Author Archive: admin

University of Oxford ranked best in the world

2016年12月23日

Education - B

Pre-reading questions: What do/did you want to be when you grow up? What do/did you like most about your school/university?   A magazine named Times Higher Education announced that University of Oxford is the best in the world. The magazine checked the universities based on teaching, research, knowledge, and international impact. The University of Oxford ranked first because they improved their research facility. California  Institute of Technology ranked second this year.   Vocabulary: impact – [noun] influence; effect improve – [verb] to bring into more desirable or excellent condition. facility – [noun] something designed, built, installed, etc., to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service. rank – [verb]…
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Beginner

A winter deer-calling event

2016年12月23日

According to folklore, deer are considered sacred. People believe that deer were messengers of the Gods. That’s why all the wild deer must roam freely. The Shikayose or deer-calling in Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara prefecture is held every morning during winter. Shikayose is also held during summer. As people wait in Tobihino, a man blows a horn, then hundreds of wild deer begin running to gather around. Tourists can play with the deer, pet them or take pictures with them. They can also buy some shika senbei or deer crackers for 150 yen per pack. After that, most of the deer will leave and go back to their routine. Don’t miss…
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Expert

A winter deer-calling event

2016年12月23日

Pre-reading questions: Do you enjoy going out in the cold? Where do you usually go every winter? Have you ever witnessed a deer calling event?   Shikayose or deer-calling is a winter affair in Nara. This event takes place at 10:00 in the morning every day, this year from November 29 to December 14. During the every day event, a man blows a horn to draw deer out of the forest. The deer are then fed acorns. Visitors can play with deer, pet them or take pictures with them. The Shikayose affair lasts for about half an hour. After that, most of the deer leave, and go back to the…
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Intermediate

A winter deer-calling event

2016年12月23日

Lifestyle

Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite winter activity? Have you ever been to Nara Prefecture?   There is a special winter event in Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara prefecture.  At 10AM every day, a member of a deer protection group played the horn. Hundreds of deer rushed out of the forest. Tourists fed the deer with acorns and happily took pictures. This winter event lasted until December 14.   Vocabulary: event – [noun] a thing that happens; situation; occasion horn – [noun] a musical instrument made of a tube which the musician blows rush out – [verb] run out; leave feed – [verb] to give food acorn – [noun] the fruit of…
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Beginner

Apple Sets Aside Automotive Goal, Cuts Manpower

2016年12月23日

Business - B

Pre-reading questions: Do you think Apple can make great cars? Do you think Apple will stop making smartphones in the future? Do you think Apple products are the best?   Apple makes changes on their plan of making cars that will not need a driver. The company said they can’t make cars soon because they can’t promise good quality. They don’t want to damage their company name. As a result, hundreds of employees lost their jobs. On the other hand, more workers are added to help on a new project. Project Titan will show the advantages of their plan in 2017. Then, the management will make a new decision.   Vocabulary:…
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Beginner

Japan broadcasters to air in advanced TV formats

2016年12月22日

  A good portion of Japanese broadcasting companies is setting high expectations on advanced television broadcasting formats. The Association for Promotion of Advanced Broadcasting Services(A-PAB) conducts tests on 4k and 8k, which are higher resolution broadcasting formats, through satellite channels. Home electronic companies sign up to change their current airing formats to 4k and 8k. The 4k format is expected to deliver four times the number of pixels of the current high-definition format and 8k should be around sixteen times better. Although the technology is looked forward to, large sums should be invested to make the technology widely available.   Vocabulary: format – the form, design or arrangement of the…
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Expert

Japan broadcasters to air in advanced TV formats

2016年12月22日

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite TV program? What is the model of your TV set? Do you watch TV every day?   Development of higher TV formats is rising in Japan. Japan has just started testing to broadcast in the new format. Private broadcasters and TV companies have high expectations for the broadcasting formats with higher resolution such as 4K and 8K. Companies are also into accelerating their development projects. Electronic companies are signing up to change their formats to 4K and 8K. The 4k format is times higher than the normal format while the 8K format is sixteen times better. This technology is anticipated by most. However,…
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Intermediate