Shadowing Practice: Emma's Job | Learn English through Stories | English Listening & Speaking Skills | Level A2 - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Hello everyone.
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134 sentences
1
Hello everyone.
0:00.24 – 0:01.50 (1.3s)
2
Welcome to our English lesson.
0:01.50 – 0:03.76 (2.3s)
3
Today, we will practice saying words better and understanding more.
0:03.76 – 0:08.28 (4.5s)
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We will learn new words too.
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Our story is Emma's job.
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Please listen carefully.
0:12.92 – 0:14.96 (2.0s)
7
Hi, I'm Emma.
0:17.44 – 0:18.80 (1.4s)
8
I work in a busy salon in the city.
0:18.80 – 0:21.30 (2.5s)
9
I work as a hairdresser.
0:21.30 – 0:24.38 (3.1s)
10
My job is to cut, color, and style hair.
0:24.38 – 0:27.92 (3.5s)
11
Every day is fun and different.
0:29.94 – 0:31.96 (2.0s)
12
I love my job because I make people look and feel great.
0:31.96 – 0:36.18 (4.2s)
13
My day starts early.
0:37.62 – 0:39.06 (1.4s)
14
I open the salon and say, hello, beautiful salon.
0:39.06 – 0:43.70 (4.6s)
15
I turn on the lights and music.
0:44.76 – 0:46.92 (2.2s)
16
The salon looks bright and welcoming.
0:46.92 – 0:49.82 (2.9s)
17
First, I meet Mises Lee.
0:51.14 – 0:53.22 (2.1s)
18
She has long, gray hair.
0:53.22 – 0:56.26 (3.0s)
19
She says, I want to look young.
0:56.26 – 0:59.06 (2.8s)
20
I smile and say, let's try a new haircut.
0:59.94 – 1:03.20 (3.3s)
21
I cut her hair and give her a nice style.
1:03.20 – 1:06.06 (2.9s)
22
She looks in the mirror and says, wow.
1:07.10 – 1:10.12 (3.0s)
23
I look so different.
1:10.12 – 1:11.64 (1.5s)
24
Thank you, Emma.
1:11.64 – 1:14.28 (2.6s)
25
Then, a young boy named Tim comes in.
1:14.90 – 1:17.60 (2.7s)
26
He has curly hair.
1:17.60 – 1:20.20 (2.6s)
27
He looks shy.
1:20.20 – 1:21.98 (1.8s)
28
I need a haircut for school, he says.
1:22.62 – 1:25.46 (2.8s)
29
I cut his hair and talk about his favorite sports.
1:25.46 – 1:29.00 (3.5s)
30
Tim smiles and says, I like my new haircut.
1:30.20 – 1:33.40 (3.2s)
31
I look cool.
1:33.40 – 1:34.68 (1.3s)
32
In the afternoon, I meet Lucy.
1:36.40 – 1:38.80 (2.4s)
33
She wants to color her hair.
1:38.80 – 1:41.08 (2.3s)
34
I want something fun, Lucy tells me I mix colors and apply them to her hair It takes time, but it's worth it Lucy's hair turns pink and purple She says, it's beautiful I love it Later, I clean my tools and prepare for the next day I feel happy and a little tired I love my job as a hairdresser I meet many people and help them feel happy with their hair.
1:42.14 – 2:14.54 (32.4s)
35
At the end of the day, I lock the salon and think, today was a good day.
2:15.68 – 2:20.16 (4.5s)
36
I can't wait for tomorrow.
2:21.10 – 2:22.40 (1.3s)
37
Let's learn some new words and phrases from the story.
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38
Hello, beautiful salon.
2:29.90 – 2:31.34 (1.4s)
39
Meaning, this is a personal ritual that signifies the start of your day, symbolizing your positive attitude and affection for your workplace.
2:32.32 – 2:40.48 (8.2s)
40
Example, a baker entering their bakery in the morning, taking a deep breath, and joyfully saying, Hello, sweet bakery.
2:41.56 – 2:49.02 (7.5s)
41
Hairdresser.
2:50.68 – 2:51.68 (1.0s)
42
Meaning, a hairdresser is a professional who cuts, styles, and colors hair, often providing advice on hair care and styling.
2:52.16 – 3:00.50 (8.3s)
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Example, he became a renowned hairdresser in the city, known for his creative hairstyles and excellent customer service.
