Shadowing Practice: 526 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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406 sentences

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Look at this summer dress!

It’s so cute—and only $25!

Ooh, I love that color on you! Try it on!

I already have three dresses in the cart… We’re really going to shop till we drop today.

That’s the spirit! Target always gets me.

I came here for toothpaste and now look at us.

I know! Ah, don’t forget sunscreen!

Remember last summer?

You turned into a tomato.

Haha, thanks for the reminder.

Okay, sunscreen—check!

Should we look at shoes next?

I saw some cute sandals near the back.

Yes! But let’s grab an iced coffee first.

I need energy for round two.

Hey Liam! I brought my special BBQ sauce.

Let me handle the ribs!

Uh, sure...

And I made a salad! Where can I put it?

What about the burgers?

Maybe just put the salad on the table near the drinks.

I like to flip them every minute—it keeps them juicy.

Wait, no! You should let them sit!

That’s how you get good grill marks.

Guys, hold on! You’re all amazing, but— Let me season the chicken!

I have this spicy rub my uncle taught me— NOOO! That’s already done!

You’ll mess it up!

Okay, okay! Everybody, pause!

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Oops. True. We’re just excited.

Ugh, I’m starving.

Do you want to grab a bite before shopping?

Yeah, good idea.

I saw a Burger King next to the parking lot.

Let's head there.

I could use some fries right now.

Ooh, yes! I’ve been craving their Whopper all week.

And their onion rings? So underrated.

Don’t forget the Hershey’s Sundae Pie.

That thing is dangerously good.

Hi there! Welcome to Burger King!

What can I get started for you today?

Hi! Can I get a Whopper with no onions, a medium fries, and a chocolate shake, please?

And I’ll have a Bacon King, large fries, and a Sprite. Thanks!

Is this for here or to go?

For here. Alrighty! That’ll be $23.18.

Name for the order?

Lana. Great. Order number 82.

We’ll call you when it’s ready.

Wait… did you just order a chocolate croissant?

You never eat sweets!

I know! But hey, once in a blue moon, I let myself have a treat.

Wow, today must be special.

What's the occasion?

No occasion.

The Starbucks sign was glowing, and I was like… “Why not?” Honestly, same. I usually just get black coffee, but today I went all in—Pumpkin Spice Latte with whipped cream.

Wow. Once in a blue moon for you too, huh?

Yep. I feel like we’re both breaking the rules today.

It’s fun though. Life’s too short to always say no to carbs.

True. Plus, this place is cozy today.

You look really pale today. Everything okay?

Morning, Rachel. Yeah... I’m just feeling a bit under the weather.

Oh no. Is it a cold or something worse?

Probably just a cold.

I had the chills last night and kept sneezing.

I almost didn't come in today.

You should have stayed home and rested.

Want me to grab you some tea from the break room?

That’d be amazing.

Just… no more coffee today.

Well, if you want to head home early, I’ll let the team know.

You shouldn’t push yourself.

Appreciate it. I’ll see how I feel after lunch.

Hopefully the medicine kicks in.

Tyler, what are you doing here?

I thought you were going to hit the books today!

I was... but this muffin was calling my name.

Seriously, finals are next week.

You haven’t even opened your biology notes!

I know, I know. I just needed a little break.

After this muffin, I’ll study!

That's what you said yesterday.

And then you watched two hours of cat videos.

They were educational... sort of.

Nice try. I’ve already made flashcards.

Want to study together at the library later?

That might help. You’re way more organized than me.

I just don’t want to pull an all-nighter again.

My brain stopped working after 2 a.m. last time.

Morning, Billy. You look… stressed. Everything okay?

Not really. I’m in hot water with Mr. Jennings.

Oh no! What happened?

I totally forgot to send the client report last night.

He needed it before 8 a.m. today.

Yikes. Was that the one for the big tech client?

Yep. I was finishing it at Starbucks, then my Wi-Fi dropped.

I planned to send it when I got home... but I fell asleep!

Oof. That’s rough. What did Mr. Jennings say?

He just gave me that look—you know the one.

100

Cold outside, fire inside.

101

He told me to come to his office after lunch.

102

If I don’t come back, tell my dog I love him.

