Shadowing Practice: I'm the Weird Sister - Learn English Speaking with Video

Hello, my name is Simona, and I'm from Spain.

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Growing up, what I hated most was when my parents argued and yelled at each other.

And it happened a lot.

But there were some moments when we'd all laugh together.

Like when I turned three, Dad came home with the biggest unicorn doll for me.

And Mom baked my favorite vanilla cake.

It was the happiest day of my life.

Simona, you're the best thing that's ever happened.

When you were born, our world changed.

Yes, darling, you mean everything to us.

Mom worked as a secretary at a big insurance company, and Dad worked at a local store, so we lived a pretty average life.

But then one day when I was four, Mom came home driving her boss's expensive car and told Dad that she was leaving him.

Please don't go, Mom.

I love you.

Oh, my baby.

Tell you what, you will visit me at my new house every weekend.

I watched Mom pack her bags and drive away.

And dad was so sad.

He told me that he and mom were now separated.

Months later, he took me to visit her at her new fancy house, and she was sitting with her boss carrying a new baby.

Simona, I'd like you to meet your baby sister, Luisa.

Luisa was the luckiest little baby because her dad bought her all the toys in the world.

I liked going to their mansion, and mom would be so happy every time I visited.

But soon Luisa started crying so hard for mom's attention that it became difficult for us to spend any time together.

Once when I was five and Louisa was a toddler, Mom took us to the zoo and bought us both candy.

But Louisa threw hers into the baboon cage, and then she started crying hysterically for more.

She even started pulling Mom's hair, and I gave her my candy so she'd calm down and give Mom a break.

Oh, Simona, thank you so much.

You've always been such an understanding child.

I hope your sister grows up to be just like you.

Thanks, Mom.

We just want you to be happy.

Since mom had left, dad always tried to hide his sadness and make me laugh with his jokes and dramatic bedtime stories.

And I tried my best to always make him proud and happy, too.

Once in second grade, dad came to my school for a parent -teacher meeting, and my teacher, Esmeralda, told him all sorts of nice things about me,

since I was the top student in her class.

Wow, I'm so proud of you, darling.

You should be.

Simona is a very special little girl.

Right after the meeting, Dad invited Esmeralda to come with us for pizza.

He looked really happy around her, and soon after, he started seeing her more often.

And I didn't mind at all because she was very nice to me.

Once in fourth grade, we went to the ice rink together, and Esmeralda showed me how to skate.

Okay, I'm not letting go of your hand until you're strong on your feet.

I think I can skate on my own.

Look!

I let go of her grip and twirled around, feeling like I was flying.

And then suddenly my leg twisted and I fell down hard.

I felt dizzy and I saw Esmeralda running towards me as I blacked out.

I was rushed to the hospital and my leg was put through so many scans and then bandaged up.

Esmeralda couldn't stop crying.

This is all my fault.

I'm so sorry, Simona.

No, please, don't blame yourself.

I wanted to skate on my own.

Dad hugged Esmeralda to make her feel better.

And just then, Mom barged in with Louisa.

How could you let this happen?

She started yelling at Dad, and they both got into a big argument forgetting all about me.

Guys, guys, stop.

Everyone looked at me, and then Louisa came closer to my bed looking angry.

I had a big concert today, and I was the lead.

But now I'm here because Mom was worried about you.

You ruined my concert.

Louisa, you can't speak to your sister like that.

She just got injured.

Louisa pulled an ugly face at me, and just then the doctor walked in with some bad news.

He told my parents that my leg would never be normal again.

I walked with a limp, and at school, I couldn't participate in any sports.

But I still remained the top student in the class.

And everyone was so nice to me since I'd never had trouble making friends, and I always helped them with their homework.

One day when I was in seventh grade, Esmeralda watched how I helped some kids understand a math equation, and she was so impressed.

Simona, you would make a really good teacher one day.

Yes, I would love to be a teacher one day, just like you, Esmeralda.

Esmeralda really cared about me, and when I was in eighth grade, dad told me that he wanted to marry her.

I was so happy for them.

Dad even invited mom and her family.

This was his way of finally making peace.

Just before the event started, I found Louisa standing and glaring at the big wedding cake.

What are you doing here, alone?

Whatever I want.

This cake looks so delicious.

Yes, it is, but don't stand too close.

we don't want any accidents.

She smirked at me, and then suddenly, she stuck her finger out and scooped the frosting off the cake.

Hey, you can't do that!

But she just laughed and reached for the cake again.

I ran forward to pull her away.

As she tried to push me off, we both started wrestling and crashed straight into the cake.

Just then, Mom and Dad appeared, looking speechless.

What have you girls done?

It wasn't me, Dad, honest.

Mom surprised me when she yelled at Louisa.

