Shadowing Practice: Introduction to PLC | Siemens PLC Training Course - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Hello everyone.
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Today we are going to learn about PLC.
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Let's start with its introduction.
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So PLC, it is Programmable Logic Controller.
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Okay.
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Generally what is controller?
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A controller is used to control some operations fine
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that is what controller meant to it's right okay
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so plc is a dedicated controller specially used in a industry okay
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so plc are used in every aspect of industry to expand
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and enhance its production for its production only mainly plc is very introduced in the industry okay
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so in generally the definition of plc can be it is a unit of hardware used to control
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and automate the industrial process.
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Fine.
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So let me share the evolution of PLC image.
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So this is the evolution of PLC.
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So once upon a time we were into the manual control.
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Okay.
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So can you find the image over here a man who
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is operating a hand wall by you know looking into the
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temperature gauge okay he's very nearer to the furnace according to
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the temperature range he is going to change the hand wall
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okay do you think it is really safe for a human
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being who is always nearer to the furnace obviously no
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and the second thing as a point of as a industry point of view obviously we are losing a precision
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and accuracy over here.
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Fine.
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So, this is the main problem in a manual control.
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Okay.
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That's what we have shifted to the hardware control.
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Okay.
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So, what is this hardware control?
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This is nothing but a relay control system.
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Okay.
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So, older automated systems were used, hundreds and thousands of relays.
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Okay.
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So, obviously, we know relay, right?
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It is a, you know, electromagnetic switch.
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Okay.
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For a simple, to make a simpler, you know, simple control system, we are in need of more wires to make it possible okay
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so a single plc unit can replace the hundred
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and thousands of relay control release okay
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that is the main thing that's what we have faced
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so much of difficulty in this hardware control
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so one of the main disappointments over here is it is really tough to find where the fault occurs
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if for example in a simple control system there is one error in a wiring okay
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and it's really hard to find
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because we are into thousands of wires okay there is one
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statement in the control industry they will tell the relay control system as
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if the fault is happening means it is five hours to find the fault
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and five minutes to fix it okay
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that is one of the main disadvantage in this hardware control
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system that's what we have moved into the electronics control
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which is nothing but a pcb designing and all okay so there was a problem with the troubleshooting and the cost also.
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Okay.
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That's what we have shifted to the PLC control.
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Okay.
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PLC is a specialized computer used to control the machine and the process.
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Okay.
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It using the programmable memory to store the instruction and execute the functions that include on -off control,
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timing, function and counting function, sequencing, processing, logical, arithmetic and data handling functions.
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Okay.
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So, the design of most PLC is similar to that of other computers, normal or personal computers.
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Okay.
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But it is specially for the manufacturing process equipments and machinery.
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Okay.
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Unlike an office computer, it can be, it has been designed to operate in the industrial environment.
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Obviously, industry means controller need to run for 24 into 7.
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Right.
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So PLC can withstand those temperature.
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Okay.
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Because it is equipped with special input and output interface and control programming language.
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Right.
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Yeah.
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Let us see the architecture of PLC.
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yeah so yeah before
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that i would like to introduce him he is a dick
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richard dick marley who is the father of plc okay in 1960s he has introduced this plc
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and he is a father of plc let's move PLC architecture
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so as I have already told it is similar to our personal computer right
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so our personal computer obviously it is having
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a processor correct now so it is having a processor which is a brain of the control system
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okay so before
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that let's have a look into this power supply okay it is used to power the cpu
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and other field devices right it is a source it is giving the source to all the devices okay
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and let's have a look into this input
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and output module what is this means it is act as a bridge
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which is connecting our input
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and output devices with the cpu okay is used to give the communication between io devices
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that means a field instruments like push buttons switchers transmitters control valve solenoid valve vft
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so these are the field instruments
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so it is making a bridge between those field instruments
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and the cpu okay and can you find the optical isolation over here
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okay it is a isolation barrier okay to electrically isolate the
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internal components of cpu from the io terminals plc employs an isolation okay
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so and coming back to the cpu it is a brain of the plc
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and it is having a processor used to perform logic and controlling the communication among the modules.
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Okay.
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User can enter the desired circuit in the ladder logic program.
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Okay.
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Which is by using this programming device.
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Okay.
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The processor accepts the input data from various input devices
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and execute the program which is stored in the program memory and send the signal to the output device.
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Okay.
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So and this one programming device.
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This may be a handled device in our older days
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and now we are using pcs and laptop where we are installing our plc software
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and we will be writing the program into it by using the communication portals we are downloading
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and uploading the program into one from the plc okay
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so these are the main components we have in the plc
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and apart from this additional components we may have a operator interface device to allow the data entry
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and data monitoring by the operators
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and the second one is communication adapters for remote IOS so
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that the central controller you know can be connected to remote sensor
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and actuators okay and the third one is the network interface
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which is allow the interconnecting of PLCs with other controllers
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and the distributed control system okay so the above three are the additional components
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but these five are the very important components that you can find in all the PLCs.
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Okay.
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So, let's move on to the advantages of PLC.
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Okay.
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Let me share one more image.
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Okay.
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So, advantage of PLC.
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So, why we are using PLC over the PLC, you know, previous control systems.
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Okay.
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Let's see the first point which is increasing the reliability.
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Okay.
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So here once the program has been written into the PLC and is tested it can easily download to the PLC.
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Okay.
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Since all the logic is contained in the PLC memory there is no chance of making the logical error.
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That is a one of the main advantages in a PLC.
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Okay.
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This program takes the place of much of the external wiring
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that would normally be required for controlling of the process okay
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hard wiring is still required to connect the field devices
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but it is very less comparing to the relay control system okay
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so that's what it is increasing the reliability okay the second point we can see is it's more flexible okay
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so more flexible in the terms like it is not really easy to wire
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and rewire the circuit correct na but in a plc changing a program will be very easy.
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End user can modify the program in the field or
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if desired security can be provided by future such as key locks and passwords.
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Okay, it is more flexible.
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And the third point we are having is a communication capability.
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Okay, so PLC can communicate with other PLC and other computer equipment to perform some functions.
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Okay, it can easily communicate with the SCADA systems, HMIs and other PLC and all.
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Okay.
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And also it is used for the uploading and downloading of programs.
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Okay.
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So comparing to the previous control system here, the communication capability is having more features.
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Okay.
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The next one is faster response time.
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Okay.
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It operates in a real time, which means the event take place in the field results in the execution of the output.
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okay
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and the next is easier to troubleshoot it is having a
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led indication okay to easily find out the faulty i o
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to fix the problems user can display the control program
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and the monitor and watch it in a real time as it exhibits
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okay by using all these we are finding more advantages in the plc okay
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so this is all about the introduction of plc let you know meet you in the next session thank you
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What You'll Learn

