Shadowing Practice: US High Court Rejects Patents on Natural Genes - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

C1
Music From VOA Learning English,
⏸ Paused
23 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Music From VOA Learning English,
2
this is the Technology Report.
3
The United States Supreme Court recently ruled that businesses cannot control the rights to human genes in their natural state.
4
Patients' rights groups are calling the decision a victory.
5
The court, however, left room to protect patent ownership rights related to man-made genes.
6
The court decided on a case involving the biotechnology company Myriad Genetics.
7
The company had identified human genes that increase a woman's risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
8
The company applied for and was given exclusive rights over the use of those genes.
9
Attorney Sandra Park works with the American Civil Liberties Union.
10
She says the United States Patent and Trademark Office has been approving patents on some DNA for 30 years.
11
The problem, she says, was that Myriad used its patent rights to stop other laboratories from providing genetic testing,
12
although those laboratories used different methods.
13
Sandra Park says that caused genetic testing for increased risk of breast
14
and ovarian cancer to cost more because of the lack of competition.
15
It also prevented patients from getting a second medical opinion based on some other test.
16
The Supreme Court has now rejected this type of patent.
17
All nine justices agreed that because genes are products of nature,
18
they cannot be owned by one business.
19
Health activists say the ruling will lower costs and improve testing for breast and ovarian cancer.
20
Area Genetics also patented man-made versions of the genes.
21
The Supreme Court said patents on such man-made genes are permitted because they do not exist in nature.
22
For VOA Learning English, I'm Carolyn Prasuti.
23
Thank you.

Download App

AI scoring for every sentence you speak

Scan To Download
Scan To Download
Download on theApp Store
Get it onGoogle Play
TRENDING

Popular

About This Lesson

In this lesson, learners will explore important themes from a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding patents on natural genes. By engaging with the content of a video that discusses the implications of this decision, you will practice and improve your understanding of legal terminology, health-related vocabulary, and the broader impact of biotechnology on society. This lesson aims to enhance your ability to discuss complex topics in English and improve your pronunciation and fluency through focused practice.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Patents: Legal rights granted for inventions or discoveries.
  • Natural genes: Genetic material that exists in organisms without human alteration.
  • Biotechnology: A field that uses biological processes for industrial and other practical applications.
  • Genetic testing: Medical tests that analyze DNA to assess health risks.
  • Exclusive rights: Legal permissions that allow a company to control the use of a product.
  • Health activists: Individuals or groups that promote health policies and practices.
  • Medical opinion: A judgment made by a healthcare professional on a patient’s health situation.
  • Competition: The presence of multiple entities in a market striving for the same resources or customers.

Practice Tips

To effectively improve your English pronunciation using the shadowing technique while watching this video, focus on the following:

  • Match the pace: The video provides a moderate speed suitable for learners. Attempt to follow along as closely as possible with the speaker's tone and rhythm to effectively improve English pronunciation.
  • Repetition is key: Pause the video after significant statements and repeat them aloud. This will help you internalize the vocabulary, especially terms like "genetic testing" and "biotechnology."
  • Focus on intonation: Pay attention to how the speaker emphasizes particular words. Mimicking this intonation can enhance your overall spoken English skills.
  • Use shadowspeaks: As you practice, try to create a 'shadow speech' of the original content. This involves speaking simultaneously with the video, which can reinforce your learning experience.
  • Record yourself: Consider recording your practice sessions. Listening back can identify areas where you might need to adjust your pronunciation or pacing.

By consistently practicing with the techniques mentioned above, you can learn English with YouTube effectively, making complex topics accessible and enhancing your overall communication 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