Shadowing Practice: Học tiếng Anh qua phim ảnh: Even the playing field - Phim I, Tonya (VOA) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Welcome to English at the Movies,
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30 sentences
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Welcome to English at the Movies,
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where we teach you American English heard at the movies.
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Our saying today is, even the playing field,
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from the movie I, Tonya.
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The film is based on a true story about an American athlete named Tonya Harding.
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She believes she is not judged fairly for her ice skating skills.
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Listen for the phrase, even the playing field.
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How do I get a fair shot here?
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We also judge on presentation.
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I'm getting even the playing field.
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I know a guy who shouldn't even be saying his name.
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Derek.
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So what do you think even the playing field means? means.
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Is it, reschedule the competition,
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or make the competition fair?
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Listen again.
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Did you have the right answer?
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How do I get a fair shot here?
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We also judge on presentation.
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We're gonna leave it even the playing field.
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I know a guy, shouldn't even be saying his name.
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Derek.
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Even the playing field means make the competition fair.
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The word even is a verb here.
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It means to flatten.
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So the idea is that a game is fair only when both sides are playing on equally level ground.
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In this movie, the judges appear to prefer a skater with more expensive clothing and a more feminine appearance.
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So someone aims to level the playing field by striking the other skater's knee with a baseball bat.
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And that's English at the Movies.
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I'm Kelli Jean Kelley.

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice American English as presented in the movie "I, Tonya." The focus will be on the phrase “even the playing field,” which encapsulates the idea of creating fairness in competition. Through this video, you will not only learn the meaning of this phrase but also expand your vocabulary and enhance your listening comprehension. This lesson is ideal for English learners who want to improve their speaking skills and pronunciation through the effective shadowing technique.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Even the playing field: To make a situation fair for all participants.
  • Fair shot: A fair opportunity to succeed.
  • Judged: To evaluate or assess someone’s actions or abilities.
  • Presentation: The way someone presents themselves, which can influence judgment.
  • Competition: A contest or rivalry between individuals or teams.
  • Even: To make something level or fair.
  • Athlete: A person who competes in sports or physical activities.
  • Skater: A person who skates, particularly in figure skating.

Practice Tips

One of the most effective ways to improve your English pronunciation is through the shadowspeak approach associated with shadowing. While watching the scene from "I, Tonya," listen carefully to the dialogue, paying attention to intonation and rhythm. Here are some tips:

  • Shadow Speech: Play the video at a slower speed if needed. Repeat phrases out loud right after you hear them, mimicking the actor’s pronunciation and tone.
  • Focus on Emotion: The tone in which lines are delivered is crucial. Try to convey the same emotion as you speak. Understanding the context will help you capture this.
  • Repetition: Don’t hesitate to replay scenes multiple times. This will not only help you with intonation but also make the vocabulary more familiar.
  • Record Yourself: Use a voice recorder to capture your shadow speech. Listening to yourself allows you to identify areas for improvement.
  • Practice with Partners: Engage with fellow learners to practice in pairs. You can take turns shadowing and providing feedback.

By incorporating these methods and utilizing the shadowing technique, you will gradually become more confident in your speaking abilities and enhance your overall communication skills in English.

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.

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