103

You'll be fine.

104

Wow, the park looks beautiful in spring.

105

The cherry blossoms are perfect for wedding photos!

106

Yeah… it’s really pretty.

107

What’s with the long face?

108

You’re getting married in five days!

109

I know… I should be excited.

110

But honestly? I think I’m getting cold feet.

111

Okay, deep breath. What’s going on?

112

I keep thinking... what if we’re not ready?

113

What if we fight a lot after the wedding?

114

What if he snores louder than I thought?

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Emma, you’ve known Josh for five years.

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You’ve already heard him snore during movie nights.

117

True. But this is forever, Sarah.

118

I mean, what if I mess everything up?

119

Listen. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong choice.

120

It just means you care.

121

Yea... You're right...

122

Mia, you look like you’ve just won the lottery!

123

What's going on?

124

I GOT THE JOB! I can’t believe it!

125

What?! No way! That’s amazing!

126

I knew you’d do it! How are you feeling?

127

Honestly? I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now.

128

It’s like all my hard work finally paid off.

129

That’s awesome! You’ve been working so hard for this.

130

What’s the first thing you’re going to do to celebrate?

131

Hmm… I think I’ll have a big dinner at that Italian restaurant we love.

132

Maybe even order some tiramisu to celebrate.

133

Now that’s a perfect way to celebrate!

134

Ugh, I really want to go to that concert next weekend.

135

The one at Madison Square Garden?

136

It’s gonna be amazing!

137

Yeah, but I'm flat broke.

138

I spent all my money on textbooks and rent.

139

Been there. College life, right?

140

Seriously. Unless I find a $100 bill on the sidewalk, I'm staying home.

141

Well, maybe next time.

142

Or we can grab tacos and stream the live show at my place?

143

Deal! Taco night sounds like a win anyway.

144

Okay, Helen, I’ve never baked a cake before.

145

Are you sure this is going to work?

146

Relax, Oliver! It’s a piece of cake.

147

A piece of cake.

148

Wait. Are you saying it's going to be easy?

149

Yeah. Follow my lead and you'll be fine.

150

You say that now.

151

But what if it burns? Or worse.

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What if it tastes terrible?

153

Then we'll call it experimental cooking.

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Don’t worry; I’m here to help.

155

Now, crack those eggs!

156

Okay, fine. But if this cake turns out great, I'm taking all the credit.

157

Sure, you can take the credit as long as you clean up the mess.

158

Deal! Let's just hope I survive this.

159

You will. Trust me.

160

Baking is fun when you’re not overthinking it.

161

Jake, I have the biggest news ever!

162

You’re glowing, Emma. What’s up?

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I got the job.

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The marketing one I applied for last month!

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Are you serious?

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That's incredible.

167

You must be over the moon!

168

Yea. Like I’m so happy, I could float right off the ground!

169

The HR manager called me this morning and said they were impressed with my ideas.

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That’s because your ideas are amazing.

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Did they mention when you start?

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Next Monday, they want me to join their team for the upcoming big project.

173

Oh, and the office… it’s on the top floor with this amazing city view!

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Top floor? Fancy!

175

Are you treating me to coffee every week now?

176

Of course! Wow, Sylus, your hometown is so beautiful!

177

The streets, the colors,… It’s all so lively.

178

I'm glad you like it.

179

This festival has been a tradition for generations.

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It's the best time to visit.

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Everyone in the village comes together to celebrate.

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It feels magical.

183

What's happening over there?

184

That’s the main event: the Greasy Pole Climbing contest.

185

See the prizes at the top?

186

It's the highlight of the festival.

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Climbing that? It looks impossible!

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Have you ever tried it?

189

Tried it? I'm competing today.

190

You? Are you serious?

191

I didn’t take you for a climber!

192

Don’t underestimate me, Scarlet.

193

You’ll see. Just cheer loudly, okay?

194

Hahaa!! I'm looking forward !!

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Scarlet, did you see that? I won!

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Of course, I saw! You were amazing, Sylus.

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The crowd couldn't stop cheering for you.

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Well, this is the prize for the winner.

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It’s a symbol of courage and strength in my hometown.

200

But… I want you to have it.