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Shy Meaning, feeling nervous or timid in the company of other people.
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Example, Tim, the young boy with curly hair, was shy when he first came to the salon for his haircut.
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Mix.
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Meaning, to combine or put together to form one substance or mass.
3:25.52 – 3:30.34 (4.8s)
48
Example, for Lucy's hair, Emma had to mix different colors to achieve the desired pink and purple effect.
3:31.48 – 3:37.78 (6.3s)
49
Tired.
3:39.16 – 3:39.58 (0.4s)
50
Meaning, feeling in need of rest or sleep, usually as a result of exertion or lack of energy.
3:39.58 – 3:46.52 (6.9s)
51
Example, after a busy day at the salon, Emma felt happy but a little tired as she prepared for the next day.
3:47.52 – 3:54.08 (6.6s)
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Now let's practice.
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Listen well and say it again.
3:56.68 – 3:59.80 (3.1s)
54
Hi, I'm Emma.
4:02.98 – 4:04.04 (1.1s)
55
Hi, I'm Emma.
4:06.22 – 4:07.78 (1.6s)
56
I work in a busy salon in the city.
4:09.46 – 4:16.30 (6.8s)
57
I work as a hairdresser.
4:19.46 – 4:20.74 (1.3s)
58
My job is to cut, color, and style hair.
4:26.40 – 4:29.40 (3.0s)
59
My job is to cut, color, and style hair.
4:33.26 – 4:36.54 (3.3s)
60
Every day is fun and different.
4:39.92 – 4:45.22 (5.3s)
61
I love my job because I make people look and feel great.
4:44.30 – 4:58.90 (14.6s)
62
My day starts early My day starts early I open the salon and say, hello, beautiful salon I open the salon and say, hello, beautiful salon I turn on the lights and music I turn on the lights and music The salon looks bright and welcoming The salon looks bright and welcoming First, I meet Mises Lee First, I meet Mises Lee She has long, gray hair She has long, gray hair She says, I want to look young She says, I want to look young I smile and say, let's try a new haircut I smile and say, let's try a new haircut I cut her hair and give her a nice style I cut her hair and give her a nice style.
5:03.38 – 6:28.10 (84.7s)
63
She looks in the mirror and says.
6:31.88 – 6:33.78 (1.9s)
64
She looks in the mirror and says.
6:36.04 – 6:37.92 (1.9s)
65
Wow!
6:40.44 – 6:41.00 (0.6s)
66
I look so different.
6:41.00 – 6:42.72 (1.7s)
67
Thank you, Emma.
6:42.72 – 6:43.94 (1.2s)
68
Wow!
6:47.14 – 6:47.62 (0.5s)
69
I look so different.
6:47.62 – 6:49.40 (1.8s)
70
Thank you, Emma.
6:49.40 – 6:50.86 (1.5s)
71
Then, a young boy named Tim comes in Then, a young boy named Tim comes in He has curly hair.
6:54.12 – 7:06.92 (12.8s)
72
He looks shy He has curly hair.
7:06.92 – 7:12.36 (5.4s)
73
He looks shy I need a haircut for school, he says I need a haircut for school, he says I cut his hair and talk about his favorite sports I cut his hair and talk about his favorite sports Tim smiles and says, I like my new haircut.
7:12.36 – 7:45.10 (32.7s)
74
I look cool Tim smiles and says, I like my new haircut.
7:45.10 – 7:53.84 (8.7s)
75
I look cool In the afternoon, I meet Lucy In the afternoon, I meet Lucy She wants to color her hair She wants to color her hair I want something fun, Lucy tells me I mix colors and apply them to her hair I mix colors and apply them to her hair It takes time, but it's worth it It takes time, but it's worth it.
7:53.84 – 8:45.56 (51.7s)
76
Lucy's hair turns pink and purple.
8:48.56 – 8:50.66 (2.1s)
77
Lucy's hair turns pink and purple.
8:54.04 – 8:56.10 (2.1s)
78
She says, it's beautiful.
8:59.32 – 9:00.90 (1.6s)
