©GaijinPot
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your earliest memory?
- What temples and/or shrines have you visited?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- seaside /SEE-sahyd/
- simultaneously /sahy-muhl-TEY-nee-uhs-lee/
- classic /KLAS-ik/
- leaf /leef/
- refreshment /ri-FRESH-muhnt/
[noun] – a place near the ocean or sea
We go to the seaside every summer.
[adverb] – in a way that is happening or being done at exactly the same time
The program will be aired on TV and the radio simultaneously.
[noun] – a thing which is memorable and a very good example of its kind
My brother enjoys playing the classics of video games.
[verb] – to turn over the pages of a book or the papers in a pile, reading them quickly or casually
You can leaf through the magazines if you’re bored.
[noun] – a small amount of food and drinks
We stopped for refreshments on our way to our next destination.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Kamakura is a city renowned for its Buddhist Zen temples, Shinto shrines, and seaside activities. But temples and shrines aren’t the only nostalgic places you can visit in this city. If you’re an “old-fashioned” enthusiast, Kamakura has a secret haven just for you.
The Secret Retro Base is a games shop where visitors can both look at and play old-school games. It can accommodate up to eight people who can play their choice of game and console simultaneously. Visitors can choose between the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Nintendo Super Famicom Entertainment System (SNES) consoles, each with a variety of games. Some of them include the classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. If you’re not Japanese, the all-knowing owner will lend you a hand with the basic instructions and rough translations.
What if you’re not interested in video games and are just dragged by your friends to join them? No worries, you can play English and even Japanese board games in your stay. The shop also has historical picture books that you and your friends can leaf through while enjoying your refreshments by the store’s mini snack bar.
There’s more to Kamakura than The Secret Retro Base. Shops that specialize in miniature furniture and one that resembles a weapon shop from a game are also lined up in the city. There’s also a shop that makes and sells matryoshka kokeshi dolls. Kamakura truly does bring out the “old-fashioned” atmosphere, so make sure to drop by when you travel to Japan!
The Secret Retro Base is a games shop where visitors can both look at and play old-school games. It can accommodate up to eight people who can play their choice of game and console simultaneously. Visitors can choose between the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Nintendo Super Famicom Entertainment System (SNES) consoles, each with a variety of games. Some of them include the classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. If you’re not Japanese, the all-knowing owner will lend you a hand with the basic instructions and rough translations.
What if you’re not interested in video games and are just dragged by your friends to join them? No worries, you can play English and even Japanese board games in your stay. The shop also has historical picture books that you and your friends can leaf through while enjoying your refreshments by the store’s mini snack bar.
There’s more to Kamakura than The Secret Retro Base. Shops that specialize in miniature furniture and one that resembles a weapon shop from a game are also lined up in the city. There’s also a shop that makes and sells matryoshka kokeshi dolls. Kamakura truly does bring out the “old-fashioned” atmosphere, so make sure to drop by when you travel to Japan!
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What can visitors do in The Secret Retro Base?
- What are two game consoles that visitors can choose from in The Secret Retro Base?
- In the article, what are the retro video games that visitors can play in the shop?
- What do other shops in Kamakura sell?
- What is Kamakura renowned for?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you enjoy visiting historical places? Why or why not?
- Would you visit any of the shops mentioned in the article? Please tell me more about it.
- Which do you think is better, board games or video games? Why?
- What did you like to play when you were younger?
- Do you think it is important to look back into the past? Why or why not?