Author Archive: admin

Students refuse going to school

2016年12月16日

  Pre-reading questions: What makes school fun? What is your most unforgettable school experience? Did you ever wish to stay a student forever?   Problems at home and school could lead students to lose interest and motivation to go to school. A number of students in elementary and junior high school who do not go to school are increasing according to statistics. The duration of students’ absences varies widely. Some students miss a few school days, others a month while others give up school entirely to stay at home. Some students also have problems to make friends with other people. Some elementary students are violent toward their peers. This year’s…
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Intermediate

Students refuse going to school

2016年12月16日

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like going to school? / Did you like going to school? Why should children go to school?   A number of students nowadays are not interested to go to school anymore. A lot of reasons are being considered by teachers and administrators. Some students just want to go to school once or twice a week. The principal have known a clear cause and it’s the mother who always says OK when the student doesn’t want to go. Schools said that it is difficult for them to deal with the situation.   Vocabulary: consider – [verb] to think about carefully twice – [abverb] two times difficult…
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Beginner

Fake stories might affect Facebook’s earnings

2016年12月14日

  Amidst the surprising U.S. Presidential race results electing Donald Trump, many pointed their fingers at Facebook for fabricated stories circulating the site at the height of the campaign period. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg detailed his team’s new strategies on getting rid of fake news to save the site’s credibility. They would involve an improved detection system, easier reporting by users, and changes to the site’s advertisement system. Business analysts were apprehensive upon hearing the social networking giant’s intention of modifying its advertisement system, as it could directly impinge its revenue figures. Advertisers’ claim of inaccurate metrics and toil of its advertisement server Atlas counted up to the sliding income…
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Expert

Fake stories might affect Facebook’s earnings

2016年12月14日

  Pre-reading questions: How long have you been using the internet? Do you know Facebook? Do you have friends in the internet?   Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg laid out new schemes on dealing with fake news on their site. The site would include an improved detection system, easier reporting by users, and changes to its advertisement system. This step was triggered by the possibility that the circulation of fake stories on the site influenced the recent U.S. Presidential election. On the other hand, business analysts worry on how the changes to its advertisement system could hurt the social networking site’s revenue. This is amid advertisers’ claim of faulty metrics and…
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Intermediate

Fake stories might affect Facebook’s earnings

2016年12月14日

Business - B

  Pre-reading questions: Do you know Facebook? Do you have an account on Facebook?   Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg made new plans to remove fake news on their site. Facebook would have a system that will identify if the news is true or not. It would be easier for users to report fake news. It would also make changes to its advertisement system. Many people thought that fake stories affected the U.S. Presidential election. Business analysts are worried because Facebook’s plans might affect their earnings. Some advertisers said that Facebook’s records were incorrect. Analysts thought these factors would affect the company’s earnings.   Vocabulary: CEO – 社長[noun] Chief Executive Officer;…
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Beginner

Man dies in a speed-eating contest

2016年12月14日

  An onigiri speed-eating contest was held at Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture. During the said competition, a 28-year old man fell down while engaging in the said competition. Apparently, a number of onigiris were lodged in the throat of the participant. He was given medical attention promptly. However, the man passed away three days after he was taken to a health facility. The speed-eating contest held amid the “Friendship Festival” was run by Higashibiwako’s Japan Agricultural Cooperative. It is an occasion in which local farm products, including the Oumimai rice brand, a specialty of the prefecture are the main feature. Fifteen people participated on the said occasion. Each participant…
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Expert

Man dies in a speed-eating contest

2016年12月14日

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like Onigiri? What is your favorite festival in your region/country? Have you ever attended a festival?   A 28-year old man fainted in an onigiri speed-eating contest in Shiga Prefecture last November. The man was assisted immediately by medical professionals, but he passed away 3 days after. The onigiri speed-eating contest was done to celebrate the “Friendship Festival” in the said prefecture. Higashibiwako Japan Agricultural Co-operative organized the event to boost Shiga’s agricultural products. The organizers put a notice on their website giving thanks to the medical team who responded right away during the incident. Authorities found out that they are prepared for emergencies and…
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Intermediate

Man dies in a speed-eating contest

2016年12月14日

World News - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like onigiri? Have you ever participated on any festival in your country?   A man fainted in an onigiri speed-eating contest in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. He fainted because of a large onigiri in his throat. He was brought to the hospital right away, but he died 3 days after. The speed-eating was done to celebrate Friendship Festival in their region. Organizers felt sorry about the incident. The event happened last November 13.   Vocabulary: faint – 気が遠くなって[adjective] to lose consciousness. contest – コンテスト[noun] a race or competition. region – 地域[noun] a district or division. organizer – 主催者[noun] a person or group who organize things, events,…
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Beginner