This video builds practical speaking skills for clear, professional communication. You’ll practice explaining technical concepts—like defining "PLC"—using simple, conversational language, a key skill for IELTS speaking practice and workplace interactions. You’ll also learn to structure explanations logically, moving from basic definitions to real-world problems, which helps listeners follow complex ideas. Additionally, the video trains you to use filler words naturally ("okay," "fine") to maintain flow, a technique native speakers use to avoid awkward pauses.

Listen For These Sounds

The speaker uses common connected speech patterns that improve listening comprehension. Notice how "Programmable Logic Controller" is often reduced to "PLC" in fast speech, a common abbreviation technique. Also, listen for linking in phrases like "used to control" where "used to" becomes "yust to" (the "d" softens to a "y" sound). Reductions like "it is" to "it's" and "that is" to "that's" are frequent, making the speech sound natural. These patterns are essential to recognize when using a shadowing site, as they mirror real-world conversations.

Say It Like a Native

To mirror the speaker’s rhythm, focus on stress and pacing. The speaker stresses key terms like "dedicated controller," "industrial process," and "relay control system" to emphasize importance—copy this to make your speech impactful. Pause slightly after important points (e.g., after defining "PLC") to let ideas sink in, a technique that improves clarity. Use the speaker’s relaxed pace: avoid rushing through technical terms, but keep filler words brief. Practice shadowing the dialogue using shadow speak methods—repeat the speaker’s words immediately after, matching their tone and stress. This trains your mouth to form sounds like a native and builds muscle memory for natural rhythm, a proven technique for learning English with videos. Over time, this practice will make your speech sound confident and fluent, whether in casual conversations or formal settings.

Grammar in this video

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

StructureIn the video
“Used to” used to + verb — a past habit or state that is no longer trueused to control · used to perform
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does ithas been designed · is equipped · is stored
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters nowhave shifted · have faced · have moved
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thingprocessor which is · program which is · point which is

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 →