Lesson 31 Seasonal Foods
Topic Question: “Can you tell me about some foods that are unique to each season in Japan?”
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the diverse seasonal foods that Japan offers. These could include fruits, vegetables, fish, and dishes that are particularly associated with or celebrated in specific seasons.
▮ Sample Answer
“In Japan, spring features sakura mochi, summer is known for unagi to beat the heat, autumn brings kaki (persimmons), and winter is the season for nabe (hot pot) dishes.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
－Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Sakura mochi (桜餅): A pink, sweet rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf, often eaten during the cherry blossom season.
- Unagi (うなぎ): Freshwater eel, commonly eaten during the summer to gain stamina.
- Kaki (柿): Persimmons, a sweet fruit that is harvested in the autumn.
- Nabe (鍋): A Japanese hot pot dish, perfect for sharing during the cold winter months.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What is a typical spring food in Japan?
- How do people in Japan traditionally combat the summer heat through their diet?
- What fruit is associated with autumn?
- What type of dish is popular in the winter?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar
can and could
A: I can do something = I know how to do it, or it is possible for me to do it:
● I can play the piano. My brother can play the piano, too.
● Sarah can speak Italian, but she can’t speak Spanish.
● “ Can you swim?” “Yes , but I’m not a very good swimmer.”
B: For the past (yesterday / last week, etc.), we use could/ couldn’t:
● When I was young, I could run very fast.
● Before Maria came to the United States, she couldn’t understand much English.
Now she can understand everything.
● I was tired last night , but I couldn’t sleep.
C: Can you… ? Could you… ? Can I… ? Could I.. . ?
We use Can you… ? or Could you… ? when we ask people to do things:
● Can you open the door, please ? or Could you open the door, please’
● Can you wait a minute, please? or Could you wait … ?
We use Can I have… ? or Could I have… ? to ask for someth111g:
●(in a store) Can I have change for a dollar, please ? or Could I have… ?
Can I… ? or Could I… ? = is it OK to do something ?:
● Tom, can I borrow your umbrella ? or Tom, could I borrow your umbrella’
●(on the phone) Hello , can I speak to Gary, please ? or . .. could I speak … ?
Example Sentences:
- I can taste the difference between summer and winter nabe; the ingredients change with the season. (Expressing ability in the present.)
- When I was a child, I could eat a lot of sakura mochi during the spring festival. (Expressing ability in the past.)
- Can you recommend a place where I can try authentic unagi this summer? (Asking for a favor or suggestion.)
- Could I have some kaki if I visit Japan in autumn? (Politely asking for something.)
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
