Intermediate

Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

2020年5月1日

hanami

Pre-Reading Questions: Where do you usually go for sakura viewing? What do you usually do in spring? Vocabulary: tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time Mochi making is one of the most popular Japanese traditions during New Year. delightful /dih-LAHYT-fuhl/ [adjective] very pleasant, attractive, or enjoyable Hanami dango is well-known for its delightful taste and appearance. public /PUHB-lik/ [noun] all ordinary people The patient’s identity is announced to the public for security reasons. adventurous /ad-VEN-cher-uhs/ [adjective] willing to try new or difficult things My best friend is very adventurous, now she likes to try skydiving! necessary /NES-uh-ser-ee/ [adjective] needed…
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Intermediate

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Keeping your hands clean – without getting dry skin? No problem!

2020年4月27日

handwashing

Pre-Reading Questions: How often do you wash your hands? Why? Do you think washing your hands every day makes your skin dry? Why or why not? Vocabulary: risk /risk/ [noun] the possibility of something bad happening Sue stayed indoors to avoid the risk of having the disease. threat /thret/ [noun] the possibility that something unwanted will happen The bomb threat had everyone in a state of total panic. advise /ad-VAHYZ/ [verb] to suggest something We advised her to check the statements before going public. communal /kuh-MYOON-l/ [adjective] belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person The communal bathroom remained clean even after being used…
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Intermediate

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Chinese firms are on a mission to put an end to the virus

2020年4月24日

UV

Pre-reading questions: What do you know about viruses? Please explain your answer. What is ultraviolet (UV) light used for? Vocabulary: implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] to start using a plan or system The company implemented the use of mobile phones at work. convert /kuh n-VURT/ [verb] to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character Through the help and advice of his family, he has converted himself into a better person. lower /LOH-er/ [verb] to move something into a low position He lowered down the volume of the radio so that he could hear the music well. install /in-STAWL/ [verb] to put furniture, a machine, or a piece of equipment into…
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Intermediate

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Japan’s Tokyo Marathon restricted to elite athletes amidst virus concerns

2020年4月24日

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Pre-reading questions: What sport in the Olympics interests you the most and why? How do you celebrate important events? Vocabulary: cancel /KAN-suhl/ [verb] to decide that an organized event will not happen The reunion that is scheduled to happen next week will be canceled by their sponsors. marathon /MAR-uh-thon/ [noun] a running race of slightly over 26 miles Dehydration during the marathon is not good for the runners. disease /dih-ZEEZ/ [noun] illness of people, animals Some people with serious disease choose to have vaccines to get cured. organizer /AWR-guh-nahy-zer/ [noun] the person or group who plans and arranges an event or activity The organizers of the previous event made a…
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Intermediate

Ways to keep our older loved ones safe from COVID-19

2020年4月17日

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Pre-Reading Questions: What are your ways to avoid getting sick? Do you often visit your grandparents? Why or why not? Vocabulary: proneness /prohn-nes/ [noun] the fact of being likely to suffer from an illness She was forced to quit cheerdance due to her proneness to injury. negative /NEG-uh-tiv/ [adjective] bad or harmful The pandemic has a negative effect in our country’s economy. caregiver /KAIR-giv-er/ [noun] someone who takes care of a person who is young, old, or sick Her long years together with her grandmother influenced her to be a good caregiver. sanitize /SAN-i-tahyz/ [verb] to make something completely clean and free from bacteria Toys that are used in nursery…
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Intermediate

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Life formed on asteroid crater, according to research

2020年4月17日

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Pre-reading questions: What is your opinion about life on other planets? Do you think people on Earth could survive on other planets? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: asteroid /AS-tuh-roid/ [noun] one of many large rocks that circle the sun Scientists support the theory that an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. project /pruh-JEKT/ [verb] to throw something forward or into the air The spaceship projected outer space has now landed on Mars. mile /mahyl/ [noun] a unit of distance equal to 1.6 kilometers According to her, the nearest mall is about 3 miles from here. unearth /uhn-URTH/ [verb] to find something by digging in the ground The students used some tools…
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Intermediate

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Japanese university group extends helping hand to stray “campus cats”

2020年4月8日

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Pre-reading questions: Do you like animals? If so, what is your favorite animal? If not, why? Do you want to help stray animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: stray /strey/ [adjective] (of an animal) having no home, or lost He took a stray dog frequenting outside his home under his care. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] the act of looking at something carefully in order to discover information The police will conduct an inspection at the crime scene. appearance /uh-PEER-uhns/ [noun] the way a person or thing looks to other people Her appearance got better after her operation. welfare /WEL-fair/ [noun] help given, especially by the state or an organization, to people…
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Intermediate

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Highest active volcano in Russia erupts

2020年4月3日

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Pre-reading questions: What are some active volcanoes in Japan? How do you prepare for natural disasters in advance? Vocabulary: steam /steem/ [noun] the hot gas that is produced when water boils The engine was releasing steam from the boiler. aviation /ey-vee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] the business of designing and manufacturing aircraft Almost 60% of major aviation companies cut their prices to compete against budget airlines. impair /im-PAIR/ [verb] to damage or weaken something so that it is less effective A maximum volume on earphones can impair your hearing. apparatus /ap-uh-RAT-uhs/ [noun] a set of equipment or tools or a machine that is used for a particular purpose Make sure to check your…
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Intermediate

Harry Potter theme park to open in Tokyo in 2023

2020年3月27日

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© Photo by Universal Studios Hollywood Pre-reading questions: Have you ever watched the Harry Potter movie? Do you like going to theme parks? Why? Vocabulary: propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people to consider The prime minister proposed a new plan to solve traffic congestion. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [verb] to found, institute, build, or bring into being on a firm or stable basis Mr. Stark has donated money to establish an orphanage in some areas in Africa. convey /kuhn-VEY/ [verb] to take or carry someone or something to a particular place The Yano Group of Companies will convey the documents needed to transfer…
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Intermediate

How to make an effective to-do list

2020年3月20日

to do list

Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like planning what to do on your day? Why or why not? How do you plan your everyday tasks? Vocabulary: loads of (something) /lohdz-ov/ [noun, informal] much or many The students have loads of projects to finish before the school year ends. proof /proof/ [noun] a fact or piece of information that shows that something exists or is true The girl has proof that she really passed her examination. unnecessary /uhn-NES-uh-ser-ee/ [adjective] not needed or wanted Don’t put unnecessary stuff in your luggage. focus /FOH-kuhs/ [verb] to direct attention toward something or someone The students need to focus on their final examination. disorganized /dis-AWR-guh-nahyzd/ [adjective] badly…
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Intermediate