something isn't cutting it, it is not enough or not good enough for what you need.
43
In this case, Alan's job isn't giving him enough money.
44
You can use this phrase in other situations too. For example.
45
The old phone isn't cutting it anymore.
46
I need a new one.
47
Next, Claire said.
48
Tell me about it.
49
I've picked up a side gig recently.
50
Tell me about it.
51
This is a very common informal expression.
52
It means you strongly agree with someone, especially when they are talking about a problem.
53
Claire also said...
54
I've picked up a side gig recently.
55
A side gig is another way of saying a job on the side.
56
That is, in addition to your main job.
57
It's a small job you do to earn extra money.
58
And to pick up often means to collect something or someone.
59
But here it means to start doing something.
60
Do you remember what Alan asked Claire?
61
He said...
62
Is it hard to juggle everything?
63
to juggle literally means to throw things up in the air and catch them all in a pattern, the way that clowns do in a circus.
64
Here, it means to do and manage several things at the same time.
65
Let's say you go to work every day, and you're also taking care of your small children and managing things at home.
66
You could say...
67
I'm juggling so much at the moment.
68
Another way to say the same thing is a phrase Alan used when he said...
69
I've already got so much on my plate.
70
If you have a lot on your plate, you have a lot of responsibilities or things to do.
71
You're busy and it can feel a bit difficult to manage at time.
72
Yeah, a bit.
73
I just do it in my spare time.
74
It's not much, but helps make ends meet.
75
When Claire says a bit, she's agreeing with Alan and saying that she also is finding things a little difficult to manage.
76
She says it helps her make ends meet.
77
If you can make ends meet, You're having enough money to pay for basic costs like rent,
78
food, bills and transport.
79
For example, you could say I repair cars on weekends.
80
I just do it in my spare time.
81
It's not much, but it helps make ends meet.
82
Claire also said I just do it in my spare time.
83
Your spare time is the time when you are not working or being busy with other jobs at home or responsibilities.
84
It's your free time, your spare time.
85
Let's say you are getting to know someone a bit better.
86
You could ask...
87
What do you do in your spare time?
88
Or if you are planning something with friends, but you are not sure if they are free, you could say...
89
Do you have any spare time this weekend?
90
And here's a tip for you.
91
We often use in my spare time when talking about hobbies or things we enjoy.
92
In my spare time, I like watching true crime documentaries.
93
And what do you do in your spare time?
94
So, when you are talking about earning extra income, You can use phrases like picking up a side gig
95
or taking on a side hustle or doing something in your spare time to earn money.
96
Now, let's listen to the dialogue once again and then we'll practice.
97
I might do some work on the side.
98
This job isn't cutting it.
99
Tell me about it.
100
I've picked up a side gig recently.
101
Is it hard to juggle everything?
102
I've already got so much on my plate.
103
Yeah, a bit.
104
I just do it in my spare time.
105
It's not much, but helps make ends meet.
106
It's time to practice.
107
See if you remember the meaning before hearing the answer.
108
If something isn't cutting it, it's...
109
If something isn't cutting it, it's not enough or not good enough for what you need.
110
If you have a lot on your plate, you...
111
If you have a lot on your plate, you have a lot of responsibilities or things to do.
112
Now, let's listen and repeat after Alan and Claire.
113
I've picked up a side gig recently.
114
I do a bit of graphic design work on the side.
115
I might take a side hustle.
116
I just do it in my spare time.
117
On our website, you can find learning notes and transcripts.
118
We've also created a bonus episode to help you practice speaking in English.
119
You can find all of that on sbs.com.au slash learn English.
120
I'm Josipa and thanks for learning English with me.
121
Now go see if your English can earn you a little extra on the side.
