Shadowing Practice: Basic English Conversation Practice | Everyday Dialogues - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
B1
Tom, I've been thinking.
288 sentences
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Tom, I've been thinking.
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Uh-oh.
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What now?
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Don't say it like that.
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It's something wonderful.
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Okay, I'm listening.
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I really want to adopt a dog.
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A dog?
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That's a big responsibility.
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I know, but I'm ready.
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Who's going to walk it every day?
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We both will.
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It'll be fun.
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And the vet bills, dog food?
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I've done the research.
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It's affordable.
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You really want this, don't you?
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So much.
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I've wanted a dog since I was little.
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What about our small apartment?
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We can get a small dog or a calm one.
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Where would we even get a dog?
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The animal shelter.
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They have so many dogs needing homes.
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Mmm, adopting is better than buying.
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Exactly.
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Please, can we just go look?
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Just look, you promise?
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I promise, just to see what's available.
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Fine.
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Let's go this weekend.
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Yes!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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This is it.
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Happy Tails Animal Shelter.
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It looks nice.
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Very clean.
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They have great reviews online.
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I can already hear the dogs.
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Aw, they're barking.
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They know we're here.
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Ready to go in?
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More than ready.
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Remember, we're just looking.
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I know, I know, just looking.
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Why are your eyes already watery?
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I'm just excited.
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Sure, sure.
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Come on, let's go inside.
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After you.
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Look at that mural, so cute.
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They really care about animals here.
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This feels like the right place.
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Let's talk to someone about the adoption process.
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Welcome to Happy Tales.
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How can I help you?
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Hi, we're interested in adopting a dog.
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Wonderful.
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Is this your first time adopting?
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Yes, for both of us.
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Great.
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Let me explain the process.
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We'd appreciate that.
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First, you'll meet our available dogs.
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How many do you have?
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Currently about 20 dogs looking for homes.
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That's a lot.
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All shapes and sizes.
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Do you have preferences?
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We live in an apartment, something smaller.
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Good thinking.
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We have several small breeds.
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What about personality?
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We have active dogs and calm dogs.
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My girlfriend is very active, but I like calm.
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We'll find a good balance.
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What's the adoption fee?
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It's $150.
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Includes spaying, vaccinations, and microchip.
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That's very reasonable.
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We want to make adoption easy.
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What's the next step?
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Follow me to the dog area.
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Let's meet some pups.
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Wow, so many dogs here.
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This is our dog section.
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About 20 friends looking for homes.
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They're all so cute.
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Each one is special.
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Take your time to look around.
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Who's that little brown one?
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That's Fisket.
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He's a terrier mix, two years old.
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He's wagging his tail at me.
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He's very friendly.
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Loves cuddles.
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What about that golden one over there?
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That's Sunny.
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A golden retriever mix.
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She's five.
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She looks so calm.
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Very mellow.
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Great for apartment living.
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And that little white one in the corner?
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That's Snowball.
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Shy at first, but very loyal.
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Aw, she looks a bit nervous.
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She's been here the longest three months now.
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Why hasn't anyone adopted her?
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People usually want puppies.
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She's eight years old.
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Eight?
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She doesn't look that old.
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Older dogs are wonderful.
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Already trained, calm, and so grateful.
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Can I meet Snowball?
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Of course.
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Let me get her for you.
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Tom, come meet her.
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This is Snowball.
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Who's this little one?
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She's eight years old.
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Isn't she beautiful?
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An older dog?
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I thought you wanted a puppy.
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I did, but look at her eyes.
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She does look sweet.
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The volunteer said she's been here three months.
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That's a long time.
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Nobody wants older dogs.
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It's so sad.
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Let me pet her.
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Hey, Snowball.
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Look, she's leaning into your hand.
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She's so gentle.
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I think she likes you.
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She's not hyper at all.
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The volunteer said she's calm and trained.
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That would be easier than a puppy.
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And she deserves a home, Tom.
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You want to adopt her, don't you?
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I really do.
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Look at her.
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She is pretty special.
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Can we please?
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Let's do it.
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Let's give Snowball a home.
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Really?
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Oh, Tom, thank you.
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Hi, we'd like to adopt Snowball.
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Snowball, what a wonderful choice.
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We fell in love with her immediately.
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She's been waiting for the right family.
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What paperwork do we need?
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Just fill out this adoption application.
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Is it complicated?
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Not at all.
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Name, address, pet experience.
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We don't have pet experience yet.
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That's okay.
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Everyone starts somewhere.
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What does the adoption fee cover?
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Spain, vaccinations, and microchipping.
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So she's already fixed?
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Yes, and up to date on all shots.
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When does she need her next vaccination?
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In about six months.
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I'll give you her health records.
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That's so helpful.
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We also recommend a vet visit within two weeks.
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Just to make sure everything is okay?
