Tag Archive: japan news – intermediate

Japan way back 10,000 years ago

Japan

Pre-Reading Questions: When do you usually wear a kimono? Are you fond of Japanese cuisine? Vocabulary: magnificent /mag-NIF-uh-suhnt/ [adjective] – causing admiration esp. because of an unusual quality such as great size or beauty Shirley’s house has a magnificent view from her bedroom. technique /tek-NEEK/ [noun] –a way of doing an activity that needs skill He learned a new technique to easily pass an exam. abundance /uh-BUHN-duhns/ [noun] –the situation in which there is more than enough of something Armenia’s abundance of grapes creates the largest winery in the world. stronghold /STRAWNG-hohld/ [noun] –a building or position that is strongly defended The structure’s foundation has the best stronghold for earthquakes….
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An antigen to rapidly detect the novel coronavirus ready to use in Japan

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Pre-reading questions: Are you comfortable working/studying at home? Please explain your answer. What do you miss about the normal days? Vocabulary: instantly /IN-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – immediately The email was instantly sent after she received the report. conference /KON-fer-uhns/ [noun] – a private and formal meeting between a small number of people She called a conference to give a special announcement. reaction /ree-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – an occasion when two or more substances react with and change each other The heat brings about a chemical reaction, and oxygen is liberated. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a disease in a part of your body that is caused by bacteria or a virus Rosa is…
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Innerwear company to give nylon masks to children

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Pre-reading questions: Do you like helping others? Why or why not? How would we encourage other people to others too? Vocabulary: over /OH-ver/ [preposition] above or higher than something else The number of contestants for this year’s marathon is over 2,000. distribute /dih-STRIB-yoot/ [verb] to give something out to several people The charity will distribute toys to children in need. chairman /CHAIR-muhn/ [noun] a person in charge of a meeting or organization The chairman of the board called for a meeting this afternoon. firm /furm/ [noun] a company or business, especially a small one The firm where I work gave generous bonuses last Christmas. purchase /PUR-chuhs/ [verb] to buy something…
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Akita: A place of knowledge and beauty

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© Photo by Japan Inside Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like reading books? Why or why not? What is your ideal place to read books? Vocabulary: cozy /KOH-zee/ [adjective] comfortable, pleasant, and inviting, esp. (of a room or building) because of being small and warm My room is nice and cozy during winter. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time Each country has different traditions. suburb /SUHB-urb/ [noun] an area on the edge of a large town or city where people who work in the town or city often live Ana grew…
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JR-EAST’s Joban Line reopens nine years after 2011 disaster

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Pre-reading questions: Why do you think natural disasters happen? What is the best mode of transportation for you? Vocabulary: disaster /dih-ZAS-ter/ [noun] a sudden event that causes a lot of damage, such as a very bad fire, storm, or accident One of the most unpredictable natural disasters is earthquakes. provide /pruh-VAYHD/ [verb] to give something to a person, company, or organization, or to make it available for them to use The event coordinators provided free meals to the guests. transport /trans-POHRT/ [noun] something that takes things, esp. soldiers or military supplies, from one place to another The transport system in my country should be improved. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] to improve…
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Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

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

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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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Harry Potter theme park to open in Tokyo in 2023

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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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World’s oldest person Kane Tanaka turns 117

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Pre-reading questions: What Guinness World Record interests you the most and why? How do you celebrate your birthday? Vocabulary: rest home /RES-t hohm/ [noun] a place where old people live and are cared for The number of elderly people living in a resting home has increased. previous /PREE-vee-uhs/ [adjective] happening or existing before the one mentioned The previous owner of a famous coffee shop is an actress. retire /ri-TAHYUHR/ [verb] to leave your job or stop working because of having reached a particular age He is planning to retire at the age of 50. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] o increase something in size, number, or importance The very well-known cosmetic company…
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Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony fascinates foreigners

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Pre-reading questions: What kind of tea do you enjoy drinking and why? What is your favorite Japanese festival and why? Vocabulary: custom /KUHS-tuhm/ [noun] a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time One of the Filipino customs is Media Noche where families, relatives, and friends gather for a lavish midnight feast. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] to organize and direct a particular activity The new television program will conduct an audition for their lead actor next month ceremony /SER-uh-moh-nee/ [noun] a set of acts, often traditional or religious, performed at a formal occasion The couple’s wedding ceremony will be held near the beach. arrangement /uh-REYNJ-muhnt/…
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