Shadowing Practice: Shopping at the Bookstore📚 - Slow and Easy English For Beginners - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
342 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Welcome to English Listening Channel!
2
Hello, everyone!
3
Today we're going to look at a conversation at a bookstore.
4
In this video, you will follow a simple and relaxing story about two friends looking for books.
5
Don't worry, I will speak slowly and clearly, so please relax and enjoy the story.
6
Before we start, I have a small question for you.
7
Please listen carefully to find the answer.
8
This will help you understand English more deeply.
9
So, here is today's question.
10
What does in stock mean?
11
The answer is mentioned in the conversation.
12
If you find the answer, please write it in the comments section.
13
By writing your answer in English, you can improve your English skills even more effectively.
14
Alright, let's start the video.
15
Are you ready?
16
Okay, let's begin.
17
Wow, this bookstore is huge!
18
Yes, it is.
19
I love big bookstores like this.
20
They have so many books.
21
Me too.
22
Can you smell that?
23
The smell of new books.
24
I love it.
25
Oh yes, I love the smell of paper.
26
It makes me feel calm and happy.
27
I know what you mean.
28
Bookstores are always so quiet and peaceful.
29
It feels like a different world.
30
That's why I come here sometimes even when I don't need to buy anything.
31
Really?
32
You just come to walk around and look at books?
33
Yes, I can stay here for hours.
34
I just look at the books, read a little bit, and sometimes sit in a corner.
35
I do the same thing.
36
I always say I will stay for 10 minutes, but I end up staying for two hours.
37
It happens every time.
38
That's so true.
39
I think everyone who loves books has the same problem. For sure.
40
And I always leave the store with a book I didn't plan to buy.
41
Me too.
42
Oh look, they have a bestseller corner over there.
43
Nice.
44
Bestsellers are the books that sell the most copies.
45
Everyone is reading them.
46
And there is a new arrival section too.
47
Let's check those later.
48
Sure.
49
But first, I want to find a specific book today.
50
Oh, you have a plan today?
51
That's rare for you.
52
That's true.
53
I usually just wander around without a plan.
54
So, what kind of book are you looking for?
55
I want to find a good book for studying English, something I can read every day.
56
That's great!
57
Do you want a textbook or something more fun, like a novel or a story?
58
Hmm, I'm not sure.
59
Maybe something like a self-help book?
60
I heard self-help books use simple English.
61
That's true.
62
Self-help books are often easy to read.
63
They use short sentences and everyday words.
64
They also give you useful advice for your life.
65
Good.
66
Where should we go?
67
I don't know which section to look at.
68
This store is so big.
69
Let's see.
70
Bookstores usually divide their books by genre.
71
Genre means the type or category of a book.
72
Oh, I see.
73
so there's a fiction section, a nonfiction section, and so on?
74
Exactly.
75
Fiction means stories that are not real, like novels and short stories.
76
Nonfiction means books about real things, like history, science, or travel.
77
And self-help books are nonfiction, right?
78
Yes, that's right.
79
Self-help is a type of non-fiction.
80
Let's walk down this aisle.
81
An aisle is the path between the bookshelves.
82
Oh, the signs on top of the shelves say the genre name.
83
That's very helpful.
84
Yes, and did you know that in many bookstores,
85
especially in America, the books are arranged in alphabetical order by the author's last name?
86
Really?
87
That's interesting.
88
So, if I know the author's name, I can find the book more easily.
89
Right.
90
It's very helpful when you are looking for a specific book.
91
Oh, look, here is the self-help section.
92
Let's look here.
93
There are so many books here.
94
I don't know where to start.
95
It's a bit too much.
96
Don't worry.
97
Let's ask the staff for help.
98
They can probably find the book quickly.
99
Excuse me.
100
I'm looking for a specific book.
101
Do you have this book?
102
Sure.
103
I'd be happy to help.
104
What's the title of the book?
105
It's called Easy English for Everyday Life.
106
I saw it on the Internet.
107
Okay.
108
Let me check on our computer.
109
One moment, please.
110
Thank you very much.
111
Okay.
112
I found it.
113
Good news!
114
It is in stock.
115
That means we have it in the store right now.
116
Oh, great!
117
Where can I find it?
118
It's on the second floor in the Language Learning section.
119
It should be on the third shelf from the left.
120
Look for the blue cover.
121
Okay.
122
Thank you so much.
123
That's very helpful.
124
You're welcome.
125
By the way, if a book is out of stock, it means we don't have it right now.
126
But we can always order it for you.
127
It usually takes about three to five days to arrive.
