Shadowing Practice: Brck: an Internet Router Designed for Africa - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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26 sentences
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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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Getting and staying connected to the Internet is quickly becoming very important in Africa.
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A team of Americans and Kenyans have developed an Internet router made especially for the continent.
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They say it can keep the internet available even in areas with undependable electricity and internet service.
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The device is called brick.
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It can plug into an electric outlet but it can also be battery powered.
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Al Banda is is a blogger in Cameroon.
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He saw the device for the first time at an information technology conference in Berlin, Germany.
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Mr. Banda said Brick could solve a problem he has experienced.
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He says in his community in Cameroon, electricity is not dependable.
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Also, it is very difficult to get access to the Internet,
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even with an Internet service provider.
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Mr. Banda says BRIC is an African answer to an African problem.
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The Kenyan-based nonprofit technology company Ushahidi developed BRIC after raising money through the funding website Kickstarter.
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Ushahidi official Eric Hirsman says the router is able to move among Internet networks.
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He says if there is a problem with the Internet connection,
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the device will look for a 3G network with its SIM card.
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He says the brick can be taken anywhere.
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Eric Herseman says the brick will go into production as soon as the company raises $125,000.
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Ushahidi has collected about half that so far.
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It plans to make up to 1,500 devices at first,
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mainly for Africa and India.
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Mr. Hirschman expects each device to sell for about $100.
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The BRIC could be a solution to Internet connection problems in Africa,
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but it could also find uses in developed countries.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Alex Villareal.

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice your English speaking skills by focusing on a transcript discussing the development of an innovative Internet router designed for Africa. This engaging topic will help you build your vocabulary while learning to express technological concepts in English. By shadowing the presented material, you will enhance your pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, which are crucial for success in IELTS speaking practice and everyday conversations.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Internet router: A device that connects multiple devices to the Internet.
  • Undependable: Not reliable; something that cannot be counted on.
  • Battery-powered: Operated by a battery instead of being plugged into an electric outlet.
  • SIM card: A card inserted into a device that allows it to connect to mobile networks.
  • Access: The ability to reach or make use of something, such as the Internet.
  • Production: The act of manufacturing or creating something.
  • Funding: Money provided for a particular purpose, often to support projects.
  • Community: A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests.

Practice Tips

As you practice your English with this video transcript, consider using the shadowing technique. This involves listening to the audio and repeating it in real-time. The speed of the original transcript may pose a challenge, so start by playing it at a slower speed if necessary. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the playback speed until you can keep pace with the speakers.

Focus on the emotions and tones used by the speakers. For example, notice how they emphasize certain words like "undependable" and "community." Mimicking these vocal cues will enhance your shadow speech and help you sound more natural when conversing in English.

Additionally, take breaks to reflect on the concepts discussed in the transcript. Think about how the Internet router could impact communities like Mr. Banda's in Cameroon, and formulate your own opinion on technology addressing local needs. This deeper understanding will enrich your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss similar topics during IELTS speaking practice.

Finally, remember to incorporate the learn English with YouTube approach by regularly choosing videos that interest you. This will not only make your learning journey enjoyable but will also keep you motivated to practice consistently.

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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