Shadowing Practice: My Big Brother’s SECRET Put Our Whole Family In DANGER - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
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So tell everyone your story starting with your name.
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My name is Erica, and I'm from Los Angeles, and I want to be a rock star like Madonna.
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Please like and subscribe to this channel.
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It's my turn.
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Dude chill.
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No need to get handsy squirt.
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That's enough.
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Steve started it!
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He always starts with me because he's such a bookworm!
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Books are good, Erika.
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You could learn something from your brother.
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You heard what mom said.
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You should learn from me.
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Seriously, you're still such a dweeb.
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Why do you always gotta creep up on me, huh?
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And why are you always binge watching these ancient vids, dude?
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Are you hunting for one of your boring old songs you used to make up?
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Ha!
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Today would be Mom's 45th birthday.
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I miss her.
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Yeah, totally.
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Well, I'm heading to the library.
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Same thing you dropped yesterday, and yet you didn't roll in until after midnight.
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What's the real date?
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Stay out of my business, Erica.
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I'm nearly 18 and don't need to take orders from you.
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Well, I'm almost 20 and I'm still older than-- Are you expecting anyone? Is there something wrong?
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We have to go.
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What?
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What's going on?
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We don't have time.
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We'll escape through the back.
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Steve, you're scaring me.
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What is going on?
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You know we lost Mom when she was involved in some dangerous spy stuff and...
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Okay, let's run.
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Are you for real?
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We're legit hiding in our treehouse right now?
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You're going to hide there.
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You can't just leave me here all alone.
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This place is old and smelly and it has spiders.
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You know I hate spiders.
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guy that broke down our door.
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They're not good guys and I don't want you to get involved in all this.
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You're doing something shady, Steve?
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Like illegal stuff?
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No, they want something from me.
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A device.
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I have to go before they see you.
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No!
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I promised mom that I would protect you, so I'm coming with you.
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It's too dangerous, Erika, but you can follow behind.
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They'll take me to the Wood Creek warehouse.
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But that place has been shut down for ages.
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Listen, I don't have time.
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Please be careful.
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And no cops.
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The cops can't be trusted.
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Oh my gosh, this feels like a nightmare.
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Maybe it is.
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I should slap myself.
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Ow!
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Okay, not a dream.
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He said I should follow him.
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Oh boy, this is terrifying!
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This place looks dangerous.
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What the freaking rats, little bro?
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What have you gotten yourself into?
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I'm clueless about what to do.
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He said no cops, but seriously, am I supposed to storm in there and zap the bad guys with my imaginary superpowers?
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Yeah, I wish.
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Anyhow, I can't just abandon my brother.
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Screw it.
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Here goes nothing.
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Where did you hide the latest device?
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It's stashed away in a secure spot where your boss, Mason, will never sniff it out.
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I designed that device for the CIA, you know, to keep people safe from crooks like you.
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Tell us where it is, or else we'll pluck every strand of hair on your head with a tweezer.
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Is that even lethal?
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Erica!
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Now will you tell me what's going on?
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Maybe after you untie me.
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Watch out, he's coming for you!
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Jeez, where did you learn how to be such a karate kid?
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TV.
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Come on, quick, let's get the heck out of here!
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Wait, not so fast.
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I need to retrieve the device.
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What?
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What device?
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Are you kidding me?
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Did you see the size of this guy?
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We need to run before he gets up!
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You go, and if I don't come back, call the cops.
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I need to get the device I invented, or else...
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Lot of people will be in danger.
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Are you crazy?
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Why would you create a device for bad guys?
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Hey?
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Didn't it was for the CIA and then we have to hide
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My Jeep is parked outside
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if we get out now we can get away no Erica
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You don't understand these people are not going to leave me
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alone until they get what they want I didn't you ever open up to me about all this before
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because you and your buddies labeled me as a geek nerd
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And you always made it seem like I was the big dumb sister who never got an A+.
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Do you know how frustrating it was competing with you?
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I never asked to be a genius.
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It happened, and I never expected you to compete with me.
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What do you think mom would have done in this situation?
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Well, she isn't here.
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All we've got is ourselves.
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Well, I miss her, and I wish she was...
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ZAVE!
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No!
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How did we get here?
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I think they knocked us out and then tied us up.
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How are we gonna get out of here, Steve?
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I don't know, Erica.
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I'm scared out of my mind.
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Why did I ever create that dumb device?
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Now we're bo - Listen.
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I'm here with you, so no need to be scared.
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What even did you invent?
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This mind -boggling device I've engineered is a revolutionary neuro -connective interface.
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It combines cutting -edge neuroimaging technology with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms.
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By analyzing neural patterns and decoding brainwave frequencies, it can extract thoughts, emotions, and even subconscious desires.
