Learning

Is English Shadowing really effective?

English Shadowing: Hasn’t it been multiple years since you started studying English, but still having difficulty talking to native speakers? As the number of users increases in watching OTT platforms such as Netflix and Watcha, the English Shadowing method using English content such as American and British series is rising as a hot trend.

It is an easy way to study English because it allows you to study easily while watching interesting content that you enjoy. Let’s take a look at what English Shadowing is and how it can work effectively.

What is English Shadowing?

“Shadowing” is a study method of following native speakers nearly at the same time like a shadow, without having much time difference. As such, shadowing is a learning method that mainly focuses on various video content such as dramas, movies, and YouTube.

Recently, as the English shadowing method using Netflix has become popular, more and more people are using Netflix as a learning platform for English shadowing. Why is the English shadowing method so popular when it is just repeating exactly what the speakers say? English shadowing is very different from the learning method of memorizing words or phrases and solving questions to apply the memorized knowledge.

A variety of situations appear in dramas and movies, and you can practice listening while watching what the characters say in the situation. In addition, you can develop your ability to speak more naturally by following the lines of a native speaker. English shadowing method can be a little unfamiliar to someone. Does this actually work? Today, we will introduce the pros and cons, and effective studying methods to explore the effectiveness of English learning.

Advantages of English Shadowing

Shadowing is a study method of imitating native speakers almost at the same time. Is it really effective? Some may question the effectiveness of studying by just following along. Therefore, I would like to start by introducing the advantages of studying by English shadowing.

First, pronunciation correction at once!

If you do not live in a country where people speak English as their first language, it is almost impossible to use English for an entire day in your daily life. So many people use content such as dramas and movies to learn English.

At this time, it is often distorted and learned the wrong pronunciation and accent that each person thinks. Shadowing is a learning method that imitates native speakers almost at the same time, so it has the advantage of being able to learn accent, emphasis, and speed of speaking.

Especially for those who are worried about pronunciation when speaking English, they can experience the effect of correcting pronunciation when learning using English shadowing. If you repeat the same lines over and over again, you will find yourself speaking almost like a native speaker.

Second, improving listening skills!

At the early stage of studying English, learning is conducted based on listening to clearly recorded voices slowly for the elementary and intermediate learners. However, when you actually talk to native speakers or listen to English content, you often can’t hear well.

This is because in most cases, learning materials for English learners do not fully reflect the actual speaking speed of native speakers or the speaking rate. How about learning through English shadowing? Not only can you get used to the actual speaking speed of native speakers, but you can also get used to the accent and emphasis of English spoken in many countries.

News uses relatively standardized pronunciation, but dramas and movies allow you to hear more diverse characters in English. In particular, various pronunciations such as Australian and British pronunciations as well as American pronunciations are being presented in the listening section in the official language proficiency test such as TOEIC.

Those who are familiar with American pronunciation-oriented English education can expect high scores in the official language proficiency test if they try shadowing with various pronunciation contents!

Third, a variety of learning materials!

As explained earlier, English shadowing is a learning method that imitates the words of native speakers using various content. Therefore, it is possible to learn using various video contents such as animation, news, interview, drama, and movie.

As the range of learning materials is wide, it is also important to choose materials that fit your English education level. For beginners, it may be more effective to use content with a clearer accent and less slang. If you want to learn high-level English expressions such as politics, society, economy and social issues together, shadowing using English news will be effective.

Depending on the learning goal, it changes what kind of learning materials you should choose to do English shadowing. If you want to learn a lot of slang and colloquial expressions from teenagers, you can choose a high teen movie. Or, if you want to learn British pronunciation, you can use British dramas or movies to shadow English.

Things to be careful of in English Shadowing!

Is there anyone who decided to try English shadowing in 2022 after seeing the advantages of English shadowing that we introduced earlier? English shadowing is indeed a great learning method, but as with all studies, English shadowing has a few things to be careful about. This time, I will introduce the disadvantages of English shadowing.

