Shadowing Practice: Cambridge YLE A1 Movers Speaking Exam - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Hello, this is Masa.
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Hello Masa.
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My name is Anne.
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Nice to meet you.
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Nice to meet you.
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All right, how old are you Masa?
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I'm very old.
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Thank you.
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Now, look at these pictures.
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They They look the same, but some things are different.
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This boy has got earache, but this boy has got stomachache.
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What other different things can you see?
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Right.
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There is no right.
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Good.
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And this picture is two, two, but this is three picture.
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Very good.
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And this is a computer but this is a phone.
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Very good.
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And doctor is a stand but doctor is a sit.
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That's very good, Masa.
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Okay.
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Now, these pictures show a story.
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It's called The Dolphin's New Friend.
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Look at the pictures first.
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This.
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Okay?
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Okay.
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Sally and Jim are on the beach with their parents.
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The children want to go swimming.
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Now you tell the story.
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Okay.
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And, okay, Sally and Jim go to the sea and Sam and Jim go into the sea and play the dolphin toy.
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Very good.
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In the sea.
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And real dolphin play the toy dolphin and Jim and what he?
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Sally.
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Son is happy.
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That's very good.
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Now, look at these four pictures.
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One is different.
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The book is different.
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A lemon, a pineapple and an orange are fruit.
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You eat them.
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You don't eat a book.
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You read it.
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Now, you tell me about these pictures.
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Which one is different?
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This cow.
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Why?
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Two birds and a bird is a fly but a cow is not a fly.
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Very good.
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Which one is different?
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This, a mountain.
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Why?
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Because this water and not water mountain.
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Very good.
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And the last one, which one is different?
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And this, because this is prey, prey is the kite but this is not play.
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That's excellent Masa, very good.
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Now, let's talk about your friends.
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Are your friends boys or girls?
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Boys.
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And where do you play with your friends at school?
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School is in the playground.
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In the playground?
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Yes.
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OK, good.
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And what do you do with your friends at weekends?
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Weekend, go to park and game centre.
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OK, good.
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Tell me about your best friend.
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My best friend is Kai and Leo.
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Kai is tall and Leo is same, same, my same.
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Okay.
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Good, Masa.
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Thank you.
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Goodbye.
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Goodbye.

Why practice speaking with this video?

Engaging with the Cambridge YLE A1 Movers Speaking Exam video is a fantastic way to enhance your English speaking skills. This video features a dialogue between two speakers, highlighting common conversational topics suitable for beginners. Practicing with such real-life scenarios helps learners get accustomed to authentic English usage. Moreover, this format allows you to improve pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, which are essential for effective communication.

By using a shadowing app or similar learning tools, you can replicate the speakers’ intonation and pacing, deepening your grasp of the language. The practice also involves recognizing key expressions and responding naturally, making it an excellent resource for IELTS speaking practice.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

This video presents several useful grammatical structures and expressions that beginners should master:

  • Simple Present Tense: Phrases such as “How old are you?” and “Sally and Jim are on the beach” are commonly used in everyday conversations. Practicing these will help you form clear and concise sentences.
  • Comparative Forms: The sentence “This boy has got earache, but this boy has got stomachache” teaches how to compare different subjects, a key skill in English.
  • Questions and Responses: The dialogue features the basic question format, like “What other different things can you see?” Familiarity with these structures will prepare learners for spontaneous conversations.
  • Storytelling Sequence: The speaker encourages recounting a story, showing the importance of sequencing events, which is crucial in narrative construction.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you engage with the video, pay attention to certain pronunciation aspects that can be challenging:

  • Word Stress: The words “earache” and “stomachache” can be tricky due to their syllabic emphasis. You may find that practicing these terms using a shadow speak tool helps in mastering their peculiar sounds.
  • Linking Sounds: The speaker’s conversational style often includes linking words like “and” and “but,” which can alter how you perceive and pronounce sentences. Listening carefully in a shadowspeak session might clarify these nuances.
  • Intonation Patterns: Notice the rise and fall in the speakers' voices, especially when asking questions versus making statements. Mimicking these patterns will enhance your overall speaking capabilities.

Incorporating these tips into your daily practice will significantly improve your English speaking skills. Whether you are preparing for the Cambridge YLE exam or aiming to elevate your IELTS speaking practice, this video serves as a comprehensive resource for learners at any stage.

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.