Shadowing Practice: SEEKING PERSEPHONE – Part 3 | Can Love Break Down His Walls? - Learn English Speaking with Video
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1
I consider Adam my brother.
2
He is so hostile toward you.
3
Adam is hostile toward everyone.
4
Don't you want to even see her try?
5
I've seen enough people quit in my lifetime without witnessing the same thing again.
6
I think she'll surprise you.
7
I am attempting to find my place here and claim a degree of equanimity with my new husband.
8
I am for Hoyk in the morning.
9
Is something the matter with Harry?
10
He's taken exceedingly ill as an in-between here and Hoyk.
11
What are you intending to do?
12
I've got to retrieve him, of course.
13
Why did you not allow a physician to be summoned?
14
This gentleman is clearly ill.
15
I run in a charot, Aguff.
16
He's hoping we can do business again in the future.
17
We will.
18
He is so confusing.
19
All part of his charm, Persephone.
20
The blazes is wrong with me.
21
This has arrived for you as well.
22
Persephone?
23
Evander is dead.
24
Harry was as impertinent as ever when I saw him an hour or so ago.
25
Take that as an indication that he's recovering.
26
I received a letter from my sister today. Which one?
27
Artemis.
28
Youngest?
29
Yes.
30
She dislikes her governess, but not for any legitimate reason.
31
She feels weighed down by the continued state of mourning around the house.
32
And she has asked, again, to be able to come here to visit.
33
I suggested spring or summer.
34
Of course nothing has actually been planned.
35
We will have to go to London in the spring.
36
After enduring society and the season, we get to return here, where it's quiet.
37
Yes.
38
It is decidedly quiet.
39
How are you feeling?
40
That's improved.
41
Being away from the boar and dagger has contributed greatly to my welfare.
42
Then you'll be pleased to know it will not be a source of misery any longer.
43
It is to be shuttered.
44
Immediately.
45
Shut it.
46
A closer look at Smith's history and practices made closing the place absolutely necessary.
47
Any man who would withhold food, warmth, medical aid, and the ability to send for help
48
when a person is in distress and has done so time and again, ought not be running an inn.
49
First you rush to my rescue.
50
Then you vanquished the villain who tortured me.
51
Watch yourself, Adam.
52
People will begin to think you care.
53
Shut up, Harry.
54
Barton!
55
What is that infernal noise?
56
I believe that would be described as lively conversation, Your Grace.
57
And who is responsible for such lively conversation?
58
Mrs. Poynter.
59
No doubt the vicar is here as well.
60
No doubt.
61
Are you feeling quite yourself today, Barton?
62
I hear you.
63
I feel better than I have in years, Your Grace.
64
It sounds as though Faustin is infested with birds.
65
A full tea?
66
I believe Cook was exceptionally excited at the prospect of preparing a tea tree once more.
67
It's been a while here, Grace.
68
How is it, Barton, that the vicar and his wife came to be in my drawing room?
69
I do not recall altering the requirement that all guests be informed that I am not at home.
70
The vicar was quite specific about seeing her, Grace.
71
When I presented the Duchess with Mr. Pointless Cod, I thought she'd actually run down the stairs.
72
She was so pleased to have called us.
73
How long have the Pointless been here?
74
Only a few minutes, your Grace.
75
A few minutes is more than most get!
76
Thank you.
77
Whoops.
78
Would you like a cup of tea, Adam?
79
No. It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Grace.
80
I doubt that.
81
What precisely is the reason for your visit here?
82
Social call, of course. Of course.
83
When in the fifteen years that you have served as vicar, has Fauston Castle ever received visitors?
84
Not once, Your Grace.
85
Not once.
86
What has led you to believe that that has changed?
87
Wishful thinking?
88
There will be no callers at Fauston Castle.
89
Not today, not in the future.
90
Fauston Castle is not receiving Your Grace or you are not receiving.
91
It is the same.
92
Forgive me, it is not.
93
Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace.
94
Do you come again?
95
Thank you.
96
I will see you on Sunday.
97
Do not lose hope.
98
Happiness can be found even in dark times.
99
Persephone doesn't get to be happy.
100
That is the ending of the myth according to my youngest sister.
101
Ah, but it is the ending of the tale according to you that matters most.
102
You might as well stay and finish your tea.
103
Cook will be offended if the tray is sent back untouched. Do sit, dear.
104
Do try the lemon cake.
105
Thank you.
106
Pardon?
107
Are you sure you wouldn't care for some tea?
108
I didn't know I was supposed to turn them away.
109
They might as well finish their tea.
110
I thought no one wanted to meet me.
111
I doubt anyone in the neighborhood even made the attempt.
112
So I could visit the neighbors?
113
No. No. They may attempt to return the favor. But I...
114
I will not have Fauston Castle overrun with people. Of course not.
115
Thank you for allowing the Pointers to remain.
116
I have been enjoying their visit.
117
You, of course, will owe Mrs. Pointer a visit.
118
I understand she entertains half the county here on a regular basis.
119
I could meet the neighbors that way then. If you want to.
120
Who else was at the vicarage?
121
Mrs. Milston and her daughter, Lady Hedisham, Miss Greenborough.
122
What did you think of our resident spinster?
123
She was very quiet, so I was not able to form much of an opinion of her.
124
Stephanie?
125
It's for me.
126
You should read it.
127
Your grace, Lord, your Empress Lord of the Admiralty, as relayed to me your inquiries regarding two midshipmen aboard the HMS Triumphant.
128
Evander Lancaster, as you've been informed, succumb to entry sustained at Travolta Grunas.
129
The most lost at that time has been buried in a cemetery on Travolta alongside his fallen shipmates.
130
Go on, Persephone.
131
Stephanie, there's no bad news.
132
Midshipman Linus Lancaster, sustained only minor wounds in that battle and remains aboard the triumphant.
133
He will as requested be granted shortly when we return the help.
134
The other missive is from Linus.
135
Linus has written to me.
136
I don't know how you managed this, Adam.
137
You needed answers.
138
I simply ensured you received them.
139
This is by far the kindest thing any person has ever done for me, Adam.
140
Thank you so, so much.
141
You do that very well.
142
I just kissed Persephone.
143
Hmm.
144
I noticed. And, um...
145
I think Persephone noticed as well.
146
Which is a good thing, really.
147
If she hadn't even realized who was kissing her, one would begin to wonder about your technique.
148
Oh, sh...
149
I know.
150
Shut up, Harry.
151
They're getting louder.
152
Thank you for my letter, Adam.
153
Linus sounds happy.
154
He didn't mention Evander, which worries me a little.
155
It was always his way to avoid topics that were upsetting.
156
But he did promise to keep writing.
157
You don't like it when I thank you for the things that you do.
158
But I really am grateful.
159
If only you could do something about the wolves.
160
I'm sorry.
161
Persephone?
162
Persephone.
163
What happened?
164
You were thrown from a horse.
165
Are you hurt?
166
sit up?
167
I don't know.
168
Let me help you.
169
Careful.
170
Does anything hurt?
171
You asked me that already.
172
A person can be killed being thrown from a horse.
173
Until I'm certain you are not hurt, I'm going to keep asking you questions.
174
What happened?
175
I can't explain it, Your Grace.
176
It's almost like something spoke the horse.
177
We were fortunate she didn't come to serious harm.
178
Yes, Your Grace.
179
Your Abigail can have a hot bath prepared.
180
That should help with any stiffness.
181
There really is no need for this much fuss.
182
When you're too stiff to come down for dinner, you'll disagree.
183
Careful.
184
There you are.
185
That is very kind of you, Adam.
186
You were thrown from a horse, Persephone.
187
Any decent gentleman would be concerned.
188
I can have the kitchen send up a tray if you would rather not come down for dinner.
189
I really am feeling fine already.
190
I think I was more startled than anything else.
191
When I'm a little more sure of myself, might I come riding with you and Harry?
192
Atlas can't keep pace with Zeus.
193
Couldn't you rein Zeus in a little, or let me join you at the end of your ride once Zeus has slowed down?
194
Zeus is impatient.
195
He might make Atlas nervous.
196
Couldn't I at least try?
197
I would rather you not take that chance.
198
But you would be there.
199
Yes, but.. but that is no guarantee.
200
I'm sorry.
201
No. I...
202
Adam!
203
It is too blasted quiet in here.
204
Oh, the blazes is taking so much. So you are awake.
205
Adam!
206
Are you stiff from your fall?
207
Does it hurt to walk?
208
They are loud tonight.
209
How long do you plan to sit at that window and worry about wolves?
210
Until they stop.
211
You should have come in when they first started.
212
Come in?
213
And curled up on the bed, wrapped up in that blanket.
214
You knew?
215
I...
216
I thought you were asleep.
217
Asleep?
218
Oh, I can't sleep.
219
You've ruined the room for me.
220
What do you mean I've ruined it?
221
My bedchamber used to be quiet.
222
And then you started coming in and making all those noises while you're asleep.
223
I make noises?
224
And you move constantly.
225
Loud noises?
226
What?
227
No. No, like a puppy.
228
Little noises.
229
And that doesn't bother you?
230
I've grown used to it.
231
I don't want to bother you.
232
You won't.
233
The wolves don't worry me as much in your bedchamber.
234
I'd like to buy it.
235
I'd like to buy it.
236
No. The way I forget it, if the pack ever actually makes it into the castle, they'll eat you first.
237
Good night, Adam.
238
Good night, Persephone.
239
Adam?
240
Yes?
241
Why did you decide to get married?
242
At the time, it seemed like a good idea. Does it now?
243
Mrs. Adcock said you would.
244
Said I would what?
245
Regret marrying me.
246
When I visited the vicarage several days ago,
247
Mrs. Adcock said that most gentlemen who pay for a wife regret the purchase in the end.
248
It was blatantly obvious she was referring to our marriage settlement.
249
Mrs. Adcock had mentioned her sizable dowry at least a dozen times,
250
so I happened to ask Lady Hedisham loudly enough for Mrs. Adcock to hear
251
whether or not it seemed odd
252
that some ladies found it necessary to offer money to a prospective bridegroom in order to bring him up to scratch.
253
No gentleman would accept a horse so ill-recommended that he had to be bribed to accept it.
254
I thought Mrs. Adcock's tea would come flying out her ears.
255
She looked so livid.
256
Will you compare her to a horse?
257
I doubt even I could produce such a cunning retort, well done, Persephone.
258
I have not pulled caps with anyone in years.
259
I'm not ashamed to admit that I enjoyed it.
260
I felt like a regular warrior.
261
Perhaps before I next call at the vicarage, I should try on one of the suits of armor for size.
262
I could check the armory for a jousting lance and simply unseat my adversary as she rides up to the vicarage.
263
I would be the terror of the neighborhood.
264
Well, if it comes to full combat, let me know.
265
I'm rather handy with a crossbow.
266
Maybe Harry could be our page and we could go conquer Adcock Manor.
267
Oh, Harry would make an abysmal page.
268
He might be trusted with a battle axe, though.
269
We would make a wonderfully fearsome team.
270
You see, Adam, marriage to me might not be such a terrible thing for you after all.
271
the I'm you yeah
272
yeah
273
you wish it right to do you grace his alibi still unhappy
274
said he doesn't like the cold that's not just the cold He was treated badly before.
275
Doesn't trust people.
276
Figures they treated him bad before, they'll treat him bad again.
277
But no one here would ever hurt him.
278
Nah, it doesn't matter.
279
They'll not give you a chance to...
280
...or fight you till holy perdition, that one.
281
Seems like a lost cause.
282
Why keep trying?
283
There's no lost causes, Your Grace.
284
Every creature needs someone who can save them.
285
If they'll only try.
286
There's many hope when you're the sort who tries.
287
This.. poor creature.. seems so angry.
288
More afraid than furious.
289
Been afraid for years.
290
Why?
291
What happened?
292
Got torn apart and left behind.
293
I decided to bite before anyone bit first.
294
If nobody gets close, nobody can hurt him.
295
Welcome back.
296
Good morning to you, Persephone.
297
Good morning.
298
Good morning Adam.
299
Good morning.
300
Are you wanting to ride?
301
I was thinking about it.
302
If you do, I fear we'll be forced to postpone our siege.
303
You two are planning a siege.
304
Why do I get the feeling my presence is not particularly appreciated just now?
305
I would think, Harry, that you would feel that way often.
306
If you go now, you'll have plenty of time to pack.
307
But you'll miss me.
308
I never miss anyone.
309
Huh.
310
Your name is on the lips of every member of the tomb.
311
Some are saying that Persephone has left you already.
312
Thank you, Mother.
313
Adam?
314
May I talk with you for a moment?
315
Mrs. Smithson skipped this room when she gave me my tour.
316
I haven't ever been in here.
317
No one ever comes into this room.
318
I am overstepping myself.
319
No. No.
320
Who is this you're standing beside, Adam?
321
My father.
322
I thought he must be.
323
You look very much like him. Do I?
324
You have the same eyes.
325
And there is something similar about your mouth and the shape of your face.
326
And of course you both have dark hair.
327
I suppose there is a resemblance.
328
Your nose is your mother's.
