Class 14 Jan 10 2012 the TOP TEN NEWS STORIES for 2011!!
This will be our last class! (Shock!!)
Bring your thinking caps!! We will try to second guess the TOP TEN NEWS STORIES for 2011!!
NOTE: BE SURE TO DO THE QUIZ AND CHAT *ONLY* IF YOU ARE ABSENT TODAY! If you come to class, you will automatically get 10 chatpoints.
Class 13 Dec 13 2011 Japan Misses Out on Gold in Figure Skating
READ the story http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/sp20111212f1.html
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1.
For next class: Bring your thinking caps!! We will try to second guess the TOP TEN NEWS STORIES for 2011!!
Class 12 Dec 6 2011 Do you game after midnight?
READ the story at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/22/world/asia/south-korea-gaming/index.html?hpt=ias_mid
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Were you surprised at the situation of internet addiction in Korea? Why? 2. What do you think about the new law in Korea? Do you think it's a good idea? Why? 3. Do you know anyone who is addicted to web games? Who? 4. Do you think the situation in Japan is similar or different? Why? 5. Do you think boys play more games than girls? Why? 6. Do you think many hikikomori people may be net game addicts? Why or why not?
For next week:
Class 11 11/29/2011 Sports News Japan Series! http://www.tokyoreporter.com/2011/11/21/softbank-hawks-take-japan-series-with-shutout-of-chunichi-dragons-in-7-kyodo-says/
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
AND let's practice some baseball vocabulary! See http://tigersmania.blogspot.com/2010/10/baseball-vocabulary-japanese-english.html
Chat room questions:
1. What does "shutout" mean? Can you explain it in English? What about "sayonara home run"? 2. What is the connection between Softbank and Fukuoka? Can you explain? 3. Do you like professional baseball? Why or why not? 4. What sports do you like to watch best? Why? Are you watching any other sports on TV? 5. Today, there will be the final game of Asia Series and Softbank Hawks will fight with Korean's team. Will you watch it? Why or why not?
For next week: Do you game after midnight? http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/22/world/asia/south-korea-gaming/index.html?hpt=ias_mid
Class 10 11/22/2011 The TPP Dilemma
Read about the recent news on TPP: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-11/10/c_131239163.htm YOU WILL NEED TO DO SOME OUTSIDE RESEARCH FOR THE NEXT CLASS!
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Did you research or study about TPP before this class? 2. When you watch TV or news about TPP, is it more negative or positive? 3. Do you think TPP will hurt or help Japan? Why? 4. Do you think TPP will hurt of help US-Japan relations? Why? 5. What problems does Japanese agriculture have? How can they be helped? 6. What is the connection between TPP and China?
For next week: Japan Series! http://www.tokyoreporter.com/2011/11/21/softbank-hawks-take-japan-series-with-shutout-of-chunichi-dragons-in-7-kyodo-says/
Class 9 11/15/2011 Another big family
Read Toy Story: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's brood leave Japan with an assortment of cuddly creatures in their possession http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2059819/Toy-Story-Angelina-Jolie-Brad-Pitts-brood-leave-Japan-assortment-cuddly-playthings-possession.html
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. What movies do you know with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? 2. What do you think of their big family? Could you take care of a family like this? 3. Do you think adopting children from poor countries is a good idea? Why or why not? 4. Would you adopt a child from a poor country if you could? 5. Do you think Japanese society will ever accept adopted children?
For next week: Read about the recent news on TPP: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-11/10/c_131239163.htm YOU WILL NEED TO DO SOME OUTSIDE RESEARCH FOR THE NEXT CLASS!
Class 8 11/8/2011 The 7 billionth baby!
Hello everyone, did you read http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/111030/world-population-reaches-7-billion on world population!
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. What do you think about the world's population? Is it a problem? Why? What can be done? 2. What do you think about Japan's population now? Is it a problem? Why? What can be done? 3. Why will India's population probably overtake China's population? 4. What is the biggest problem with food? What can be done about it? 5. What about the question of urbanization? Is it good or bad that more people are moving to big cities? 6. Make a list of 5 countries with over 2.0 birth rate and 5 countries with under 2.0.
For next week: Read Toy Story: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's brood leave Japan with an assortment of cuddly creatures in their possession http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2059819/Toy-Story-Angelina-Jolie-Brad-Pitts-brood-leave-Japan-assortment-cuddly-playthings-possession.html
GRADE DAY TODAY!! You will get the results of your first 5 chats /50 points which should give you an idea of how you are doing in the class. If you have
...over 40 points, congratulations! Keep it up and you will have an A.
...under 30 points, this is NOT passing work. Beware.....!
Class 7 11/1/2011 The end of Gadhafi and a new Libya!
Hello everyone, did you read the blog at http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/24/if-he-was-captured-alive-how-did-gadhafi-end-up-dead/?&hpt=hp_c2
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Where is Libya? 2. Who was Gaddhafi and what did he do? 3. What did you find out about Gaddhafi's regime on Internet? 4. Why were people so angry at Gaddhafi? 5. Do you remember talking about Libya before in this class? When?
For next week: Read http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/111030/world-population-reaches-7-billion on world population!
Class 6 10/25/2011 Floods in Bangkok!
Hello everyone, did you read the article at http://www.siamdailynews.com/foreign-news/2011/10/12/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-four-nations-offer-help-to-flood-victims-in-thailand/ about the flooding in THAILAND?
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. What do you think about the flooding in Thailand? 2. Do you have any friends or know anyone in Thailand? 3. When you first heard the news in Japan, what was the main concern of the news? Do you remember? 4. Do you think there is a connection between the flooding in Thailand, the flooding in Brazil, the tsunami in Tohoku, and global warming? 5. Is there a connection between cutting trees and flooding?
For next week: Read http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/24/if-he-was-captured-alive-how-did-gadhafi-end-up-dead/?&hpt=hp_c2
AND NEXT WEEK YOU WILL GET your half-time grades, so please come to class!
Class 5 10/18/2011 The Occupy Wall Street Demonstrations
Hello everyone, did you read the article at http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/us/occupy-wall-street/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Let's watch some videos of the movements:
New York http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-eNIW0ntz4&feature=relmfu
Asia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjhzVjbK4WM
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Did you see this news before? Where? 2. What are the people demonstrating about? 3. What does "We are the 99%" mean? 4. Are you dissatisfied with the situation in Japan? 5. Would you join a demonstration like this? 6. Do you think it has any meaning?
For next week: Read http://www.siamdailynews.com/foreign-news/2011/10/12/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-four-nations-offer-help-to-flood-victims-in-thailand/ about the flooding in THAILAND
Class 4 10/11/2011 Is "ganbatte" a bad word?
Hello everyone, did you read the article at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20111004ad.html
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Do you think "Gambare Tohoku" is a good thing to say? 2. What have you done for Tohoku in the past three months? Anything? 3. Do you think the Japanese government is doing enough to help Tohoku? 4. Do you feel you are included when someone says "Ganbare Nippon"? What about "Ganbarou Nippon"? 5. What do you think victims in Tohoku feel when they hear "Ganbare Tohoku"? 6. Do you say "Thank you" or "Sorry" more in English? What about in Japanese? 7. Is there a difference between "ganbare" and "ganbatte"?
For next week: Read http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/us/occupy-wall-street/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Class 3 10/4/2011 Elections in China
Hello everyone, did you read the article at http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/23/world/china-election-florcruz/index.html?
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Hi everyone, did you know that there are elections in China before this class? 2. Have you ever voted? What age do you think is the best to start voting? 3. Do you think Li Chengpeng has a chance of winning? Why or why not? 4. Do you think elections are important? Why or why not? 5. Is it important to have more than one political party? Why or why not? 6. Do you want to vote for the prime minister? 7. Does Japanese election system have to change like American style? How do you think?
For next week: Read http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20111004ad.html
Class 2 9/27/2011 PM Noda and Nuclear Energy
Hello everyone, did you read the article at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110920a5.html?
Before we go into the chat rooms, let's listen to the newest english news at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
Chat room questions:
1. Does Japan need nuclear energy? Why? 2. Do you agree more with Noda or Kan about nuclear energy? Why? 3. Have you ever been to a nuclear power plant? 4. Have you ever used solar energy and/or wind energy at your house? 5. Did you know the expression "the big apple"? Do you know "the big orange"? 6. Did you see bullfighting before this class? What do you think of it?
