Shadowing Practice: Status Of Mind - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 34 sentences and 227 words to shadow. The speech runs for 2:35. The speaker talks slowly, about 88 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. 85% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.
Key vocabulary in this video
13 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| compare verb | /kəmˈpɛɚ/ | To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things [“to compare X with Y”]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it… |
| explore verb | /ɪkˈsploɹ/ | To examine or investigate something systematically. |
| lifestyle noun | /ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl/ | A style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group. |
| climb verb | /ˈklaɪ̯m/ | To traverse a slope or contour, either upwards (ascending) or downwards (descending). |
| meme noun | /miːm/ | Any unit of (originally cultural) information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another in a… |
| depressing adjective | /dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ/ | Causing depression or sadness. |
| photoshop verb | /ˈfoʊ.toʊ.ʃɑp/ | To digitally edit or alter (a picture or photograph). |
| superficial adjective | /ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/ | Existing, occurring, or located on the surface. |
| curate noun | /ˈkjʊɹɪt/ | An assistant rector or vicar. |
| intimidate verb | /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/ | To make timid or afraid; to cause to feel fear or nervousness; to deter, especially by threats of violence. |
| nosy adjective | /ˈnoʊzi/ | Prying, inquisitive or curious in other’s affairs; tending to snoop or meddle. |
| girlfriend noun | /ˈɡɝlfɹɛnd/ | A female partner in an unmarried romantic relationship. |
| fake adjective | /feɪ̯k/ | Not real; false, fraudulent. |
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | are doing · are photoshopping · you're climbing |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | you'll see · you'll always want |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 7 contractions and reduced forms, such as don't, you'll, you're. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: photoshop /ˈfoʊ.toʊ.ʃɑp/, superficial /ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/
- Long words — get the stress right: superficial /ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/, intimidate /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
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 compare, explore, lifestyle.
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.