Shadowing Practice: English Reading with Connected Speech 📖 Vocabulary and Native Pronunciation Practice - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
201 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Today, you'll practice your English reading and vocabulary, but I'm also going to test your pronunciation and listening skills.
2
First, I'll read a short article at a natural speed.
3
Your job is to listen carefully and try to fill in the missing words.
4
This is a great way to train your ears to hear small details in fast-spoken English.
5
After that, I'll break down the key vocabulary in each paragraph,
6
line by line, and you'll learn a lot of useful pronunciation tips that will help you use and understand natural connected speech.
7
At the end of the lesson, we'll slow it down with a listen and repeat exercise to practice everything you've learned.
8
And of course, I have a free PDF for you to download.
9
This includes all the information from today's lesson, plus some extra tips and examples.
10
You can find the link in the description below this video.
11
Fill in the blanks and try to write down the missing words you hear.
12
If it's too fast right now, don't worry, we'll read everything again together later.
13
Having confidence in your English skills is the key to fluency.
14
However, many learners hesitate to speak because they're afraid they might make a mistake.
15
But you really shouldn't worry about that.
16
Normal people don't criticize small mistakes because, the truth is, native speakers make mistakes too, sometimes without realizing it.
17
So keep practicing every day, no matter what.
18
I promise, it'll get easier over time.
19
And never apologize for your English.
20
If you're not ready to see the answers yet, go back and listen to that again.
21
If you are ready, then let's look at the first paragraph with all the missing words.
22
First we have the noun confidence.
23
Confidence.
24
If the sentence has an object, you have to follow this with the preposition in.
25
You have confidence in something or someone.
26
Notice the connected speech here.
27
Confidence in.
28
This is consonant to vowel linking.
29
This happens when one word ends with a consonant sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound.
30
The final letter E here is completely silent.
31
We do not pronounce this.
32
The real final sound is s, and we want to connect this sound to the word in.
33
This should sound nice and smooth, almost like one word, confidence in.
34
The same thing happens between these two words, your English, your English.
35
We're connecting the final er sound with the ih sound, your English.
36
the verb hesitate.
37
Hesitate.
38
This means to pause or wait before doing something, usually because you're nervous or unsure.
39
It's common to use this with an infinitive.
40
You hesitate to do something.
41
Many learners hesitate to speak.
42
Here's another type of connected speech.
43
Consonant-to-consonant linking.
44
When one word ends with a consonant and the next word begins with the same consonant sound, we only produce that sound once,
45
but we hold it a little longer.
46
So we don't say, hesitate to speak.
47
It's hesitate to speak.
48
Hesitate to speak.
49
Next we have, which is a contraction or the short form of they are.
50
You'll notice that I've used contractions in this entire article because they're essential for natural fluent English,
51
but you have to know exactly when to use them.
52
Basically, we speak with contractions all the time in both formal and informal situations,
53
so you can't avoid them.
54
I'm sorry.
55
We also use contractions a lot in informal writing, but try not to use them in academic or formal writing.
56
You want to pronounce this like it's one word, there.
57
In fact, all three of these words have the same pronunciation.
58
There, the contraction.
59
There, for location, and there for possession.
60
There, there, there.
61
But don't forget about consonant to vowel linking.
62
The final er sound connects to the vowel sound in afraid.
63
They're afraid.
64
They're afraid.
65
They might make a mistake.
66
This is important.
67
In English, we don't do a mistake.
68
We make a mistake.
69
A good way to remember this is with the two M's here.
70
Also, we have linking again.
71
Make a.
72
Make a mistake.
73
Make a mistake.
74
Now, before this, we have the modal verb, might. Might.
75
Here we have a sound change with the letter T at the end.
76
This is called a stopped T.
77
This means your tongue is in the typical location to pronounce a regular T sound,
78
but with a stopped T, you do not push any air.
79
You stop right before that final step.
80
This usually makes the previous vowel sound a little shorter.
81
And this is how we know the difference between might and my.
82
In the first word, we have a shorter vowel sound with a stopped T, might, might.
83
The second word has a longer vowel sound, my, my.
84
A stopped T happens in two situations.
85
One, before another word that begins with a consonant sound, and two, when the word is at the end of a sentence.
86
We'll see a few more examples of this very soon.
87
Okay, next paragraph.
88
The contraction of should not is shouldn't.
89
Shouldn't with two syllables.
90
In the second syllable, you basically only hear the nn sound followed by a stopped t.
91
And that's because the next word begins with a consonant.
92
Shouldn't worry.
93
Shouldn't worry.
94
But there's more because we have two more stopped Ts.
95
Shouldn't worry about that.
96
Shouldn't worry about that.
97
And the stopped Ts never end.
98
Here's another one in the contraction.
99
Don't.
100
Don't.
101
Now we have the verb criticize.
102
To criticize means to talk about the problems or the bad qualities of something or someone.
