Shadowing Practice: Steve Jobs Steps Down with Apple on Top - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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This is the VOA Special English Economics Report.
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This is the VOA Special English Economics Report.
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The chief executive, who presented the latest and coolest electronics to the world, has stepped down.
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Steve Jobs announced his resignation as head of Apple in a letter.
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He wrote, I have always said if there ever came a day
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when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO,
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I would be the first to let you know.
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Unfortunately, that day has come.
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Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple Computer in 1976.
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The company sold a new kind of electronic device, the personal computer.
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Apple Computer grew more quickly than anyone could have imagined.
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In 1985, however, Steve Jobs resigned after disputes with managers who had been brought in to direct business operations.
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He soon started his own software company,
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Next, and bought a computer animation studio.
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The Pixar movie studio would go on to create movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
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They are two of the most successful animated films ever made.
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Apple struggled during the 1990s.
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Many products failed.
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The company began losing money,
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and its stock price sank.
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In 1997, Apple bought Next and brought back Steve Jobs.
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Apple used software developed at Next to create the Mac OS computer operating system.
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The next year, Apple became profitable.
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And a series of highly successful products followed.
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In 2001, Apple released the iPod, a digital music player.
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The iPhone arrived in 2007.
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Apple has also been a leader in online marketing.
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The iTunes Music Store sells songs for download.
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The App Store sells applications for computers and mobile devices.
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Steve Jobs is closely linked with the success of Apple.
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Investors were scared when he announced he had an operation for pancreatic cancer in 2014 before.
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His decision to leave comes as Apple continues to release winning products.
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Apple sold over 4.5 million iPads in the first three months of this year.
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The company holds the largest share of the growing tablet computer market.
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On August 9th, Apple first passed ExxonMobil Corporation to become the most valuable publicly traded company in the world.
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Since then, the two companies have traded the lead.
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For VOA Special English, I'm Alex Villareal.
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You can learn English and stay informed every day from your computer or mobile device at voaspecialenglish.com.
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You can also find us on Facebook,
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Twitter, and iTunes at VOA Learning English.

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Context & Background

In this video titled "Steve Jobs Steps Down with Apple on Top," we delve into a significant moment in the history of technology. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, announced his resignation as CEO in a poignant letter to the public. Reflecting on his journey, Jobs conveyed his dedication to the company and the tough realization that he could no longer fulfill his leadership role. From launching revolutionary products like the iPod and the iPhone to transforming Apple into the most valuable publicly traded company globally, Jobs's influence is undeniable. This context sets the stage for various discussions about leadership, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • "I would be the first to let you know." - A phrase that indicates openness and transparency in communication.
  • "Unfortunately, that day has come." - A way to express a difficult moment or decision.
  • "The company began losing money." - Useful in financial discussions or business contexts.
  • "A series of highly successful products followed." - A common phrase used in business to describe success.
  • "You can learn English and stay informed." - A motivational statement that encourages continuous learning.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively enhance your English speaking skills using this video, follow this detailed shadowing guide:

  1. Watch the Video: Start by playing the video without distractions. Focus on the overall tone and content. Try to understand the message Steve Jobs conveys about leadership and innovation.
  2. Listen Carefully: Play small sections of the video repeatedly. Pay attention to Jobs’s pronunciation and rhythm. This will help you improve English pronunciation.
  3. First Round of Shadowing: After listening, try to repeat what you heard immediately after Jobs speaks. Use a shadowing app if available, to compare your voice with his. Focus on mimicking intonation and emotion.
  4. Record Yourself: Capture your shadow speech and listen to it. Recognize areas for improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.
  5. Second Shadowing Round: Go back to the same parts of the video and repeat the process, paying close attention to the corrections you identified during your recording.
  6. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Make this shadowing practice a part of your daily routine to gradually enhance your skills.

By incorporating these steps into your English learning journey, you can effectively learn English with YouTube and develop a more natural speaking style. Remember, practice leads to mastery. Use this shadowing technique to internalize phrases, improve your listening skills, and gain confidence in your speech. For further resources, consider utilizing available tools that facilitate shadowing practices or even joining communities of learners who share similar goals.

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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