329
I noticed that when I first saw the two of you together.
330
Are you like him in other ways?
331
My father?
332
Hm.
333
I hope so.
334
You wanted to speak to me about something.
335
The Triumphant will make port the last week of November.
336
Linus will be granted three weeks, surely.
337
Isn't that wonderful?
338
Yes.
339
The Triumphant will be docking at Newcastle.
340
I could be there and see him before he departs for Shropshire. Be there? In Newcastle?
341
I wouldn't be gone more than a day or two.
342
Of course, I would want to see him off as well, which would mean going back when the triumphant sets out again.
343
You cannot go.
344
Please, Adam.
345
It would only be a few days.
346
I...
347
I need to see him for myself.
348
I need to know that he is well and whole.
349
To have even a moment with the only brother I have left, this is important to me, Adam.
350
Things of importance to me should matter.
351
What if he came here?
352
But you don't allow visitors.
353
Well, it makes more sense than you journeying to Newcastle twice.
354
Linus could come to Fauston before going to see your family.
355
Do you mean it?
356
I don't say anything.
357
I don't mean.
358
It wouldn't be too much of an imposition.
359
No. I'd very much like to meet the boy myself.
360
Really?
361
Linus might make a great addition to our siege.
362
Harry would probably faint dead away at the first battle cry.
363
Thank you, Adam.
364
Why do you never leave?
365
Good afternoon to you, too.
366
Answer the question.
367
Is it disappointed interrogation?
368
More of an intellectual discussion?
369
Intellectual discussion.
370
Why do I never leave? Because I like Foster.
371
Why?
372
Free food.
373
I'm in earnest.
374
I need you to be as well.
375
The food is nothing to disregard.
376
Cook is a miracle worker.
377
Aside from that...
378
Paulston is familiar.
379
It's comfortable.
380
So you feel the same way about the house in London?
381
You spend a lot of time there as well, and you've come with me to Kent a few times.
382
This is a pointed interrogation, isn't it?
383
Look, if you're trying to tell me to make myself scarce now that you're married, I completely understand.
384
No, it's not that at all.
385
Then what is it?
386
I want to know why you've stayed around all these years.
387
We're friends, Adam.
388
Friends don't just jump ship.
389
I think your answer about the food was more honest.
390
Did it ever occur to you that I sincerely consider you a friend?
391
My best friend, in fact. Because of her, oh?
392
It may have started that way.
393
You saved my skin.
394
So I worshipped you for a while.
395
Bit like an idol.
396
Who could ward off evil spirits, I suppose. But then...
397
Then you landed me a facer for something stupid I did. Or said.
398
I remember that quite well, but not what we were scuffling off and we were sent down.
399
My parents were away, so we came here.
400
In those two weeks of our expulsion, I met Adam Boyce, the Duke of Kilda.
401
Still scared the guts out of me.
402
But Adam Boyce was just a boy, like me.
403
Why the sudden interest in our colorful childhood?
404
Looks frigid up there, doesn't it?
405
It does.
406
Persephone looks cold, Adam.
407
You should go and keep her warm.
408
Keep her?
409
The fact that my suggestion confuses you does not bode well.
410
My friend.
411
It didn't...
412
It didn't confuse me.
413
She is lonely in this empty castle.
414
Just as mother was.
415
Persephone.
416
I heard them, Adam!
417
The walls!
418
They're inside Falston!
419
They are still outside the castle walls.
420
They're so loud, they sound so much closer.
421
They are not inside the castle walls, Persephone.
422
Are you certain?
423
Absolutely.
424
Have tea sent up to my book room.
425
Yes, she agrees.
426
I know I shouldn't be so afraid of them, but the howling sends chills through me.
427
I will have my steward check on the pack so you can breathe more easily.
428
I had always been told that there were no more wolves in England.
429
Our pack is descended from the last of the wolves that roamed the area, and the wild dogs that called the forest home.
430
Are they less vicious than true wolves, then?
431
They are more wolf than anything else, but they always give the castle a wide berth.
432
I think...
433
I think we should hold a ball.
434
A ball?
435
Unless you don't want to.
436
I assumed you wouldn't want to.
437
It would mean a lot of people in the castle.
438
Every bride should have a ball.
439
We are still in mourning.
440
I think a wedding ball would be permissible. Do you mean...
441
You don't say things you don't mean.
442
No. No, I don't.
443
Yes, Adam.
444
We should host a ball at Fauston.
445
Adam suggested it.
446
Adam?
