Shadowing Practice: Newt's Letter to Thomas [The Death Cure] - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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I'm sorry.
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Dear Thomas, this is the first letter I can remember writing.
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Obviously I don't know if I wrote any before the maze, but even if it's not my first, it's likely to be my last.
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I want you to know that I'm not scared.
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Well not a dying anyway, it's more forgetting.
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It's losing myself to this virus, that's what scares me.
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So every night I've been saying their names out loud.
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Albie, Winston, Chuck.
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And I just repeat them over and over like a prayer and it all comes flooding back.
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Just the little things like the way the sun used to hit the glade at
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that perfect moment right before it slipped beneath the walls.
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And I remember the taste of fry-pen stew.
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I never thought I'd miss that stuff so much. And I remember you.
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I remember the first time you came up in the box, just a scared little greenie who couldn't even remember his own name.
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And from that moment you ran into the maze, I knew I would follow you anywhere. And I have.
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We all have.
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If I could do it all over again, I would.
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And I wouldn't change a thing.
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My hope for you, is that when you're looking back years from now, you'll be able to say the same.
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The future's in your hands now, Tommy.
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And I know you'll find a way to do what's right.
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You always have.
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Take care of everyone for me.
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And take care of yourself.
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You deserve to be happy.
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Thank you for being my friend.
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Goodbye, mate.
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Newt.
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I'm sorry.

Why practice speaking with this video?

Practicing speaking skills is vital for language acquisition, and this video provides a rich emotional context that can enhance your English speaking practice. Newt's heartfelt letter to Thomas demonstrates a range of feelings, showcasing the nuances of human expression in English. By mimicking Newt's delivery, learners can not only enhance their speaking fluency but also cultivate empathy through shared experiences, making the learning process personal and relevant.

This transcript allows learners to engage with a relatable character, gathering insights into how to effectively convey emotions and sentiments in English. Shadowing Newt's heartfelt message will help you internalize phrases and structures, making them accessible for your own conversations. As you practice, remember to focus on the emotional undertones to better capture the essence of what you're saying.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

In the video, several key structures and expressions can be highlighted:

  • “I want you to know…” - This phrase is a direct way of conveying a message or sentiment, showing concern and intimacy.
  • “If I could do it all over again, I would.” - This conditional statement illustrates a hypothetical reflection, allowing learners to practice forming similar structures to express past regrets or wishes.
  • “Take care of everyone for me.” - This imperative structure conveys urgency and care, teaching the use of commands in a gentle way.
  • “You'll be able to say the same.” - Future tense is used here to imply hope and expectation, an important aspect of positive communication.

Utilizing these structures in your own speaking can greatly improve your English pronunciation and overall fluency, as they carry significant meaning and emotional weight. Practicing these phrases will help reinforce your understanding of English grammar in real-life contexts.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you practice shadowing Newt's letter, be mindful of certain words and phrases that may present pronunciation challenges:

  • “remember” - This word can easily become a tongue twister for non-native speakers. Practice emphasizing the second syllable for clarity.
  • “scared” - The 'ar' sound combined with the 'd' can be tricky. Try elongating the first syllable slightly to ensure clear pronunciation.
  • “grateful” - Ensure to separate the 'grate' and 'ful' clearly to enhance understanding.
  • “take care” - This phrase can often blend into one sound. Break it down and focus on your articulation.

Incorporating the shadowing technique not only improves your speaking abilities but also boosts your confidence. By practicing these difficult words through repetition, you can master challenging tones and improve your overall english speaking practice.

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.