Shadowing Practice: 3 SCHOOL LOCKDOWN True Horror Stories ANIMATED - Learn English Speaking with Video
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27 sentences
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1
Lock down. Lock down. This is an emergency alert. Please follow lockdown procedures.
2
Go into the nearest room or building. Lock the door and turn off all lights. Wait for the all clear from school officials or local authorities. Lock down. Lock down. Of all the days to sleep in, why did it have to be that day? I woke up on time initially, but then I thought I'd shut my eyes for another 5 minutes or so. When I opened them, the clock read 9:15. School had already started. I leapt out of bed, skipped breakfast, grabbed my bag, and stormed outside.
3
I had to show up before first period ended. Otherwise, they called my parents, and I wouldn't be trusted to get myself to school anymore. The school was only 15 minutes away. I pounded the pavement with every step. There was nothing on my mind except getting there. Except out of the corner of my eye, I noticed I wasn't the only thing out of place. My neighbor about two blocks down, whose house I pass right in front of twice a day, was standing at the edge of his yard like a statue. It was weird to see him just staring off into space, not doing anything, not moving an inch. If it was any other morning, I would have seen him like that and cross the street a block down to avoid him, but I didn't have time for that. I couldn't bother making detours for weirdos. I continued walking forward at a break neck pace, aiming to pass by him without even looking aside. I felt his eyes on me. He was standing about a foot back from the gate at the end of his yard, just behind the waist height fence. The gate was open when I walked past. And it just so happens my neighbor wasn't wearing any pants. No underwear either. Nothing beneath his t-shirt at all. I saw it all in a moment's glance, instantly looking away, but not quick enough.
4
Thankfully, my legs carried on while I processed the shock to my brain. When I got to the end of the block, I was finally believing what I had seen, and I was ready to shoot a mean look back at him, as if to tell him to put on some damn pants. But he wasn't standing in that same spot. He walked out from behind the fence, exposing himself to the world and to my eyes again was him turning and following me. If I thought I was walking as fast as I could before I gained even more speed. I knew if I started sprinting, I could probably make it to school in 3 minutes. Once I made it there, he would have to leave me alone. Nobody would go into a school like that, right? But he had to be crazy. I wasn't sure it would stop him. It was my only bet, though, and I was running out of time to get there. Turn around, little boy. I want to show you something. No thanks. Already saw it.
5
Definitely don't like it. I got something that'll change your mind. Just leave me alone. I said turn around. Turn around now. The man was screaming at me. His voice sounded closer than I knew it could be. There was no way he closed the distance between us so quickly. I knew I had to glance back and check eventually, but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction. I didn't want him to think I was listening to him. But then I could practically feel him breathing on my neck.
6
I knew I had to run. But first, I couldn't help it. I had to look again. He was holding a gun, a shotgun. He must have had it the whole time. I just refused to look at him long enough to notice. It was clear as day now and barely 30 ft away. He smiled from ear to ear when I finally saw it. Now that I knew what was coming, he started to take aim. In a moment of sheer panic, I ran into the street. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh no. No. No. No. No. Damn it. I had him. Stop, dude.
7
Leave me alone. These goddamn cars always in the way. Just leave me alone, please.
8
Maybe now you'll stop me passing on my shot. Thanks.
9
You sneaky little Get back here. After narrowly making it across the street in one piece, I took the last chance I had and kept running. I didn't stop for anything this time.
10
I put as much distance as possible between myself and that psycho and made a break for the school.
11
The building was so close they were already going into lockdown. They had to have heard the shots.
12
My ears were still ringing from it, my heart still pounding out of my chest as I entered the school and tried to mix into the panicking crowd. I took one last look outside and saw him still coming before I ducked into the classroom with 20 other kids, hoping I wouldn't die in there. The doors were locked, the lights went out and we hid, waiting to see. Eventually, the cops arrested my neighbor. He didn't hurt anyone else after what he did to the people in that car. They said he had some kind of mental illness. They wouldn't say which kind, but it's still unsettling to think about as my therapist has been helping me work through all this. How could someone be fine one day and then the next day just snap and become that? A scary situation came to a peaceful yet bizarre ending in a Santa Clarita neighborhood late Wednesday morning. Police were called to the neighborhood following a report of a man suffering from a mental health crisis just after 9:15 a.m. During the search, James Foster Elementary School was placed on lockdown. The armed suspect allegedly fired shots that struck a car. No injuries were reported. After striking the car, police said the suspect barricaded himself in a home. Deputies set up a perimeter and residents were being evacuated from the home by a SWAT team as responding firefighters were placed on standby. About 15 minutes later, the suspect was seen walking around the neighborhood wearing a hat, t-shirt, socks, and no pants. He then surrendered to officials and was taken into custody without incident. Following the suspect's arrest, the lockdown was lifted as a SWAT team continued searching the home.