I'm so tired of your behavior, Louisa.

Your father has spoiled you so much that everywhere you go, you ruin things.

Simona was such a good child compared to you.

Well, maybe I should tell Dad to send you back to your poor family.

Both Dad and I were so shocked at the way Louisa spoke to Mom.

100

And after the wedding, when I visited mom again, I noticed that Louisa was awful to mom all the time

101

and bossed her around because her dad gave her the power to do so.

102

Mom, my Prada jacket still has a stain.

103

Get it cleaned right now.

104

I need it for school.

105

Okay, dear.

106

Why are you so mean to mom?

107

Because she never does anything right.

108

And if she doesn't listen, my dad will kick her out.

109

She's our mom.

110

Don't you love her?

111

Well, she loves you more, so I guess I love my dad more.

112

When I tried to talk to mom about what was going on in her life, she told me not to worry and said she could handle it.

113

There wasn't much I could do to help her.

114

One day in 10th grade, I was studying in the school library when a boy came out and sat on the table opposite to me.

115

I knew exactly who he was.

116

Jared.

117

He was one of the hot popular guys at school and was reading one of my all -time favorite books.

118

My eyes kept wandering to him now and then, and I tried not to make it too obvious.

119

But he was just so gorgeous.

120

And while I sat, zoned out in my fantasy, he suddenly started waving in my face.

121

Hey, are you okay?

122

Oh, I'm sorry.

123

I wasn't staring.

124

I was actually...

125

Um, it's okay.

126

I'm used to it.

127

That's why I sometimes come in here to hide away from the girls coming after me.

128

My parents wanted me to be a model because of all the attention I get.

129

Yes, um, you're very good -looking.

130

Modeling would suit you.

131

I actually like books and reading.

132

I don't like being in the spotlight.

133

I was so surprised because I always saw him surrounded by girls.

134

I was never after him because he was way out of my league.

135

But after meeting him in the library, we actually became good friends because we had so much in common.

136

One day, he asked if I'd like to see the latest Star Wars movie with him, And I was so excited that another kid in school liked that kind of stuff.

137

We even dressed up like the characters and had the time of our lives.

138

I'm so happy to finally have a Star Wars partner.

139

Me too.

140

You're such a cool person to hang out with.

141

He looked deep into my eyes and then he leaned over and kissed me.

142

I was so shocked because it all felt like a dream.

143

And then I looked down at my leg and started doubting myself and wondering if any of this was real.

144

Hey, what's wrong?

145

Jared, you're like the hottest guy on this planet and there's so many pretty girls without any issues like mine.

146

So why me?

147

There's nothing wrong with you, Simona.

148

You're perfect.

149

Jared liked me just as I was and I learned to love myself with my brokenness.

150

Life at school felt great until one day mom called me with some surprising news.

151

Honey, Louisa will be joining your school.

152

She got expelled from her fancy private school because she was bullying kids.

153

But mom, she won't fit in at my school.

154

No other school will accept her.

155

Please look out for her and show her around.

156

Maybe she can learn something from you.

157

The next day, Louisa walked into my school wearing a white fluffy coat and black shades.

158

Just as she approached me, a group of girls snuck up behind her and spray -painted her coat.

159

What is wrong with you fools?

160

This is Dolce and Gabbana.

161

Oh my gosh, you ruined it.

162

The girls went ballistic and lifted her off her feet.

163

What did you call us?

164

Put me down.

165

When I told the girls that she was my sister, they let her go.

166

What is wrong with the people in your school?

167

This is not one of your fancy schools.

168

And all the newbies get spray painted.

169

It's tradition.

170

That's why I hated the idea of a public school.

171

Poor people have no class.

172

Ugh, she was such a snob.

173

While I was showing Louisa around, we bumped into Jared and he kissed me before running off to class.

174

Louisa looked at me, stunned.

175

Oh my god, how did the hottest guy in school end up with you?

176

Why?

177

What's wrong with me?

178

Everything.

179

You're boring, you dress like a granny.

180

and you have a broken leg.

181

You're just a very ugly person inside and out, Louisa.

182

I'm going to steal him from you.

183

Watch and see.

184

I wasn't threatened by my stupid sister.

185

After school, when Jared walked me out to the gate, Louisa ran after us and slipped her number into his pocket.

186

Before I could say anything, Jared spoke up.

187

Louisa, what's wrong with you?

188

I'm with your sister, and I'm crazy about her.

189

Please, just stay away from me.

190

I smiled widely as Louisa turned red, and just then Esmeralda came to pick me up.

191

We had to wait till mom came for Louisa, and she yelled on the phone at mom for being late.

192

Hey, you can't speak to your mom that way.

193

Mind your own business, lady.

194

You are not my stepmother.

195

Louisa was just out of control.

