Exercise 1: Read Aloud
A. Read the article below. (3-4 minutes)
次の文章を読んでください。(所要時間目安:3~4 分)
I’m glad I decided to move to Japan. This truly is a wonderful
country!
Advanced Conversation
Material #3
Uniquely Japanese
Glad to hear that! I’m excited to start
showing you around!
Many people across the globe visit Japan every year. Statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) show that 80% of foreigners who went to Japan from 2010 to 2013 were in the country as tourists.
What makes the Land of the Rising Sun so attractive to many? Maybe it’s the presence of polar opposites in one country. Everything hi-tech and cute casually coexists alongside a culture that has been around for centuries. Take a walk down the streets of Akihabara to discover the pop culture that has captured the hearts of adults and children alike. Want something more historical? It won’t take you more than ten minutes to get from Akihabara to the Imperial Palace.
From the bustling neon districts of Tokyo to the old charm of ancient capital Kyoto, Japan showcases a mix of scenery, food and culture unlike any other in the world. It is truly a delight to the senses.
B. Quick Q&A (2-3 minutes)
1. What do you think is Japan’s most unique aspect?
2. What do most foreigners that you meet like most about Japan? 3. Why is politeness important to the Japanese?
4. What Japanese tradition is most important to you?
Exercise 2: Say It! (3 minutes)
Read each word and sample sentence below. Next, use the word in your own sentence.
次の単語と例文を読んでから、それぞれの単語を使って自分でも文を作ってみましょう。
Sample Sentence Your Own Sentence one-of-a-kind
比類ない
I’ve never eaten raw horse meat before. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind
experience. 生の馬肉を食べるのは初めてです。まさに一生に一度 あるかないかの体験です。 stereotype ステレオタイプ (古い社会通念)
People always assume that young people are lazy and self-centered. But I think it’s just a stereotype.
若者は怠惰で自己中心的とする向きがありますが、私 に言わせればそれはステレオタイプというものです。
heritage
遺産、伝統
Japan takes pride in its rich heritage that has been preserved for many generations.
代々受け継がれてきた豊かな伝統は日本の誇りです。
renowned
名高い
Our country is renowned for its exotic cuisine. Are you brave enough to try some puffer fish?
わが国は珍料理で有名です。フグを召し上がってみま せんか。
polar opposite
対極
I’m the polar opposite of my sister. She hates being around people, while I’m extremely outgoing.
妹と私は正反対です。妹は人前に出るのが苦手です が、私は極めて社交的です。
Exercise 3: Complete the Dialogue (5 minutes)
Complete the dialogue using your own answers. You can use any of the new vocabulary words and expressions, if possible.
好きな言葉を入れて会話を完成させましょう。今日学習した単語や表現を使っても構いません。
Tutor It’s only my first day here in Japan but everything has already been a blast! Student (agree with your tutor and share things that he/she can try)
_________________________________________________________________________
Tutor Really? That’s cool. I want to check out some souvenirs, too. Do you know where I can buy some?
Student (give your tutor advice on the best souvenirs)
_________________________________________________________________________
Tutor Sounds great! How can I get there? Should I take a bus or the train? Student (help your tutor with his/her concern)
_________________________________________________________________________
Tutor That’s awesome. I was also hoping to see some old temples or palaces. Could you show me around one of these days?
Student (tell your tutor what you think about his/her request)
Exercise 4: Defend Yourself! (5 minutes)
Pick your stand on each of the following items. Explain your choice.
Your tutor will be asking follow-up questions. Make sure you can convince him/her!
次のテーマについて、あなたの意見に合う考えを選択肢から選び、その理由を説明してください。 それについて講師が質問するので、納得させられるように答えてください。
demeanor: 態度
Spending too much time
at work should be
avoided because…
I think it’s better to be timid
and shy than bold and
confident because…
Some foreigners think
Japanese people are
serious and lack a sense
of humor. I think it’s true
because…
I want other countries to
see Japanese people as
bold and confident
because…
Some foreigners think
Japanese people are
serious and lack a sense
of humor. I think it’s just a
stereotype because…
I believe that dedicating a
lot of time for work is a
positive Japanese trait
because…
Being a
Workaholic
Serious
Demeanor
Timidity vs.
Boldness
OPTION A OPTION BExercise 5: Conversation Starter (5 minutes)
Pick one of the four scenarios below, and start a conversation with your tutor.
次の4 つのシナリオから好きなものを選んで講師と会話を始めましょう。
Pick a common Japanese stereotype and disprove it.
Convince your tutor to move to Japan. Share both the pros and cons, but
make sure that the pros are more appealing.
Think of a popular tourist activity in Japan. Convince your tutor not to do it
because it’s overrated.
Tell your tutor that it’s perfectly fine to slurp noodles in Japan. Share why it’s