Lesson 50 End of Year Parties (Bonenkai)
Topic Question: What is the purpose of end-of-year parties, and what typically happens during one?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons people celebrate at the end of the year and the common activities or traditions that take place during these parties.
Sample Answer
“End-of-year parties, often known as ‘Bonenkai’ in Japan, are held to forget the troubles of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. These gatherings typically involve colleagues, friends, or family members and feature eating, drinking, and sometimes karaoke or games. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and strengthening bonds for the upcoming year.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Forget (忘れる): To fail to remember.
- Troubles (悩み): Problems or difficulties.
- Reflection (反省): Serious thought or consideration.
- Gratitude (感謝): The quality of being thankful.
- Strengthening bonds (絆を強化する): Making relationships stronger.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What is the main purpose of holding end-of-year parties?
- How do participants at these parties typically forget their past year’s troubles?
- What activities are common at end-of-year parties?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar: Embedded Questions
Do you know where… ?
I don’t know what…, etc.
We say: Where is Paula?
but Do you know where Paula is ?
(not Do you know where is Paula?)
In the same way we say:
I know where Paula is.
I don’t know
Can you tell me where Paula is ?
Questions with do/ does/ did (simple present and simple past)
Where does he live ?
but Do you know where he lives ? (not Do you know where does he live?)
Questions beginning Is… ? / Do… ? / Can… ?, etc. (yes/no questions)
You can use if or whether in these sencences:
● Do you know if they’ve got a car? or Do you know whether they’ve got a car?
● I don’t know if anybody saw me. or I don’t know whether anybody saw me.
Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:
- Do you know where most end-of-year parties are held? (Most end-of-year parties are held at restaurants or event spaces.)
- I don’t know what the best food is for an end-of-year party. Can you suggest something? (Common foods at these parties might include shared platters or traditional dishes.)
- Can you tell me whether karaoke is a popular activity at these gatherings? (Yes, karaoke is often a popular activity at end-of-year parties.)
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