13
Lock down. Lock down. This is an emergency alert. Please follow lockdown procedures. Go into the nearest room or building. After all the shootings that have been happening, my school started keeping a cop around campus. None of us were sure how to feel about it.
14
Seeing a cop at school used to mean something serious had happened. But as of this year, it was just the new normal. Winter was clinging to us. I was in English class where I didn't really have any friends to sit with. I was just waiting for the bell to ring so I could get out of there. Right around the time that should have been dismissal, we heard the PA system crackle to life. We all looked at the teacher, seeing the blood drain from her face. As soon as the questions began firing off, she sprang into action faster than I'd ever seen her move. Quickly locking the door, dropping all the blinds, directing us to crawl underneath our desks and remain quiet. Now we were starting to get it. And suddenly, we were in the middle of the gut-wrenching reality. Somewhere in the school, a shooter was roaming the halls, knowing this was the real deal. There were no jokes, no silly whispers, just people crying, praying, calling their parents to tell them they loved them for what could be the last time. I didn't have anyone in there to talk to, to comfort me. I couldn't even think of anyone I cared about enough to call. It was a depressing realization. For a few minutes, though, we still had hope. A grim but pragmatic understanding that there was a 50/50 chance the shooter was on the other side of the school. In other words, someone else's grim reaper, not ours.
15
Except that didn't last long. Distance at first, but rapidly growing louder. Shouts and screams began echoing down the hall. We saw dark blurs of people running past the frosted glass of the classroom door, not jocking to play it safe. All out sprints. Momentarily, the thought occurred to me that I needed to get out of there and run away with those people and not be trapped in this classroom. But before I could get myself to stop trembling and stand up, it was too late.
16
Gunshots, not just one, multiple, one right after the other. The classroom erupted with screams and whimpers, muffled sobs echoing in the silence that ensued. We were waiting for the next shots to come through the wall and hit us. We had to be quiet or they would hear. I looked at the teacher's face in that moment. She was huddling underneath the desks with us. An adult realized to our same cowering fear, except she didn't have the luxury of pretending she didn't exist. When the knocking pounded at the door, we all jumped, primed to expect the next sound we heard to be an explosion. A large silhouette eclipsed the door behind the frosted glass. They tried to handle and pushed against the door, but it was holding for now as their voice bellowed through. This is officer Brewer. Open up. Wasn't that the name of the school cop? Why did he want to get in? Didn't he know the shooter was right outside? Something was wrong. I didn't know about anyone else, but I was realizing I had never actually heard the cop talk before. So, it could have been his voice, or it could have been a lie, a trap, and our teacher had the unlucky task of finding out. As she stood, she was shaking out of her skin, barely able to keep it together. It's like she knew she was headed for her own execution. Hey, I know there's people inside. Open this door. I'll be forced to assume the shooter is in the room and taking you hostage. Uh, Officer Brewer. Finally. Listen, lady, girl, whoever you are, you got to open this door, okay? Uh, but officer, you know the protocol, don't you? Forget the protocol, damn it. Just open the door before you get me killed. No, I'm not to open this door under any circumstance. Not until we get the all clear. Fine. All clear.
17
All clear. I don't believe you. I can't take that risk. What? Do you want to see my badge or something, bro? If you don't open this door, I'll arrest you. You are you even a real cop? Shut up.
18
You got until the count of five to open this door before I open fire on you. Every single one of you little shits. Kids, get down. One 2 3 4. We were all sure those would be our final moments.
19
That five was going to be the last word any of us heard right before the massacre started. But after four silence. tense, unbearable silence. The kind that made me think we might already be dead. Then the screaming started again. Except this time, it was that cop screaming like a wild animal caught in a trap. Then other voices and footsteps filled the hallway.
