Tag Archive: Japan News

JR-EAST’s Joban Line reopens nine years after 2011 disaster

train

Pre-reading questions: Do you like trains? How do we prepare for natural disasters? Vocabulary: after /AF-ter/ [preposition] following in time, place, or order They met again after 10 years. capital /KAP-i-tl/ [noun] a city which is the center of government for a country or other political area Manila is the capital of the Philippines. per /pur/ [preposition] for each She earns three dollars per hour. between /bih-TWEEN/ [preposition] in or into the space that separates two places, people, or objects They have to choose the winner between the two finalists. since /sins/ [preposition] from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now She hasn’t eaten…
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JR-EAST’s Joban Line reopens nine years after 2011 disaster

train

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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JR-EAST’s Joban Line reopens nine years after 2011 disaster

train

Vocabulary: stretch /strech/ [noun] a continuous area of land or water This particular stretch of land in the province of Mindoro is popular among tourists. radiation /rey-dee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] a form of energy that comes from a nuclear reaction and that can be very dangerous to health Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause a detrimental effect on someone’s health. suspend /suh-SPEND/ [verb] to stop or delay something either temporarily or permanently The classes were suspended due to the super typhoon. catastrophe /kuh-tas-TRUH-fee/ [noun] a sudden event that causes great trouble or damage Environmental catastrophes can cause massive destruction to people. revitalization /ree-VAHY-tahy-lahy-zey-shun/ [noun] the process of making something grow,…
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Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

hanami

Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like spring? When was the last time you went sakura viewing? Vocabulary: well-known /wel-nohn/ [adjective] known or recognized by many people She is attending a well-known school in her country. visitor /VIZ-i-ter/ [noun] someone who visits a person or place Patients’ visitors are only allowed in the hospital until 8:00 p.m. idea /ahy-DEE-uh/ [noun] a suggestion or plan for doing something His idea is good but the boss doesn’t approve it. hiking /hahyk-ing/ [noun] the activity of going for long walks in the countryside The old man still loves hiking at his age. healthy /HEL-thee/ [adjective] good for your health My doctor advised me to have…
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Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

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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Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

hanami

Vocabulary: renowned /ri-NOUND/ [adjective] famous for something The Philippines is renowned for its beautiful beaches. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] to discover the facts or truth about something We must try to determine the best action plan to solve this problem. fearless /FEER-lis/ [adjective] having no fear She became fearless when she started living independently in another country. edible /ED-uh-buhl/ [adjective] suitable or safe for eating Some fruits you can find in the mountains are not edible. overwhelming /oh-ver-HWEL-ming/ [adjective] very great or strong The crowd’s response to the president’s speech is a bit overwhelming. guideline /GAHYD-lahyn/ [noun] a piece of information that suggests how something should be done The students should…
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Japanese university group extends helping hand to stray “campus cats”

Capture-straycat

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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