Shadowing Practice: English Listening Quiz - Chip, Cheap, Ship, Sheep - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Hey everybody, welcome to another English listening quiz.
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This quiz will test your listening comprehension skills and help you learn the real sounds of English.
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But before we start, remember to download the Listening Time podcast
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and click on the link in the description below this video to become a Listening Time member, and you'll receive my listening practice seminars,
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which will help you understand native speakers when they speak fast.
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And if you become a Listening Time family member, then you'll get my advanced podcast episodes, which will help you reach an advanced level of listening.
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Okay, let's start with the quiz.
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Here's the first question: Which of these am I saying?
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Nineteen nights.
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The correct answer is B.
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The number one nine is pronounced 19 with a T sound.
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Listen again, 19 nights.
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The number nine zero is pronounced 90 with a D sound.
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Listen again, 90 nights.
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19 nights, 90 nights.
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All right, here's the next question.
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Which of these words am I saying?
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She The correct answer is D.
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Listen to the difference between each word.
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First we have cheap with a ch sound and a long e sound, cheap.
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Next we have "chip" with a /č / sound and a short /ɪ / sound.
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Chip.
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Next we have ship with a sh sound and a short i sound, ship.
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And lastly, we have sheep with a sh sound and a long e sound, sheep.
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Cheap, chip, ship, sheet.
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Okay, next question: what's the third word that I'm saying in this sentence?
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A cup of noodles sounds good.
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The third word in that sentence is of.
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Listen again.
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A cup of noodle sounds good.
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The word "of" is often reduced to "uh" in English.
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Instead of saying "a cup of noodles," we say "a cup of noodles." Alright, last question: what sentence am I saying?
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There's never been a better time for it.
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Write your answer in a comment down below.
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Okay, before we go, remember to download the Listening Time Podcast and become a Listening Time member to receive my specialized training, which will help you understand fast English.
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And if you want my advanced podcast episodes, then become a Listening Time family member.
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Click on the link in the description below this video to sign up.
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Also, remember to subscribe to the channel, click on the bell, and follow us on Instagram.
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I'll see you next time.

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will enhance your listening comprehension skills through a practical quiz format. The focus will be on distinguishing between similar-sounding words and phrases in English, such as "chip," "cheap," "ship," and "sheep." By participating in this quiz, you will not only hone your ability to recognize the subtle differences in pronunciation but also develop a keen ear for the natural flow of spoken English. This exercise is designed to aid English speaking practice and support learners in improving their overall language proficiency.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Cheap - (adjective) something that costs little money; a long "e" sound.
  • Chip - (noun) a small piece of something; a short "i" sound.
  • Ship - (noun) a large boat; pronounced with a "sh" sound and short "i" sound.
  • Sheep - (noun) a farm animal known for its wool; pronounced with a "sh" sound and long "e" sound.
  • Ninety - (number) the number 90, pronounced with a 'D' sound.
  • Of - (preposition) often reduced to "uh" in fast speech.
  • Listen - (verb) to pay attention to sound; essential for improving pronunciation.
  • Better - (adjective) of higher quality; as in "Never been a better time for it."

Practice Tips

To maximize your learning experience from this quiz, try incorporating shadow speak techniques. Listen carefully to the pronunciation of each word or phrase and repeat it immediately after without pausing. This method is known as shadowing and can significantly enhance your ability to improve English pronunciation. If you're practicing with a shadowing app, ensure that the speed settings match your current proficiency level. Start slow and gradually increase the speed to mimic the pace of natural speech.

Pay particular attention to the nuances in sound, especially the differences between similar words like "ship" and "sheep," or "chip" and "cheap." Repeating these sounds is essential for effective English speaking practice. Additionally, focus on the intonation and rhythm of the phrases, as this will help you sound more natural in conversation. Remember, consistent practice with these techniques can lead to substantial improvements in your listening and speaking skills!

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does itis pronounced · is often reduced
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thingepisodes, which will · training, which will
Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or predictionwill test · you'll receive · will help

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →