Shadowing Practice: Persuading You to Buy a PC - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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Computer makers are working on ways to persuade people to buy personal computers.
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Companies at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas talked about new developments
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like touch computers or laptops that turn into tablets.
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The chip manufacturer Intel made a surprise announcement at the show.
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Mike Fard says his company is taking steps to reduce power requirements on some processors.
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He says Intel is constantly trying to provide more battery life.
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Yet, sales of PCs are slow.
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Research company IDC reported that worldwide sales of PCs dropped 14 percent in the first three months of 2013.
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The company said this was the worst drop since it started collecting information in 1994.
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One possible reason for the slow sales is the rise of tablet computers,
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such as Apple's iPad.
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Intel and its competitors have sought to improve sales by offering new products.
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These include the Ultrabook, a thin,
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lightweight notebook computer which came out in 2011,
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but they have not lifted sales.
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Industry experts are also concerned about reaction to Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system.
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It was released last October.
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Bob O'Donnell, an IDC vice president,
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said the Windows 8 launch not only failed to increase PC sales but seemed to have slowed the market.
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He has criticized the company for making radical changes,
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such as removing the start button from the operating system.
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Windows corporate vice president Julie Larson Green announced this month that Microsoft will release a a Windows 8 update.
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She expects the first public preview of the update to take place in June.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Laurel Bowman.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

This video titled "Persuading You to Buy a PC" presents a compelling discussion on current trends in technology and consumer electronics, specifically in the context of personal computers. Practicing your speaking skills with this video can enhance your ability to articulate opinions about technology, a relevant topic in today's world. By mimicking the speaker's delivery, you not only gain confidence in your speaking abilities but also improve your English pronunciation.

Additionally, discussing the challenges of PC sales and the innovations companies are introducing can enrich your vocabulary and help you express complex ideas more effectively. Engaging with this content using the shadowing technique—where you repeat what the speaker says in real-time—enables you to better grasp the nuances of English, making it an excellent choice for learners keen to enhance their communication skills.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Throughout the video, several key structures and expressions can serve as excellent learning points:

  • Present Continuous Tense: "Computer makers are working on ways..." demonstrates the ongoing efforts of manufacturers. This tense is useful for discussing current actions.
  • Passive Voice: The phrase "sales of PCs are slow" uses the passive voice to focus on the sales rather than who is causing the effect. Understanding this structure helps learners communicate when the subject is not the focus.
  • Modals for Obligation: "Companies... talked about new developments." Here, 'talked about' implies a necessity to communicate advancements. Using modals correctly can elevate your spoken English.
  • Expressions of Comparison: "one possible reason for the slow sales is the rise of tablet computers..." This type of comparative language can be useful in discussions and debates.

Common Pronunciation Traps

When practicing this video, you may encounter certain words and phrases that are particularly tricky for non-native speakers:

  • Developments: Note the shifting stress from the second to the third syllable, which can sometimes be overlooked.
  • Processors: The 'c' in the middle can often be a challenge. Aim for clear enunciation to avoid blending sounds.
  • Operating System: The phrase "operating system" can be fast-spoken; practice saying it slowly and gradually increase your speed to develop fluency.

Utilizing websites and resources that specialize in the shadowing technique will assist you in mastering these pronunciation nuances, allowing you to improve English pronunciation effectively. Engaging with content on learn English with YouTube will make your journey enjoyable and productive.

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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