Shadowing Practice: Phát âm chuẩn - Anh ngữ đặc biệt: Offensive Online Robot Gets Unplugged (VOA) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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25 sentences
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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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Tay is an artificial intelligence,
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or AI, developed by Microsoft and Bing researchers.
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The robot, chatbot or bot,
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is able to copy human behavior and talks and writes.
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Microsoft launched Tay online in March,
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but 16 hours later, the company had to remove the bot from the web.
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Tay had very quickly learned some extremely insulting language.
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Microsoft said Tay was developed for use by 18 to 24 year olds in the US.
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The company posted information about Tay before it went online.
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The post said that the more people talk to Tay,
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the smarter the bot would become.
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Developers hoped Tay would provide funny answers to tweets and other messages from the apps Kick,
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GroupMe, and Twitter.
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But many of the messages Tay received used offensive language.
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Soon the bot was using that language in its own posts.
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Tay's posts included sexist and racist messages.
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Some of the bots' tweets got so bad that one newspaper called Tay the Hitler-loving sex robot.
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Chris Hammond is a computer scientist and professor.
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He told the Associated Press that he could not believe Tay's developers did not expect such problems would occur.
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Tay tweeted roughly 96,000 times before Microsoft took it down.
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In a blog post, Microsoft took full responsibility for not predicting the problems.
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They also said they are working on Tay again to try to fix it.
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They are hopeful the bots will return to the online world.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Nikki Strong.

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About This Lesson

In this English learning section, you will practice your speaking and comprehension skills using a transcript from a VOA Learning English video titled "Offensive Online Robot Gets Unplugged." The lesson focuses on the development and consequences of an AI chatbot named Tay, providing insights into technology and its impact on communication. By engaging with this content, you'll enhance your ability to discuss technology-related topics and improve your pronunciation, using the shadowspeak technique to sound more natural in spoken English.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) - Computer systems designed to mimic human behavior.
  • Chatbot - A software application used to conduct a conversation via text or voice.
  • Offensive language - Words or expressions that are disrespectful or hurtful to others.
  • Sexist - Prejudiced or discriminatory against a particular gender, often women.
  • Racist - Believing that certain races are superior to others, leading to discrimination.
  • Unplugged - To disconnect or remove from operation, often used metaphorically for shutting down a service.

Practice Tips

To effectively practice your speaking and listening skills while watching this video, consider using a shadowing app or simply follow these steps:

  • Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the speakers’ tone and pacing. The video contains informal language, making it relatable for conversational practice.
  • Practice Shadowing Technique: As you listen, try to repeat what you hear simultaneously. This shadowing technique will help you improve your pronunciation and rhythm.
  • Slow It Down: If the video feels too fast, adjust the speed. Slower playback can help you catch every word and phrase, aiding in your understanding and pronunciation.
  • Focus on Key Vocabulary: Revisit the key vocabulary listed above. Repeat those terms after hearing them in context to build your confidence in using them naturally.
  • Record Yourself: Use your phone or another recording device to capture your own practice. Compare your pronunciation to that of the speakers, adjusting as needed.

By engaging regularly with resources like these, you can efficiently learn English with YouTube and build your confidence in communication. Remember, consistency is key, so make shadowing a regular part of your language learning routine!

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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