Beginner

Halloween celebrations in Tokyo

2016年11月8日

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: Are you afraid of ghosts or monsters? Do you know Halloween is?   Most of the Halloween celebration this year is spent over the weekend. People join the Kawasaki parade with 2,600 people dressed up. This is not a traditional celebration in Japan but it has been followed since 20 years ago. People all over the world participate in a Halloween party every year with costumes and heavy make up. Places in Tokyo are also decorated with different halloween theme like pumpkins, ghosts and many more.   Vocabulary: Halloween – ハロウィーン [noun] the night of October 31 when children dress up with costumes and go to houses…
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Beginner

Early Season of Autumn Leaf in Nikko

2016年11月4日

Lifestyle

  Pre-reading questions: Have you ever been to Nikko? Do you think travelling during Autumn season is fun?   The leaves are about to change its colors in Nikko. The mountainous area is full of maple trees. This gives the small land a warm colorful day. Many tourists go to this place during November. This is the best time for watching the autumn leaves. Enjoy the autumn by looking around the Chuzenji lake. People can also walk around Nikko Toshogu shrine for better viewing places.   Vocabulary: mountainous – 山地の [adjective] having mountains land – 土地 [noun] ground, soil warm – あたたかい [adjective] hot tourists – 観光客 [noun] someone who…
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Beginner

Secondhand Smoke: Higher Risk of Stroke

2016年11月4日

Health - Beg

  Pre-reading questions: Government warning says that cigarette smoking is dangerous to anyone’s health. Do you agree that smoking is dangerous? You don’t smoke but you are exposed to sickness because of cigarette smoke. Is this okay with you?   A US research says non-smokers who live in the same house with smokers have a high chance of stroke. Almost 50 percent of the nonsmokers who had stroke are exposed to second-hand smoke at home. Stroke survivors exposed to second-hand smoke can die from any cause. A blood test was done to know the amount of smoke people were exposed to. Research factors include race, sex, education, and income level….
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Beginner

Kellogg’s Cereal Continue To Lose Sales

2016年11月4日

Business - B

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite breakfast every morning? Have you tried eating breakfast from other countries? Kellogg’s Cereal company loses sales for the seventh time. Their sales is now down to 2.3%. The company thinks it is because most customers in the US and the UK do not want to buy cereals anymore. A business psychologist said the way people eat breakfast is changing now. A lot of people spend five or six minutes only on breakfast. That is why they want to find a quicker way to have breakfast. And, the younger population will replace cereal with smoothies, fresh fruit and yogurt.   Vocabulary: sales – 売上げ…
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Beginner

Trump speaks disbelief on election results

2016年10月28日

World News - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: When did you last vote? Do you think voting is important?   Donald Trump says that there will be cheating in the election. Donald Trump is a businessman. He is running for president of the United States. Donald Trump is the presidential candidate of the Republican Party. Donald Trump is running against Hillary Clinton. Some people believe that Donald Trump only says there will be cheating in the election to distract the voters.   Vocabulary: cheating – いんちき [noun] dishonesty businessman – ビジネスマン [noun] a man who works in business especially in a high position candidate – 候補者 [noun] a person who is trying to be elected…
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Beginner

JP pushes for English classes reform

2016年10月28日

  Pre-reading questions: When did you start studying English? How long do you study English every day?   The Japanese Education Ministry will increase English study hours to 70 hours starting 2020. This change will affect primary school, middle school and high school students. This change will lessen the need to enrol in cram schools. Other improvements will also be made. There will be improvements on subjects and the Japanese Entrance Examinations. All these changes will be made to improve the English skills of students and will give them the ability to compete with other countries.   Vocabulary: increase – 増える[verb] to (make something) become larger in amount or size…
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527 South Koreans Sue Samsung over Galaxy Note 7

2016年10月27日

Business - B

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like Samsung phones? Are Samsung phone popular in your country?   527 South Koreans who use Galaxy Note 7 sued Samsung Electronics. They sued Samsung Electronics because they are afraid their smartphones might catch fire. The people who sued Samsung want payment or their time in returning their smartphones. They also want payment for the time they spent waiting at the shop and the trouble. Samsung is now giving 50% discount to customers who will buy Galaxy S8 or Note8 next year.   Vocabulary: sue – 訴える [verb] to take legal action afraid – 恐れて [adjective] filled with fear or concern catch fire – 発火する…
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Beginner

More low-cost options for smartphones

2016年10月27日

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite smartphone brand? Would you like an expensive phone or a cheaper one? Why?   Cell phone companies in Japan want to offer low-cost services. Customers can choose from a lot of services. NTT Docomo Inc. and KDDI Corp. will be offering low-cost smartphones. People who do not make phones calls often may choose the low-cost smartphones. Monthly fees can be lowered for many people. The monthly fees will be fixed. The new plan is also very good for people who always want to see videos but worry about their bills.   Vocabulary: offer- 提供する [verb] give low-cost- 安い [adjective, adverb] not expensive; cheap…
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Beginner

Nintendo gives sneak peek at new portable console

2016年10月27日

Japan - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: Do you play video games? What is your favorite video game? Nintendo posted a short video about their new product. Nintendo calls its new product “Nintendo Switch.” It is a gaming device that can be played in any place. The Nintendo Switch is like a tablet, but with controllers. It will be sold in March next year. Vocabulary: post – 投稿する [verb]- make information available on the Internet product – 製品 [noun] something that is manufactured call – 呼ぶ [verb] to name gaming device – ゲームをするための機器[noun] a gadget used for playing (games) controller – コントローラー [noun] a device that manages or directs (the flow of data) True or…
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Beginner