Shadowing Practice: 9 Conversations That Will Make You Sound 100% British · Intermediate level - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
Staying slim.
2
Just listen.
3
Just look at the state of me.
4
I'm enormous.
5
You look fine to me.
6
Oh, you're a fine one to talk.
7
Look at you sitting there with a biscuit.
8
Hang on, are you saying I'm fat?
9
You could do with losing a few pounds, yes?
10
Fair enough, you do have a point.
11
Right, we both need to do something about it.
12
What have you got in mind?
13
Well, for a start, no more Bickies.
14
I can live with that.
15
And we need to start getting some exercise.
16
I agree.
17
But we've tried that before.
18
Remember the gym?
19
We forked out a fortune and went twice. And that was that.
20
What about if we started going to the swimming baths?
21
That's not a bad idea.
22
There's that new leisure centre in town, isn't there?
23
There is.
24
I've heard it's the business.
25
But if we're going to go, it needs to be part of our regular routine.
26
Otherwise, it'll just be the gym all over again.
27
Good idea.
28
Yes, we could make a point of going every Thursday after work.
29
I was thinking more like Saturday or Sunday.
30
Bad idea.
31
It'll be chock-a-block at the weekend.
32
You won't get near the pool. So why Thursday?
33
Well, there's nothing on the telly.
34
It'll get us out of the house.
35
Two birds, one stone.
36
Go on then.
37
Thursday it is.
38
Have you got a cosy?
39
I've got my holiday trunks.
40
What, the ones with the palm trees on?
41
Yes, they're quite snazzy, I think.
42
They're absolutely hideous is what they are.
43
You need new ones.
44
You're probably right.
45
Do you fancy going shopping, picking up a new pair?
46
Yes, why not?
47
Right.
48
I'll just finish this first.
49
I thought you were giving those up.
50
I am, just not this one.
51
Sking advice.
52
Just listen.
53
Sorry to bother you, I've just found this wallet.
54
I wondered if it might be yours.
55
No, it's not mine.
56
We had a look inside.
57
There might be something with a name on it.
58
I didn't want to go rooting through it to be honest.
59
Feels like I'm prying.
60
That's understandable, but a quick look inside.
61
Might tell us who owns it.
62
Fair enough.
63
Let me take a look.
64
There's only a tenner and a bank card here.
65
Which bank and what's the name on it?
66
It's Nat West and the name is Kay Simpson.
67
That's not much to go on.
68
I'd suggest handing it in to the nearest branch, but it's gone fine and they'll be shut.
69
Bugger, what about the police?
70
Good thinking and they're open round the clock so no worries there.
71
Do you know where the nearest one is?
72
I don't want to hang around.
73
There's one in the shopping centre.
74
I'd show you but to be honest, I've walked miles today and I'm flagging.
75
Don't be daft.
76
Just point me in the right direction and I'll find it.
77
Just keep going this way.
78
You can't miss it.
79
Great.
80
I'll get there sharpish.
81
Feels wrong carrying someone else's wallet around.
82
Yes.
83
Sooner or later the owner's going to realise they've lost it and report it to the police.
84
True.
85
I'd be gutted if it was mine.
86
It's not even just the money.
87
It's the hassle of cancelling the bank cards.
88
You've got that right.
89
Sorry, scuse me.
90
Our wallet you've got there, I think that's mine.
91
Just to be certain, what's your name please?
92
Kay Simpson.
93
That checks out.
94
Can you tell us anything else that's in it, just to be sure?
95
Should only be a bank code and a tenner.
96
Yes, that matches.
97
Here you are.
98
That's it, thank you both.
99
It must have slipped out my pocket.
100
Easily done.
101
Glad it's found its way back to you.
102
Jeez.
103
No problem.
104
I was about to take it to the police station.
105
I appreciate it.
106
Well, that's sorted then.
107
He seemed a good sort.
108
Well that's my good deed done for the day.
109
Take care.
110
You too.
111
Bye.
112
Asking for help.
113
Just listen.
114
Excuse me, could you take a photo of me please?
115
Yes of course.
116
Where do you want to stand?
117
Over there, near the Beatles statue.