103
When you pronounce verbs that end with the letters I-Z-E or I-S-E,
104
especially in British English, be careful not to add an extra syllable.
105
This happens a lot with Spanish speakers who try to pronounce similar words that end with isar in Spanish.
106
But in English, the ending is unstressed and only has one syllable.
107
Eyes, like your eyes, criticize,
108
memorize, socialize, etc. Next, we have a very common phrase for everyday conversation.
109
The truth is plus a sentence.
110
We use this phrase to emphasize that the next sentence will be very honest or very important.
111
Here we have a different sound change.
112
When you have tr at the beginning of a syllable, it often sounds almost like C-H-R.
113
Tr.
114
Truth.
115
Truth.
116
Now, I promise that there's a good reason for these sound changes.
117
This process happens all the time in English, and similar things happen in your language too,
118
because our tongue, teeth, and lips always have to move from one position to another when we're speaking.
119
And some sound changes are really difficult to make in a short amount of time,
120
especially if there are two very different sounds next to each other.
121
The sounds and are pronounced in very different ways and in different locations of the mouth.
122
So to save time, the natural thing to do is to meet in the middle.
123
The T is trying to adapt or become more like the next sound.
124
So the natural result is something like tr- truth, trust, try, train, trouble.
125
Pretty cool, right?
126
Now I want you to listen to the pronunciation of native.
127
The first vowel is a long vowel like the letter A, native.
128
But notice that the next sound is not a clear t sound, like native.
129
Instead, it's very soft, almost like a quick D, but not exactly the same.
130
This sound is called a flap or a tap.
131
To produce this sound, the tip of your tongue touches the top of your mouth right behind your teeth.
132
This happens once very quickly, and then your tongue comes back down.
133
Native.
134
Native.
135
Keep in mind that it's very common for other languages to represent this same sound with a different letter.
136
For example, the sound you produce in Spanish words like para or mira.
137
This is also a flap sound.
138
In English, a flap T occurs in an unstressed syllable between two vowel sounds.
139
So in this situation, this is the standard pronunciation in North American English.
140
This is also common in Australian English and a few other dialects,
141
But the flap T is especially uncommon in standard British English, so they would say something more like native.
142
Okay, next we have a really common verb with that I-Z-E ending.
143
Realize.
144
If you realize something, that means now you know or understand that something exists.
145
This usually implies that you didn't know something in the past, but then you discovered something,
146
and after thinking about it, now you know something.
147
After I got on the plane, I realized that I left my phone at home.
148
We can connect these two sounds here, and we can pronounce these two words with a stopped T.
149
without realizing it, without realizing it.
150
All right, let's look at the last paragraph.
151
We have more consonant-to-consonant linking here, so we only pronounce the P once.
152
Keep practicing, keep practicing.
153
Next, a very common phrase, no matter what, no matter what, with a stopped T at the end.
154
This means that something will definitely happen or continue, even if there are difficulties or challenges.
155
You can use this at the end after a full sentence.
156
For example, I will support you no matter what.
157
So this means I will support you in any situation.
158
You can also use this before a clause.
159
No matter what happens, we will finish the project on time.
160
So even if it's difficult or if something bad happens, we will keep going and finish the project.
161
Next, the contracted form of it will is it'll.
162
It'll.
163
We're pronouncing a flap T here.
164
It's like pronouncing the word little, but without the L at the beginning.
165
Little, little, ittle, ittle.
166
Now, I think we're ready to combine two rules here.
167
First, we have consonant-to-vowel linking between get and easier, but, and this is important,
168
the flap T is not limited to one word.
169
This also happens between words in connected speech.
170
So together, this sounds like get easier, get easier.
171
By the way, here the word get means become.
172
I have an entire video on how to use get in English, so you can watch that later.
173
And finally, some more consonant to vowel linking.
174
Never apologize.
175
Never apologize.
176
The verb apologize is a little more formal and it means to say sorry for something you've done.
177
You can apologize to someone for something or for doing something.
178
He apologized to his teacher for the mistake.
179
Do you think I should apologize for saying that?
180
Now let's practice by reading out loud together.
181
I want you to focus on using connected speech.
182
Also, try to copy my intonation.
183
This is the way my voice goes up and down.
184
Okay, repeat after me.
185
Having confidence in your English skills is the key to fluency.
186
However, many learners hesitate to speak.
187
Because they're afraid they might make a mistake.
188
But you really shouldn't worry about that.
189
Normal people don't criticize small mistakes.
190
Because the truth is, native speakers make mistakes too.
191
Sometimes without realizing it.
192
So keep practicing every day.
193
No matter what.
194
I promise it'll get easier over time.
195
And never apologize for your English.
196
If you enjoyed this lesson, please like this video, subscribe to my channel,
197
and let me know in the comments if you want more videos like this.
198
Thank you so much for watching.
199
I'm Gina.
200
This is Your World in English, and I'll see you in the next lesson.