79
I love it.
9:00.90 – 9:02.38 (1.5s)
80
She says, it's beautiful.
9:05.30 – 9:07.34 (2.0s)
81
I love it.
9:07.34 – 9:08.48 (1.1s)
82
Later, I clean my tools and prepare for the next day.
9:11.32 – 9:16.14 (4.8s)
83
I feel happy and a little tired.
9:26.36 – 9:28.26 (1.9s)
84
I feel happy and a little tired.
9:27.82 – 9:32.96 (5.1s)
85
I love my job as a hairdresser.
9:35.82 – 9:38.26 (2.4s)
86
I love my job as a hairdresser.
9:41.20 – 9:43.94 (2.7s)
87
I meet many people and help them feel happy with their hair.
9:45.48 – 9:49.36 (3.9s)
88
At the end of the day, I lock the salon and think, today was a good day.
10:01.98 – 10:06.30 (4.3s)
89
I can't wait for tomorrow.
10:22.72 – 10:24.40 (1.7s)
90
One more time, listen carefully to the story.
10:31.36 – 10:34.42 (3.1s)
91
Hi, I'm Emma.
10:38.02 – 10:39.52 (1.5s)
92
I work in a busy salon in the city.
10:39.42 – 10:42.12 (2.7s)
93
I work as a hairdresser.
10:42.72 – 10:45.06 (2.3s)
94
My job is to cut, color, and style hair.
10:45.16 – 10:49.34 (4.2s)
95
Every day is fun and different.
10:50.38 – 10:52.92 (2.5s)
96
I love my job because I make people look and feel great.
10:53.04 – 10:57.46 (4.4s)
97
My day starts early.
10:57.80 – 11:00.08 (2.3s)
98
I open the salon and say, hello, beautiful salon.
11:00.56 – 11:04.28 (3.7s)
99
I turn on the lights and music.
11:05.22 – 11:07.36 (2.1s)
100
The salon looks bright and welcoming.
11:07.78 – 11:10.44 (2.7s)
101
First, I meet Mises Li.
11:11.68 – 11:13.88 (2.2s)
102
She has long, grey hair.
11:14.20 – 11:16.78 (2.6s)
103
She says, I want to look young.
11:17.16 – 11:19.98 (2.8s)
104
I smile and say, let's try a new haircut.
11:20.08 – 11:23.72 (3.6s)
105
I cut her hair and give her a nice style.
11:23.68 – 11:26.72 (3.0s)
106
He looks in the mirror and says, Wow!
11:27.80 – 11:30.62 (2.8s)
107
I look so different.
11:31.08 – 11:32.48 (1.4s)
108
Thank you, Emma.
11:33.38 – 11:34.74 (1.4s)
109
Then, a young boy named Tim comes in.
11:35.04 – 11:38.02 (3.0s)
110
He has curly hair.
11:38.52 – 11:40.56 (2.0s)
111
He looks shy.
11:40.78 – 11:42.72 (1.9s)
112
I need a haircut for school, he says.
11:42.70 – 11:45.96 (3.3s)
113
I cut his hair and talk about his favorite sports.
11:46.18 – 11:49.64 (3.5s)
114
Tim smiles and says, I like my new haircut.
11:50.28 – 11:53.94 (3.7s)
115
I look cool.
11:53.72 – 11:56.50 (2.8s)
116
In the afternoon, I meet Lucy.
11:57.06 – 11:59.34 (2.3s)
117
She wants to color her hair.
11:59.88 – 12:01.76 (1.9s)
118
I want something fun, Lucy tells me.
12:02.42 – 12:05.40 (3.0s)
119
I mix colors and apply them to her hair.
12:05.96 – 12:09.18 (3.2s)
120
It takes time, but it's worth it.
12:09.60 – 12:12.28 (2.7s)
121
Lucy's hair turns pink and purple.
12:13.34 – 12:15.72 (2.4s)
122
She says, it's beautiful.
12:16.32 – 12:18.76 (2.4s)
123
I love it.
12:18.50 – 12:20.24 (1.7s)
124
Later, I clean my tools and prepare for the next day.
12:20.54 – 12:24.52 (4.0s)
125
I feel happy and a little tired.
12:25.16 – 12:27.24 (2.1s)
126
I love my job as a hairdresser.
12:28.06 – 12:30.76 (2.7s)
127
I meet many people and help them feel happy with their hair.
12:31.14 – 12:35.50 (4.4s)
128
At the end of the day, I lock the salon and think, today was a good day.
12:35.84 – 12:40.96 (5.1s)
129
I can't wait for tomorrow.
12:41.16 – 12:43.20 (2.0s)
130
Good work in our English class today.
12:45.52 – 12:47.92 (2.4s)
131
You listened and practiced a lot.
12:48.20 – 12:50.70 (2.5s)
132
Keep practicing, it makes you better.
12:51.00 – 12:54.00 (3.0s)
133
Every time you learn, your English gets better.
12:54.72 – 12:57.52 (2.8s)
134
Remember to like and subscribe for more lessons.
12:58.04 – 13:01.12 (3.1s)

About This Lesson

Welcome to today’s English lesson, where you will practice your listening and speaking skills through an engaging story about Emma, a hairdresser who works in a bustling salon. In this session, you will enhance your English vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, and develop a better understanding of conversational English. By listening carefully to Emma’s experiences and interactions with her clients, you'll gain insights into everyday English usage. This lesson is perfect for learners at the A2 level aiming to boost their English speaking practice.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Hairdresser: A professional who cuts, styles, and colors hair.
  • Shy: Feeling nervous or timid in the company of other people.
  • Mix: To combine different things together to create a new substance.
  • Tired: Feeling the need for rest or sleep, typically due to exertion.
  • Beautiful salon: A welcoming and attractive beauty space where hair care services are provided.
  • New haircut: A fresh style or trim given to hair, often described when visiting a hairdresser.
  • Color hair: The process of applying dye to change or enhance the color of one's hair.
  • Feel great: To experience a sense of well-being or happiness.

Practice Tips

To get the most out of your learning experience, we recommend using the shadowing technique. This involves listening to Emma's story and then repeating what you hear, mimicking her pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. The key is to do this at the same speed she speaks. This will not only help you improve English pronunciation but also develop your fluency in English-speaking practice.

Start by playing the video in short segments. After each sentence or phrase, pause and repeat out loud, trying to match Emma’s tone and speed. The more you practice this shadow speech, the more natural your speaking will become.

Remember, practicing regularly with stories like Emma’s will enhance your vocabulary and help you become comfortable with everyday conversations. If you encounter new words, refer back to the vocabulary list provided for their meanings, and try to use them in your sentences to reinforce your learning. Happy practicing!

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.

How to Practice Effectively on ShadowingEnglish

  1. Choose your video: Pick a YouTube video with clear, natural English speech. TED Talks, BBC News, movie scenes, podcasts, or IELTS sample answers all work great. Paste the URL into the search bar. Start with shorter videos (under 5 minutes) and content you find genuinely interesting — motivation matters.
  2. Listen first, understand the context: On your first pass, keep the speed at 1x and just listen. Don't try to repeat yet. Focus on understanding the meaning, picking up new vocabulary, and noticing how the speaker stresses words, links sounds, and uses pauses.
  3. Set up Shadowing mode:
    • Wait Mode: Choose +3s or +5s — after each sentence plays, the video pauses automatically so you have time to repeat it out loud. Choose Manual if you want full control and press Next yourself after each repetition.
    • Sub Sync: YouTube subtitles sometimes appear slightly ahead or behind the audio. Use ±100ms to align them perfectly so you can follow along accurately.
  4. Shadow out loud (the core practice): This is where the real work happens. As soon as a sentence plays — or during the pause — repeat it out loud, clearly and confidently. Don't just mouth the words: mirror the speaker's exact rhythm, stress, pitch, and connected speech. Aim to sound like a shadow of the speaker, not just a word-by-word recitation. Use the Repeat feature to drill the same sentence multiple times until it feels natural.
  5. Scale up the challenge: Once a passage feels comfortable, push your limits. Increase speed to <code>1.25x</code> or even <code>1.5x</code> to train high-speed language reflexes. Or set Wait Mode to <code>Off</code> for continuous shadowing — the most advanced and rewarding mode. Consistent daily practice of 15–30 minutes will produce noticeable results within weeks.

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