118
OK.
119
Do you want the whole statue in the photo?
120
Yes, please.
121
Alright, move a little to your left.
122
Like this?
123
Yes, that's good.
124
Can you make sure you get the statue in?
125
Yes, I've got it.
126
Ready?
127
OK, give me a smile.
128
OK.
129
Right, one more.
130
Thank you.
131
Here you are.
132
Oh it looks nice.
133
Thank you very much.
134
You're welcome.
135
Enjoy the rest of your visit.
136
Bye.
137
Goodbye.
138
And now test yourself with this more natural advanced conversation.
139
Sorry to bother you.
140
Would you mind taking a quick snap for me?
141
Sure, no problem at all.
142
Smashing.
143
Here's my phone.
144
I want one of me in front of the Beatles statue. Of course.
145
Do you want to close up?
146
Or shall I get some of the buildings in the background as well?
147
Both if possible, please.
148
No worries.
149
Let me just get used to your phone.
150
Right.
151
A smidge to your left.
152
Like this?
153
Perfect.
154
Can you get that clock in the frame as well?
155
I think so.
156
I'll just have to crouch down a bit.
157
Oh, that'd be great, thanks. That looks good.
158
Want me to take another one, just to be on the safe side?
159
Cheers.
160
Right.
161
Give us a smile then.
162
I'm trying.
163
The sun's really bright today.
164
It's certainly got its hat on.
165
I'm all wrapped up.
166
I wasn't expecting it to be so warm.
167
Me neither.
168
I'm sweltering.
169
Right, I've got some good ones.
170
Brill.
171
There you go.
172
Wow, these are really nice.
173
Thank you so much.
174
Give us no bother at all.
175
This is such a lovely spot isn't it?
176
Yes, it's fab when the weather's like this.
177
It's always packed though.
178
I can see why.
179
I've only just arrived but I'm already loving the city.
180
It's a cracking place.
181
Are you here for the day or staying a bit longer?
182
Just for the weekend.
183
Nice one.
184
You'll have a great time.
185
Cheers for that.
186
Ta-ra.
187
See ya.
188
giving opinions.
189
Just listen.
190
Hi, excuse me.
191
Yes, can I help you?
192
Sorry to bother you, but can you spare a few minutes?
193
Sure.
194
I'm carrying out a survey for the local council.
195
Would you mind answering a few questions?
196
It shouldn't take long.
197
No, fire away.
198
All of the questions are about getting around the city.
199
So first of all, do you live here?
200
Not in the city centre, but on the outskirts.
201
So how did you get here today?
202
I drove in.
203
Can I ask why you didn't use public transport?
204
Normally I do, but today I'm doing a lot of shopping and I need my car to get it all home.
205
I see.
206
And where have you parked?
207
I've stuck it in the multi-storey car park.
208
It cost a bomb.
209
Really?
210
How much?
211
12 quid for 4 hours.
212
It's such a rip off.
213
Wow!
214
You'd have to be loaded to park there every day.
215
Tell me about it.
216
That's why I usually take the bus.
217
So you find that cheaper than using your car?
218
It's easier all round.
219
I just jump on at the end of my road and get off right in the middle of the city.
220
And what about the reliability?
221
Do you find they run on time?
222
More often than not, although last week I nearly missed one.
223
What happened?
224
I lost track of the time and the bus was a little early so I had to leg it, but I went flying.
225
Were you hurt?
226
Only my pride, but I missed the bus.
227
Has it put you off going by bus then?
228
No, but I keep a close eye on the time from now on.
229
What about trains?
230
Liverpool has both over and underground trains.
231
Do you use them at all?
232
I don't to be fair.
233
And why is that?
234
The nearest railway station to my house is a third distance away and to be honest, the bus is more convenient.
235
So when was the last time you actually travelled by rail?
236
ages ago but I often meet up with my friend for lunch and a chinwag.
237
She always comes by train.
238
Does she arrive at the main station?
239
Yes, that's the one.
240
And what do you think of the facilities there?
241
Shops, toilets, information boards, that sort of thing?
242
It was done up a few years ago and I think it all looks smashing.