201
Bye!
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
B21
Can You Understand This Famous American Comedy? | Real English Practice 📺
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C113
Daily English Questions and Answers ⭐ Speaking Practice and IELTS Vocabulary (A1 to C1)
American AccentIELTS PrepInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B12
The BEST way to learn PHRASAL VERBS! 💡 and 10 COMMON phrasal verbs in context (Intermediate)
American AccentDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B12
How to Use GET in English ⚡ 15 ESSENTIAL Ways!
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B14
GERUND or INFINITIVE? (What Your Textbook Didn't Teach You...)
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B23
Learn English with the NEWS 🌐 Advanced Vocabulary and Shadowing Practice for Fluency
American AccentIELTS PrepTOEFL PrepBusiness English
B23
Slow English Listening for Intermediate (+ PDF) 🎧 Native Comprehensible Input Podcast
American AccentDaily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B23
Yes, you CAN read the NEWS in English! 📰 (Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar)
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B21
Learn English with the NEWS (Step by Step) 🌐 Advanced Vocabulary from BBC and more
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B23
Learn English with NEWS Articles 🌐 Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar from BBC
American AccentIELTS PrepTOEFL PrepCambridge Exam Prep
B24
Read the NEWS in English 🌐 Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar with CNN (FULL LESSON)
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
C13
Read the NEWS in English 🌐 Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar from CNN
American AccentUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B1Learn English with this VLOG 🚗 Explore the USA (Subtitles + PDF)
American AccentTravel EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B1English Fluency Training: Reading and Pronunciation Practice ⭐
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B2English Reading Practice 📖 Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar Lesson (+ PDF)
American AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B1Read the NEWS in English 📰 Advanced Vocabulary from BBC #englishreading
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B2How to Read English NEWS Articles 🌐 8 Advanced Grammar Tips (+ Free PDF)
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B2This Trick Will Change Your English Pronunciation FOREVER! (Fluent Speaking Practice)
American AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B2Understand FAST English: Connected Speech + Advanced Vocabulary Lesson🔥
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B1Read a SHORT STORY in English 📖 20 Essential Adjectives for Daily Use
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
B116
149 sentences
Listen and Repeat: SPEAK with me in English
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B119
38 sentences
English Listening Quiz - Test Your Skills
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B14
110 sentences
Hear it & Say it - English SPEAKING and LISTENING Practice
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B17
13 sentences
You're Almost Fluent in English | English Reading and Listening Practice #englishforbeginners
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B17
336 sentences
I Understand English... But I Can't Speak! | Shadowing English Speaking Practice
American AccentInterview EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
22 sentences
How to Pronounce English Words Correctly
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B12
462 sentences
Speak English Confidently: Daily Life Vocabulary
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B117
125 sentences
Learn English Vocabulary and Improve Your Speaking (English Conversation Practice)
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B144
166 sentences
Practice Shadowing a Native Speaker 🇺🇸
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B13
279 sentences
English Listening and Speaking Practice | Learn English Vocabulary with a Daily Conversation ✨
Interview EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
Who Will Benefit from This Video?
If you’re an intermediate learner aiming to sound more natural in English—whether for IELTS speaking practice or everyday conversations—this video is a goldmine. It’s perfect for those struggling with fast, connected speech or who want to boost confidence in both listening and speaking. Even if you’re new to shadow speak (repeating phrases aloud as you hear them), the step-by-step structure makes it easy to follow.
Words & Idioms to Add to Your Toolkit
The video highlights practical terms that native speakers use daily. Confidence (trust in your abilities) is paired with the preposition "in" (e.g., "confidence in your skills"). Hesitate (to pause due to uncertainty) often links with "to" + verb ("hesitate to speak"). Contractions like "they're" are also emphasized—key for sounding fluent, not robotic. These aren’t just words; they’re building blocks for real conversations.
Nailing the Accent: Connected Speech Tips
Improving English pronunciation isn’t just about sounds—it’s about linking words smoothly. The video breaks down two crucial techniques: consonant-to-vowel linking (e.g., "confidence in" blends into one smooth phrase) and consonant-to-consonant linking (e.g., "hesitate to" holds the "t" sound longer). These tricks make fast speech easier to understand and replicate. For hands-on practice, try shadowing the speaker—pausing and repeating lines to mimic rhythm and intonation. If you need extra help, a shadowing app can guide you. Remember: native speakers make mistakes too, so don’t fear errors—focus on progress.
Learning English with videos like this bridges the gap between classroom drills and real-life communication. With the free PDF (linked in the video description) and consistent practice, you’ll soon notice your speech sounding more natural. Ready to start? Hit play, grab a notebook, and let’s get speaking!
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | is called · is unstressed · are pronounced |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | you've learned · you've done |
| Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea | shouldn't worry · should not is · Shouldn't with |
| Possibility with “might / may” might/may + verb — something that is possible but not certain | might make |
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.