For next week: Read Independent candidates test China's election experiment http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/23/world/china-election-florcruz/index.html
Class 1 9/20/2011 Welcome (BACK)
Hello everyone! Welcome (BACK) to the first class of the fall semester!
Today we will discuss some of the big summer news.
1. The change (again!) of the Japanese Prime Minister 2. The double anniversary of 3/11 and 9/11
We will listen to and chat about THREE of the news stories at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
3. The 9/11 Memorial (English club story for Sept. 13) 4. The terrorist attack in Norway (English club story for July 26) 5. The successes of Nadeshiko Japan! (English club story for July 19)
Please listen to these before you do the quiz, and enter the chat rooms.
For next week: Read the article at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110920a5.html
FALL SEMESTER
Class 14 7/19/2011 LAST CLASS!
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read Importance of English for Japan at http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/11/15/ilist.japan.englishization/index.html?iref=obinsite
Chat Questions
1. ? 2. ? 3. ? 4. ? 5. ?
THAT'S ALL FOLKS! HAVE A GOOD SUMMER AND KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS!
I will have your grades finished and available by the end of July. If you would like to know your grade, please contact me at judy@kumagaku.ac.jp after July 31.
Also, please join ALC TOEIC Summer Seminar if you would like to continue studying English over the summer.
Class 13 7/12/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read about the new renewable energy bill at
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110711p2a00m0na016000c.html
Chat Questions
1. What do you think of Yingluck Shinawatra? 2. Do you think Japan should continue using nuclear energy? Why? 3. Do you think Japan should support using renewable energy? Why? 4. What do you think is the best source of energy? 5. Do you want a solar panel on your house? Why or why not?
For 7/19/2011 OUR LAST CLASS!!
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read Importance of English for Japan at http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/11/15/ilist.japan.englishization/index.html?iref=obinsite
Class 12 7/5/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Lady Gaga sued!! Read all about it at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2008775/Lady-Gaga-sued-making-money-Japan-earthquake-aid-wristbands.html
Chat Questions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
For 7/12/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
CLASS 11 6/28/2011
Listen to the news story for 6/21 at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Do you drive? What if you couldn't? Read Saudi women defy driving ban at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/06/17/saudi.women.drivers/index.html
3. Chat questions
a. Why can't women drive in Saudi Arabia? b. What else can't women do in Saudi Arabia? Why? c. Do you think women and men are equal in Japan now? Why? d. Do you think women and men should be equal in Japan now? Why? e. 100 years ago, what couldn't women do in Japan? f. Do you drive a car? What would you do if you couldn't?
For 7/5/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Lady Gaga sued!! Read all about it at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2008775/Lady-Gaga-sued-making-money-Japan-earthquake-aid-wristbands.html
CLASS 10 6/21/2011
Listen to the news stories for 6/7 and 6/14 at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Rain Rain GO AWAY! Read Heavy rain continues to fall in southwestern Japan at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110613a2.html
3. Chat questions
a. Do you like the rainy season? Why or why not? b. Have you had any trouble because of the recent rains? If yes, what? c. Have you ever seen a flood or a landslide? When? d. Do you know the song "Rain rain go away"? http://www.gfes.tpc.edu.tw/board/abc-song/raingo.swf e. How do you come to school when it rains? f. What did you think of the child artist? Can you paint like that? g. What did you think of the contortionist? Have you ever seen contortionists? Where and when?
For 6/28/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Do you drive? What if you couldn't? Read Saudi women defy driving ban at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/06/17/saudi.women.drivers/index.html
CLASS 9 6/14/2011
1. Read Apple unveils 'iCloud' storage, new operating systems at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/06/06/apple.wwdc/index.html?iref=allsearch
2. Watch the CNN video at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/06/06/apple.wwdc/index.html?iref=allsearch
3. Chat questions
a. What kind of internet-enabled devices do you have? b. Do you have trouble finding your data? c. What do you think of smart phones? Do you have one? Do you want one? d. Do you understand cloud computing? Explain your understanding. e. Do you want a keyboard on your portable device? f. Do you think people are bad at f2f communication nowadays?