243
That's good to hear.
244
The loos in particular are handy because there aren't any free council ones left in the whole city.
245
I'll jot that down.
246
So when you've got to go, where do you go?
247
There are some ones you have to pay to use, but if you're caught short and they're closed, you have to go somewhere like a department store or a cafe.
248
Back to transport.
249
And what about the ferries?
250
Do you make use of them at all?
251
When I was younger I used to use them all the time to commute, but now I don't really have a need to.
252
So when would you say you last went on a ferry?
253
Funnily enough, a couple of days ago.
254
I had a meal on the old ferry they've turned into a restaurant.
255
I've seen that.
256
Was it good?
257
It was a bit posh, but nice for an occasional treat.
258
I've heard it costs an arm and a leg.
259
It does, but it was my birthday and someone else was footing the bill.
260
Last couple of questions.
261
What would you say is your normal way of getting around the city itself?
262
I usually walk if it's a nice day.
263
And if it's tipping down?
264
Sorry, I didn't catch that.
265
If it's tipping down, pouring with rain?
266
Then I'd probably grab a cab or these days an Uber.
267
What do you make of the little electric scooters that are all over the city?
268
I've got mixed feelings about them.
269
What do you mean?
270
Well, I totally get that they're convenient and good for the environment.
271
I sense a book coming.
272
But when they ride them on the pavements and not the roads, they're a menace.
273
Right, I get you.
274
Have you had any close calls?
275
One or two.
276
I had to have words with a youngster using one earlier.
277
She was riding like a maniac.
278
Yes, they can be a nuisance.
279
That's putting it mildly.
280
Well, that's all of my questions.
281
Have you got any final thoughts on transporting the city?
282
On the whole, I think it's top notch.
283
There are a lot of different ways to get around.
284
Well, thanks so much for your time.
285
It was a pleasure.
286
Ta-ra.
287
Bye.
288
Phoning for help.
289
Just listen.
290
Come on, we'll be late.
291
Hang on a second.
292
What's up?
293
I can't seem to catch my breath. Are you alright?
294
I just need a minute.
295
Sit down.
296
Are you in any pain?
297
Any pain?
298
Across here my chest feels tight.
299
Anywhere else?
300
It's radiating up into my shoulder.
301
Stay calm, I'll ring for help.
302
Matching up?
303
Just listen.
304
Steve, fancy seeing you here.
305
Alright.
306
What are you doing here?
307
You normally drive everywhere.
308
That's a bit of a sore point actually.
309
I've had a bump.
310
Oh no, you alright?
311
Yes, I'm fine, but someone sideswiped me.
312
Crikey!
313
What about the other driver?
314
He didn't get off so lucky.
315
He ended up with a broken leg.
316
What nerve happened?
317
He was drunk as a skunk, ran a red light. Did the police come?
318
Yes, they were really on the ball and turned up within a few minutes.
319
How were the cars?
320
Both total write-offs.
321
Well, all that matters is that you're okay.
322
Too true.
323
So where are you off to today?
324
I'm going up to Blackpool to catch up with my aunt.
325
What about you?
326
I'm off down to Birmingham.
327
In fact, I'd better make a move or I'll miss the next train.
328
Well, good to see you, Steve.
329
You too.
330
Take care.
331
Posting a parcel.
332
Just listen.
333
Right, that's that done.
334
But I'm gobsmacked.
335
Why's that?
336
Because it cost £4.30, nearly a fiver.
337
Where's it going?
338
Singapore.
339
That's hardly around the corner, is it?
340
No wonder it cost a bomb.
341
Still, I thought it would only be a couple of quid.
342
And I had to queue up in the post office for 25 minutes as well.
343
Was it rammed?
344
Heaving.
345
There was only one woman on the counter.
346
Well, come on, shake a leg.
347
We've still got loads to do.
348
Like what?
349
I need to get a present for my niece.
350
She's going to university in September.
351
Sophia?
352
No, she can't be.
353
It seems like she was a nipper only five minutes ago.
354
Tell me about it.
355
The years have shot by.
356
What are you thinking about getting her?
357
I haven't got a scooby.
358
Something practical.
