Shadowing Practice: Computer in China Tops List of World's Most Powerful - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Music From VOA Learning English,
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this is the Technology Report.
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China's Tianhe-2 supercomputer has been rated number one on the top 500,
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a list of the world's most powerful computers.
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Experts measured the supercomputer's performance at 33.86 petaflops,
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or quadrillions, of operations per second.
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China's National University of Defense Technology developed the supercomputer,
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which runs twice as fast as the number-two rated Titan supercomputer.
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That machine belongs to the U.S government's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the southern state of Tennessee.
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Tianha 2 and Titan are part of the race to make supercomputers faster and more powerful.
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So, what is a supercomputer?
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A basic personal computer has one microchip at the center of its operations.
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This central processing unit, or CPU,
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carries out a set of commands as part of a pre-designed program.
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The first supercomputers had a few more CPUs.
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The number grew, as microprocessors became cheaper and faster.
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Andrew Grimshaw is a computer science professor at the University of Virginia.
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He says many supercomputers today are called parallel machines.
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Instead of one CPU, they have thousands.
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These parallel machines are made up of many individual computers called nodes.
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are positioned in one block.
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They use a lot of power,
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create a lot of heat,
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and require huge cooling systems.
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They also use programs different from the ones used by ordinary computers.
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Grimshaw says anyone with enough resources can build a supercomputer to solve problems that require millions of mathematical calculations.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Carolyn Prasuti.

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Context & Background

The latest Technology Report from VOA Learning English highlights the impressive advancements in supercomputing, focusing on China's Tianhe-2 supercomputer. With a staggering performance of 33.86 petaflops, this computer surpasses its nearest competitor, Titan, which is developed by the U.S. government. As you listen to the report, you will gain insights into the world of supercomputers, their evolution, and their significance in solving complex mathematical problems. This backdrop not only provides informative content but also presents an excellent opportunity for English learners to practice their speaking and listening skills using real-world topics.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • Rated number one: A phrase indicating the top position in a ranking.
  • Performance measured at: A common way to describe how effectively something operates.
  • Parallel machines: Refers to computers that work together to increase processing power.
  • Central processing unit (CPU): The main component of a computer that executes commands.
  • Require huge cooling systems: Highlights the necessity for cooling mechanisms in high-performance tech.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

Utilizing a shadowing site like YouTube can aid in enhancing your English speaking practice. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively shadow the transcript from the video:

  1. Listen Actively: Start by listening to the video once without looking at the transcript. Focus on the overall message.
  2. Read Aloud: Browse through the transcript while listening. Pay special attention to the top phrases highlighted above, as they are essential for daily communication.
  3. Slow it Down: Use features on YouTube to slow down the video playback. This will help you catch every word and improve your pronunciation as you follow along.
  4. Repeat in Sections: Break the video down into segments. Repeat each segment several times, mimicking the intonation and rhythm of the speaker to improve your English pronunciation.
  5. Record Yourself: Use your phone or computer to record your voice as you shadow the video. Listen to your recording, and compare it to the original to identify areas for improvement.

By applying this shadowing technique, you can not only learn English with YouTube content effectively but also enhance your understanding of complex topics like supercomputers. This practice will boost your speaking abilities and prepare you for conversations in both academic and casual settings.

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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