Shadowing Practice: The Social Network (2010) - You're Breaking Up With Me? Scene (1/10) | Movieclips - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Mark, I'm not speaking in code.
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88 sentences
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Mark, I'm not speaking in code.
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Erica.
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You're obsessed with finals clubs.
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You have finals clubs OCD, and you need to see someone about it who will prescribe you some sort of medication.
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You don't care if the side effects may include blindness.
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Final clubs, not finals clubs.
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And there's a difference between being obsessed and being motivated.
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Yes.
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There is.
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Well, you do.
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That was cryptic, so you do speak in code.
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I didn't mean to be cryptic.
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I'm just saying I need to do something substantial in order to get the attention of the clubs.
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Why?
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Because they're exclusive.
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and fun, and they lead to a better life.
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Teddy Roosevelt didn't get elected for president because he was a member of the Phoenix.
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He was a member of the Porcellian, and yes, he did.
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Well, why don't you just concentrate on being the best you you can be?
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Did you really just say that?
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I was kidding.
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Although, just because he was straight doesn't make it any less true.
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I want to try to be straightforward with you and tell you that I think you might want to be a little more supportive.
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If I get in, I will be taking you to the events and the gatherings, and you'll be meeting a lot of people you wouldn't normally get to meet.
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You would do that for me?
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We're dating.
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OK.
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Well, I want to try and be straightforward with you and let you know that we're not anymore.
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What do you mean?
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We're not dating anymore.
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I'm sorry.
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Is this a joke?
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No, it's not.
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You're breaking up with me?
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You are going to introduce me to people I wouldn't normally have the chance to meet.
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What the f- What is that supposed to mean?
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Wait, settle down.
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What is it supposed to mean?
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Erica, the reason we're able to sit here and drink right now is because you used to sleep with the door guy.
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The door guy?
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His name is Bobby.
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I have not slept with the door guy.
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The door guy is a friend of mine, and he's a perfectly good class of people.
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And what part of Long Island are you from?
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Wimbledon?
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Wait.
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I'm going back to my door.
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Wait, wait.
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Is this real?
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Yes.
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OK, then wait.
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I apologize, OK?
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I have to go study.
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Erica?
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Yes?
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I'm sorry.
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I mean it.
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I appreciate that, but I have to go see.
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Come on.
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You don't have to study.
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You don't have to study.
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Let's just talk.
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I can't.
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Why?
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Because it is exhausting.
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Dating you is like dating a stair master.
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All I meant is that you're not likely to currently.
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I wasn't making a comment on your parents.
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I was just saying that you go to BU.
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I was stating a fact.
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That's all.
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And if it seemed rude, then of course I apologize.
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You don't have to study.
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Why do you keep saying I don't have to study?
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Because you go to be you.
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Wanna get some food?
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I am sorry you are not sufficiently impressed with my education.
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I'm sorry I don't have a robot, so we're even.
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I think we should just be friends.
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I don't want friends.
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I was just being polite.
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I have no intention of being friends with you.
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I'm under some pressure right now from my OS class, and if we could just order some food, I think we should...
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Okay, you are probably going to be a very successful computer person.
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But you're going to go through life thinking that girls don't like you because you're a nerd.
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And I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that that won't be true.
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It'll be because you're an asshole.
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Transcription by CastingWords

Context & Background

The excerpt from the film "The Social Network" showcases a tense conversation between two characters, Mark and Erica. In this scene, Mark attempts to express his motivations regarding exclusive social clubs at Harvard, while Erica confronts him about their relationship's future. The dialogue is rich with emotion and nuanced communication, making it a great choice for English speaking practice. The scene highlights themes of ambition, misunderstanding, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships, all of which are common topics in day-to-day conversations.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “I need to do something substantial.” - This phrase can be used to express the desire to achieve meaningful goals.
  • “What do you mean?” - A handy phrase for clarifying doubts or confusion in a conversation.
  • “We're not dating anymore.” - A direct way to communicate changes in personal relationships.
  • “Is this a joke?” - Useful for expressing disbelief or surprise.
  • “I want to try and be straightforward.” - An excellent way to convey sincerity and openness in communication.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively use this scene for your English speaking practice through shadowing technique, follow these steps:

  1. Watch the Scene: Start by watching the clip without subtitles. Pay attention to the intonation, emotion, and pacing of the dialogues.
  2. Listen Closely: Replay the scene, but this time, focus on listening carefully. Notice how the speakers emphasize certain words and convey emotions.
  3. Read Along: Use the transcript to read along while watching. This helps you connect the spoken words with their written form, enhancing comprehension.
  4. Practice Shadowing: Now comes the shadow speech part. Play the scene and repeat the lines immediately after you hear them. Mimic the tone, pace, and emotions of the characters.
  5. Record Yourself: After practicing, record your speaking. Compare your pronunciation and intonation with the original to identify areas of improvement.

This method not only improves your speaking fluency but also boosts your confidence in handling complex conversations. Regular practice on a dedicated shadowing site can significantly enhance your English skills, preparing you for real-life interactions.

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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