359
Maybe a kettle.
360
I've just had a brainwave.
361
Why not get her a pen?
362
A pen?
363
What, like a biro?
364
No, something a bit more upmarket than that.
365
A proper pen, like this.
366
My parents got it for me when I first left home.
367
That looks like it cost a pretty penny.
368
It did.
369
They really splashed out.
370
But I've kept it with me all this time.
371
That's actually quite touching.
372
I guess it is.
373
It's a really good shout, though.
374
Where would we get one?
375
We need a department store with a proper stationery department.
376
We can nip in and have a look.
377
Oh, and we could get it engraved.
378
Her name on it or something.
379
I'm not really sold on the idea of engraving.
380
It can look a little tacky.
381
But we can see what they have to offer.
382
Fair enough.
383
Let's crack on.
384
I'm happy to go halfsies, by the way.
385
It's a good gift.
386
Nice one.
387
Thanks.
388
The right train.
389
Just listen.
390
Hi, sorry, can you help me please? Of course.
391
Does this train go to Liverpool?
392
Yes, sort of, but you've got to change.
393
What do you mean?
394
It stops at Birkenhead and you'll have to switch trains there.
395
Oh, that sounds a bit tricky.
396
Not at all, it's dead easy.
397
I'm changing there as well, so just stick with me.
398
Smashing.
399
Mind if I sit here? Of course.
400
So you're off to Liverpool?
401
Yes.
402
I normally drive, so going on the train is all new to me.
403
So you're giving your car a miss today?
404
Yes.
405
Parking in the city costs a fortune.
406
I thought I'd give this a go.
407
Same for me.
408
I use the train all the time.
409
It's much less of a faff.
410
What takes you to Liverpool then?
411
I make blogs for YouTube, so I'm going to film there.
412
That's interesting.
413
What are they about?
414
They're to help people learn English.
415
Don't you need loads of kit for that?
416
Cameras, microphones, that sort of thing?
417
No. I just use this tiny camera.
418
It sticks to my chest.
419
Like this.
420
That's well good.
421
What about you?
422
How are you spending your day?
423
I meet up with some old schoolmates once a month.
424
That's nice.
425
I've lost touch with all of mine.
426
Same here.
427
Then out of the blue my best friend from school contacted me.
428
I really should make more of an effort.
429
You should.
430
It's really good to have a catch up.
431
You've convinced me.
432
I'll go on Facebook tonight and track down some of my old friends.
433
Brilliant.
434
Hang on, shouldn't this train have set off by now?
435
I'm afraid there's a 10 minute delay.
436
There was an announcement just before you got on.
437
Does that mean we'll miss our connection?
438
Probably, but it's no great shakes.
439
They run every 15 minutes.
440
Really?
441
That's amazing.
442
I think I'll stick to using the train from now on.
443
In that case, you should get yourself a monthly pass.
444
Why's that?
445
It'll save you a fortune.
446
Plus, you won't have to bother queuing up for tickets.
447
Great idea.
448
Do you use a monthly pass?
449
No. I'm so old I get to travel free on trains and buses.
450
Come again?
451
You have a pensioners pass?
452
Yes.
453
No way.
454
You don't look old enough.
455
Stop it.
456
You're making me blush.
457
I mean it.
458
Oh, the doors have shut.
459
Hopefully we're on our way.
460
Hopefully.
461
Now listen to the conversation again but this time without the words on the screen.
462
See how much you can follow just by listening.
463
Hi sorry can you help me please? Of course.
464
Does this train go to Liverpool?
465
Yes sort of but you've got to change.
466
What do you mean?
467
It stops at Bergenhead and you and have to switch trains there.
468
Oh, that sounds a bit tricky.
469
Not at all, it's dead easy.
470
I'm changing there as well, so just stick with me.
471
Smashing.
472
Mind if I sit here? Of course.
473
So you're off to Liverpool?
474
Yes.
475
I normally drive, so going on the train is all new to me.
476
So you're giving your car a miss today?
477
Yes, parking in the city costs a fortune.
478
I thought I'd give this a go.
479
Same for me.
480
I use the train all the time.