20
Someone tapped on the door. Then with a different calming voice explained what was going on, telling us to wait for the all clear. Everything would be fine. In reality, the man who was threatening us, our school cop, was just impersonating a police officer for months. He had serious mental issues.
21
Some of them apparently stemmed from being bullied as a kid at this very school years ago. He just wanted to torment us as his getback sicko. This school lockdown story was inspired by an incident regarding a man accused of impersonating a police officer and carrying a weapon on school grounds.
22
Christopher Patrick Brewer, 41, carried a firearm while at Beachwood Middle School between 2022 and February 2026. Brewer would present himself as a law enforcement officer when he entered the school. He was certified as a constable at one time, but he hasn't served as a constable since 2019. Police said Brewer was arrested at his home, but was later released on bond.
23
Lock down. Lock down. This is an emergency alert. Please follow lockdown procedures. Go into the nearest room or building. It was nearing the end of the day. The intercom chimed, though barely anyone picked up on it, leaving me to strain my ears to hear the announcement. Code red. Code red. Hold and secure. Repeat. Code red. Hold and secure. Did anyone hear that? She said code red. Hey, everyone listen up. I am talking. Shut up. Jeez. What's the problem, Mr. Boyer? Zip it, Tanner. Everyone listen up. While you were talking, you missed a very important announcement. Anyone care to guess what that might have been? Uh, we get to go home early.
24
No, it was a code red. Like a drill? Like a real code red? Everyone get to the back of the class, get down, stay out of sight, and stay quiet now. It took an embarrassing amount of time to comply with the hold and secure protocol. It was my duty to protect them, and I knew that with each passing minute, the situation became increasingly serious. Slowly, however, for better or worse, that realization began to dawn on them as well. Defiant cheerfulness evaporated, and in some unseen corners, crying began. They ran out of jokes and questions. They were left only with silence. All I had was gnawing dread, knowing I was not equipped to defend even myself, let alone a room full of innocents. In the middle of that pressure cooker, the phone rang, the one on my desk with the loud ass ringer that I couldn't turn off. And now it was across the room, blasting a sound that was probably heard across the school. Who the hell was calling? Did they know what was going on? Could it be a secret announcement? I had no clue, only that I needed to get up and shut it off. I clenched my jaw as I walked in front of the front door, partly expecting a bullet in the back, but I was spared so far. I reached over the desk, picked up the phone, then gently placed it right back down on the receiver. No more ringing. I turned around, quietly, making my way back to the students, but I only got halfway. The phone rang again. I rushed to my desk in anger. This time, slamming the phone down. Whoever was calling needed to get the freaking hint. Even that didn't work. A few seconds later, it rang a third time, leaving me with no other option I could think of, I grabbed the whole thing and ripped it out of the wall, cords and all. Now, unless the cops were hunting a goddamn ghost, we would have silence in this classroom. I walked back to the hiding corner and reminded everyone to stay quiet. It lasted all of 15 seconds. My personal phone began to vibrate in my pocket. It was just loud enough for the students to hear. They all looked at me like a herd of deer in headlights. How did I know any better what to do? I declined the call without taking it out of my pocket at first, hoping it was just a coincidence. It was not. Then it rang again. I finally answered.
25
Hello. Who is this? How did you get this number? Mr. Ber. Yes, but it is not a good time. Call back later. Still in room 204. I was thinking of paying you a visit. Not now. It's lockdown. I know. Wait, it's you did this. Finally figured it out, huh? You never were the brightest. But that didn't stop you, did it, from tearing me down, treating me like making me feel worthless. I'm sorry.
