Shadowing Practice: TWICE Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - Learn English Speaking with Video
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 103 sentences and 799 words to shadow. The speech runs for 9:48. The speaker talks slowly, about 81 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. Only 80% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
14 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| audition noun | /ɑˈdɪʃən/ | A performance, by an aspiring performer, to demonstrate suitability or talent. |
| survival noun | /sɚˈvaɪ.vəl/ | The fact or act of surviving; continued existence or life. |
| scare verb | /skɛɚ/ | To frighten, terrify, startle, especially in a minor way. |
| dancer noun | /ˈdænsəɹ/ | A person who dances, usually as a hobby, an occupation, or a profession. |
| ballet noun | /bælˈeɪ/ | A classical form of dance. |
| automobile noun | /ˈɔː.tə.məˌbil/ | A type of motor vehicle designed to move on the ground under its own stored power and intended to carry a driver, a small number of additional passengers, and… |
| pronounce verb | /pɹəˈnaʊns/ | To declare formally, officially or ceremoniously. |
| discover verb | /dɪˈskʌvə/ | To find or learn something for the first time. |
| spin verb | /spɪn/ | To rotate, revolve, gyrate (usually quickly); to partially or completely rotate to face another direction. |
| toy noun | /tɔɪ/ | Something to play with, especially as intended for use by a child. |
| genre noun | /ˈ(d)ʒɑnɹə/ | A kind; a stylistic category or sort, especially of literature or other artworks. |
| casting noun | /ˈkæstɪŋ/ | The act or process of selecting actors, singers, dancers, models, etc. |
| bind verb | /ˈbaɪ̯nd/ | To tie; to confine by any ligature. |
| americano noun | A drink made of espresso coffee diluted with hot water. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cheer up verb | To become happier or less downcast. |
| get along verb | To interact or coexist well, without argument or trouble. |
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past | were casting · was just saying |
| Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea | should I buy · should drink |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | are doing · I'm laughing · We're talking |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | will take · will be |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 23 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, can't, we're. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: audition /ɑˈdɪʃən/, genre /ˈ(d)ʒɑnɹə/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like audition, survival, scare.
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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