Tag Archive: Japan News – Intermediate

©AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What awards are given to famous writers? Why are these awards important? What kinds of cultural events happen in large cities? Which events attract international audiences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. connection /connection /kuh-NEK-shuhn// [noun ] – a relationship between people or ideas The novel shows a strong connection to music. recognition /rek-ig-NISH-uhn/ [noun] – public praise or acknowledgment The author received recognition for his work. engagement /en-GAYJ-muhnt/ [noun] – active interest or involvement The program increased audience engagement. contribution /kon-truh-BYOO-shuhn/ [noun] – something given to…
Read more

©(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people become attached to certain animals? If you could choose one animal to see up close, what would it be and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of nature, animals, or resources Conservation is important to protect forests from illegal logging. host /hohst/ [verb] – to provide a place or service for an event, activity, or group The city will host an international sports competition next year. departure /dih-PAR-cher/ [noun] – the act of leaving a place…
Read more

©(Kyodo News via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some fashion items suddenly become popular among many people? In your opinion, what makes a person memorable or easy to recognize? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pledge /plej/ [verb] – to promise formally The coach pledged to support the team through every stage of the tournament. reflection /ri-FLEK-shuhn/ [noun] – an image or idea that shows something Many people saw the festival’s theme as a reflection of the city’s growing focus on sustainability. demand /dih-MAND/ [noun] – the need or desire for…
Read more

©(AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What natural disasters are common in your country? What items do you think are most important to keep at home in case of an emergency? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unveil /uhn-VEYL/ [verb] – to show or announce something publicly for the first time The city government unveiled a new plan to reduce air pollution in urban areas. violent /VAHY-uh-luhnt/ [adjective] – involving strong force, danger, or destruction The coastal town was damaged by a violent storm last summer. prediction /pri-DIK-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement…
Read more

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of drinks or desserts do you enjoy the most? What traditional food or drink is popular in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the opinion people have about someone or something, based on past behavior or quality The school has a strong reputation for excellent teaching. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning, cause, or source of something Scientists studied the origin of the ancient artifacts. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation where there is not enough of something that is needed Hospitals reported…
Read more

©(Jia Haocheng/Pool Photo via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What can people from different countries learn from each other? Why is it important for people to share ideas about the future? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of working together for a common goal The two companies announced a new cooperation to develop eco-friendly packaging. venue /VEN-yoo/ [noun] – a place where an event happens The concert venue can hold up to 5,000 people. structure /STRUHK-cher/ [noun] – something that has been built, such as a building or bridge…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do changes in the economy affect daily life, such as shopping or job opportunities? How do you think rising wages can help improve an economy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-mit/ [noun] – an approximate judgment or calculation, as of the value, amount, time, size, or weight of something The cost estimate for the new building was higher than expected. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys goods and services Consumers prefer affordable products with good quality. export /EK-sport/ [noun] – something that is exported The company…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of beverages are commonly served at Japanese festivals or ceremonies? How are traditional beverages like tea or sake made? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. date back /deyt bak/ [phrasal verb] – to originate or start at a particular time in the past The tradition of storytelling dates back to ancient civilizations. fermentation /fur-men-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which microorganisms break down substances, especially sugars, into simpler compounds like alcohol or acid The fermentation of grapes is essential for making wine. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a vessel or…
Read more

©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is to reduce plastic use and waste? Why are people hesitant to buy recycled products, even though they may help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. salon /suh-LON/ [noun] – a place where professional services are offered, such as for beauty, hair, or nails She opened a new salon downtown, specializing in haircuts and styling. microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/ [noun] – tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste Scientists are studying how microplastics affect…
Read more

©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors can lead to a shortage of essential goods in a country? Why is it important for researchers to develop new varieties of crops or products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to withstand or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant over a period of time She had to endure a long wait at the airport due to the flight delay. sharply /SHAR-plee/ [adverb] – in a sudden, severe, or intense manner. The temperature dropped sharply overnight, causing frost to form on the windows. stock…
Read more