26
Okay, whoever you are, whatever I did to hurt you, I'm sorry. You uh you don't even remember who I am, do you? I uh I Are all the kids there with you hiding? No, they all went home. There's no point in lying. I can hear them whimpering in fear. They don't trust you to keep them safe. And they're right. Stop it. You want to help them? Show them a future. How about I come in there and blow your brains out right in front of them? I'll write my name on the board with your blood. You'll make an impact when your lifeless body hits the ground. So come on, Mr. Boyer. Open up and let's show them something they'll never forget. The kids, they must have heard everything. I couldn't hide the terror on my own face anyway. this whole lockdown. It was one of my students. I didn't know who, but they were coming. They knew where to find me. They knew who would be with me. Then the door began to rattle. Someone inserted a key into the lock and turned it. Of course, they stole a key. I never stood a chance. Except it was no gunman who entered, just an administrator telling us it was our turn to leave the staggered release. I couldn't believe it. The kids all left, happy to get the hell away from me, but I couldn't get up. I couldn't move. The cops said they tracked down the kid who called in the so-called fake threat, but because they're a juvenile, no names have been released. I don't know if it's really one of my former students or if it's even the person who called me. For all I know, they could still be out there waiting to get me at my most vulnerable. This school lockdown story was inspired by a male student who faces several charges after making threats towards students and staff at a school in Ashawa. On Thursday, February 5th of 2026 at approximately 1:55 p.m., police responded to a threatening call at a public school where a male student contacted the school via phone and made threats towards the students and staff. The school was put into a lockdown as officers arrived on scene. Officers evacuated the school while searching the building for any threats. Once the school was cleared, an investigation revealed that the threat was made by a student at a different school. The student was taken into custody without incident.
27
Heat. Heat.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 27 sentences and 3166 words to shadow. The speech runs for 18:01. The speaker talks at a natural 176 words per minute, close to everyday conversation. Only 81% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 less common words from the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
- lockdown /ˈlɑkˌdaʊn/ (noun) — The confinement of people in their own rooms (e.g., in a school) or cells (in a prison), or to their own homes or areas (e.g., in the case of a city- or…
- silence /ˈsaɪ̯ləns/ (noun) — The absence of any sound.
- desk /dɛsk/ (noun) — A table, frame, or case, in past centuries usually with a sloping top but now usually with a flat top, for the use of writers and readers. It often has a…
- classroom /ˈklɑːsɹʊm/ (noun) — A room, often in a school, where classes take place.
- scream /skɹiːm/ (verb) — To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to screech, to shriek.
- shooter /ˈʃuːtəː/ (noun) — Someone who shoots something; a gunner, archer, etc.
- pants /pænts/ (noun) — An outer garment that covers the body from the waist downwards, covering each leg separately, usually as far as the ankles; trousers.
- procedure /pɹəˈsiː.d͡ʒə/ (noun) — A particular method for performing a task.
- whoever /huˈɛvɚ/ — Who ever: an emphatic form of who.
- cop /kɑp/ (noun) — A police officer or prison guard.
- alert /əˈlɝt/ (adjective) — Attentive; awake; on guard.
- trap /tɹæp/ (noun) — A machine or other device designed to catch (and sometimes kill) animals, either by holding them in a container, or by catching hold of part of the body.
- pound /ˈpaʊ̯nd/ (noun) — A unit of weight in various measurement systems.
- announcement /əˈnaʊns.mənt/ (noun) — An act of announcing, or giving notice.
- protocol /ˈpɹoʊtəˌkɑl/ (noun) — An amendment to an official treaty.
Phrasal verbs you will hear
- lock down (verb) — To secure (something).
- go into (verb) — To get involved in; to investigate or explore.
- wait for (verb) — To wait until the specified event occurs.
- look at (verb) — To observe or watch.
- turn around (verb) — To physically rotate (usually around a vertical axis) for a half turn (180 degrees), a whole turn (360 degrees), or an indefinite amount.
- get down /ɡɛt ˈdaʊn/ (verb) — To bring or come down; to descend; to cause to bring or come down.
- get out of (verb) — To leave, exit or escape from; to become free of.
- get up (verb) — To move in an upward direction; to ascend or climb.
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 54 contractions and reduced forms, such as didn't, couldn't, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: underneath /ˌʌndɚˈniθ/, threaten /ˈθɹɛt.n̩/, bother /ˈbɑðɚ/, breathe /bɹiːð/, beneath /bɪˈniːθ/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: shooter /ˈʃuːtəː/, realization /ˌɹɪə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/, rush /ɹʌʃ/, shock /ʃɔk/, luxury /ˈlʌk.ʃə.ɹi/
- Long words — get the stress right: realization /ˌɹɪə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/, evacuate /ɪˈvæk.ju.eɪt/, execution /ˌɛk.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/, practically /ˈpɹæk.tɪ.k(ə.)li/, satisfaction /sætɪsˈfækʃən/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like lockdown, silence, desk.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going on | has been helping · have been happening |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | be trusted · were locked · be trapped |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | hasn't served · have been released |
| Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing | man who was · kid who called |
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.