481
It's much less of a faff.
482
What takes you to Liverpool then?
483
I make blogs for YouTube, so I'm going to film there.
484
That's interesting.
485
What are they about?
486
They're to help people learn English.
487
Don't you need loads of kit for that?
488
Cameras, microphones, that sort of thing?
489
No, I just use this tiny camera.
490
It sticks to my chest.
491
Like this.
492
That's well good.
493
What about you?
494
How are you spending your day?
495
I meet up with some old schoolmates once a month.
496
That's nice.
497
I've lost touch with all of mine.
498
Same here.
499
Then out of the blue my best friend from school contacted me.
500
I really should make more of an effort.
501
You should.
502
It's really good to have a catch up.
503
You've convinced me.
504
I'll go on Facebook tonight and track down some of my old friends.
505
Brilliant.
506
Hang on, shouldn't this train have set off by now?
507
I'm afraid there's a ten minute delay.
508
There was an announcement just before you got on.
509
Does that mean we'll miss our connection?
510
Probably.
511
But it's no great shakes.
512
They run every fifteen minutes.
513
Really?
514
That's amazing.
515
I think I'll stick to using the train from now on.
516
In that case, you should get yourself a monthly pass.
517
Why's that?
518
It'll save you a fortune.
519
Plus, you won't have to bother queuing up for tickets.
520
Great idea.
521
Do you use a monthly pass?
522
No. I'm so old I get to travel free on trains and buses.
523
Come again?
524
You have a pensioner's pass?
525
Yes.
526
No way.
527
You don't look old enough.
528
Stop it.
529
You're making me blush.
530
I mean it.
531
Oh, the doors have shut.
532
Hopefully we're on our way.
533
Hopefully.
534
Making plans.
535
Just listen.
536
We should do something with our day off.
537
We are doing something.
538
We're having a nice quiet morning.
539
We've been sitting here for two hours.
540
I'm bored stiff.
541
I thought you wanted a chill day.
542
Chill?
543
Yes.
544
Wasting the whole day?
545
No. Fair enough.
546
What have you got in mind?
547
I don't know.
548
That's the problem.
549
I just don't want to sit around all day.
550
We could go into town.
551
We always go into town.
552
We'll end up having a coffee and walking around the same shops.
553
What's up with that?
554
It feels like all we ever do these days.
555
Right.
556
So you want something a bit different?
557
Exactly.
558
Something that feels like a proper day out.
559
Just add a brainwave.
560
Go on then Einstein.
561
The zoo.
562
The zoo?
563
Are you kidding?
564
Why not?
565
I don't know.
566
We haven't been there for years.
567
That's the whole point.
568
To be fair, I have always liked it there.
569
There you go then.
570
Hang on.
571
I bet it costs a small fortune now.
572
Come on.
573
Everything's pricey these days.
574
Last time we went, you said it was daylight robbery.
575
Let's Google it and find out.
576
Go on then.
577
But if it's over the odds, it's a non-starter.
578
Right.
579
Adult tickets are...
580
OK.
581
They're not cheap.
582
How much?
583
38 quid each.
584
38 quid each?
585
For walking around looking at animals?
586
It's more than just that.
587
It wants to be for that price.
588
I could take my camera and make a video for YouTube.
589
I wouldn't expect anything less.
590
Oh, and we could take some sandwiches.
591
Seriously, butties.
592
We'll have to.
593
I'm not paying cafe prices on top.
594
Don't be so tight.
595
Sensible, not tight.
596
What time does it shut?
597
Closers are five.
598
Last entries are four.
599
So we'd need to get a move on.
600
We've got time.
601
It's not even 12 yet.
602
How would we get there?
603
We could drive.
604
Parking will be a nightmare if it's busy.
605
Let me check.
606
Looks like we could hop on a bus from town.
607
How long does that take?
608
About half an hour, once we're on it.
609
So by the time we get into town, wait for the bus and get there, we're probably looking at about an hour.
610
More or less.
611
That's not too bad.
612
You're talking yourself into this now.
613
I just don't want to waste the day.
614
And I do quite like the penguins.
615
I knew it.
616
The penguins have swung it.