201

Me? Sylus, I....

202

Scarlet, actions speak louder than words.

203

I need to tell everyone that you're my lover.

204

I can’t believe I’m doing this after so many years.

205

Christine, it’s never too late to pick it up again.

206

You loved playing the violin.

207

Why not give it another shot?

208

I used to be so good.

209

What if I can’t even play a single note now?

210

Better late than never, right?

211

It's better to try now than to regret never trying at all.

212

You're right.

213

Let's see if I remember anything.

214

See? You've still got it.

215

Just a little practice and you'll be amazing again.

216

Thanks, Liam.

217

I guess it's never too late to start over.

218

Oof! I think that's enough planning for today.

219

What do you say we call it a day, Alex?

220

You mean stop painting and wrap things up?

221

Are you sure?

222

I was just getting into the groove.

223

Look at this sunset I’ve painted—it’s almost perfect!

224

“Almost” being the keyword.

225

Besides, it's getting dark, and we still have to clean up.

226

Fine... Hey, we can always come back tomorrow.

227

The park isn't going anywhere.

228

Alright. Let’s grab some ice cream on the way back As a reward for our hard work.

229

Now that’s the best idea you’ve had all day.

230

Let's go. Hey, Noah, guess what?

231

What's going on?

232

Why do you look so excited?

233

Oh, nothing… just something you’ll find out soon enough.

234

Come on. Sophia.

235

You can’t just say that and not tell me. Spill it!

236

Hmm… should I?

237

Or should I keep it a surprise?

238

Sophia. Alright, alright! I’ll let the cat out of the bag.

239

What's cat.

240

Noo! I mean I will tell you a secret!

241

Your sister is coming to town next weekend!

242

What? Really?

243

I thought she was too busy with work!

244

She wanted to keep it a surprise, but I can keep it to myself.

245

She's staying with us for three days.

246

That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see her.

247

And, Sophia... you’re terrible at keeping secrets!

248

Hey, I lasted a whole day before telling you.

249

That’s a record for me!

250

Hey there! You’re doing great so far Keep it up!

251

Remember, every minute you spend practicing brings you closer to fluency.

252

Stay with me until the end and you'll pick up some useful tips and phrases.

253

Let's keep learning together.

254

Anna, I need your opinion.

255

Should I add cheese or keep it plain?

256

Ryan, why not just pick one?

257

But if I choose cheese, you might not like it.

258

And if I leave it plain, it might be too boring.

259

I'm stuck Caught between two stools, huh?

260

Wait, what does "caught between two stools" mean?

261

It means you’re stuck between two options and can’t decide.

262

So there's a risk you'll miss out on both.

263

Oh, that’s exactly how I feel. What do I do?

264

Okay, how about you add cheese to one plate and leaves other plain Problem solved.

265

Genius! Why didn’t I think of that?

266

How couldn't you?

267

I can't believe we missed the train.

268

Now our whole plan is ruined.

269

Come on, Mia. It’s not the end of the world.

270

But we had everything planned.

271

The museum, the market, the little cafe.

272

And now nothing.

273

We've got a whole day ahead of us and no schedule.

274

Let's just go with the flow.

275

Go with the flow?

276

You mean just wander around with no plan?

277

Exactly. Who knows what we'll find?

278

Maybe something better than the museum.

279

Fine. But if we end up lost in some random neighborhood, it's on you.

280

Deal. First stop: that little food truck outside!

281

I'm starving.

282

Look at all this.

283

It seems much smaller than when we were kids.

284

I can't believe how fast the time is flying by.

285

Yeah, you see, the last time we ran on this lobby was more than 20 years ago.

286

I really hope that our sponsorship program can support students from impoverished families.

287

It will. We all grew up in poor families, We understand how hard life could be.

288

Oh look, is that Ms. Rodriguez?

289

Yeah, sure.

290

That's her.

291

Ms. Rodriguez!

292

Who are you?

293

We are your elementary students.

294

20 years ago, you were our homeroom teacher.

295

Class 5A, do you remember?

296

So... What are your names?

297

I'm Lewis Thomas.

298

I'm Luke Anderson.

299

Let me check my memory...

300

Hmm, yeah. I recognize you guys.

