Shadowing Practice: 6.8K - Learn English Speaking with Video

This video has 26 sentences and 124 words to shadow. The speech runs for 2:19. The speaker talks slowly, about 54 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

11 less common words from the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

• pointless /ˈpɔɪntləs/ (adjective) — Having no point or sharp tip; terminating squarely or in a rounded end.
• gallivant /ˈɡæl.ɪ.vænt/ (verb) — To roam about for pleasure without any definite plan.
• gesundheit /ɡəˈzʊnt.haɪt/ — Said to someone who has just sneezed.
• rapunzel (noun) — A plant with leaves and crisp roots which have been used in salads, rampion, Campanula rapunculus.
• satchel /ˈsæt͡ʃəl/ (noun) — A bag or case with one or two shoulder straps, especially used to carry books etc.
• struggle /ˈstɹʌɡəl/ (noun) — A contortion of the body in an attempt to escape or to perform a difficult task.
• tower /ˈtaʊɚ/ (noun) — A tall, narrow structure (significantly taller than it is wide, either standing alone or forming part of a larger structure.
• location /loʊˈkeɪʃən/ (noun) — A particular point or place in physical space.
• somewhere /ˈsʌm.wɛɹ/ (adverb) — In an uncertain or unspecified location.
• afraid /əˈfɹeɪd/ (adjective) — Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear.
• forest /ˈfɔɹəst/ (noun) — A dense uncultivated tract of trees and undergrowth, larger than woods.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

• come across (verb) — To change sides; to cross over to work for the opposition.

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 5 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, I've, isn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

How to practise with this video

1. Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
2. Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
3. Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like pointless, gallivant, gesundheit.