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
B11
Bonus Practice: #103 Talking about online dating (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A21
Bonus Practice: #111 Water problems at home? Talking to a plumber (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A21
Bonus Practice: #104 Talking about school exams | NAPLAN | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A2Bonus Practice: #118 Losing a job (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B11
Bonus Practice: #109 Talking about ageing parents (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B11
Bonus Practice: #115 Working on the side (Med) | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B11
#108 Talking about the cost of living | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B11
Bonus Practice: #102 Getting organised (Med) | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B1قسمت SBS Learn English ۱۰۷: محافظت از حیاتوحش | صحبت درباره طبیعت و حیوانات | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B1MiniPod: Man On! | Words we use | SBS Learn English
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
#105 Celebrating small wins at work | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B12
Bonus Practice: #119 Talking about hay fever (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B11
Bonus Practice: #108 Talking about the cost of living | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B1How to answer the 2026 Census English proficiency question | Bonus episode | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
A22
Bonus Practice: #110 Trying on shoes (Med) | SBS Learn English
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A22
MiniPod: Call it a day | Words we use | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B1Bonus Practice: #106 Mmm or Hmm? Trying new and unusual food | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
Bonus Practice: #114 Talking about the Census and data security (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B12
Bonus Practice: #116 Visiting a vet (Med) | SBS Learn English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B11
#111 Water problems at home? |Talking to a plumber (Med) | SBS Learn English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
B1159
17 sentences
Luyện nghe tiếng anh về những câu chuyện hằng ngày cùng imleafsun - Section 12 | English Corner
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
![[B1] How to Talk About your Work | English Listening & Speaking Practice](https://img.youtube.com/vi/akGBBzXmE8w/mqdefault.jpg)
B115
79 sentences
[B1] How to Talk About your Work | English Listening & Speaking Practice
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B11
50 sentences
American English Shadowing Useful Phrases - 20 Chunks
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B14
330 sentences
We Speak NYC: Ep 01 - Shumi's Pantry
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B11
158 sentences
Video
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B11
312 sentences
How to Save Money in Daily Life 💰 | Easy English Listening Practice | Talkatoo English Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B117
86 sentences
Day 1 - IELTS Shadowing Practice | Band 5 - 6 | A Day In My Life | British English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B16
219 sentences
Tactics for Listening Third Edition Developing Unit 10 Keeping Fit
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
568 sentences
B1 English Listening Practice – Work and Career | EP12 #luyennghetienganh
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B1105 sentences
British Slang & Expressions - Part 2
British AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B12
386 sentences
Communicate Better at Work in English | English podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This B1 speaking lesson is built on the video “Working on the side”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: spare, extra, earn, gig, Claire. This video has 121 sentences and 1242 words to shadow. The speech runs for 10:06. The speaker talks at a steady 123 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 85% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.
Key vocabulary in this video
The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| spare adjective | /spɛɚ/ | Being more than what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous. |
| hustle verb | /ˈhʌsəl/ | To push someone roughly; to crowd; to jostle. |
| juggle verb | /ˈd͡ʒʌɡəl/ | To manipulate objects, such as balls, clubs, beanbags, rings, etc. in an artful or artistic manner. |
| phrase noun | /ˈfɹeɪ̯z/ | A short written or spoken expression. |
| freelance adjective | /ˈfɹiˌlæns/ | Of or relating to a freelance; without a long-term employment contract. |
| hobby noun | /ˈhɑ.bi/ | An activity that one enjoys doing in one's spare time. |
| graphic adjective | /ˈɡɹæfɪk/ | Drawn, pictorial. |
| custodian noun | /kəˈstoʊdiən/ | A person entrusted with the custody or care of something or someone; a caretaker or keeper. |
| juggling noun | /ˈd͡ʒʌɡəlɪŋ/ | The art of moving objects, such as balls, clubs, beanbags, rings, etc. in an artful or artistic manner. |
| sitter noun | /ˈsɪtɚ/ | Someone who sits, e.g. for a portrait. |
| waterway noun | /ˈwɔːtəweɪ/ | A body of water, such as a river, channel or canal, that is navigable. |
| transcript noun | /ˈtɹæn.skɹɪpt/ | Something which has been transcribed; a writing or composition consisting of the same words as the original; a written copy. |
| informal adjective | /ɪnˈfɔɹ.m(ə)l/ | Not formal or ceremonious. |
| clown noun | /ˈklaʊ̯n/ | A slapstick performance artist often associated with a circus and usually characterized by bright, oversized clothing, a red nose, face paint, and a brightly… |
| circus noun | /ˈsɜːkəs/ | A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| pick up verb | To lift; to grasp and raise. |
| go up verb | To move upwards. |
| walk down verb | To continually advance (on an opponent) and punch (the opponent) in order to control the fight and dominate the opponent, while shrugging off the opponent's… |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Do you maybe feel like you aren't earning enough?
- I've picked up a side gig recently.
- I've already got so much on my plate.
- What do you do in your spare time?
- Do you have any spare time this weekend?
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | They've just finished · has gone · I've picked |
| Possibility with “might / may” might/may + verb — something that is possible but not certain | might do · might take |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | aren't earning · they're looking · are practicing |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 30 contractions and reduced forms, such as I've, isn't, I'm. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- Long words — get the stress right: continuous /kənˈtɪn.juː.əs/, documentary /ˌdɒk.jʊˈmɛn.tɹi/
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 spare, hustle, juggle.
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.