Shadowing Practice: The Great Computer Debate | Young Sheldon - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B2
Shadowing Controls
0% completed (0/254 sentences)
Music Music Music Music Music Music Music Music Power has always been a deadly narcotic, and in 1989, Radio Shack's Tandy 1000 SL was my drug of choice.
⏸ Paused
All Sentences
254 sentences
1
Music Music Music Music Music Music Music Music Power has always been a deadly narcotic, and in 1989, Radio Shack's Tandy 1000 SL was my drug of choice.
2
With an Intel 8086 running at 8 megahertz and a 5 and a quarter inch floppy drive, there was nothing I couldn't do.
3
From adding snazzy graphics to my homework...
4
So snazzy.
5
...to easily alphabetizing my list of enemies and their crimes.
6
So easy.
7
Sheldon, time to go.
8
We really need to get one of these.
9
What on earth do we need a computer for?
10
Yeah, we got you and your big head.
11
But we can get so much accomplished.
12
I could use a spreadsheet program to keep track of your expenses.
13
I do that in the back of my checkbook.
14
Yes, but does your checkbook go beep when you open it?
15
I don't think so.
16
Plus, the computer can organize your recipes.
17
But my recipes are organized.
18
On index cards, like a cave person.
19
Cave, Mom.
20
I'm gonna call you that.
21
Doesn't matter, Sheldon.
22
We can't afford a computer.
23
Sure we can.
24
It's only $998, and Dave says we can buy it on easy monthly payments.
25
That's true.
26
Stay out of this, Dave.
27
Come on.
28
We got to get home.
29
But...
30
Sheldon, I said no.
31
I can make you a good deal on the floor model, Mrs.
32
Cooper.
33
Seriously, Dave?
34
You're getting on my nerves.
35
It's not fair.
36
You bought Missy a ring, Pop.
37
For 10 cents.
38
And I'm worth every penny.
39
Let's go.
40
Sorry, Dave.
41
We're living paycheck to paycheck.
42
Move?
43
Oh, Radio Shack.
44
Here it is.
45
A Tandy 1000 SL computer system.
46
Sheldon was going on and on about that thing today.
47
I've never seen one so easy to use.
48
Greetings.
49
Need directions back to your planet?
50
This technology is more advanced than we thought.
51
You know that movie, E.T.?
52
The kid who finds him, his name is Elliot, which starts with an E and ends with a T.
53
Coincidence?
54
I don't think so.
55
You're going to live with us forever, aren't you?
56
So Sheldon wants a computer.
57
Ever since he could talk, but now more than ever.
58
Well, he should get a job after school, save up and buy one.
59
Get a job?
60
He's none.
61
I mowed lawns when I was his age.
62
Made pretty good money.
63
You want Sheldon to mow lawns?
64
He's so pale five minutes in the sun, he'd burst into flames.
65
I would pay to see that.
66
Shut up, Georgie.
67
I hope you told him we can't afford it.
68
Of course.
69
I could buy it for him, and then y'all could pay me back when you can.
70
Okay, Connie, now you're just insulting.
71
Well, that was not my intention, but I'm glad to hear it.
72
I could pay my own bills and take care of my family.
73
There are expenses we could cut back on so we could afford a computer.
74
You mean like the money you give the church?
75
No, I mean like the money you give to the Lone Star Beer Company.
76
Good one, Mom.
77
Shut up.
78
We're not getting a computer.
79
We don't need your money.
80
Where are you going?
81
To get a glass of milk.
82
He's lying.
83
He's getting a beer.
84
Shut up, Georgie.
85
I'm guessing we're not having our wants a week.
86
Sorry, I only have relations with gentlemen I like.
87
Oh, come on.
88
You know how I feel about your mother meddling in our finances.
89
She wasn't meddling.
90
She was offering to help.
91
And that computer is not some silly toy.
92
Sheldon could use it for his schoolwork, and I could use it to organize my recipes.
93
You already got them organized on those little cards.
94
Yeah, like a cave person.
95
Well, it doesn't matter.
96
We can't afford it.
97
End of story.
98
Not exactly end of story.
99
What does that mean?
100
I've been setting money aside the last couple of years, and this might be a good use for it.
101
Money from what?
102
You know, here and there.
103
Bookkeeping for the church.
104
Some seamstress work.
105
Birthday money from my Aunt Zelda.
106
Just how much it is here and there money you got saved up.
107
Well, seeing as it's my money, I don't think that's any of your business.
108
None of my business?
109
You see every nickel I'm making.
110
You got secret money?
111
It's not secret.
112
I just told you.
113
Where are you hiding it?
114
Well, now you're headed into secret territory.
115
Oh, okay.
116
Just so I'm clear, my money's our money, but your money's your money.
117
That's right.
118
Oh, good to know.
119
I'm glad we're not having her once a week, because I am not in the mood.
120
Really?
121
That's too bad.
122
Why?
123
Are you?
124
No.
125
That was uncalled for.
126
When you leaving?
127
Very funny.
128
That wasn't a joke.
129
I love you and I love the kids, but I love you better living across the street.
130
Sorry the end of my marriage is inconveniencing you.
131
Oh, don't be so dramatic.
132
It's a little spat.
133
No.
134
This was a long time coming.
135
This goes to the very core of our relationship.
136
I see we're sticking with dramatic.
137
The minute he found out I had money set aside, he felt threatened, and you know why?
138
Because it meant that I can live independent of him.
139
Sleeping in your mommy's bed.
140
You know what I mean.
141
You gonna buy Sheldon that computer?
142
Well, now I have to.
143
Got it.
144
You do know I still have an active love life.
145
Just go to sleep?
146
on this very bed.
147
Oh, Mom.
148
Hey.
149
I hope you're happy.
150
Thank you, Georgie.
151
That's very kind.
152
Mom and Dad are fighting because you want to get a stupid computer.
153
What are you talking about?
154
Mom wanted to buy it for you.
155
Dad said they couldn't afford it.
156
Me and Mom offered to pay for it.
157
Now I'm eating pineapple spears for lunch.
158
I hate making my own lunch.
159
I'm sorry, Georgie.
160
I didn't know.
161
Yeah?
162
Well, now you do.
163
What did you get?
164
A turkey sandwich mom cut in the shape of her heart, a fruit cup, a brownie, and a note from me and I was saying how much she loves me.
165
I haven't read it yet, but I bet it's a lot.
166
I don't even have a can opener.
167
Oh, Sugar Apple, I love you so much.
168
Your affection for inanimate objects frightens me.
169
I'm glad you're happy, Missy.
170
I'm even happier that I got a toy and Sheldon got nothing.
171
Well, now we're not exactly done shopping.
172
Sheldon, you still want that computer?
173
I thought we couldn't afford it.
174
Don't you worry about that.
175
Do you want it or not?
176
More than anything.
177
All right, then.
178
Let's go get it.
179
Wait, he gets a computer and I get a lousy toy?
180
I thought you liked it.
181
Not anymore.
182
The home computer I had long coveted was finally in my possession.
183
But it was also destroying my home.
184
Thankfully, it came preloaded with a program to help solve personal problems.
185
Hello, I am Eliza.
186
My parents are fighting a lot.
187
I see.
188
Can you elaborate on that?
189
My mother bought me this computer, but my dad says we can't afford it.
190
Do you have issues with your mother?
191
No.
192
She makes me spaghetti with hot dogs cut up in it.
193
Can you elaborate on that?
194
Are you going to help me or not?
195
Hello, I am Eliza.
196
The future may be overrated.
197
These home computers are amazing.
198
I can start a real bookkeeping business with that thing.
199
And that would go a long way to giving you the financial independence you're looking for.
200
Darn tootin'.
201
Just for your information, Shelly is using the computer right now to try and fix your marriage.
202
Really?
203
What did it say?
204
It said, get out of your mother's house.
205
Mom.
206
I'm serious.
207
I want a cigarette and I'm tired of hiding behind the garage.
208
You think I should apologize to George?
209
Well, of course not.
210
That would set a terrible precedent.
211
I think you should go back over there to pick up some clothes for the kids and be all cold and distant, so he has to apologize to you.
212
Not bad.
213
Do it.
214
I will.
215
Why are you drinking tea?
216
Get out.
217
Oh, hello.
218
Hey.
219
Were you coming back?
220
Just to get some clothes for the kids.
221
Oh.
222
Were you coming to talk to me?
223
Well, yeah.
224
I, um...
225
wanted to apologize.
226
Really?
227
We'll go for a walk, talk a little.
228
Sure.
229
And this program will allow us to track our family finances, create a budget, and prepare tax documents.
230
That's impressive.
231
Would you like to know how much money you spend on beer annually?
232
No, I would.
233
$936.
234
George.
235
If you switch to Hawaiian Punch, we could live in a bigger house.
236
Hello, I am Eliza.
237
Eliza.
238
R.
239
U.
240
Pop.
241
In your fantasies, am I hot?
242
Oh, yes.
243
You realize you're not talking to a real person.
244
Hey, get out of here.
245
I'm about to score.
246
Missy, turn off the computer.
247
Time to go to bed.
248
I got to finish my homework.
249
Big money, big money.
250
Yes.
251
Woo!
252
Are you kidding me?
253
Hello?
254
Hello?