196

I decided I was done with her.

197

I completely ignored her for the next day at school.

198

And during recess, she insulted some girls by calling them poor, and they all surrounded her.

199

But I didn't run to her rescue.

200

Hey, aren't those girls hurting your sister?

201

Yes, but she can't control her awful mouth.

202

Whatever happens to her, she deserves it.

203

Yeah, but she's still your sister.

204

Jared always had a way to make me think twice.

205

So I stepped into the circle of girls and found my sister crying.

206

Simona, please tell them to bring back my bag.

207

Not until you promise to change your ways, especially how you speak to mom.

208

I promise.

209

Please, please save me from these mean girls.

210

It's not so nice when it's done to you, right?

211

I told the girls to leave my sister alone, and then she joined me and Jared for lunch.

212

And to my shock, she actually apologized for being a jerk.

213

I'm really sorry, Simona.

214

I've always been mean to you and mom because I always felt she loved you more.

215

But today, when those girls were mean to me, I felt what it was like to be the weak one.

216

I've hurt so many people already.

217

Well, it's never too late to change.

218

Later that day when my stepmom and mom came to pick us up, Luisa apologized to both of them too. And then,

219

Esmeralda told us some thrilling news she was pregnant oh my god what i'm gonna be a big sister again

220

that baby's lucky to have you simona and you louisa will be the best big sisters ever

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This speaking lesson is built on the video “I'm the Weird Sister”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: mom, louisa, dad, simona, sister. This video has 220 sentences and 2238 words to shadow. The speech runs for 12:18. The speaker talks fast, about 182 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.

Key vocabulary in this video

15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
yell verb	/jɛl/	To shout; holler; make a loud sound with the voice, especially to express intense emotions such as anger or excitement.
shock noun	/ʃɔk/	A sudden, heavy impact.
fancy noun	/ˈfæn.si/	The imagination.
ruin noun	/ˈɹuː.ɪn/	The remains of a destroyed or dilapidated construction, such as a house or castle.
skate noun	/skeɪt/	A runner or blade, usually of steel, with a frame shaped to fit the sole of a shoe, made to be fastened under the foot, and used for gliding on ice.
awful adjective	/ˈɔːfʊl/	Very bad.
ugly adjective	/ˈʌɡli/	Displeasing to the eye; aesthetically unpleasing.
coat noun	/ˈkoʊ̯t/	An outer garment covering the upper torso and arms.
invite verb	/ɪnˈvaɪt/	To ask for the presence or participation of someone or something.
candy noun	/ˈkæn.di/	Crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup.
spray noun	/spɹeɪ/	A fine, gentle, dispersed mist of liquid.
apologize verb	/əˈpɑləˌd͡ʒaɪz/	To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends
darling noun	/ˈdɑɹlɪŋ/	Often used as an affectionate term of address: a person who is very dear to one.
surround verb	/səˈɹaʊnd/	To encircle something or simultaneously extend in all directions.
finger noun	/ˈfɪŋɡɚ/	A slender jointed extremity of the human hand, (often) exclusive of the thumb, and the corresponding part, irrespective of including a thumb, in many other…

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
bring back verb	/ˈbɹɪŋ bæk/	To fetch something.
calm down verb		To become less excited, intense, or angry.
come out verb	/ˌkʌm ˈaʊt/	To be discovered; to be revealed.
dress up verb		To put on special or fancy clothes.
drive away verb		To force someone or something to leave
fall down verb	/fɔl ˈdaʊn/	To fall to the ground. To collapse.
grow up verb		To mature and become an adult.
put through verb		To connect (a telephone caller) with the callee.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

How could you let this happen?
What are you doing here, alone?
What have you girls done?
Louisa, what's wrong with you?
Hey, aren't those girls hurting your sister?

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	were born · were now separated · was rushed
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	You've always been · has spoiled · I've always been

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 52 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, you're, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: seventh /ˈsɛvənθ/, eighth /eɪtθ/, mathematics /mæθ(.ə)ˈmæt.ɪks/, threaten /ˈθɹɛt.n̩/, thrill /θɹɪl/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: shock /ʃɔk/, rush /ɹʌʃ/, delicious /dɪˈlɪ.ʃəs/, shade /ʃeɪd/, equation /ɪˈkweɪ.ʒən/
Long words — get the stress right: apologize /əˈpɑləˌd͡ʒaɪz/, participate /pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/, mathematics /mæθ(.ə)ˈmæt.ɪks/

How to practise with this video

Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like yell, shock, fancy.

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 →

Shadowing Practice: I'm the Weird Sister - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

Key vocabulary in this video

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Sentences worth repeating

Grammar in this video

Pronunciation to watch

How to practise with this video

What is the Shadowing Technique?