Shadowing Practice: Let's Learn English Lesson 29: A Long Time Ago - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B1
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Music Music Music Music Music Music Music
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Hello In Washington D.C.
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There are many places that bring history to life But people who live here often do not have time to see them.
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They are too busy with work.
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Like me.
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Hi Marcia.
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Hi Anna.
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Have a seat.
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Thanks.
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This was a good idea.
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Working outdoors is nice.
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Nice.
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Mm-hmm.
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It is.
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Whew.
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I am tired.
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Today was a busy day at work,
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and I still have work to do.
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Hmm.
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That's too bad.
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How are you these days?
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I'm really busy too, Anna.
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Let's get to work.
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Marsha, look!
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That bus has a photo of Abraham Lincoln.
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That's an advertisement for Forth Theater.
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They have a new show.
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They have shows where Abraham Lincoln died?
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Yeah, it's a working theater and a museum.
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I love Lincoln.
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Listen.
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How are you?
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Speak.
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Listen.
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I am tired.
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Today was a busy day at work.
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Speak.
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You know, Marsha, that advertisement reminds me of something.
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Uh-huh.
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What's that?
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When I was a little girl,
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when I was a little girl,
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I was not like other children.
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I can believe that.
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I was a tall, serious child.
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At the playground, the other children played silly games.
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They played with dart guns.
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They played on the swings.
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The slide.
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and the teeter-totter.
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They also played ball.
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But not me.
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I loved to read serious books about U.S presidents.
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In fact, I wanted to be...
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Don't laugh.
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President of the United States.
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Stop!
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I know, it's a silly childhood dream.
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I'm sorry.
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It's not silly.
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Guess what I wanted to be.
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What?
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When I was a kid,
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I studied the stars and planets.
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I wanted to fly into outer space.
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You know, Marcia, childhood dreams are important.
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They are.
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And it's good to remember them.
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Hey, I have an idea.
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Let's go.
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Go where?
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Let's go make our childhood dreams come true.
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We're going to the Air and Space Museum, yes?
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No!
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We're going to see a show at Ford's Theatre,
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just like Abraham Lincoln did when he died.
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It's not far from here.
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Uh-huh.
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That's your childhood dream.
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Good point.
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Okay, next week we'll come here and be astronauts.
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Honestly.
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Honestly.
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Tonight, we are seeing a show at Ford's Theater where a man shot President Abraham Lincoln.
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This is history come to life.
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And a childhood dream come true.
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Until next time.
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you

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Context & Background

In this lesson, we find ourselves in Washington, D.C., where the blend of history and modern life becomes a fascinating backdrop for conversation. The dialogue revolves around busy lives filled with work and the seldom-seen historical landmarks. The speakers, Marcia and Anna, express the relatable struggle of balancing responsibilities with a desire to explore historical sites like the Ford Theatre, where the assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place. Their discussion is not just about history but also about personal reflection, which offers a rich context for English learners. They provide a genuine insight into their pasts, highlighting their character differences as children.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • How are you these days? - A common way to ask about someone's well-being.
  • That's too bad. - A sympathetic phrase used to express understanding of someone’s situation.
  • Listen. - This phrase invites attention and suggests a story or important information is coming up.
  • I am really busy. - A straightforward way to communicate that you have many commitments.
  • I love Lincoln. - An expression of interest that opens the door for further conversation about history or personal interests.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively practice your English speaking skills using the shadowing technique, follow these steps based on the dialogue from the lesson:

  1. Choose a Shadowing App: Utilize a shadowing app or site that allows you to play back the video at a slow speed. This helps you catch every word.
  2. Listen Carefully: Before speaking, listen to small sections of the dialogue. Pay attention to the pronunciation of phrases and the intonation of the speakers.
  3. Repeat After the Speakers: Mimic what you hear by pausing the video after each phrase. Focus on matching the tone and rhythm of Marcia and Anna.
  4. Record Yourself: Use your smartphone or a computer to record your speaking practice. Listen to your recordings to evaluate your pronunciation against the original dialogue.
  5. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Set aside time each day to shadow this specific dialogue to build confidence and improve your English pronunciation.

By applying these steps and immersing yourself in the historical and personal context of the conversation, you’ll enhance your english speaking practice. The combination of relatable situations and effective shadowing techniques can significantly improve your fluency and comfort in speaking English.

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.

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