Shadowing Practice: Put it into Plain English! | Yes, Minister | BBC Comedy Greats - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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So you think this might not get into the national press?
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64 sentences
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So you think this might not get into the national press?
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Well, a few lines on the inside page of The Guardian, but nothing to worry about.
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Actually, it's only the urban middle class who worry about the preservation of the countryside because they don't have to live in it.
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Will that be all, Minister?
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Yes.
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No!
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This may well blow over, but it doesn't answer my basic question.
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Which was?
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Why wasn't I told about it before I made the announcement?
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There are those who have argued, and indeed cogently, that on occasion there are some things it is better for a minister not to know.
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What are you talking about?
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Minister, your answers in the House and at the press conference were superb.
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You were convincing and convinced.
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The critics were silenced.
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But could you have spoken with the same authority if the ecological pressure group had been abadgering you?
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But I have a right to know.
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I am the people's representative.
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What right have you got to withhold this information from me?
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It's intolerant.
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It's in your own best interest, Minister.
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What do you mean, something that is better for a minister not to know?
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I mean, it's outrageous.
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It must not occur again.
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And it so happens that I've got a plan here for the reorganization of this department which will ensure that it doesn't.
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Indeed?
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Yes, indeed.
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Now, if I were to have one under-secretary and two assistant secretaries reporting directly to me...
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Minister, please.
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No, just a moment, Humphrey.
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Let me tell you my plan.
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The plan is immaterial.
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Minister, I have something to say to you which you may not like to hear.
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Why should today be any different?
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Minister, the traditional allocation of executive responsibilities has always been so determined as to
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liberate the ministerial incumbent from the administrative minutiae by devolving the managerial functions to those whose experience and qualifications have better formed them for the performance of such humble offices,
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thereby releasing their political overlords for the more onerous duties and profound deliberations which are the inevitable concomitant of their exalted position.
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Now, whatever made you think I wouldn't want to hear that?
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Well, I thought it might upset you.
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How could it?
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I didn't understand a single word.
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Comfrey, for God's sake, for once in your life, put it into plain English.
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If you insist, you are not here to run this department.
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I beg your pardon?
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You are not here to run this department.
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I think I am.
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The people think I am too.
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With respect, Minister, you are...
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They are wrong.
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And who does run this department?
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I do.
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I see.
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And what am I supposed to do?
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We've been through all this before.
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Make policy, get legislation enacted, and above all, secure the department's budget in cabinet.
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I sometimes think that the budget is all you ever really care about.
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It is rather important, Minister.
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If nobody cared about the budget, we might end up with a department so small that even a minister could run it.
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Humphrey, are we about to have a fundamental disagreement about the nature of democracy?
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No, Minister, merely a demarcation dispute.
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What I mean is that the menial chore of running a department is beneath you.
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You're fashioned for a nobler calling.
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Well, I'm quite prepared to leave the routine paperwork to you, but I must insist on direct access to all information.
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again do I want to hear that phrase there are some things it is better for a minister not to know exactly well minutes I do that is an order Humphrey as you say minister if that is what you really want to treating cabinet ministers as though they were irresponsible ten-year-olds
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Thank you.
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Why practice speaking with this video?

This segment from the classic BBC comedy "Yes, Minister" is rich in both political context and humor, making it an excellent resource for IELTS speaking practice. The dialogue showcases real-life interactions between a minister and his advisors, providing learners with insight into formal speech and bureaucratic interaction. Practicing with this video allows you to:

  • Familiarize yourself with complex sentence structures that can be useful in formal conversations.
  • Understand the nuances of expressing disagreement and making your point clear, essential skills for both speaking exams and real-life situations.
  • Enhance your ability to parse and respond to sophisticated arguments, which is often required in academic discussions or debates.

By shadow speaking or engaging in shadowspeak, you can mimic the rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation of the characters, which enhances fluency and delivery in your own speaking practice.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Throughout the dialogue, several key structures stand out that are beneficial for learners:

  • “Why wasn't I told about it before I made the announcement?” - This structure effectively emphasizes the speaker's frustration and highlights the past perfect tense, which is vital when discussing previous actions in relation to current situations.
  • “There are those who have argued, and indeed cogently, that...” - This phrase demonstrates how to present an argument with authority, using formal vocabulary that can make your own arguments more persuasive in speaking tests.
  • “With respect, Minister, you are...” - The use of “with respect” is a polite way to disagree, showcasing how to maintain professionalism and courtesy, crucial for both IELTS speaking scores and interpersonal communication.
  • “You are not here to run this department.” - A clear, direct statement that can serve as a model when you need to assert your points confidently in discussions.

Common Pronunciation Traps

When engaging with the characters’ dialogue, learners may encounter several pronunciation challenges:

  • “Minister” - Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable: MIN-ister. Proper stress can enhance clarity when speaking.
  • “Ecological” - This word can trip up speakers; focus on breaking it into syllables: e-co-LO-gi-cal, with stress on the "LO" syllable.
  • “Intolerant” - The pronunciation of this word might lead to mistakes; ensure you pronounce it as in-TOL-er-ant, maintaining the correct vowel sounds.

Utilizing shadowing techniques while practicing these phrases will not only improve your pronunciation but also help you grasp the subtle accents in the dialogue, enhancing your overall speaking ability. Explore various shadowing sites to find similar resources to broaden your learning.

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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