301

You had bad writing, I even had to meet your dad, who was a firefighter, because of that.

302

Exactly, and I had to spend a summer correcting my handwriting.

303

And you? You were good at math, but bad at every other subject.

304

Right, Ms Rodriguez.

305

We are so happy that after so many years, you still remember us.

306

I remember every student of mine.

307

So, what are you doing here?

308

We visited the school today and we are so happy to see you.

309

That's so nice.

310

Come, come.

311

Let's go to our old classroom and have a chat.

312

Sure, Ms. Rodriguez.

313

Mom, I'm skipping dinner tomorrow.

314

Who are you going out with?

315

Taylor. We’re checking out the new restaurant on King Street.

316

Oh, are you talking about "Eataly"?

317

Yeah, you know it?

318

I went there last weekend. That new restaurant is bomb.

319

WHAT?! There’s a bomb in that restaurant?

320

Cindy, you’re not going!

321

No, Mom, when we say something’s "bomb," we mean it’s really good.

322

Like, it's so awesome, it blows you away.

323

Kids, I love how creative you are with your language, But seriously, you need to watch out what you say in public.

324

Like at an airport.

325

Hi Mr. Blanco! Thanks for giving me a ride home.

326

No problem, buddy! Hop in.

327

Whoa, Dad, are those new shoes?

328

You had on a different pair this morning.

329

Yeah. Yeah, long story short, I messed up my other ones and had to grab a new pair.

330

Those shoes are fire, where did you get them?

331

Fire? Wait, are they on fire?!

332

No, Dad! He said they were fire, not on fire.

333

He means they look awesome.

334

Oh, you really think they're cool?

335

Definitely.

336

I think they look great on you.

337

You’re not just saying that because I’m giving you a ride, right?

338

Nope, not at all. I actually like your style.

339

Wow. That's one of the best compliments I've ever gotten.

340

Yeah, especially after mom said you dress like a walking fashion disaster, huh?

341

She knows nothing about fashion.

342

So does Eddy.

343

Hey Maya, you made it! Glad you could come.

344

Hi Liam! Thank you for inviting me.

345

There are so many people here.

346

Yeah, it got pretty crowded quickly. But the music is good, right?

347

Totally! This party is lit tonight!

348

Lit? Like… with lamps? There are many lights, yes.

349

Not exactly lamps. It means it is really good and exciting.

350

Ah, I see... So, you enjoy it, right?

351

I've just... arrived, so I don't know yet.

352

Ugh... Just kidding! I think I am gonna have a blast tonight!

353

Awesome. Hey, man, where are you going?

354

Nowhere special. Just the mall. Why?

355

That is a sick outfit you're wearing.

356

What?! What is wrong with my outfit?

357

Uh... The only thing wrong with your outfit is that it is totally sick!

358

Oh my! What is wrong with it?

359

I mean, I think it looks decent...

360

Ugh no, dude. That is a compliment.

361

I want to say your outfit looks great.

362

If you want to compliment me, why do you say it is sick?

363

Because... that is how people usually speak.

364

Okay... So, do you really think so? I got it on sale.

365

Two hundred bucks for the jacket!

366

What? Did you spend two hundred bucks on a jacket?

367

Now that is sick.

368

Didn't you just spend 100 bucks on some fancy chicken wings last week?

369

Yeah, but in my defense, they came from this really good restaurant.

370

Well, you eat like a king, and I dress like one.

371

Fair enough.

372

Hey, Emily, you seem a little… quiet.

373

How was your day?

374

My day was… pretty much the same as usual, except it felt extra long today.

375

What happened?

376

Just a bunch of stuff went wrong all at once.

377

It was one thing after another.

378

Oh no, spill it. If there is anything left of your soul at this point.

379

First, my car broke down on the way to work this morning, so I was late for a big meeting.

380

Ugh, that is rough. But it wasn’t your fault.

381

I know, right?

382

But my boss didn't see it that way.

383

Yeah, sometimes "boss" is just another word for "pain in the neck," you know?

384

Haha, that’s a good one.

385

Then my son's school called to say he got into a fight with a classmate, so I had to leave work to deal with that.

386

Ugh. Is everything okay?

