Shadowing Practice: How to Improve Your Reading in English – 5 Powerful Tips - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Hello, welcome back to English with Eleanor.
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Hello, welcome back to English with Eleanor.
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Today I'm going to give you five tips to help you improve your reading.
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So if you feel that reading is a challenge for you,
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you feel tired, you feel bored,
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keep listening because these tips will help you.
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Tip number one, don't try to read every single word.
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If you read every single word you will find words
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that you don't understand and for some people this can cause a little bit of panic.
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Think about in your own language.
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Normally people read for meaning so focus on the general meaning of what you're reading and the message that is being conveyed.
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Tip number two, don't use the dictionary too much.
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So this tip links to tip number one in that we are not trying to check every single word.
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In this way, reading becomes really, really boring.
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If you want to read to enjoy what you are reading
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then you need to try to get the general picture
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and check the words at the end rather than stopping to check every word that you don't understand.
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Tip number three, try reading out loud.
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You don't have to do this for a long portion of text
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or for a lot of time but try to read for maybe five minutes a day,
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a short portion of a text out loud.
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This can help your confidence,
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your pronunciation and your fluency in reading as well as transferring to your speaking skills.
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Tip number four, choose the right level.
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So if you read a text that is for native speakers
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and you are just beginning to learn then this is obviously going to be quite demoralizing.
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So try to read things that are at your level,
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for example, graded readers are really good for this.
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You can find, for example,
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Dracula or other classic books,
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but at a level that is appropriate to you.
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A2, B1, whatever level you are.
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Tip number five, read a little bit every day.
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Even 10 minutes every day is better than nothing.
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Reading is a skill and the more you practice,
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the better you will become.
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And bonus tip, you can always try rereading the same text again
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or reading a text you have read in your own language but in English.
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Whenever you have some familiarity with the text already,
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it will be a pleasant surprise whenever you read it in English because you will already be
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aware of the subject matter and some of the vocabulary that is being used.
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If you would like a book suggestion let me know in comments
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and don't forget to let me know your level as well so that I can find something that would suit you.
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Don't forget to like and subscribe and I'll see you next time.

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will explore effective strategies to enhance your English reading skills. By practicing the techniques shared in the video, you will learn how to read with greater comprehension and confidence. Improving your reading not only helps with understanding written texts but also contributes significantly to your English speaking practice and overall fluency. You will discover how to approach reading in a way that is enjoyable and manageable, making it easier to comprehend the main ideas without getting overwhelmed by difficult vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • General meaning: The overall idea or message of a text.
  • Fluency: The ability to read and speak smoothly and easily.
  • Graded readers: Books specially tailored to language learners at different skill levels.
  • Demoralizing: Causing a loss of confidence or motivation.
  • Rereading: Reading the same text again to reinforce understanding.
  • Shadowing technique: A method of improving language skills by repeating after a speaker.
  • Pronunciation: The way in which a word is pronounced.
  • Text: Any written material that can be read.

Practice Tips

To maximize your learning experience while incorporating the shadowing technique, follow these tailored tips:

  • Adjust Your Speed: Start by reading the transcript of the video slowly. Focus on understanding the general meaning before speeding up to match Eleanor’s pace.
  • Use Shadowspeak: When you practice speaking, repeat Eleanor's phrases right after her. This will help improve your English pronunciation and help you become more comfortable with the flow of the language.
  • Daily Practice: Set aside a few minutes each day for shadowing. Even five minutes of dedicated practice can significantly enhance your English speaking practice skills.
  • Engage with Graded Readers: Find graded readers that intrigue you and read sections aloud. This exposes you to vocabulary at your level while still challenging you.
  • Record Yourself: Use your phone or computer to record your shadowing sessions. Listen to the playback to identify areas where you can improve your fluency and pronunciation.

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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