Shadowing Practice: Beginner English Speaking Practice | Simple Daily Conversations - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
B1
Tom, we got a letter from our old landlord.
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Tom, we got a letter from our old landlord.
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The security deposit refund?
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Let me open it.
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It's been over three weeks since we moved out.
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He should have sent the full $2,000 back by now.
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Tom, he's only refunding $400.
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$400 out of $2,000?
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What happened to the rest?
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He's charging us $1,600 for wall damage and deep cleaning.
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Wall damage?
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We didn't damage any walls.
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Those marks were already there when we moved in.
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I have photos.
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You took photos on move-in day?
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Of course I did.
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Photos of every room, every wall, every scratch.
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Smart.
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So he's lying.
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And the deep cleaning fee is $300?
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We cleaned that apartment for two days.
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This is not okay.
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What can we do?
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I read online that there's a legal aid center downtown.
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Free help for people like us.
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Let's go this week.
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Hi there.
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How can I help you today?
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Our former landlord kept $1,600 of our $2,000 security deposit.
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What reasons did he give?
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Wall damage and deep cleaning.
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But the wall marks were there before we moved in we moved in.
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Do you have proof?
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Yes.
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I took photos on move-in day and I kept copies of all our text messages with him.
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Did you fill out a move-in checklist?
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Yes.
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It shows the existing damage when we moved in.
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He signed it too.
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That's excellent.
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You have a very strong case.
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So what do we do?
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You'll file a claim in small claims court.
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The form is called SC 100, plaintiff's claim.
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How much does it cost to file?
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For a claim of $1,600, the filing fee is $75.
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Do I need a lawyer?
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No. In small claims court, you represent yourself.
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That's the whole point.
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It's designed to be simple.
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What about serving the papers?
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I heard I can't do it myself.
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That's correct.
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You cannot serve the papers yourself.
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You have three options.
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What are they?
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First, ask a friend or family member over 18.
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Second, hire a professional process server, usually about $50.
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Third, the county sheriff can do it for a small fee.
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I think we'll use the sheriff's office.
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Good choice.
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Make sure the papers are served at least 15 days before your court date.
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15 days.
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Got it.
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Anything else I should prepare?
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Organize your evidence.
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Print the photos, bring the signed checklist, bring the text messages.
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I also recommend writing a demand letter first.
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Send it by certified mail.
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Why a demand letter?
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Because it shows the judge you tried to resolve this before going to court.
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Judges like that.
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Okay, let's organize everything.
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Where are the move-in photos?
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On my phone.
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I'll print them at the store tomorrow.
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And the move-in checklist?
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Right here.
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Look, it says, existing scuff marks on living room wall.
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And he signed it.
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That's gold.
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He literally agreed the damage was there before us.
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And here are our text messages.
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He wrote, Apartment looks good the day we moved out.
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Wait, he wrote apartment looks good and then charged us for damage?
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Exactly!
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That contradicts his own claim.
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This guy doesn't have a case.
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Let's fill out the SC100.
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I need his full legal name and address for the form.
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It's on our old lease, David J.
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Patterson, 415 Oak Blvd.
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Got it.
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And we're filing for $1,600 plus filing fees.
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Good.
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He won't know what hit him.
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Now I need to write the demand letter and send it by certified mail.
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I'll help.
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Dear Mr. Patterson, we demand the return of our full deposit.
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Good start.
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We'll give him 10 days to respond before we file.
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Hi, I'd like to file a small claims case.
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Sure.
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Do you have your SC100 form completed?
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Yes, here are three copies, like the website said.
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Let me review them.
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The plaintiff is Sarah Miller and the defendant is David Patterson?
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Yes, we're claiming $1,600 for wrongful security deposit deduction.
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Everything looks good.
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I'll stamp these now.
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Your filing fee is $75.
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Here's my card.
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Your case number is SC20243847.
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Write that down.
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SC20243847.
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Got it.
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Your hearing date is March 15th at 9.30 a.m courtroom B.
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And I need to have the papers served at least 15 days before that?
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Exactly.
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And you cannot serve them yourself.
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Someone else needs to deliver them.
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I'm going to use the Sheriff's Office.
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The Sheriff's Office is on the second floor.
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They charge about $40.
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I'll go there right now.
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Thank you so much.
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After the papers are served,
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make sure to file the Proof of Service form before your hearing.
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The proof of service.
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I'll remember that.
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How are you feeling?
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Nervous.
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My hands are shaking.
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You've been preparing for weeks.
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You're ready.
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What if I forget something?
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What if the judge doesn't believe me?
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You have photos, a signed checklist,
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text messages, and the demand letter.
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Your evidence is solid.
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What if he has a lawyer?
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He can't.
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No lawyers in small claims court.
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It's just him and you.
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Right.
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Just facts and evidence.
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Exactly.
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And And you have all the facts on your side.
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Okay.
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Let's go in.
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I'll be right there with you, in the audience. That helps.
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A lot.
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Now deep breath.
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You've got this.
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Okay.
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I'm ready.
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Good morning.
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Please place all bags and metal items on the belt.
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Good morning.
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Here's my bag.
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And your phone and keys in the tray, please.
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Sure.
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Step through the scanner.
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Did I set it off?
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Nope, you're clear.
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Here are your things.
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Thank you.
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Can you tell me where courtroom B is?
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Second floor, take the elevator on your left, room 206.
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And do I check in with anyone before the hearing?
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Yes, the clerk's desk is right outside the courtroom.
