Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

©REUTERS/Anton Bridge Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What services or products do you know Rakuten for? What aspects of Rakuten’s services or products do you find particularly impressive or satisfying? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rushed /ruhsht/ [adjective] – done in a hurry, or feeling that you must do something quickly She made a rushed decision without considering all the consequences. suffer /SUHF-er/ [verb] – to experience or show the effects of something bad The business suffered significant losses due to the economic downturn. debt /det/ [noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be some reasons why scientists and space agencies would embark on a mission to explore the moon? How do you imagine a mission to explore the moon could impact our understanding of space and our own planet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. target /TAHR-git / [noun] – a specific location or goal selected The explorer marked an ancient city ruin as the target for their archaeological expedition, eager to uncover hidden secrets and artifacts. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [noun] – the inherent capacity or possibility for growth,…
Read more

©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or concerns about the concept of a dangerous bird flu outbreak? How do you think the dangerous bird flu might affect both animals and humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affected /uh-FEK-tid/ [adjective] – influenced or touched by an external factor The affected community struggled to recover after the devastating tornado. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and environmental conservation. cabinet /KAB-uh-nit/ [noun] – a small group of the most important people…
Read more

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a World Rally Championship involves? What might be the key elements or challenges that participants face in this type of competition? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt / [verb] – to show or make something clear The chemistry teacher asked the students to demonstrate their understanding of the experiment by conducting it themselves. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have, to keep in existence, or not allow to become less The janitor maintained the cleanliness of the school, ensuring a hygienic environment for…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Japan? What do you think the role of older people is in Japanese society? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city John was born in this country, so he is a proud citizen with all the rights and responsibilities. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the ingredients used in making different types of whiskies or spirits? How do you think whisky or spirits are perceived by different age groups or cultural backgrounds? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way The company aims to expand its market reach by targeting international customers. compromise /KOM-pruh-mahyz / [noun] – an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion…
Read more

©KYODO Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the concept of wages? How do wages contribute to an individual’s economic well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. objective /uhb-JEK-tiv/ [noun] – something that you plan to do or achieve His primary objective was to complete the project ahead of schedule and within budget. economist /ih-KON-uh-mist/ [noun] – a person who studies or has a special knowledge of economics The renowned economist was invited to give a lecture on the global economic outlook at the prestigious university. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] –…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or associate with Mount Fuji, both in terms of its physical characteristics and its cultural significance? What role does Mount Fuji play in Japanese culture or history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The bridge showed signs of strain after the heavy storm, prompting engineers to assess its structural integrity. descend /dih-SEND/ [verb] – to go or come down The hikers carefully descended the steep mountain trail,…
Read more

©Reuters/KIM KYUNG-HOON Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “digital museum”? How do you imagine it might be different from a traditional museum? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The treasure was hidden beneath the old oak tree. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. The construction of the new bridge is progressing ahead of schedule. medical /MED-i-kuhl / [adjective] – related to…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of ‘earthquake’? What are the potential consequences of a major earthquake? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee/ [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering The earthquake was a great tragedy, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to cause the death of or take the lives of a significant number of people The deadly virus claimed the lives of thousands across the country. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in…
Read more