Shadowing Practice: Merge sort in 3 minutes - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “Merge sort in 3 minutes”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: array, merge, items, sorted, mergesort. This video has 13 sentences and 321 words to shadow. The speech runs for 3:01. The speaker talks slowly, about 106 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. Only 79% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| array noun | /əˈɹeɪ/ | Clothing and ornamentation; raiment. |
| merge verb | /mɝd͡ʒ/ | To combine into a whole. |
| temporary adjective | /ˈtɛmp(əˌɹ)ɛɹi/ | Not permanent; existing only for a period or periods of time. |
| divide verb | /dɪˈvaɪd/ | To split or separate (something) into two or more parts. |
| compare verb | /kəmˈpɛɚ/ | To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things [“to compare X with Y”]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it… |
| solve verb | /sɒlv/ | To find an answer or solution to a problem or question; to work out. |
| loop noun | /luːp/ | A length of thread, line or rope that is doubled over to make an opening. |
| suggestion noun | /səˈd͡ʒɛst.ʃən/ | Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for) |
| implement verb | /ˈɪmpləmənt/ | To bring about; to put into practice; to carry out. |
| examine verb | /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/ | To observe carefully or critically to learn about someone or something. |
| combine verb | /kəmˈbaɪn/ | To bring (two or more things or activities) together; to unite. |
| stack noun | /stæk/ | A large pile of hay, grain, straw, or the like, larger at the bottom than the top, sometimes covered with thatch. |
| algorithm noun | /ˈælɡəɹɪðm̩/ | A collection of ordered steps that solve a mathematical problem. A precise step-by-step plan for a computational procedure that possibly begins with an input… |
| complexity noun | /kəmˈplɛk.sɪ.ti/ | The state of being complex; intricacy; entanglement. |
| insert verb | /ɪnˈsɝt/ | To put in between or into. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| jump up verb | To move from one position to a higher position by one jump. |
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | are left · are sorted · is now sorted |
| Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing | create which is |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 6 contractions and reduced forms, such as we're, we'll. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: suggestion /səˈd͡ʒɛst.ʃən/, recursion /ɹɪˈkɜː(ɹ)ʒən/
- Long words — get the stress right: temporary /ˈtɛmp(əˌɹ)ɛɹi/, complexity /kəmˈplɛk.sɪ.ti/, continuously /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like array, merge, temporary.
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.