Shadowing Practice: Dua Lipa - Levitating (Lyrics) - Learn English Speaking with Video
About This Lesson
In this lesson, you will enhance your English speaking skills by using the popular song "Levitating" by Dua Lipa. By practicing the pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation found in the lyrics, you will engage in effective English speaking practice. This activity not only allows you to familiarize yourself with contemporary vocabulary but also immerses you in an entertaining context, making language learning more enjoyable. As you learn, aim to use the shadowing technique, which involves mimicking the singer to improve fluency and confidence in your speech.
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
- Levitating - Floating or rising in the air.
- Galaxy - A system of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity.
- Glitter - To shine with a bright, shimmering, reflected light.
- Starlight - The light emitted by stars; often used to evoke feelings of wonder and romance.
- Electric - A feeling of intense energy or excitement.
- Ride - To travel in a vehicle or similar mode of transportation.
- Energy - A dynamic quality or lifelike enthusiasm often felt in interactions.
- Forever - An expression signifying something that lasts indefinitely.
Practice Tips
To effectively use the shadowing technique with "Levitating," first listen to the song a few times to grasp the overall tone and rhythm. Pay close attention to how Dua Lipa delivers the lyrics, focusing on the musicality and emotional nuances. When you feel ready to begin your shadow speech practice, try the following steps:
- Listen to a short section of the song and pause it, then repeat what you just heard. This will help you mimic the natural flow of speech.
- Start with slower sections of the song to build your confidence before attempting the faster-paced parts.
- Record yourself as you practice. Listening to your own voice will provide insight into the areas where you need improvement.
- Focus on intonation and stress. Notice which words carry more emphasis and try to replicate this in your practice.
- Make it interactive by singing along once you feel comfortable. This approach not only makes the practice fun but also helps reinforce the vocabulary and phrases you've learned.
With consistent practice using this approach, you'll find that your proficiency in English improves significantly, paving the way for successful IELTS speaking practice and more natural conversations.
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.