128
Oh, that's good to know.
129
I'll remember that.
130
Can I ask one more question?
131
How can you find books so quickly?
132
Great question.
133
We use something called an ISBN.
134
It's a special number that every book has.
135
It's like an ID card for books.
136
Each book in the world has its own unique number so we can find it right away.
137
Oh, I didn't know that.
138
really interesting.
139
Thank you so much for telling me.
140
No problem at all.
141
I hope you enjoy the book.
142
If you need any more help, please don't hesitate to ask.
143
Did you find the book?
144
Yes, here it is.
145
I found it on the shelf.
146
Just like the staff said.
147
The blue cover was easy to spot.
148
Nice!
149
The cover looks really pretty.
150
I like the blue and white design.
151
It looks clean and modern.
152
I know!
153
Actually, I first saw this book online, and the cover caught my eye right away.
154
That's why I wanted to come see it in person.
155
So you chose the book because of the cover?
156
That's funny.
157
Maybe.
158
Is that bad?
159
I think many people do the same thing.
160
Well, there is a famous saying in English, don't judge a book by its cover.
161
It means you shouldn't decide if something is good or bad just by looking at the outside.
162
Oh, I know that expression.
163
But honestly, sometimes the cover really does tell you a lot about a book.
164
A good cover means someone put a lot of effort into making the book.
165
That's a good point.
166
Why don't you read the back of the book?
167
The short text on the back is called a blurb.
168
It tells you what the book is about.
169
Oh, so that's what it's called.
170
A blurb.
171
Let me read it.
172
It says this book teaches useful English phrases for daily life,
173
with simple explanations and lots of examples.
174
That sounds perfect for me!
175
It looks really good.
176
Do you want to read a few pages here before you decide to buy it?
177
Yes, I always do that.
178
I like to read a little bit before I buy a book.
179
I want to make sure the writing style is easy to understand.
180
That's another thing people do in bookstores, right?
181
Standing in front of the shelf and reading for 30 minutes without noticing the time.
182
Yes, exactly.
183
I do that all the time.
184
Okay, I read a few pages and I like it.
185
I'm going to buy this one.
186
So, are you going to buy the paper book or have you thought about getting the digital version?
187
I think I'll get the paper book.
188
But actually, I've been thinking about e-books recently.
189
My friend talks about them a lot.
190
Oh, really?
191
Have you ever read an e-book before?
192
No, never.
193
But my friend told me they are very convenient.
194
You can carry many books on one small device.
195
That's true.
196
A device like a tablet or a special e-reader can hold thousands of books.
197
You just download them from the Internet.
198
It only takes a few seconds.
199
Thousands?
200
That's amazing.
201
And you can read them anywhere, right?
202
Yes.
203
On the train, at a cafe, in bed, even on a plane.
204
Anywhere you want.
205
And many ebooks are cheaper than paper books, so you can save money, too.
206
That sounds really nice.
207
But I think I would miss holding a real book in my hands.
208
I love turning the pages.
209
I understand that feeling.
210
Many people feel the same way.
211
The touch of real paper is special.
212
But there is also another interesting option.
213
Have you heard of audiobooks?
214
Audiobooks?
215
Is that when someone reads the book out loud for you?
216
Exactly.
217
Someone records themselves reading the whole book and you listen to it like music.
218
It's great for when you are busy doing other things, like when you were driving, cooking, or exercising.
219
You can enjoy a book without using your eyes or your hands.
220
Oh, that could be really good for English practice, too.
221
I can listen to English and learn at the same time.
222
Yes, for sure.
223
That's a great way to practice.
224
In America and Europe, e-books and audio books are really popular.
225
Many people read e-books on their phones every day.
226
Some people listen to audiobooks while they walk to work.
227
I see.
228
That's very different from Japan.
229
Here, most people still prefer paper books, but maybe that is changing slowly.
230
I think so.
231
Both paper books and e-books are good.
232
It just depends on what you like.
233
That's true.
234
Maybe I'll try an e-book or an audiobook sometime.
235
But for today, I want this paper book, for sure.
236
Good choice.
237
Let's go pay for it.
238
Hello.
239
Will that be all for today?
240
Yes.
241
Just this one book, please.
242
Sure.
243
Would you like a bag for your book?
244
Yes, please.
245
A small bag would be fine.
246
Okay.
247
A bag will be five yen.
248
Is that all right?
249
Yes, that's fine.
250
No problem.
251
Great.
252
Your total is 1650 yen.
253
Will you be paying with cash or card?
254
I'll pay with card, please. Of course.
