Shadowing Practice: evokids - Wellerman | Kids song - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

A1
There once was a ship
⏸ Paused
32 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
There once was a ship
2
that put to sea The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea The winds blew up,
3
the bow dipped down Oh blow,
4
my bully boys blow
5
Soon may the well-o'-men come To bring us sugar
6
and tea in hand One day when the tonguing is done We'll take our leave and go
7
She had not been two weeks from shore Went down on
8
her a right whale bore The captain called all hands and swore He'd take that whale in tow
9
Soon may the whale-a-men come To bring us sugar and tea
10
and ham One day
11
when the tiling is done We'll take our leave
12
and go Before the boat had hit
13
the water The whale's tail came up and caught her All hands to the side,
14
harpoon and fodder When she dived down below
15
Soon may the well-o-men come To bring us sugar and tea
16
and ham One day when the tonguing is done We'll take our leave and go No line was cut,
17
no will was freed The captain's mind was not on greed
18
And he belonged to the wellman's creed She took that ship in tow
19
Soon may the wellman come To bring us sugar and tea
20
and ham One day when the tonguing is done We'll take our leave and go
21
For forty days or even more,
22
the line went slurped and tight once more All boats were lost,
23
there were only four, but still that well did go
24
Soon may the Wellerman come to bring us sugar and tea and ham One day when the tonguing is done,
25
we'll take our leave and go As far as I've heard,
26
the fight's still on, the line's not cut
27
and the well's not gone The Wellerman makes his regular call to incurs the captain,
28
crew and all Soon may the Wella men come to bring us sugar
29
and tea and ham One day when the tonguing is done,
30
we'll take our leave and go
31
Soon may the Wella men come to bring us sugar and tea and ham One day when the tonguing is done,
32
we'll take our leave and go

Download App

AI scoring for every sentence you speak

Scan To Download
Scan To Download
Download on theApp Store
Get it onGoogle Play
TRENDING

Popular

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will engage in English speaking practice by exploring a delightful kids' song called "Wellerman." Through this activity, you will not only familiarize yourself with fun and catchy lyrics but also practice essential vocabulary related to maritime adventures. By the end of this lesson, you will boost your speaking skills, enhance your vocabulary, and have a greater appreciation for storytelling in English. This song provides an excellent opportunity for IELTS speaking practice as well, allowing you to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Ship - a vessel used for maritime travel.
  • Wellerman - a term referring to men who brought supplies.
  • Bully boys - a phrase used to refer to the crew or hearty men.
  • Whale - a large marine mammal that the song references.
  • Sugar and tea - essential goods mentioned in the song, symbolizing the rewards of hard work.
  • Harpoon - a spear-like weapon used for hunting whales.
  • Creed - a set of beliefs or principles that guide a person's actions.

Practice Tips

To make the most of this lesson, consider using the shadowing technique as you practice the lyrics of "Wellerman." Start by listening to the song at a normal pace, then pause after each line to repeat it aloud. This exercise will help you improve your English pronunciation by allowing you to mimic the rhythm and intonation of the song. Given that this song has a lively and engaging tone, don't be afraid to express yourself with enthusiasm as you practice.

Additionally, since the tempo is manageable, you can slow down certain sections if needed. Focus on the following:

  • Pronouncing each word clearly; pay attention to the ending sounds.
  • Emphasizing key phrases, such as "Soon may the Wellerman come," to practice stress in your speech.
  • Taking note of any difficult words and repeating them multiple times for mastery.

Lastly, try to visualize the story depicted in the lyrics as you practice. This not only aids in memorization but also makes the learning process enjoyable. Engage in this shadow speech to reinforce your skills, and soon you’ll find your confidence in speaking English has grown exponentially!

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.

☕ Buy us a coffee