Shadowing Practice: Phát âm chuẩn - Anh ngữ đặc biệt: Meet Betty Azar (VOA) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Music From VOA Learning English,
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this is the Education Report.
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In 1965, Betty Azar was teaching her first English as a Second Language class at the University of Iowa.
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A student from the Middle East asked Ms. Azar,
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Why can't I put a in front of water?
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As in, I drank a water.
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Ms. Azar did not know the answer, but she found it.
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That was the start of her grammar teaching career.
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After 50 years and sales of 10 million books,
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Betty Azar has become a legend in the world of TESOL,
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or teaching English to speakers of other languages.
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Some call her the Mick Jagger of grammar,
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comparing her to the lead singer of the rock band, The Rolling Stones.
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Generations of English teachers and learners have come to love her classic book,
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Understanding and Using English Grammar.
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The Blue Grammar Guide can be found in language schools throughout the world.
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No American has sold more grammar books than Ms. Azar.
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She started her career teaching writing to college students.
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Her boss asked her to teach an English class for foreign students.
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She knew nothing about TESOL,
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but she taught her first course the same day.
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TESOL was just beginning as an academic field in the 1960s.
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There were few study materials available.
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She started writing for her classes,
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and that became the basis of a book.
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A publisher asked her to write a book.
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Understanding and Using English Grammar was first published in 1981.
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It was a major success.
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What is her advice to English learners?
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Ms. Azar says, don't be afraid of making mistakes.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Jonathan Evans.

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Context & Background

In the fascinating world of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), few names stand out as prominently as that of Betty Azar. Having begun her journey in 1965, Azar's innovative approach to teaching English has influenced generations of educators and learners alike. Her classic book, Understanding and Using English Grammar, has sold over 10 million copies and is a staple in language schools worldwide. Azar's passion for English grammar started from a simple question posed by a student, and since then, she has dedicated her career to supporting English learners in mastering the language. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as a natural part of the learning process, a concept that can greatly enhance your journey as an English learner.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • I drank a water. - A common mistake that reflects the nuances of article usage in English.
  • Don't be afraid of making mistakes. - Azar's essential advice for learners striving to improve.
  • I want to learn English. - A fundamental phrase expressing your desire to engage with the language.
  • Can you help me understand this? - An important phrase for seeking clarification.
  • What does this mean? - A practical expression to use when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To leverage the shadowing technique effectively with this video, follow these steps for improving your English pronunciation:

  1. Watch and Listen: Start by watching the video without pausing. Focus on the pronunciation and intonation used by the speaker, Betty Azar.
  2. Repeat: Play the video again, but this time, pause after each sentence or phrase. Attempt to mimic the sounds and rhythm as closely as possible. This is crucial for improving English pronunciation.
  3. Practice Shadowing: With the video playing in the background, try to speak along with the dialogue. This shadowspeak exercise helps reinforce what you've learned and boosts your confidence in using the language.
  4. Record Yourself: For self-assessment, record your voice while shadowing. Compare your pronunciation and intonation to Azar's delivery. This evaluation will highlight areas for improvement.
  5. Engage and Repeat: Repeat this process several times. Each practice session will increase your comfort level and mastery of everyday phrases, making it easier to learn English with YouTube and improve your overall communication skills.

By adopting these techniques, you will not only enhance your grasp of English grammar but also gain the confidence to speak effectively in various 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.

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