Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- confectionery /kuhn-FEK-shuh-ner-ee/
- coin /koin/
- customary /KUHS-tuh-mer-ee/
- reciprocate /ri-SIP-ruh-keyt/
- dry /drahy/
[noun] – sweets or chocolate
I dreamed of owning a confectionery shop when I was a child.
[verb] – to invent a new word or expression, or to use one in a particular way for the first time
American scientist John Wheeler coined the term “black hole”.
[adjective] – traditional
It’s not customary to tip waiters in Japan.
[verb] – to share the same feelings as someone else, or to behave in the same way as someone else
My mother taught me to always reciprocate someone’s kindness to me.
[adjective] – if a book, talk, subject, etc. is dry, it is not interesting
I would not recommend that book. Its contents are dry.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Men are expected to gift women a variety of candy-colored treats to convey their love and celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, things in Japan are a little different.
In 1980, a confectionery shop called Ishimura Mansei-do and the National Confectionery Industry Association coined the term “White Day,” observed on March 14, and the celebration quickly spread across the country. White is also a sign of purity in Japanese culture and is intimately associated with an innocent form of young love. Men who received sweets on February 14 respond to the person who gave the chocolates to them but only a month later. It’s customary to give chocolate on Valentine’s Day, but what do men give on White Day?
Love or hate for marshmallows
Marshmallows covered in chocolate originally meant reciprocating the girl’s feelings. But because marshmallows melt and dissolve, they are increasingly being associated with the message “I dislike you.”
Cookies of friendship
Cookies, unlike candies and marshmallows, are crunchy. This interprets a “casual” or “dry” relationship. As a result, it’s thought to signify “you’re just a friend.”
The sweetness of hard candy’s “I like you”
Candy is something you hold in your mouth for a long time as you enjoy its sweet flavor. If they like you, this is something that will please them.
White Day has its own set of activities, including special sections at candy stores, department stores, and supermarkets. Try giving something back on March 14 if you received chocolate on Valentine’s Day!
In 1980, a confectionery shop called Ishimura Mansei-do and the National Confectionery Industry Association coined the term “White Day,” observed on March 14, and the celebration quickly spread across the country. White is also a sign of purity in Japanese culture and is intimately associated with an innocent form of young love. Men who received sweets on February 14 respond to the person who gave the chocolates to them but only a month later. It’s customary to give chocolate on Valentine’s Day, but what do men give on White Day?
Love or hate for marshmallows
Marshmallows covered in chocolate originally meant reciprocating the girl’s feelings. But because marshmallows melt and dissolve, they are increasingly being associated with the message “I dislike you.”
Cookies of friendship
Cookies, unlike candies and marshmallows, are crunchy. This interprets a “casual” or “dry” relationship. As a result, it’s thought to signify “you’re just a friend.”
The sweetness of hard candy’s “I like you”
Candy is something you hold in your mouth for a long time as you enjoy its sweet flavor. If they like you, this is something that will please them.
White Day has its own set of activities, including special sections at candy stores, department stores, and supermarkets. Try giving something back on March 14 if you received chocolate on Valentine’s Day!
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you think women in other countries (particularly in the west) should give back to men on Valentine’s Day? Why or why?
- Do some men give gifts on White Day despite not receiving anything on Valentine’s Day? What are your thoughts about them?
- How would you react if you received marshmallows on White Day?
- In your opinion, should White Day be celebrated worldwide?
- Is the tradition for White Day still celebrated up to this day in your country? Please tell me more about it.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- treats
- purity
- dissolve
- signify
- section