255
Please tap or insert your card here.
256
Okay, payment is complete.
257
Do you have a point card with us?
258
Yes, I do.
259
Here you go.
260
Thank you.
261
I've added your points.
262
You now have 230 points total.
263
Here is your receipt and your book.
264
Thank you very much.
265
Please come again.
266
Thank you very much.
267
You know, the point card system in Japan is really interesting.
268
Almost every store has its own point card.
269
You can collect points at bookstores, convenience stores, supermarkets, everywhere.
270
In America, we don't have that many point cards.
271
Really?
272
I thought every country had point cards.
273
I use mine all the time.
274
I have so many in my wallet.
275
Some stores have them, but it's not as common as in Japan.
276
Japanese people are very good at collecting points.
277
Also, the bag fee is interesting.
278
In America, some states charge for bags, but many stores still give bags for free.
279
Oh, I didn't know that.
280
In Japan, We started paying for bags a few years ago.
281
I just always bring my own bag now.
282
It's become a habit.
283
That's a really good habit.
284
It's better for the environment.
285
I should start doing that too. That was really fun.
286
I always enjoy going to bookstores with you, Mina.
287
Me too, Sam.
288
I'm really happy with my new book.
289
I can't wait to start reading it tonight.
290
You learned some new English words today, too.
291
Do you remember what a blurb is?
292
Yes.
293
It's the short text on the back of a book that tells you what the story is about.
294
It helps you decide if you want to buy the book.
295
Perfect.
296
And what does in stock mean?
297
It means the store has the book right now.
298
You can buy it today.
299
And out of stock means they don't have it, so you need to wait or order it.
300
Great job!
301
You also learned about genres and sections.
302
Fiction, nonfiction, and self-help are all different genres, and an aisle is the path between the bookshelves.
303
Yes, and I learned about e-books and audio books, too.
304
An e-book is a digital book you can read on a device, and an audio book is a book you listen to.
305
Exactly right.
306
I'm amazed you remembered everything.
307
Thank you.
308
I want to try an audio book soon.
309
I think it will really help my English listening skills.
310
I think so too.
311
You know, a bookstore is not just a place to buy books.
312
It's a place to discover new things, learn new words, and have a good time.
313
I agree completely.
314
A bookstore is more than just a store.
315
It's an experience.
316
That sounds like something from a self-help book.
317
Maybe we should write our own self-help book someday.
318
That's a great idea.
319
But for now, let's come again soon.
320
There's still so many books we haven't looked at.
321
Yes, let's come again.
322
I already want to buy more books.
323
The bestseller corner is calling my name.
324
That's the bookstore magic.
325
You can never leave with just one book.
326
How was it?
327
I hope this video helped you improve your English.
328
Now, let me ask the question from the beginning one more time.
329
What does in stock mean?
330
The answer was mentioned in the video.
331
Did you find it?
332
If you did, please write your answer in the comments section.
333
By practicing English output like this, you can improve your English skills more efficiently.
334
On this channel, I share stories in slow and easy English with small but useful tips to help you learn.
335
I will keep uploading videos like this, so if you enjoyed it, please subscribe to the channel.
336
And please don't forget to like the video and leave a comment.
337
I also offer channel memberships.
338
If you enjoyed this video, please consider joining as a member.
339
Alright, that's all for today.
340
I hope to see you in the next video.
341
See you next time.
342
Bye!