447
As in the Adam I know.
448
I am as surprised as you are.
449
He's been doing a lot of uncharacteristic things lately.
450
Barton says Cook is in tears.
451
What did you do to her?
452
I didn't do anything to her.
453
She was informed about the upcoming ball.
454
She's that upset about it.
455
She's that pleased about it.
456
She's been reduced to weeping at the kitchen work table.
457
How has the rest of the staff reacted?
458
Mrs. Smithson is rushing about as though the ball is this evening instead of three weeks from now, and Barton has simply begun grinning when he thinks I'm not looking.
459
Three weeks from now?
460
But Adam Linus is coming in three weeks' time.
461
Please tell me you haven't changed your mind about his visit.
462
Of course not, Persephone.
463
They can be here for the ball.
464
Why the sudden urge to entertain, Adam?
465
First, you invite Persephone's brother.
466
And the ball will bring every family of consequence in the northern half of England to Falstern at the same time.
467
That is precisely the sort of thing that makes you miserable.
468
I don't want you to be miserable.
469
I will not be miserable.
470
You will simply make the rest of us miserable.
471
Perhaps you should put an end to the entire thing and save us the suffering.
472
Shut up, Harry!
473
Harry is not nearly persuasive enough to convince me to cancel Linus's visit.
474
There is no need to worry over that.
475
But there is.
476
You tell me to trust you, but I don't know that I can.
477
There is so much I don't know about you, Adam, so much I don't understand, and that frightens me.
478
I frighten you?
479
That isn't what I said.
480
It really isn't.
481
Shut up, Harry!
482
I am happy to see I am a unifying force.
483
At the moment, Harry Windover, you are a frustrating force.
484
Harry, now would be a perfect opportunity for a timely exit. In taken.
485
I have faults, Persephone.
486
like any other man, but I am not a liar.
487
I was raised by a man who valued honesty and loyalty and keeping one's word.
488
Now I have promised you that your brother will visit you here
489
and that Fauston Castle will host a ball and no one, not Harry, not anyone else, will browbeat me into going back on that promise to you.
490
On any promise to you.
491
I want to believe that.
492
And your happiness does matter.
493
You should believe that, too.
494
I'm beginning to.
495
Good afternoon.
496
You look a bit unwell, poor boy.
497
I'm fine.
498
I was just telling Persephone of all the wonderful balls we used to have here at the castle.
499
Even the London papers were full of every detail of the evening.
500
Who attended, the decorations, the menu.
501
Fulston balls were positively legendary.
502
I'm certain our ball will be far less elaborate.
503
Well, that's why I've rushed back.
504
It could be extraordinary.
505
A few changes to the menu, perhaps a more dramatic decorating scheme?
506
It is enough that there will be people here.
507
That should be plenty to fill the London papers with pages of shocked commentary.
508
The castle's always been more pleasant when it's been festive.
509
Mrs. Smithson and I have discussed the menu and the preparations.
510
I am quite satisfied with what we've chosen.
511
Hmm.
512
Satisfied and pleased are not the same thing.
513
You'll be desperate to leave before long if something's not done to liven the place.
514
We are holding a ball, Mother.
515
That has always been enough festiveness for you to return to Falston.
516
It sounds to me like it's hardly a ball.
517
I...
518
I suppose the arrangements could be made a bit more extensive.
519
I sound just like father.
520
I assure you both I am satisfied and pleased with our current arrangements.
521
They suit my preferences.
522
You really must let me help with future entertainments.
523
We could hold ever so many, both here and in London.
524
You'll have far too much fun to be unhappy.
525
If you'll please excuse me.
526
All of the balls you held for Mother weren't enough to keep her here, so why the blasted blazes am I trying the same approach?
527
Dukes don't need people, you said!
528
We're better off without her!
529
Persephone will leave too.
530
In the end, everyone does.
531
It will hurt your hand if you keep doing that.
532
Go eat your dinner, Persephone.
533
I intend to.
534
On the desk we'll be fine.
535
I'm not hungry.
536
Perhaps not, but I am.
537
Thank you.
538
Mother...
539
...is taking her meal with Harry.
540
I am eating here.
541
No one eats in this room.
542
You would rather I starve?
543
If you are truly on the verge of expiring, then by all means...
544
...take some nourishment.
545
Blasted.
546
Does smell good, doesn't it?
547
What a shame you aren't hungry.
548
Is that a hint, Persephone?
549
A hint?
550
You are trying to convince me to join you.