387

My son is fine. Just some typical kid drama.

388

Me? Not so much.

389

I'm totally beat after that long day.

390

Wait, did someone hit you? No.

391

No, no one hit me! It just means I’m super tired.

392

Got it. As long as you are not hurt, you’ll make it through.

393

Yeah, but mentally, I’m about ready to shut down.

394

When do you want to meet tomorrow?

395

How about ten?

396

Ten o'clock sounds good.

397

I will be there. I promise.

398

Awesome. Just… don't flake on our plans tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.

399

Flake? Like… snow? Will it snow tomorrow?

400

No, not like snow. It means… don't change your mind and not come.

401

Oh... You know, like when something breaks apart and disappears?

402

Dang, that sounds... like me.

403

Yeah, that is why I specifically remind you not to... well, flake on our plans.

404

I'll try my best.

405

Come on, dude!

406

Just kidding, I won't flake on our plan. I swear!

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This video has 406 sentences and 3101 words to shadow. The speech runs for 29:15. The speaker talks slowly, about 106 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. 83% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start. 121 of its 406 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
flake noun	/fleɪk/	A loose filmy mass or a thin chiplike layer of anything
outfit noun	/ˈaʊtfɪt/	A set of clothing (with accessories).
fry verb	/fɹaɪ/	To cook (something) in hot fat.
compliment noun	/ˈkɑmpləmənt/	An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
buck noun	/ˈbʌk/	A male deer, antelope, sheep, goat, rabbit, hare, and sometimes the male of other animals such as the hamster, ferret, salmonid, shad, skunk and kangaroo.
shoe noun	/ˈʃu/	A protective covering for the foot, with a bottom part composed of thick leather or plastic sole and often a thicker heel, and a softer upper part made of…
muffin noun	/ˈmʌf.ɪn/	A type of flattish bun, usually cut in two horizontally, toasted and spread with butter, etc., before being eaten.
snore verb	/snoɹ/	To breathe during sleep with harsh, snorting noises caused by vibration of the soft palate.
sunscreen noun		A topical substance formulated to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering ultraviolet rays.
stool noun	/stuːl/	A seat for one person without a back or armrests.
starve verb	/stɑɹv/	To die because of lack of food or of not eating.
spill verb	/spɪl/	To drop something so that it spreads out or makes a mess; to accidentally pour.
onion noun	/ˈʌn.jən/	A monocotyledonous plant (Allium cepa), allied to garlic, used as vegetable and spice.
hometown noun	/ˈhoʊmˌtaʊn/	An individual’s place of birth, childhood home, or place of main residence.
glow verb	/ɡloʊ/	To emit heat and light without a flame.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Meaning
clean up verb	To make an area or a thing clean; to pick up a mess; to tidy.
come back verb	To return to a place.
break apart verb	To dismantle something into its base components.
check out verb	To record the departure or withdrawal of someone or something (such as guests, employees, books, etc.).
end up verb	To bring to a conclusion.
find out verb	To discover, as by asking or investigating.
look forward to verb	To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure; to be excited or eager to.
mess up verb	To make a mess of; to untidy, disorder, soil, or muss.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

Should we look at shoes next?
Where can I put it?
Are you saying it's going to be easy?
Why didn’t I think of that?
Who knows what we'll find?

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	I've been craving · You've been working
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	haven't even opened · I've already made · you've known
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it	is ruined · is lit · are not hurt
Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea	Should we look · should let · should have

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 113 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, you're, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: toothpaste /ˈtuθpeɪst/, mathematics /mæθ(.ə)ˈmæt.ɪks/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: shoe /ˈʃu/, flashcard /ˈflæʃˌkɑɹd/, impoverish /ɪmˈpɒv(ə)ɹɪʃ/, shake /ˈʃeɪk/
Long words — get the stress right: firefighter /ˈfaɪ.ɚˌfaɪ.tɚ/, impoverish /ɪmˈpɒv(ə)ɹɪʃ/, tiramisu /ˌtɪɹəˈmisu/, underrated /ʌn.dɚˈɹeɪ.təd/, underestimate /ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/

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 flake, outfit, fry.

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

Shadowing Practice: 526 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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