For 6/21/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Rain Rain GO AWAY! Read Heavy rain continues to fall in southwestern Japan at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110613a2.html
CLASS 8 6/7/2011
1. Quiz about the Japanese political situation at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110531a4.html
2. Listen to the Youtube news at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMoXuwkq2_8
3. Chat questions
a. Do you think Prime Minister Kan is doing a good job? Why or why not? b. Do you think anyone could do a good job now? c. In America Presidents must serve for four years. Do you think this is a good idea or not? d. What do you think of the no confidence vote system?
For 6/14/2011
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read Apple unveils 'iCloud' storage, new operating systems at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/06/06/apple.wwdc/index.html?iref=allsearch
CLASS 7 6/1/2011
1. Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
2. Read about vacations in America at http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/05/23/vacation.in.america/index.html?hpt=P1&iref=NS1
3. Chat questions
a. Were you surprised that many American workers have no paid vacation? b. What do you think is important in a job, money, security, or benefits that give quality of life? c. What kind of job do you want to do in the future? d. What kind of work do you do now?
For next week 6/7/2011
1. Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
2. Quiz about the Japanese political situation at http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110531a4.htm
CLASS 6 5/17/2011:
1. Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
2. Quiz and listen to Student times article about yakiniku
3. Chat questions
a. What did you think of this news? b. Have you ever eaten yukke? c. Have you ever experienced food poisoning? d. How do you think the restaurant should treat their customers who got sick?
For 5/31
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/05/23/vacation.in.america/index.html?hpt=P1&iref=NS1
CLASS 5 5/17/2011:
1. Listen to (and read) Obama's speech at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNYmK19-d0U
Also watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwQMQXrpmJc for background on Osama bin Ladin
2. Quiz about Obama's speech on the execution of Osama Bin Ladin
3. Chat questions
a. Do you remember when you first saw 9/11? b. Do you think Osama bin Laden's death will help future world peace? c. How old did you think Osama bin Laden was? d. Do you think it was right for the US to kill Osama? What else could they have done? e. Do you think terrorism could happen in Japan? f. What did you think of today's quiz? What questions were difficult and why?
For 5/24
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read Student times article http://www.japantimes.co.jp/shukan-st/english_news/news/current/nm20110513/nm20110513main.htm?print=noframe
CLASS 4 5/10/2011:
1. Listen to newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
2. Quiz about the royal wedding article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13181999
3. Chat questions
a. What did you think of the Royal Wedding? b. Do you think the Prince of Bahrain should have attended? Why or why not? c. Who is Prince William's mother? What happened to her? d. When do you want to get married? Do you want a Western or Japanese style wedding?
For 5/17:
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20058783-503544.html and
CLASS 3 4/26/2011:
1. Listen to news story from 2/22 at http://edition.englishclub.com/listening-news/20110222/
2. Quiz about the cultural side of the revolution in Libya
3. Chat questions
a. If you were in Libya now, what would you do? b. Do you think Japan can or should do anything for Libya? c. Do you think governments should be able to control internet? d. Why do people in Libya want the ability to change their government? e. Did you vote last weekend? Why is voting important?
For 5/10:
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read about the royal wedding at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13181999
CLASS 2 4/19/2011:
1. Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
2. Quiz about differences in Japan Crisis news in the World
3. Chat questions
a. How did you get your information about the Tohoku earthquake? What about the nuclear situation? b. Did you get information in Japanese only, or in another language? c. Commercials are also information. Why are there so many AC commercials nowadays? d. Did you hear a rumor about an earthquake in Kumamoto? Do you believe it? Why or why not? e. How can we best get correct information?
For next week:
Listen to the newest news story at http://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/ Read about the cultural side of the revolution in Libya
CLASS 1 4/12/2011 Introduction to current events CURRENT EVENTS DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the class！
1. First we will listen to http://edition.englishclub.com/listening-news/2011-03-15/
2. Then let's take a quiz.
3. Now, we will chat about these questions:
a. How often do you read news in Japanese? in English? b. How do you read news? (newspaper, magazine, net, cell phone, etc.) c. How did you get news about the earthquake and tsunami? d. What do you think will be on the top ten news this year in Japan? in the world?