Shadowing Practice: The Technology Report: Microsoft Takes Legal Action Against the U.S. - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.
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Technology company Microsoft is taking legal action against the United States government.
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The company opposes the Electronics Communications Privacy Act, or ECPA, of 1986.
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The law permits agencies to demand to read emails or online files without their owner's knowledge.
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In most cases, investigators must request permission from a judge to do so.
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Reuters News Agency reports that Microsoft believes the demand violates the Fourth Amendment to the U.S.
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Constitution.
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That amendment bans unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
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Reuters says Microsoft also argues that the law violates the company's First Amendment right to free speech.
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Microsoft says the ECPA was established before the development of distant computer data storage centers,
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known as the cloud.
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The company is a major operator of cloud storage for computers.
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It says it received more than 5,600 federal demands to access files between September 2014 and March 2015.
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It says more than half of the requests did not permit the company to tell the files owners of the demand.
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Microsoft lawyer Brad Smith says that people should not lose their rights just because they are storing information in the cloud.
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The Justice Department says it is studying the lawsuit.
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Daniel Rosenthal formally served as a Justice Department lawyer.
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He told the Associated Press that forcing the government to report to owners of files
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that their information is being accessed could hurt law enforcement efforts.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Ann Ball.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

This video report about Microsoft's legal action against the U.S. government offers a rich context for practicing English speaking skills. Engaging with content that discusses current events allows learners to expand both their vocabulary and comprehension of legal terminology, which is pertinent in today’s technology-driven world. By mimicking the speaker's intonation and rhythm in a shadowing app, learners can effectively enhance their speaking abilities. This technique not only improves fluency but also boosts confidence when discussing similar topics in English. The benefits of using a shadow speak method in this context include:

  • Exposure to authentic language and professional discourse.
  • Improved understanding of complex sentences involving legal jargon.
  • Enhanced ability to express opinions on significant technological issues.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Several key grammatical structures and expressions appear in the transcript, serving as excellent models for learners:

  • Passive Voice: The phrase "the law permits agencies to demand" highlights the passive voice, emphasizing the action rather than the doer. This construction is vital for formal discourse.
  • Conditional Statements: "If the government accesses files without notifying owners..." is an example of a conditional sentence that discusses hypothetical situations. Mastering these structures can enhance your speaking versatility.
  • Direct Speech: The speaker employs quotes from sources like "Microsoft lawyer Brad Smith says..." which is useful for learning how to incorporate direct quotations in conversations.

Common Pronunciation Traps

Pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective communication, and this video presents specific challenges:

  • Legal Terminology: Words such as "Electronics Communications Privacy Act" (ECPA) and "amendment" may be difficult to pronounce due to their length and complexity. Breaking them into syllables can help: E-lect-ro-nics, Com-mu-ni-ca-tions, Pri-va-cy, and Amend-ment.
  • Linking Sounds: The phrase "cloud storage" can lead to blending, making it sound like one word. Practicing these linked sounds in a shadowing site can enhance clarity and fluidity.
  • Intonation Patterns: The speaker’s variation in pitch can be challenging to mimic but is essential for conveying meaning. A shadowing app allows you to practice these patterns, improving your overall English pronunciation.

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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