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It's like having a direct neural connection to someone's inner world.
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I was recruited by this technology company, and I made this device as an undercover Okay, that's supposed to be a good thing.
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What happened?
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After I invented the mind reader device, the chief executive's brother, Mason, started acting strange.
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And then one day, he offered me more money to work for a new company he started.
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I told him I would think about it, and then all of a sudden, it was being followed.
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He got his guys to bring me to this place.
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Mason offered me more than a million dollars for the device.
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Wow!
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Did you take the money?
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No!
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I wanted to, but then I found out what his plan was.
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He was going to use the device to take control of mankind by reading their minds
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and manipulating their lives in the most sick and vicious way imaginable.
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That's absolutely horrifying.
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We can't let him get away with this.
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Yeah, that's why I need to keep the device hidden.
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Real tight!
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What if you showed them where the device is and when they let us go, we go to the cops?
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They're never gonna let us off the hook, Erica.
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We know way too much about their shady de - Ah, come now Steve, my boy.
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That's not true.
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Once you show me where the device is, I'll let you two birds fly free without any trouble.
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I don't believe anything you say, Mason.
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Well, I can play this game forever and leave you and your sister in here to rot!
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Does it include a nuclear explosion?
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Erica, what are you doing?
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This guy is crazy!
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All he wants is to end the world!
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Yeah, my device does that nuclear effect.
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If you let us go, I can take you to it.
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Erica, are you serious right now?
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I just saved you from getting kicked in the face, Dufus.
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Enough!
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I don't want your dumb nuclear device.
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Convince your brother to do what's right.
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Or else I'll leave you in here with my very hungry dog.
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Take us to a public place, and then my brother will tell you where the device is.
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Erika, what are you doing?
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He can't harm us in public.
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So, what is it, Mason?
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At least your sister has some common sense.
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Fine, we'll do it your way.
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My guys will be on the search once your brother reveals the hiding place.
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And if he lies...
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I won't be afraid to do anything in public. So here we are.
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Now speak, boy.
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Have you ever considered what your brother would think when he learns of your treachery?
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Your actions could jeopardize his CIA contract!
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My brother has always been a spoiled brat growing up.
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It's high time he experiences the bitter taste of failure.
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Now my patience is running out.
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Tell me where the device is.
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Fine!
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Oh my goodness!
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Madonna!
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The one and only rock star goddess!
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I have to talk to her about my band!
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Sit down this instant!
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I don't care what you do right now!
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This is my once in a lifetime dream come true!
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Being up close and personal with Queen Madonna has been my childhood dream!
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And nobody can stop me!
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Get your sister back here immediately!
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You heard her!
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No one can stop her!
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Do you want me to put a leash on her?
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Okay, okay.
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Give me a second.
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I have this band.
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We call ourselves the Grasshoppers.
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But yeah, you have been my inspiration ever since I was born.
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Like, you mean the world to me and - Erika!
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Erika!
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big event.
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I really wish you could come see us.
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Erika, we're still in a lot of trouble.
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Let's get back to the table.
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Fine!
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Wait, I just thought of something, but you have to be ready.
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Well, if it means me not giving them what they want, then I'm ready.
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Run!
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What are we gonna do now?
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Mason has his goons in every inch of the city!
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We go to the cops?
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No!
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He's got connections with the police too!
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Great!
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We are so fried!
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First, let's try to lose this big guy!
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- I don't see how crazy Jane is gonna help us with any of the trouble we're in.
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Uh, I don't have any sodas, but I can make you guys some tea if you like.
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Great, just what we need.
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A frickin' tea party while a bunch of criminals are after us.
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Water will be fine, thanks.
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Jane is my best friend, and a computer genius.
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I think she can help us if you give her a chance.
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So, Steve, if you created that device for the CIA, shouldn't they be able to protect you?
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within the CIA.
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Putting my faith in the wrong hands could still end up costing me my entire future.
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I could totally hack into the CIA files for you.
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I've got some serious skills when it comes to this stuff.
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My uncle used to work there back in his day, and before he passed away, he showed me a bunch of epic tricks and techniques.
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Wow, that would be great.
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Having someone from the inside there to protect us would help.
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But what if they can't be trusted?
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Don't worry.
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That's why I'm here.
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I'll do a background check before I refer you.
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Looks like someone has the huts for you.
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Should I be planning your wedding?
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- Here comes the nerds.
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- You have time for jokes?
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- Jimmy Crabfeet.
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Halfbeat?
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Yeah, funny last name.
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But his profile is clean, and I think he can save you from this problem.
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Thank you, Jane.
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How do I get a hold of him?
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We could call him and have him meet us here.
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Let's do it.
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Okay, an hour has passed and this CIA guy is still not here.
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Chill out.