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Give them your case member.
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SC-2024-3847.
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You're prepared.
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Good luck today.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate that.
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Sarah, is that him?
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Yes, that's Mr. Patterson.
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He looks nervous.
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Good.
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He should be.
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He doesn't have a folder or anything, just a thin envelope.
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Really?
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We have a whole binder of evidence.
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Exactly.
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His case is weak.
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The clerk said they might offer mediation before the hearing.
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Mediation?
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What's that?
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A neutral third person helps us try to reach an agreement.
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If we agree, we don't need the judge.
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Would you take a deal?
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Depends on the deal.
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I want all $1,600 back, not a penny less.
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That's my Sarah.
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Good morning.
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I'm Michael, your mediator today.
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Good morning.
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The goal is to reach a settlement without seeing the judge.
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I understand.
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Mrs. Miller, what is your claim?
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Our landlord kept 1,600 of our deposit.
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What was his reason?
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Wall damage and deep cleaning.
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But the damage was already there.
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Do you have evidence?
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Yes.
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Photos from move-in day with time stamps.
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May I see them?
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Here.
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These show the wall marks on day one.
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These are very clear.
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Anything else?
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A signed move-in checklist.
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He acknowledged the damage.
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He signed it himself.
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Yes, and on move-out day,
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day he texted apartment looks good he wrote
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that after you moved out yes then charged us for damage
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two weeks later i see your evidence is very strong thank
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you the other party is offering one thousand dollars no i want the full sixteen hundred Are you firm on that?
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Yes, that's what he took unfairly.
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Give me a moment to speak with him. Of course.
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Good news.
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He's agreed to the full 1600.
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He agreed?
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Yes.
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I'll prepare the settlement agreement now.
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What happens after we sign?
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It becomes enforceable by the court.
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Thank you so much.
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Well, what happened?
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We got it!
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All $1,600.
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All of it?
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Every single dollar.
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He signed the settlement.
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Sarah, you did it.
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He didn't even go to the judge.
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Once he saw my evidence,
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he gave in during mediation.
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The photos, the checklist, his own text message saying, looks good.
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He couldn't argue with his own words.
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I'm so proud of you.
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You stood up for yourself. For us.
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We stood up for us.
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So when do we get the money?
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He has 30 days to pay.
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If he doesn't, we can enforce the judgment.
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He'll pay.
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He knows he lost.
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I hope other renters know about this.
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You don't have to accept an unfair deposit deduction.
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Just take photos on move-in day.
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And keep everything in writing.
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Pizza's here.
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Celebration pizza.
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The best kind of pizza.
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You know what's crazy?
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We almost just accepted that $400.
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I know.
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I was so frustrated I almost gave up.
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But you didn't.
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Because you kept telling me to fight for it.
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And because you were smart enough to take photos on day one.
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New rule.
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Anytime we move into a new place, we photograph everything.
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Every room, every wall, every scratch.
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And keep all communications in writing.
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That text message was the moment he knew he lost.
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Apartment looks good, his own words.
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$1,600 plus $75 for filing.
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We're actually ahead.
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Wait, did we claim the filing fee too?
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You did.
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It was on the SC100.
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Oh, right.
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So 1675 total coming back.
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That's what I call a good day. To justice. To justice.
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And to always reading the fine print.
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About This Lesson
In this lesson, you will practice English speaking through engaging, everyday conversations that mimic real-life scenarios. The dialogue centers around a couple discussing issues with their former landlord, including disputes over a security deposit. By listening carefully to the exchange, you will gain insights into common vocabulary, phrases, and the natural rhythm of casual English discourse. This lesson is designed to enhance your English speaking practice by utilizing realistic dialogues that reflect everyday interactions, thereby assisting you in improving your conversation skills.
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
- Security deposit: Money paid upfront to reserve a rental property, which is refundable under certain conditions.
- Wall damage: Physical harm or marks on the walls that may incur charges when moving out.
- Deep cleaning: A thorough cleaning procedure that may be required after a tenant moves out.
- Proof: Evidence or documentation supporting a claim or assertion.
- Small claims court: A legal venue for resolving minor disputes over small amounts of money.
- Filing a claim: The formal process of submitting a request for compensation through legal means.
- Move-in checklist: A document outlining the condition of a property when a tenant first moves in.
- Claim form: A legal document (e.g., SC 100) used to initiate a claim in court.
Practice Tips
To maximize your learning experience, consider using a shadowing app while you listen to the conversation in this video. Shadowing is a powerful technique that allows you to practice speaking English in real-time by repeating what you hear. Here are some targeted tips to help you:
- Listen and Repeat: Play the video at a comfortable pace, pausing after each sentence to repeat what was said. This will help you improve your English pronunciation.
- Focus on Intonation: Pay attention to the tone and emphasis used in the dialogue. Notice how the speakers express frustration and resolve issues; try to emulate these emotions in your practice.
- Record Yourself: Use your smartphone or a recording app to capture your voice as you practice. Listening back will enable you to identify areas for improvement.
- Engage with the Content: After practicing the dialogue, try to write your own version of the conversation or discuss similar situations with a study partner or a tutor, which is excellent IELTS speaking practice.
- Consistent Practice: Regularly engage with English-speaking videos or conversations. This not only enhances your vocabulary but also helps you get accustomed to different speaking styles, making it easier to learn English with YouTube.
By applying these tips, you'll find it easier to engage in everyday conversations and build the confidence you need to excel in English speaking.
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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