Shadowing Practice: China gears up for Donald Trump visit | BBC News - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B2
China is in the midst of a transformation.
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45 sentences
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China is in the midst of a transformation.
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If Donald Trump wants a glimpse of its future, this may be it.
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The high-tech city of Chongqing.
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Old traditions, new confidence.
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And the daily neon displays of this country's rapid rise.
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This is how China wants to be seen as the U.S president arrives.
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What do you think of Donald Trump?
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What would you say to Donald Trump?
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I hope Trump can respect the common will of people around the world.
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He should know that we share the same world.
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He should not always put America first.
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What can this robot do?
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What can this robot do?
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And this is where China hopes to rival America's Silicon Valley.
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The country is investing billions in robotics.
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Firms can build the body.
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But some need America's help with the brain.
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President Xi will want to buy high-end chips from the US to power his robotics revolution.
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if Mr. Trump will let him.
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Elsewhere, cars are getting their final checks before being shipped.
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This city is part of China's rise as the world's biggest car exporter.
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This is Chang'an brand.
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A real challenge for U.S manufacturers.
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The demand for Chinese EVs is increasing because they are becoming more well-known,
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and our technology has improved.
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We don't rely on the U.S market.
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As well as the new tech and new trade,
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China is trying to become, well, trendy.
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Viral videos and visa-free travel have attracted millions of new visitors to what was once a gritty industrial hub.
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I feel like China is getting more connected to the world,
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more integrated with the international community.
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I feel like the world is like a big family.
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But behind this futuristic skyline,
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there's a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
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President Xi might think he has the upper hand as he heads into talks with a war-weakened Donald Trump.
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But the reality is global trade has allowed China and cities like this one to thrive.
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Donald Trump's tariffs and the war in Iran put all of that at risk.
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China is grappling with high local government debt,
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rising unemployment and uneven growth.
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These workers are labouring for just a few dollars a day.
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This country wants respect as a global power.
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But these streets are a reminder.
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China needs stable relations with the US.
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If it's to continue its high-tech transformation.
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Laura Bicker, BBC News, Chongqing.

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About This Lesson

This lesson is designed for English learners who want to enhance their speaking and listening skills through real-world contexts. By analyzing a segment of BBC News covering China’s preparation for a visit from Donald Trump, you will practice key phrases, improve your English pronunciation, and develop your ability to engage in conversations about global issues. By focusing on this video, learners will expand their vocabulary and gain insights into the nuances of international relations while also practicing their shadow speech.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • transformation - a profound change in form or appearance.
  • high-tech - involving the latest technology.
  • robotics - the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
  • tariffs - taxes imposed by a government on imports and exports.
  • exports - goods sent from one country to another for sale.
  • global trade - the exchange of goods and services between countries.
  • unemployment - the state of being unemployed or without a job.
  • integrated - combined into a whole; united.

Practice Tips

When engaging with this lesson, consider using shadowspeak techniques to enhance your learning experience. Here are some specific tips:

  • Watch the video multiple times: First, listen without visuals to focus on understanding. Then, watch it again to observe the speakers’ expressions and body language.
  • Rewind and repeat: Pause after key phrases or sentences. Try to repeat them aloud immediately. Mimicking the pronunciation and intonation is crucial for improving your English pronunciation.
  • Focus on speed and tone: The news segment is clear but carries a moderate pace. Practice shadowing the speech by speaking along with the narrator to better match the rhythm and tone of their delivery.
  • Engage with the content: After practicing, think about how the vocabulary relates to current global events. Try discussing the topic with a partner or writing a short paragraph about your own views on international relations.

By utilizing these strategies, you will learn English with YouTube in an engaging manner, while also developing your confidence in English speaking practice.

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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