Shadowing Practice: IP3T4S1 Things to do before we go - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
1
Our plane tickets arrived this morning ... it reminded me how much there is to do before we go.
2
Let’s write everything down shall we, so we don’t forget anything .
3
Yes. Last time we went away we almost forgot to collect our currency from the bank.
4
So let’s start with that.
5
Good thinking.
6
And wasn’t there an appointment you said you’d got to cancel?
7
Yes, the hairdresser ... Thanks for reminding me.
8
Can you write that down too?
9
The shop will be closed now, but I’ll do it first thing on Monday.
10
OK ... Then, starting on Tuesday we’ve got to take the tablets we got from the pharmacy.
11
We really mustn’t forget to do that, we’re not protected against malaria till we’ve been taking them for at least seven days.
12
No, so that’s really important.
13
And what about shopping?
14
There’s still a few things we’ve got to buy the next time we’re in town.
15
We need some more sun block don’t we?
16
We’ve only got that factor ten stuff - it won’t be strong enough.
17
I’ve already bought that.
18
But what we do still need to get is sunglasses.
19
The ones I’ve got aren’t good enough, and I don’t think yours are either.
20
OK ... I’ve noted that down.
21
And I think I’m going to get another bag too.
22
Just a small one.
23
We always seem to come back with more things than we take!
24
Shall we get an extra lock for our suitcase as well?
25
Just in case the one we’ve got breaks.
26
They don’t seem to last long.
27
Yes, they are a bit flimsy.
28
OK ... Right ... Oh yes, and we need an adaptor for our electrical things.
29
Your hair dryer and my shaver ... The plugs on them are bound to be the wrong type.
30
We could get one at the airport.
31
They always have them there.
32
Well I’d rather get it beforehand, so I’m writing it down.
33
And then I think that’s it isn’t it?
34
I think so.
35
As far as shopping’s concerned.
36
But we also need to order a taxi to take us to the airport.
37
We should do that well in advance.
38
My sister left it too late and she had to take the train - with that huge suitcase of hers!
39
I know, she really struggled with it ...
40
Now let’s see ... Your mother said she’d come in regularly while we’re away, so what do we want her to do?
41
I’ll write some instructions and we can give them to her tomorrow.
42
Good idea. Well ... the cat’s the main thing.
43
Feed ... the cat ...
44
We ought to leave her the vet’s details as well, just in case there’s a problem.
45
Yes. Have you got them handy?
46
Hang on, I’m just looking ... Yes.
47
His name’s Colin Jefferey.
48
Is that spelt with a G?
49
Actually it’s J-E-double F-E-R-E-Y.
50
Quite an unusual spelling, isn’t it?
51
Mmm. And his number?
52
Oh treble seven, five nine four ... one two eight.
53
It’s a mobile.
54
OK. And you should write down where it is - it’s Fore Street, not sure what number, but it’s next to the bus stop isn’t it?
55
That’s not a very good landmark, but it’s on the other side of the road to the church, so I’ll tell her that.
56
Let’s hope she won’t need a vet anyway!
57
Yes. Right, apart from that there are the plants to water.
58
Ask her to make sure they don’t dry out.
59
Oh yes, and I’ve already mentioned the problem with the boiler, and your mum said she’d come round to meet the heating engineer and let him in.
60
Yes. It’s a lot for her to do, but we really need to get the problem sorted out, and the earliest date I could get an appointment was April the thirtieth.
61
Isn’t it the day after we go?
62
Yes - we leave on the twenty-ninth.
63
And she’ll have to hang around till the job’s finished.
64
Oh well, she won’t mind I’m sure.
65
She likes helping people out.
66
Yes, she does.
67
OK ... That’s it then I think.
68
Unless you can think of anything else?
69
Not at the moment.
70
Leave the list there and I’ll ...

Context & Background

The dialogue in this video focuses on the preparations that two individuals are making prior to traveling. From collecting currency and shopping for essentials to arranging for a pet sitter, the conversation reflects a common scenario that many people experience before embarking on a trip. This context provides an excellent opportunity for English learners to engage with practical vocabulary and situational phrases, enhancing their language skills for everyday use and travel-related discussions.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “We need to collect our currency from the bank.” - This phrase is useful for discussing travel preparations and financial matters.
  • “We’ve got to take the tablets we got from the pharmacy.” - This highlights the importance of health and medication while traveling.
  • “I’ll write that down.” - A simple and effective way to emphasize the act of noting important details.
  • “We always seem to come back with more things than we take!” - A relatable expression about the nature of shopping during travels.
  • “Let’s order a taxi to take us to the airport.” - Essential for discussing transportation plans.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively utilize this video for improving English pronunciation and enhancing your speaking skills, follow this structured shadow speech guide:

  1. Watch and Listen: First, watch the entire video without any subtitles. Focus on the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers.
  2. Break It Down: Replay the video and pause after each sentence. Pay close attention to the rhythm and flow of their speech.
  3. Repeat After: Use a shadowing app or audio recorder to imitate the speakers immediately after they say each line. Ensure you match their tone and speed to effectively practice IELTS speaking practice techniques.
  4. Record Yourself: After shadowing several lines, record your attempts. Compare your pronunciation and intonation with the original dialogue to identify areas for improvement.
  5. Daily Practice: Make this an ongoing practice routine. Regular English speaking practice with relevant phrases and contexts will significantly enhance your fluency over time.

By incorporating these steps and focusing on the vocabulary introduced in this video, you can significantly boost your confidence and speaking abilities in real-world situations.

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.