Shadowing Practice: 🔥Land Diving in Vanuatu - Đề thi IELTS LISTENING (actual test) kèm đáp án - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Today, you will hear part of a lecture about land diving in Vanuatu.
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First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 10.
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Thank you.
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Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 10.
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but it is still quite unbelievable to see it in person.
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For those who are not aware of it, I would like to give you a basic introduction.
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The practice involves the native people tying vines around their ankles and jumping off platforms in a way similar to bungee jumping.
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In fact, it is said to have been the original inspiration for bungee jumping.
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You might first wonder who the participants are in this ceremony.
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Well, only men can take part, whereas women are not allowed to participate,
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despite the fact that the legend from which the ceremony originates names a woman as the original diver.
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Boys can begin to participate around the ages of seven or eight as a rite of passage or initiation.
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However, other children are not included.
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The ceremonies are held each year during the dry season between April and June.
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This is for two reasons.
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Firstly, lianus, the vines which are used in the ceremony, are at their most elastic during this period.
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Secondly, the ceremony is said to celebrate and bring blessings on the annual yam harvest, and it is a great attraction for the villagers,
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with everyone attending to sing, dance, and encourage the bravery of the divers.
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The ceremony is also said to bring personal benefits to the divers, such as increasing the masculinity and strength of the man.
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Taking part is considered a kind of cleansing for the man.
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Now I would like to provide you with some details about land diving.
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Well, the preparation of the towers is a major event for the village, and many men in the village prepare them for the ceremony in preceding weeks.
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The tower and platforms are built.
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Additionally, the soil is worked over to ensure it is moistened and raked to make it softer.
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If the soil is too dry, the diver will be injured when he touches the ground.
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You might wonder how the jumpers protect themselves from injury.
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During a dive, the diver tucks his head in.
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The optimal outcome is that the shoulders of the diver brush the ground.
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but this depends on the selection of the individual vine, which is chosen to suit each diver's height and weight, but without any scientific measurements.
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While it is impossible to eliminate every danger, such as the danger of hitting the ground or the tower itself,
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it is considered important if the length of the vine is incorrect.
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Obstacles such as rocks will need to be removed.
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Usually around 15 to 25 men from each village will participate in the annual diving ceremony.
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Since their age and experience vary, they will dive from towers of various elevations.
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The lowest may be around 10 meters, while the highest may be over 30 meters.
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The boards, set at the various heights, are designed to break as the diver reaches the end of his dive, absorbing some of the impact.
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The Vanuatu Tourism Council encourages widespread reports about the ceremonies in the international media to boost tourism,
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which in turn supports the local economy and charity programs.
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Many of the local villages allow tourists to visit during their ceremonies as it allows them to earn money.
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However, this practice is controversial as some feel that it may have negative effects on the integrity and authenticity of the ceremony.
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For the same reason, commercial filming of important ceremonies has been underbanned for more than 10 years.
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Only films for educational purposes are allowed.
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Now, let's begin to...
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That is the end of today's practice.
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Thank you you
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Thank you.
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Thank you.
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Thank you.
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Thank you.

Context & Background

The lecture you are about to practice revolves around the unique and exhilarating cultural activity known as land diving, which takes place in Vanuatu. The speaker explains the origins, rituals, and logistical preparations involved in this ceremony, providing listeners with invaluable insights into the community's traditions. This audio is an excellent resource for learners who aim to enhance their English comprehension skills while exploring engaging topics. By focusing on culturally rich content, you can not only learn English with YouTube, but also expand your vocabulary and understanding of diverse customs.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “Listen carefully and answer questions” - This phrase emphasizes the importance of active listening, a crucial skill in any language learning.
  • “The ceremony celebrates and brings blessings” - A useful expression that can be applied in various contexts to describe events and their significances.
  • “Prepare for the ceremony in preceding weeks” - This phrase helps convey the idea of planning and organizing events, relevant in both social and professional settings.
  • “Participants range from age seven to…” - A versatile way to discuss demographics or groups when engaging in conversations.
  • “Encourage the bravery of the divers” - A motivational phrase that can be adapted to offer support in various situations.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively improve your English speaking skills, particularly your pronunciation and fluency, follow this shadowing technique inspired by the land diving lecture:

  1. Listen to the Audio Carefully: Play the video or audio of the lecture and focus on the speaker's intonation and pace. Not only will this help you improve English pronunciation, but it will also familiarize you with the speaker's rhythm.
  2. Break Down the Script: Write down key phrases from the transcript, like those listed above, to reinforce their meaning. This practice is invaluable for english speaking practice.
  3. Repeat After the Speaker: Use the shadowing method by repeating sentences immediately after hearing them. This will enhance your speech patterns and help you internalize the language.
  4. Record Yourself: After a few repetitions, record your voice saying the same phrases. Compare it with the original to identify areas for improvement.
  5. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key in language learning. Set aside time each week to practice with various YouTube videos that interest you.

By engaging deeply with this content, you can effectively boost your English language skills while enjoying fascinating cultural narratives. Embrace this approach, and watch your speaking confidence soar!

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.