First, it can be difficult for beginners.

Recently, there are YouTube videos or pdf files that are created for English shadowing of certain dramas or movies, but shadowing can still be difficult for beginners to study on their own. When I do English shadowing, I usually rely on the lines of the characters in the video.

There is no additional textbook or content explaining the expression from the video. Therefore, beginner-level English learners may not know which expressions to select and memorize among the large amounts of expressions. In particular, if you try to memorize all the lines without considering the character’s special background, it can significantly reduce efficiency.

In the case of historical dramas or medical dramas or SF movies set in a certain era, there may be situations in which you memorize even less frequently used technical terms in real life. Before you start shadowing English, it is important to select content that fits your English learning level. Why don’t you start with an animation or a content that’s relatively slow in speaking on a non-complicated subject?

Second, it can be difficult to directly connect to improving conversation skills.

Ironically, using English shadowing in the wrong way may barely help you in improving conversation skills. What do you want to improve through English shadowing? As previously introduced in the advantages of English shadowing, we will start shadowing to achieve various learning goals such as correcting pronunciation or improving listening skills.

By the way, some people argue that if the goal of English shadowing is to improve conversation skills, it may be difficult to just follow the lines. In order for us to communicate with the other person in English, we need to be able to express our thoughts in English.

Then, it will be necessary to memorize more than a certain number of English expressions and store them in your head. In other words, if you are trying to shadow English to improve your conversation skills, you must memorize the expressions you want to use in real conversation. Remember that simply copying English shadowing may not help you improve your conversation skills!

Third, there is a lack of opportunity to test yourself.

There are many English shadowing studies and materials being created, but the fact that English shadowing is still studying alone remains unchanged. Listening and repeating the lines, and memorizing them, is a process that you have to do alone. If you proceed with English shadowing like this, there will be some disadvantages.

As I introduced in the previous section, in order to improve conversation skills, it is necessary not only to imitate lines but also to memorize them. It may be difficult to find out whether the expression I memorized is frequently used in real life or used only in professional and special situations.

In addition, the other disadvantage is that there is no opportunity to use memorized expressions directly with native speakers, and it is easy to forget if only memorization is repeated. If you go through the process of memorizing the expressions you used and applying them in conversations, it will stay longer in your memory. I can conclude that this is a disadvantage of studying English shadowing alone.

So far, we learned everything about English shadowing.

Shadowing is clearly a special study method that can improve pronunciation, conversation, and listening skills at once. The fact that you can learn using interesting English content is probably why many people think English shadowing is an attractive way to learn.

However, it is also very important to select the right level of difficulty for you and to actually use the learned expressions through conversation, not just memorise them alone. It is necessary to check whether the expression I used is actually the one that native speakers often use or use in the appropriate context.

In particular, if you use memorized expressions through conversations with native English teachers, you will be able to remember them for a long time. For those of you who have decided to start English shadowing in the new year of 2022, why don’t you study with native English teachers from AmazingTalker, the 화상영어 service?

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Learning

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the UK Property Market

Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.

Understanding Your Financial Position

The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.

2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.

3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.

4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.

Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.

Deciding What You Want

Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:

1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.

3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.

4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?

Starting the Property Search

With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:

1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.

2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.

3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.

Making an Offer

Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.

2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.

3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.

The Legal Process

If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:

1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.

2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.

3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.

4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.

5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.

Moving In

Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:

1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.

2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.

3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.

Settling In

Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.

Here are a few final tips:

1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.

2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.

3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.

Conclusion

Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!

Learning

5 Health Benefits of Regular Pedicures

There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!

Smoother Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.

After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.

Softer Skin

After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.

Healthier Nails

After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.

Increased Blood Circulation

While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.

Reduced Infections

A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.

These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.

Learning

Commercial Boiler Installation Services London

For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.

The Importance of Professional Installation

When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:

Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.

Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation

When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:

Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.

Choosing the Right Installation Service

Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.

In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.

Conclusion

Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.

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