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice your English speaking skills by engaging with a dynamic and humorous dialogue from the YouTube video "The Great Computer Debate | Young Sheldon." Through shadowing, you will improve your pronunciation, intonation, and overall fluency by mimicking the characters as they discuss computers and their everyday lives. This practice will help you gain confidence in speaking while also expanding your vocabulary with tech-related terms.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Deadly narcotic - A metaphor for something addictive, often used to describe something that greatly captivates someone.
  • Snazzy graphics - Attractive or stylish visual elements, particularly in relation to computer displays.
  • Spreadsheet program - A type of software used for organizing and calculating data in tables.
  • Index cards - Small cards used for writing notes, often for organizing information in a physical format.
  • Living paycheck to paycheck - A phrase that means a person spends all their earnings on current expenses without saving for the future.
  • Floor model - A product displayed in a store for demonstration or sale, typically at a discounted rate.
  • Easy monthly payments - A payment plan that allows consumers to pay for large purchases in smaller, manageable sums over time.

Practice Tips

To optimize your learning during this activity, consider using the technique of shadowspeak. As you watch the video, focus on the characters' natural speech patterns and expressions. Start by playing a short segment of the video, then pause after each line or phrase to repeat what you've heard. Aim to match the speed and tone of the speakers; this will help you become more comfortable with conversational rhythms in English. Given that the dialogue is lively and quick-witted, pay close attention to how the characters emphasize certain words to convey emotion or humor. Repeating lines several times can solidify the phrases in your memory. For an immersive experience, record yourself during your shadowing practice and compare your pronunciation to the original dialogue. This practice will not only help you learn English with YouTube effectively but also refine your speaking skills.

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.

☕ Buy us a coffee