Shadowing Practice: Sheldon Doesn't Get Sarcasm | The Big Bang Theory - Learn English Speaking with Video
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20 sentences
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1
I think the end result will be a measurable enhancement to Penny's quality of life.
2
You know what?
3
You convinced me.
4
Maybe tonight we should sneak in and shampoo her carpet.
5
You don't think that crosses a line?
6
Yes.
7
For God's sake, Sheldon, do I have to hold up a sarcasm sign every time I open my mouth?
8
You have a sarcasm sign?
9
No, I do not have a sarcasm sign.
10
You came into my apartment last night while I was sleeping?
11
Yes, but only to clean.
12
While I was sleeping. And snoring.
13
And that's probably just a sinus infection.
14
But it could be sleep apnea.
15
You might want to see an otolaryngologist.
16
The throat doctor.
17
And what kind of doctor removes shoes from asses?
18
Depending on the depth.
19
That's either a proctologist or a general surgeon.
20
We'll see you next time.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “Sheldon Doesn't Get Sarcasm”. This video has 20 sentences and 142 words to shadow. The speech runs for 1:09. The speaker talks at a steady 124 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 6 of its 20 sentences are questions, so it is good practice for question intonation and short answers.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| sarcasm noun | /ˈsɑːɹˌkæzəm/ | Use of acerbic language to mock or convey contempt, often using verbal irony and (in speech) often marked by overemphasis and sneering. |
| sake noun | /ˈseɪ̯k/ | Cause, interest or account. |
| infection noun | /ɪnˈfɛkʃən/ | The act or process of infecting. |
| throat noun | /ˈθɹoʊt/ | The front part of the neck. |
| convince verb | /kənˈvɪns/ | To make someone believe, or feel sure about something, especially by using logic, argument or evidence. |
| shoe noun | /ˈʃu/ | A protective covering for the foot, with a bottom part composed of thick leather or plastic sole and often a thicker heel, and a softer upper part made of… |
| depend verb | /dɪˈpɛnd/ | To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition |
| carpet noun | /ˈkɑɹ.pət/ | A fabric used as a complete floor covering. |
| surgeon noun | /ˈsɝd͡ʒən/ | One who performs surgery; a doctor who performs operations on people or animals. |
| sneak verb | /sniːk/ | To creep or go stealthily; to come or go while trying to avoid detection, as a person who does not wish to be seen. |
| enhancement noun | /ɪnˈhæns.mənt/ | An improvement or supplement that tends to increase a sense of esteem. |
| shampoo noun | /ʃæmˈpuː/ | A traditional Indian and Persian body massage given after pouring warm water over the body and rubbing it with extracts from herbs. |
| apnea noun | /ˈæp.ni.ə/ | The cessation of breathing, most often in reference to transient instances thereof during sleep. |
| measurable adjective | /ˈmɛʒəɹəbəl/ | Able to be measured. |
| otolaryngologist noun | /ˌoʊ.toʊ.lɛɚ.ɪŋˈɡɑ.lə.d͡ʒɪst/ | Synonym of otorhinolaryngologist. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| hold up verb | To wait or delay. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- You don't think that crosses a line?
- You have a sarcasm sign?
- You came into my apartment last night while I was sleeping?
- We'll see you next time.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past | was sleeping |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | will be · We'll see |
Pronunciation to watch
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: infection /ɪnˈfɛkʃən/, shoe /ˈʃu/, shampoo /ʃæmˈpuː/, measurable /ˈmɛʒəɹəbəl/
- Long words — get the stress right: measurable /ˈmɛʒəɹəbəl/, otolaryngologist /ˌoʊ.toʊ.lɛɚ.ɪŋˈɡɑ.lə.d͡ʒɪst/
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 sarcasm, sake, infection.
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.