Shadowing Practice: Ielts listening - cam 17 - part 1 - test 3 - Learn English Speaking with Video

Choose a practice mode

Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.

87 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Test 3.
2
This is the IELTS Listening Test.
3
Advice to a friend about surfing holidays.
4
Part 1.
5
You will hear a man called Jack giving advice to a friend about surfing holidays.
6
First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 6.
7
Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 6.
8
Jack, I'm thinking of taking the kids to the seaside on a surfing holiday this summer.
9
And I wanted to ask your advice, as I know you're such an expert.
10
Well, I don't know about that.
11
But yes, I've done a bit of surfing over the years.
12
I'd thoroughly recommend it.
13
I think it's the kind of holiday all the family can enjoy together.
14
The thing about surfing is that it's great for all ages and all abilities.
15
My youngest started when he was only three.
16
Wow!
17
But it's quite physically demanding, isn't it?
18
I've heard you need to be pretty fit.
19
Yes, you'll certainly learn more quickly and won't tire as easily.
20
Well...
21
That should be okay for us.
22
You've been surfing a few times in Ireland, haven't you?
23
Yes.
24
There's some great surfing there which people don't always realise.
25
And which locations would you recommend?
26
There seem to be quite a few.
27
Yes, there are loads.
28
Last year we went to County Donogore.
29
There are several great places to surf there.
30
What about in County Clare?
31
I read that's also really good for surfing.
32
Yes, it is.
33
I've been there a few times.
34
Most people go to Le Hinch.
35
My kids love it there.
36
The waves aren't too challenging and the town is very lively.
37
Are there good hotels there?
38
Yes, some very nice ones and there are also a few basic hostels and campsites It's great if you need lessons,
39
as the surf schools are excellent.
40
Sounds good.
41
Yes, and there's lots to see in the area, like those well -known cliffs.
42
I've forgotten the name of them.
43
Oh, don't worry.
44
I can look them up.
45
I've also been surfing in County Mayo, which is less well known for surfing, but we had a really good time.
46
That was a few years ago when the kids were younger.
47
There's a good surf school at Karaniski Beach.
48
How do you spell that?
49
C. A.
50
Double R.
51
o w n i s K E Why?
52
Okay.
53
I put the kids into the surf camp they run during the summer for 10 to 16 year olds.
54
Oh, right.
55
How long was that for?
56
Three hours every day for a week.
57
It was perfect.
58
They were so tired out after that.
59
I can imagine.
60
One thing we did
61
while the kids were surfing was to rent some kayaks to have a look around the bay which is nearby.
62
It's really beautiful.
63
Oh, I'd love to do that.
64
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 7 to 10.
65
Now listen and answer questions 7 to 10.
66
Now, the only time I went to Ireland, it rained practically every day.
67
Hmm, yes, that can be a problem.
68
But you can surf in the rain, you know.
69
It doesn't have the same appeal somehow.
70
Well, the weather's been fine the last couple of years when I've been there.
71
but actually it tends to rain more in August than in the spring or autumn.
72
September's my favourite month because the water is warmer then, The only problem is that the kids are back to school then.
73
I know.
74
But one good thing about Irish summers is that it doesn't get too hot.
75
The average temperature is about 19 degrees and it usually doesn't go above 25 degrees.
76
That sounds alright.
77
Now, what about costs?
78
Surfing is a pretty cheap holiday, really.
79
The only cost is the hire of equipment.
80
You can expect to pay a daily rate of about 30 euros for the hire of a wetsuit and board,
81
but you can save about €40 if you hire by the week.
82
That's not too bad.
83
No. It's important to make sure you get good quality wetsuits.
84
You'll all get too cold if you don't.
85
and make sure you also get boots.
86
They keep your feet warm and it's easier to surf with them on too.
87
Okay, well, thanks very much for that.

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

FOR YOU

Recommend Video

Why practice speaking with this video?

Practicing your speaking skills using this IELTS Listening Test video can significantly enhance your English proficiency. The conversation features a native speaker, Jack, sharing advice about surfing holidays, which provides a real-world context for language usage. Engaging with this material allows you to develop your ability to articulate thoughts while incorporating relevant vocabulary and phrases related to travel and leisure activities. By mimicking Jack’s speech, you not only improve your pronunciation but also build confidence in speaking English, making this a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn English with YouTube.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Examining the language used in this conversation reveals several key grammatical structures and expressions useful for English learners:

  • Present Perfect Tense: The speaker often uses phrases like "I’ve done a bit of surfing." This structure is essential for discussing experiences, particularly in casual conversations. Practicing this helps you convey personal history more effectively.
  • Modals for Advice: Phrases such as "I would recommend" or "you should" illustrate how to give advice. Understanding and practicing these can aid learners in enhancing their speaking skills, especially in friendly discussions about recommendations.
  • Questions for Clarification: Jack uses clarification questions like "Which locations would you recommend?" This enhances conversational flow and demonstrates interest, a vital skill for IELTS speaking practice.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you practice speaking along with the video, pay attention to some tricky words and accents that could pose challenges:

  • County Donogore: This location name may be pronounced incorrectly due to unfamiliarity. It’s crucial to listen closely and repeat the pronunciation to get it right.
  • Le Hinch: A common surfing spot, the name's pronunciation might confuse those not accustomed to Irish names. Practice saying this slowly to master its rhythm and sounds.
  • Karaniski Beach: Jack spells this out, indicating it may be easier to learn the spelling before attempting to pronounce it. Breaking it down into syllables can also simplify learning.

Through shadow speak techniques—repeating phrases and sentences while mimicking the speaker—you can overcome these pronunciation challenges and enhance your overall communication skills. Incorporating this video into your English speaking practice will not only prepare you for the IELTS exam but also enrich your conversational abilities.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going onYou've been surfing · I've also been surfing
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters nowI've done · I've heard · I've been
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thingMayo, which is · bay which is
Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or predictionwill hear · you'll certainly learn · You'll all

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 →