617
Don't get carried away.
618
I'm still not happy about the price.
619
So is that a yes?
620
Go on then.
621
But we're taking Sarnies.
622
Of course we are.
623
And we're not buying anything from the gift shop.
624
I haven't even mentioned the gift shop.
625
No, but you will.
626
Right then, comfy shoes on.
627
Shoes on and don't forget your coat.
628
It looks like it might chuck it down later.
629
A day out in Britain, expensive tickets, packed lunch and possible rain.
630
Exactly.
631
Lovely.
632
As you've seen, understanding and using fast, natural English is not too bad.
633
so challenge yourself with the vocabulary in this one.
634
Give it a click and I'll see you there.
635
Take care.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This B2 speaking lesson is built on the video “9 Conversations That Will Make You Sound 100% British · Intermediate level”. This video has 635 sentences and 3684 words to shadow. The speech runs for 28:02. The speaker talks at a steady 131 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start. 142 of its 635 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 |
|---|---|---|
| quid noun | /kwɪd/ | Pound (currency). (usually used with a whole number of pounds) |
| statue noun | /ˈstæt͡ʃu/ | A three-dimensional work of art, usually representing a person or animal, usually created by sculpting, carving, molding, or casting. |
| smash verb | /smæʃ/ | To break (something brittle) violently. |
| queue noun | /kju/ | A line of people, vehicles or other objects, usually one to be dealt with in sequence (i.e., the one at the front end is dealt with first, the one behind is… |
| ferry noun | /ˈfɛɹi/ | A boat or ship used to transport people, smaller vehicles and goods from one port to another, usually on a regular schedule. |
| wallet noun | /ˈwɑl.ət/ | A small case, often flat and often made of leather, for keeping money (especially paper money), credit cards, etc. |
| brainwave noun | Any of many rhythmic fluctuations of electric potential between parts of the brain, especially those seen on an electroencephalogram. | |
| 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… |
| faff noun | /fæf/ | A state of confused or frantic activity. |
| schoolmate noun | /ˈskulˌmeɪt/ | A person who was a fellow attendee at one's school. |
| tenner noun | /ˈtɛnə(ɹ)/ | A monetary note (bill) whose face value is ten basic units of currency. Originally, a ten-shilling (half pound) note. |
| blush noun | /ˈblʌʃ/ | An act of blushing; a pink or red glow on the face caused by embarrassment, shame, shyness, love, etc. |
| microphone noun | /ˈmaɪ.kɹəˌfəʊn/ | A device (transducer) used to convert sound waves into a varying electric current; normally fed into an amplifier and either recorded or transmitted over radio. |
| penguin noun | /ˈpɛŋ.ɡwɪn/ | Any of several flightless sea birds, of the family Spheniscidae within the order Sphenisciformes, found in the Southern Hemisphere, marked by their usual… |
| tricky adjective | /ˈtɹɪk.i/ | Hard to deal with, complicated. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| get around verb | To move to the other side of (something, such as an obstruction) by deviating from a direct course or following a curved path. | |
| catch up verb | To pick up suddenly. | |
| get off verb | To move from being on top of (something) to not being on top of it. | |
| set off verb | To leave; to set out; to begin a journey or trip. | |
| track down verb | To hunt for or locate; to search for; to find. | |
| walk around verb | To walk with no planned destination; to meander. | |
| carried away adjective | Made excessively emotional or excited, so that one goes too far. | |
| carry out verb | /ˈkæ.ɹi aʊt/ | To hold while moving it out. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Hang on, are you saying I'm fat?
- Just to be certain, what's your name please?
- Can I ask why you didn't use public transport?
- Don't you need loads of kit for that?
- Does that mean we'll miss our connection?
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 | we've tried · I've heard · I've just found |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | be shut · be gutted · be loaded |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 157 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, I've, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: smash /smæʃ/, blush /ˈblʌʃ/, pensioner /ˈpɛnʃənɚ/, stationary /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/, splash /splæʃ/
- Long words — get the stress right: stationary /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/, vocabulary /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ɹi/, occasional /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)nəl/
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 quid, statue, smash.
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.