Shadowing Practice: NEWT'S LETTER TO THOMAS (The Maze Runner Series) - Learn English Speaking with Video

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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.
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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 of dying, anyway.
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It's more forgetting.
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It's losing myself to this virus.
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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.
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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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And 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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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.

Context & Background

The heartfelt letter from Newt to Thomas encapsulates a deep sense of camaraderie and reflection amidst the struggles faced in the dystopian world of "The Maze Runner." As one of the central characters in the series, Newt expresses his fears not of death but of losing his identity to a debilitating virus. This vulnerability adds layers to his character, showcasing not only his bravery but also the significance of memories in shaping who we are. By recalling shared experiences and emotions, Newt conveys his hope for Thomas as he embarks on a challenging future, urging him to cherish what matters most. Understanding this context is crucial for English learners as it allows them to grasp the emotional weight behind the words and phrase usage.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • "I want you to know that I'm not scared." – A powerful phrase to convey courage and reassurance.
  • "It's losing myself to this virus." – A poignant way to express fear of losing one’s identity or essence.
  • "Just a scared little greenie." – A colloquial term that highlights vulnerability and inexperience.
  • "If I could do it all over again, I would." – This phrase reflects nostalgia and acceptance of past experiences.
  • "You deserve to be happy." – A sincere sentiment promoting kindness and support in relationships.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively enhance your English pronunciation and speaking skills using this transcript, follow this shadowing guide. Shadowing involves listening and simultaneously repeating the words spoken in a natural manner, allowing you to improve your fluency while mastering the nuances of expression.

  1. Find a suitable audio clip: Use a shadowing app to locate the audio segment of the video that features Newt's letter. Select a short, manageable portion to start.
  2. Listen carefully: Play the audio without repeating. Focus on the pronunciation, intonation, and emotional tone conveyed by the speaker.
  3. Break it down: Divide the transcript into smaller phrases or sentences. This will make it easier to practice without getting overwhelmed.
  4. Repeat aloud: One sentence at a time, repeat what you hear. Pay close attention to how each phrase sounds, imitating not just the words but the emotional delivery as well.
  5. Record yourself: Use a recording device to capture your voice as you practice. Listen to your playback for areas to improve, especially in pronunciation and rhythm.
  6. Review and refine: Revisit the phrases after a few days. Shadowing them again will help solidify your learning and prepare you for more advanced IELTS speaking practice.

By incorporating this shadowing technique into your language learning routine and focusing on the emotional content of dialogues, you can significantly enhance your English pronunciation skills. The more you practice, the closer you will get to achieving fluency and confidence in your communication.

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.