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
A2🥞 Short Stack or Full Stack? Ordering Pancakes at an American Diner | Slow and Easy English Story
Travel EnglishWorking Adults
A21
☕ Hot or Iced? My First Week as a Barista: Taking Orders | Slow and Easy English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A21
🍳 What's Your Room Number? Breakfast at a Hotel Buffet | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
Travel EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
A22
✈️ Airport English: Immigration, Baggage & Customs - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
Travel EnglishWorking Adults
A21
🍽️ Soup or Salad? Ordering at an American Restaurant | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
Travel EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
A22
Hotel Check-in & Problems - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A2🍺 Bar and Pub Vocabulary: Ordering Drinks in America | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
Travel EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
A23
How English Changed My Life - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A22
☕ How to Order Coffee at Starbucks | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
Travel EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
A24
My Daily Routine - Listening Practice for Beginners - Slow and Easy English
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A23
🔧 Calling a Repair Man at Home - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A25
💱 Exchanging Money at the Airport: Euros to Dollars | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A22
🚗 Getting a Driver's License at the DMV | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A22
💵 How to Tip in America: The Complete Guide | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A22
🍳 American Diner Vocabulary: Ordering Breakfast | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A21
🛒 How to Use Self-Checkout at an American Store | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A21
🍳 A Line Cook's Morning Rush | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A24
How to Order Fast Food in English | Slow English for ESL Learners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A21
🏋️ Signing Up at an American Gym | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A22
Daily Life Conversations - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
A25
66 sentences
Slow English Listening for Beginners (A1-A2) – Shopping Time 15/20
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A220
9 sentences
Shadowing Practice: Why I love books ✨ #englishlearning #shorts
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
![[A2] Small Talk at the Library in English: How to Borrow Books & Resources](https://img.youtube.com/vi/_IOH2Un1jbc/mqdefault.jpg)
A26
109 sentences
[A2] Small Talk at the Library in English: How to Borrow Books & Resources
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A2385
36 sentences
A Relaxing Sunday Learning English And Shadowing A1, A2 Level
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A22
82 sentences
English Speaking Practice for Beginners | Slow & Easy Practice | Shopping, Haircut & Directions
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A228
303 sentences
Master Coffee Shop English | Easy Conversation for Beginners | English Podcast
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A25
369 sentences
Supermarket English Conversation (A1–A2) | Learn English at Supermarket Words Dialogue (Beginner)
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A23
505 sentences
👚 Shopping at a Clothing Store | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A23
29 sentences
Let's Learn English at the Shopping Mall | English Video with Subtitles
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A212
367 sentences
English Kitchen Vocabulary - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A21
419 sentences
How to Ask for Directions in English For Beginners | Slow Easy English Podcast
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This A2 speaking lesson is built on the video “Shopping at the Bookstore📚 - Slow and Easy English For Beginners”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: English, bookstore, section, store, card. This video has 342 sentences and 2342 words to shadow. The speech runs for 18:45. The speaker talks at a steady 125 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 88% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is easy to follow.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| genre noun | /ˈ(d)ʒɑnɹə/ | A kind; a stylistic category or sort, especially of literature or other artworks. |
| audio adjective | /ˈɔ.di.oʊ/ | Focused on audible sound, as opposed to sight. |
| fiction noun | /ˈfɪkʃən/ | Literary type using invented or imaginative writing, instead of real facts, usually written as prose. |
| shelf noun | /ʃɛlf/ | A flat, rigid structure, fixed at right angles to a wall or forming a part of a cabinet, desk, etc., and used to display, store, or support objects. |
| helpful adjective | /ˈhɛlp.fl̩/ | Furnishing help; giving aid; useful. |
| skill noun | /skɪl/ | A capacity to do something well; a technique, an ability, usually acquired or learned, as opposed to abilities that are regarded as innate. |
| aisle noun | /aɪ̯l/ | A wing of a building, notably in a church separated from the nave proper by piers. |
| everyday adjective | /ˈɛvɹiˌdeɪ/ | Appropriate for ordinary use, rather than for special occasions. |
| collect verb | /ˈkɑlɪkt/ | To gather together; amass. |
| relax verb | /ɹɪˈlæks/ | To make something loose. |
| habit noun | /ˈhæb.ɪt/ | An action performed on a regular basis. |
| membership noun | The state of being a member of a group or organization. | |
| carefully adverb | /ˈkɛɹf(ə)li/ | With care; attentively, circumspectly. |
| arrival noun | /əˈɹaɪ.vl̩/ | The act of arriving (reaching a certain place). |
| deeply adverb | /ˈdi(ː)pli/ | To a deep extent or degree; very greatly. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| end up verb | To bring to a conclusion. |
| walk around verb | To walk with no planned destination; to meander. |
| walk down verb | To continually advance (on an opponent) and punch (the opponent) in order to control the fight and dominate the opponent, while shrugging off the opponent's… |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Do you have this book?
- Where can I find it?
- Can I ask one more question?
- How can you find books so quickly?
- Why don't you read the back of the book?
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | have you thought · Have you ever read · Have you heard |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | is mentioned · are arranged · is called |
| Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form | love turning · started paying · start reading |
| Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea | should we go · shouldn't decide · should start |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 32 contractions and reduced forms, such as don't, I'm, I'll. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: genre /ˈ(d)ʒɑnɹə/, fiction /ˈfɪkʃən/, shelf /ʃɛlf/, explanation /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/, bookshelf /ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/
- Long words — get the stress right: explanation /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/, supermarket /ˌsupɚˈmɑɹkət/, audiobook /ˈɔdi.oʊbʊk/, alphabetical /ˌæl.fəˈbɛt.ɪ.kəl/
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 genre, audio, fiction.
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.