Shadowing Practice: To Kill a Mockingbird - Atticus Finch's closing argument - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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To begin with, this case should never have come to trial.
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To begin with, this case should never have come to trial.
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The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place.
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It has relied instead upon the testimony of two witnesses whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination,
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but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant.
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There is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten,
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savagely, by someone who led almost exclusively with his left.
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and Tom Robinson now sits before you having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses
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is right I have nothing
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but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state.
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She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance.
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But my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man's life at stake,
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which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt.
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Now, I say guilt, gentlemen,
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because it was guilt that motivated her.
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She's committed no crime.
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she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society.
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A code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded from our midst,
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is unfit to live with.
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She must destroy the evidence of her offense.
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But what was the evidence of her offense?
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Tom Robinson.
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a human being.
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She must put Tom Robinson away from her.
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Tom Robinson was to her a daily reminder of what she did.
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Now, what did she do?
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She tempted a Negro.
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She was white and she tempted a Negro.
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She did something that in our society is unspeakable.
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She kissed a black man.
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Not an old uncle, but a strong, young, Negro man.
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No code mattered to her before she broke it,
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but it came crashing down on her afterwards.
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The witnesses for the state,
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with the exception of the sheriff of Macon County,
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have presented themselves to you gentlemen,
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to this court, in this cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted.
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I cannot be doubted.
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Confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption.
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The evil assumption that all Negroes lie,
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that all Negroes are basically immoral beings,
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that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women.
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An assumption that one associates with minds of their caliber,
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and which is in itself,
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gentlemen, a lie, which I do not need to point out to you.
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And so, a quiet, humble,
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respectable Negro, who has had the unmitigated temerity to feel sorry for a white woman,
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has had to put his word against two white peoples.
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The defendant is not guilty,
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but somebody in this courtroom is.
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Now, gentlemen, in this country,
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our courts are the great levelers.
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In our courts, all men are created equal.
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I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and of our jury system.
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That's no ideal to me.
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That is a living, working reality.
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I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence that you have heard
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come to a decision that restored this man to his family.
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In the name of God, God, do your duty.
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In the name of God, believe, Tom Robinson.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

Practicing your English speaking skills with authentic materials like the closing argument from "To Kill a Mockingbird" provides an opportunity to engage with both language and culture. The passionate delivery of Atticus Finch reflects not only the gravity of the legal situation but also showcases rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures that are pivotal for effective communication. By utilizing a shadowing app, learners can repeat phrases and intonate like the speaker, which helps to boost pronunciation and fluency. This specific video offers a perfect context for English speaking practice, as it deals with themes of justice and morality that are relevant even today.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Several key grammatical structures and expressions can be highlighted from Atticus Finch's argument:

  • Conditional Clauses: The use of "If we assume..." helps the speaker present hypothetical scenarios that challenge the jury's preconceived notions.
  • Passive Voice: Phrases like "the state has not produced one iota..." emphasize the necessity of active evidence and assign accountability implicitly.
  • Parallel Structure: The repetition found in "all Negroes lie, all Negroes are basically immoral..." serves to reinforce a point powerfully and rhythmically, making it memorable.
  • Rhetorical Questions: Questions such as "What did she do?" prompt the audience to reflect deeply, a technique that can be useful for those preparing for exams like the IELTS speaking practice.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you practice your speaking skills with this video, pay attention to particularly tricky words and pronunciations:

  • ‘Iota’: This word may be unfamiliar; ensure you pronounce it as 'eye-oh-tuh' to avoid confusion.
  • ‘Negro’: Historically significant in this context, make sure to articulate it properly without blending into other words, as it is pivotal to the argument.
  • ‘Guilt’: The 'g' sound at the beginning can be subtle; practice emphasizing it clearly to convey your thoughts effectively.

Using a shadowing technique with this segment can help you navigate these pronunciation challenges while also gaining a deeper understanding of the text. Complement your practice by mimicking not just the words but the emotional tone and emphasis, which will enhance your overall speaking ability.

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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