551
This is for me.
552
If you want something, you will have to send to the kitchen for it yourself.
553
You plan to eat an entire chicken?
554
It is not an entire chicken.
555
I'm not such a very large one at that.
556
In fact, it is a very good thing.
557
There is plenty to go with it, otherwise I would be in very real danger of wasting away.
558
You didn't expect me to eat an entire chicken, did you?
559
Thank you for the dinner, Persephone.
560
Thank you for allowing the ball.
561
For inviting Linus to visit.
562
It is nice having something to look forward to.
563
Would you like having more balls and entertainments?
564
I would now and then.
565
But I miss my family more than I miss company.
566
They are so very far away, it sometimes feels as though I'll never see them again.
567
They may very well go to London for the season.
568
You could see them there.
569
You could see a lot of people there.
570
That should tide you over for a while.
571
I will have to get my fill then, I suppose.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 571 sentences and 4136 words to shadow. The speech runs for 42:40. The speaker talks slowly, about 97 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. Only 81% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| castle noun | /ˈkɑːsəl/ | A large residential building or compound that is fortified and contains many defences; in previous ages often inhabited by a nobleman or king. Also, a house or… |
| wolf noun | /wʊlf/ | Canis lupus; the largest wild member of the canine subfamily. |
| gentleman noun | /ˈd͡ʒɛn.təl.mən/ | Any well-bred, well-mannered, or charming man. |
| miserable adjective | /ˈmɪz(ə)ɹəbəl/ | In a state of misery: very sad, ill, or poor. |
| rush verb | /ɹʌʃ/ | To hurry; to perform a task with great haste, often not properly or without thinking carefully. |
| asleep adjective | /əˈsliːp/ | In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting. |
| menu noun | /ˈmɛn.juː/ | The details of the food to be served at a banquet; a bill of fare. |
| inform verb | /ɪnˈfɔɹm/ | To communicate knowledge to. |
| satisfy verb | /ˈsætɪsfaɪ/ | To be enough (for) |
| siege noun | /siːd͡ʒ/ | A prolonged military assault or a blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by force or attrition. |
| hungry adjective | /ˈhʌŋ.ɡɹi/ | Affected by hunger; having the physical need for food. |
| happiness noun | /ˈhæpinɪs/ | The emotion of being happy; joy; elation. |
| sudden adjective | /ˈsʌd.ən/ | Occurring quickly with little or no warning or expectation; instantly. |
| bother verb | /ˈbɑðɚ/ | To annoy, to disturb, to irritate; to be troublesome to, to make trouble for. |
| regret verb | /ɹɪˈɡɹɛt/ | To feel sorry about (a thing that has or has not happened), afterthink: to wish that a thing had not happened, that something else had happened instead. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| shut up | /ʃʌt ʌp/ | Stop talking (usually in the form of making annoying, irrelevant, or false comments, during a period of peace and quiet, or when one is not allowed to talk)… |
| go back verb | To return to a place or state after having been there at a previous time. | |
| go back on verb | To be treacherous or faithless to; to betray. | |
| leave behind verb | To abandon. | |
| look forward to verb | To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure; to be excited or eager to. | |
| run down verb | To hit someone with a car or other vehicle and injure or kill them. | |
| send back verb | To return (something) to its origin. | |
| send down verb | To cause something or someone to pass from a higher to a lower place. |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 108 contractions and reduced forms, such as don't, I'm, didn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: bother /ˈbɑðɚ/, bath /bɑːθ/, breathe /bɹiːð/, myth /mɪθ/, warmth /wɔɹmθ/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: rush /ɹʌʃ/, interrogation /ɪnˌteɹ.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/, shortly /ˈʃɔɹtli/, shock /ʃɔk/, preparation /ˌpɹɛpəˈɹeɪʃ(ə)n/
- Long words — get the stress right: miserable /ˈmɪz(ə)ɹəbəl/, intellectual /ˌɪntəˈlɛkt͡ʃʊəl/, interrogation /ɪnˌteɹ.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/, disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnɪd/, extraordinary /ɪksˈtɹɔːrdɪn(ə)ɹi/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like castle, wolf, gentleman.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Conditional sentences if + clause, will/would + verb — a condition and its result | If you do, I fear we'll be · If you go now, you'll have · If you want something, you will have |
| Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going on | have been enjoying · He's been doing |
| “Used to” used to + verb — a past habit or state that is no longer true | used to be · used to have |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | I've seen · has arrived · has asked |
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.