Shadowing Practice: Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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You got what's mine?
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Promise me one thing.
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What's that?
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You sure the girl doesn't get hurt?
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You play with fire.
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You just might get burnt.
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What do
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you mean?
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Oh, oh, oh, oh When you nod your head yes But you wanna say no What do you mean?
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Hey, yeah When you don't want me to move But you tell me to go What do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Said you're running out of time, what do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Better make up your mind, what do you mean?
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You're so indecisive, what I'm saying Trying to catch the beat,
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make up your heart Don't know if you're happy or complaining Don't want for us to win, where do I start?
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First you wanna go to the left, then you wanna turn right Wanna argue all day, make it love all night First you're up,
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then you're down, and in between Oh, I really wanna know What do you mean?
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Oh, when you nod your head, yes But you wanna say no, what do you mean?
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Hey, when you don't want me to move But you tell me to go, what do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Said you're running out of time, what do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Better make up your mind, what do you mean?
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You're all for protective when I'm leaving,
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trying to compromise but I can't win You wanna make a point but you keep reaching, you had me from the start,
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won't let this end First you wanna go to the left, then you wanna turn right,
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wanna argue all day, make love all night First you're up, then you're down, and in between Oh,
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I really wanna know Trust me.
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Trust me.
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It's a marriage.
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What do you mean?
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Oh, oh, nod your head yes, but you wanna say no What do you mean?
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When you don't want me to move, but you tell me to go What do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Said you're running out of time, what do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Better make up your mind, what do you mean?
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Oh, when you nod your head, yes What you wanna say, no, what do you mean?
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It's like a beauty, baby When you don't want me to move Don't you tell me to go, what do you mean?
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I'll be on the street for Oh, what do you mean?
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Change it right and out of time, what do you mean?
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Oh, what do you mean?
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Better make up your mind, what do you mean?

Why Practice Speaking with This Video?

“What Do You Mean?” by Justin Bieber is more than just a catchy pop song; it serves as a practical resource for learners keen on improving their English speaking practice. Engaging with this video allows you to hear conversational English in a real-world context, filled with emotion and nuance. As you practice your speaking skills through activities like shadow speech—which involves mimicking the pronunciation and intonation of the singer—you'll better understand the natural rhythms of English conversation. This method is particularly effective for those preparing for tests like the IELTS, where fluency and comprehension are key.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

In the song, several key structures and expressions can be useful for your language learning:

  • “What do you mean?” - This phrase emphasizes the need for clarification and understanding, essential in any conversation.
  • “When you nod your head yes but you wanna say no” - This illustrates the conflict between verbal and non-verbal communication, which is a common theme in interpersonal interactions.
  • “First you wanna go to the left, then you wanna turn right” - This expression highlights indecision, a relatable topic in daily conversations. Understanding such phrases can improve your IELTS speaking practice by preparing you for discussions on various emotions.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you engage with this video, pay attention to some common pronunciation traps:

  • Indecisive vs. Decisive: The contrasting use of these terms showcases subtle vowel sounds that can be tricky for non-native speakers.
  • Nod vs. No: Make sure to differentiate between these two similar-sounding words, as clarity in pronunciation is crucial for effective communication.
  • What do you mean? - The phrase is repeated several times but varies slightly with emotion and rhythm. Shadowing this line will help you grasp the importance of tone in conveying meaning.

Practicing shadowspeaks through this song can not only refine your pronunciation but also build your confidence in speaking English. By integrating these aspects into your learning routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering everyday conversations.

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.