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Exactly.
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Establish your relationship with a vet.
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We'll definitely do that.
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Sign here and here.
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Perfect.
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That's it?
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She's ours?
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Snowball is officially yours.
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Congratulations.
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Welcome!
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Can I help you find anything?
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Yes, we just adopted a dog.
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Congratulations, first pet!
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First dog!
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We need everything!
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Let's start with the basics.
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Food, bed, bowls.
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She's 8 years old.
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What food is best?
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For senior dogs, I recommend this brand.
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Senior formula.
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Got it.
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It's gentle on digestion and good for joints.
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Perfect.
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What size bag?
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Start with the medium.
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See if she likes it.
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Good idea.
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What about a bed?
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Older dogs love memory foam.
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Very comfortable.
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Like a luxury hotel for dogs.
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Exactly.
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She deserves it.
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We also need a leash and collar.
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What's her name?
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Snowball.
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She's white and fluffy.
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This pink collar would look adorable.
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She'd look like a princess.
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Don't forget flea and tick prevention.
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How often do we use that?
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Once a month.
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Very easy application.
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I'll take two months' supply.
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So many toys!
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Which are best for older dogs?
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Older dogs usually prefer soft toys.
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Like this plush bunny?
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Perfect choice.
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It's gentle on teeth.
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Snowball might like something to cuddle.
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Absolutely.
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Many dogs treat them like babies.
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That's adorable.
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What about treats?
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We have a whole section.
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Follow me.
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Are there treats for senior dogs?
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Yes, these are soft and easy to chew.
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Good for training?
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Great for bonding, too.
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I'll take two bags.
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Do you need poop bags?
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Oh, I didn't think of that.
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Essential for walks.
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Biodegradable ones are best.
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Environmentally friendly.
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I like that.
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Anything else?
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I think we have everything.
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You're all set for your new family member.
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I can't wait to bring her home.
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Hi, I'd like to schedule an appointment for my dog.
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Of course.
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Is this a new patient?
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Yes, we just adopted her today.
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Congratulations!
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Thank you.
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The shelter recommended a checkup.
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That's standard for new adoptions.
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When is your earliest availability?
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We have an opening this Wednesday at 3 p.m.
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That works perfectly.
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What's your dog's name?
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Snowball.
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She's a white mixed breed eight years old.
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Sweet name.
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Is she spayed?
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Yes, the shelter did that already.
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Perfect.
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And she's microchipped.
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Yes, all taken care of.
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Bring her health records from the shelter.
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I have them right here.
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Dr. Martinez will review everything.
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What should we expect?
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Basic checkup, weight, heart, teeth, joints.
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Anything specific for senior dogs?
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The doctor will recommend blood work.
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Good to know.
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See you Wednesday.
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Look at her exploring the apartment.
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She's sniffing everything.
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It's all new to her.
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She found her bed already.
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Smart girl.
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I think she likes it.
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She's settling in so fast.
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I can't believe we're dog parents now.
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I told you, she's special.
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I'm glad we picked an older dog.
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Look, she's falling asleep on her bed.
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She feels safe here.
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That's all I ever wanted.
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Best decision we ever made.
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Thank you.
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About This Lesson
In this lesson, learners will engage in everyday dialogues that focus on conversational English skills. The example transcript portrays a friendly discussion between two friends, Tom and his partner, about adopting a dog. As you practice, you will enhance your speaking abilities and familiarize yourself with common expressions used in casual conversations. This practice is designed to help you improve your English pronunciation and sound more natural in everyday interactions.
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
- Adopt a dog: To take a dog from a shelter into your home.
- Big responsibility: A significant duty that requires commitment.
- Vet bills: Expenses related to veterinary care for pets.
- Animal shelter: A place that houses animals waiting for adoption.
- Calm dog: A dog that is not overly energetic or hyper.
- Just looking: A phrase used to indicate that one is browsing without the intention to make an immediate purchase.
- Excited: A feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.
Practice Tips
To effectively use shadow speak techniques with this dialogue, follow these strategies:
- Listen Carefully: Start by listening to the conversation multiple times. Pay attention to the tone, speed, and intonation of the speakers.
- Shadowing: Try to repeat each line immediately after hearing it, mimicking not only the words but also the rhythm and emotion. This technique, known as shadowspeaks, can greatly enhance your pronunciation.
- Slow it Down: If you find the pace challenging, slow down the video playback. This allows you to grasp the words more clearly before attempting to shadow the conversation.
- Focus on Natural Phrasing: Notice how phrases are constructed in casual dialogue. Use shadow speech to practice these phrases until they come to you naturally.
- Record Yourself: After practicing, record your own voice. Listening to yourself can help you identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.
By continuously engaging in shadow speech practices, you will enhance your conversational abilities and gain more confidence in your English-speaking skills.
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.
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