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Maybe he got stuck in traffic.
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It's 11pm at night.
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What traffic is there?
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I need to use the bathroom.
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Do something in your kitchen?
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Sure.
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Knock yourself out.
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What are you doing?
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Looking for her spices, carbonate soda, and vinegar.
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Okay.
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Now I need a plastic bottle.
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Are you gonna tell me what you're up to?
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Found the bottle.
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I don't trust anyone right now, so I'm preparing something to protect us.
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Mom showed me how to do this.
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If danger comes to us, we will have this to spray in their eyes.
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You can trust Jane.
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I've known her for years.
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Yeah, well, she's not blood, and blood is thicker than water in situations like these, so trust me.
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Did you get what you wanted from the kitchen?
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Yep.
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I get really thirsty... So - That's okay.
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Hmm?
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Looks like our guy is here.
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Hello again.
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How did you get your first holiday gig?
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Steve, Erica, meet my uncle Mason.
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Erica, I think we're gonna need Mom's recipe now!
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Not my eyes again!
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I can't see!
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I can't see!
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That will teach you about being a traitor!
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My brother cared about you!
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Forget about her!
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We need to get out of here!
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How deep did you dig to hide the device?
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Don't worry, we're almost there!
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I am worried.
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We're on the enemy's territory.
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They don't know I hid the device here.
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They're out there looking for us.
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There it is!
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Ha ha ha!
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Wow!
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This looks like some kind of alien gadget.
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Pretty cool, huh?
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Not so cool, since we are in all of this trouble because of it!
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Now what do we do?
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I...
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I called someone.
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What?
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You know we can't trust anyone!
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It's an old person, one of Mom's friends.
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She's an old cop and I think she can help us.
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Oh, Erika, what have you done?
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Finally, we have the device.
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Ah, Steve, my loyal accomplice.
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You've done well.
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With this device I shall possess the power to invade the minds of every soul on this planet.
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Their thoughts shall be mine to manipulate.
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Their secrets exposed to my wicked desire.
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No one shall be safe from my reign of psychological dominance.
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I guess there's nothing more you need from me now.
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You're funny.
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But you're right.
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There is nothing more I need from you.
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So I'll just have my guy here.
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Get rid of you two.
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No!
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Wait!
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We won't say anything!
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Please!
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What is going on here?
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Looks like Mom's friend didn't sell us out after all.
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I guess there are still some good people we can trust.
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Thank you, Mom.
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Thank you, Erika.
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You saved us.
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Erika, right?
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Madonna?
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You actually came? Of course.
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You and your band were incredible tonight.
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This is my card.
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Maybe we can collaborate on something special.
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Did you hear what she just said?
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Oh my goodness, dreams really do come true.
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Hey, Erika, you totally killed it tonight.
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And congratulations on the Madonna encounter.
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We aren't grateful to have him as the best little brother in the world.
Context & Background
The video features a conversation between two siblings, Erica and Steve, who find themselves in a tense situation. Erica, a vibrant character aiming to become a rock star, exchanges banter with her older brother, Steve, who is deeply engrossed in his books and seemingly involved in some precarious activities. The dialogue reflects not only sibling rivalry but also deeper emotional currents as they grapple with their past, including the loss of their mother and the danger surrounding them. This context provides an intriguing backdrop for English learners to practice their listening and speaking skills through the use of natural dialogue.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- “Dude, chill.” - A casual way to ask someone to calm down.
- “You’re still such a dweeb.” - A playful jab at someone who is perceived as socially awkward.
- “What’s going on?” - A simple question to inquire about a situation or issue.
- “We have to go.” - An urgent statement indicating immediate action is needed.
- “You know I hate spiders.” - Expressing personal dislike, adding a relatable element to the conversation.
Step-by-step Shadowing Guide
To effectively improve your English speaking skills using this video, follow this shadow speak method:
- Listen Carefully: Play the video and focus on the nuances of the dialogue. Pay close attention to the emotions conveyed through tone and expressions.
- Understand the Context: Grasp the background of the conversation. Knowing why Erica and Steve are discussing these topics helps in understanding their motivations and emotions.
- Rewind & Repeat: Play each line multiple times. As you listen, pause and repeat what you hear, mimicking the rhythm and pronunciation of the speakers.
- Record Yourself: Use a voice recording app to capture your version. Listen for differences in your pronunciation and intonation compared to the speakers in the video.
- Practice with Shadowspeaks: Incorporate the highlighted phrases into your daily conversation. Try to create related dialogues or scenarios to deepen your understanding and usage of the language.
By embedding these techniques into your study routine, you can effectively learn English with YouTube and enhance your speaking confidence through engaging and relatable content. Remember, the goal is not just to repeat but to understand and express yourself fluently in everyday 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.