©(Kyodo News via AP)
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Do you pay attention to a person’s style, like their bag or haircut, when you see them online?
- Have you ever bought something because it became popular on social media?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- speech /speech/
[noun] – a talk given to an audience
The athlete gave a short speech at the ceremony to thank her supporters. - topic /TOP-ik/
[noun] – a subject that people talk or write about
The new safety rules became a major topic during the community meeting. - style /stahyl/
[noun] – a particular way of dressing, behaving, or doing something
Her colorful style became popular after she appeared in a TV interview. - spread /spred/
[verb] – to move or grow over a larger area
News about the charity event quickly spread across local websites. - image /IM-ij/
[noun] – the way a person or thing is seen by others
The company’s clean and modern image improved after it updated its logo.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Japan announced its annual catchphrase award in October, and the award went to a statement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leader said, “work, work, work, work and work” during a speech in Tokyo. The phrase became well known because long working hours are a sensitive topic in Japan, especially for women who manage both jobs and family duties. Some people thought the award was humorous, while others said it showed strong effort. Experts said the moment showed the high public interest in Japan’s first female prime minister.Public attention later moved to Takaichi’s personal style. A black “Sanae Bag” that she carried became very popular after photos spread on social media. The bag sold out in all colors, and many people began joining waiting lists. A light-pink Jetstream 4&1 pen linked to Takaichi also became hard to find in stores. Experts said her simple clothing, short haircut, and clear communication helped create a strong personal image. Psychologists explained that the interest in her style shows that people are beginning to accept more types of female role models in Japan.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- Sanae Takaichi received the annual catchphrase award for a statement she made in Tokyo.
- The winning phrase became famous because it talked about travel and holidays.
- Everyone thought the catchphrase award was very funny.
- A black “Sanae Bag” became popular after it was shown on television commercials.
- Experts said her simple clothing and short haircut helped create a clear personal image.
Fill in the Blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| speech | topic | style | spread | image |
- The actor’s friendly ______ helped him gain many followers online.
- The singer’s casual ______ attracted many young fans online.
- Climate change was the main ______ in the students’ debate last week.
- The teacher prepared a ______ for the school event to welcome new students.
- Photos of the new café ______ on social media within a few hours.