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Lesson 70　　Earthquake

Topic Question: Japan has earthquakes, right?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about Japan’s geographical location and how it affects the country’s experience with natural disasters, especially earthquakes.

▮ Sample Answer

“Yes, Japan experiences earthquakes frequently due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This geographic area is known for its high levels of seismic activity, leading to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Japan has developed advanced technology and strict building codes to mitigate the impact of these natural events.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Geographical location (地理的位置): The specific place where something is located on the Earth’s surface.
2. Seismic activity (地震活動): Movements within the Earth’s crust that cause earthquakes.
3. Pacific Ring of Fire (太平洋火山帯): An area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
4. Mitigate (軽減する): To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
5. Building codes (建築基準法): Regulations that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. Why does Japan experience earthquakes frequently?
2. What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?
3. How has Japan worked to mitigate the impact of earthquakes?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

still 　　yet 　　already

Still

still = something is the same as before:
● I had a lot to eat, but I’m still hungry. (= I was hungry before, and I’m hungry now)
● “ Did you sell your car?” “　No, I still have it.”
● “ Do you still live in Los Angeles;” “No, I live in San Francisco now.”

Yet

yet = until now
We use yet in negative sentences (He hasn’t come yet.) and in questions (Has he come yet?).

Yet is usually at the end of a sentence:

● A: Where’s Emma?
　B: She isn’t here yet. (= she will be here, but until now she hasn’t come)
● A: What are you doing tonight?
　　B: I don’t know yet. (= I will know later, but I don’t know now)
● A: Are you ready co go yet?
　　B: Not yet. In a minute. (= I will be ready, but I’m not ready now)
● A: Have you decided what to do yet?
　　B: No, I’m still thinking about it.

Compare yet and still:
● She hasn’t left yet. = She’s still here. (not she is yet here)
● I haven’t finished my homework yet.= I’m still doing it.

Already = earlier than expected:
● “ What time is Joe coming?” “He’s already here.” (= earlier than we expected)
● “ I’m going to tell you what happened.” “That’s not necessary. I already know.”

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. The government is still evaluating the damage from the last earthquake.
2. Have you felt any tremors yet today?
3. The emergency response team has already been dispatched to the affected areas.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 69 　Take off shoes

Topic Question: Why do people take off their shoes inside the house in Japan?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons behind this Japanese custom. Consider its implications for cleanliness, tradition, and respect for the home.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, people take off their shoes before entering a house as a sign of respect and to maintain cleanliness. This custom is deeply rooted in the tradition of preserving the purity of the indoor living space, preventing dirt and germs from outside from contaminating the home.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Custom (習慣): A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
2. Cleanliness (清潔さ): The state or quality of being clean and free from dirt.
3. Tradition (伝統): The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
4. Purity (純潔): The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from contaminants.
5. Contaminate (汚染する): To make something impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with something unclean, bad, etc.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the main reason people in Japan take off their shoes before entering a house?
2. How does this custom affect the cleanliness of the home?
3. What does this tradition signify in terms of respect?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

a person who… a thing that/which…

Who is for people (not things):

A thief is a person who steals things.
Do you know anybody who can play the piano?
The people who work in the office are very friendly

That is for things or people.
An airplane is a machine that flies.
Emma lives in a house that is 100 years old.
The people that work in the office are very friendly.

You can use that for people, but who is more common

Which is for things (not/ people):
An airplane is a machine which flies. (not a machine who…?)
Emma lives in a house which is 100 years old.

Do not use which for people
●Do you remember the woman who played the piano at the parry’
(not the woman which . ..)

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. A tatami is a type of flooring that requires you to remove your shoes to prevent damage.
2. The person who cleans the house appreciates this custom greatly.
3. Shoe cabinets, which are found in the genkan, store shoes neatly away from the living spaces.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 68 　People’s blood type

Topic Question: Why do Japanese people like to ask people’s blood type?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons behind this unique Japanese cultural practice. Consider how it relates to personality traits and compatibility in relationships and social interactions.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, asking someone’s blood type is common because many believe it can predict personality traits and assess compatibility with others. This belief is similar to horoscopes in Western cultures. For example, Type A is thought to be diligent and kind, whereas Type O is seen as outgoing and sociable.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Cultural practice (文化的慣行): A habit or tradition that is part of the culture of a group of people.
2. Personality traits (性格特性): Characteristics that help to define how a person behaves, feels, and thinks.
3. Compatibility (相性): The ability of two things or people to exist or live together without problems or conflict.
4. Diligent (勤勉な): Showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
5. Sociable (社交的な): Willing to talk and engage in activities with other people; friendly.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the reason Japanese people ask about blood type?
2. What can blood type predict according to Japanese belief?
3. Give examples of personality traits associated with two blood types.

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

from … to 　　until 　since　 for

From… to…
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005.
● I work from Monday to Friday.

You can also say from… until… :
● We lived in japan from 1996 until 2005.

Until…

●　They’re leaving town tomorrow.
　　They’ll be away until Friday.

●　I went to bed early, but I wasn’t tired.
I read a book until 3:00 a .m.

●　 Wait here until I come back.

You can also say till (= until):
● Wait here till I come back.

Compare:

● ‘How long will you be away)” “Until Monday.”
● “When are you coming back?” “On Monday.”

Since + a time in the past (to now)
We use since after the present perfect (have been/ have done, etc.):

●　Joe is in the hospital. He has been in the hospital since Monday.
(= from Monday to now)

● Sue and Dave have been married since 2002.
(= from 2002 to now)

● It has been raining since I arrived.

Compare:
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005
　　We lived in Japan until 2005.
● Now we live in Denver. We came to Denver in 2005.
　　We have lived in Denver since 2005. (= from 2005 until now)

We use for (not/ since) + a period of time (three days / 10 years, ere.):
●　Joe has been in the hospital for three days. (not since three days)

For + a period of time

● Gary stayed with us for three days.
●　I’m going away for a few weeks.
●　They’ve been married for 10 years.

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:

1. Let’s find out our blood types and see if we are compatible.
2. Don’t rely only on blood type to understand someone’s personality.
3. We’ve been discussing the importance of blood types in Japanese culture since the beginning of our lesson.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 67　　Live longer

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the various factors that contribute to the longevity of Japanese people, such as diet, healthcare system, lifestyle, and social cohesion.

▮ Sample Answer

“Japanese people live longer due to a combination of factors including a healthy diet rich in fish and vegetables, a robust healthcare system, regular physical activity, and strong community ties that contribute to lower stress levels.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Longevity (長寿): A long duration of life.
2. Diet (食生活): The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
3. Healthcare system (医療制度): The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
4. Physical activity (身体活動): Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
5. Community ties (地域社会との結びつき): The relationships and connections among individuals in a community.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. How does diet contribute to the longevity of Japanese people?
2. In what ways does the healthcare system in Japan support longer life spans?
3. Why are community ties important for reducing stress and promoting longevity?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

the people we met
the hotel you stayed at (relative clauses)

You can say:
● The bag that he is carrying … or The bag he is carrying… (with or without that)
● …the money that Kate won? or … the money Kate won?

You do not need that/who/which when it is the object:

● Did you find the books you wanted'(or . .. the books that you wanted?)
● The people we met were very friendly. (or The people who we met. ..)
● Everything I said was true. (or Everything that I said …)

We say
● The movie we saw was very good. (110/ The movie we saw it was . . .)

Sometimes there is a preposition (to/in/at, etc.) after the verb:

We say:
. .. the books I told you about. (not the books I told you about them)

You can say (a place) where
● The hotel where we stayed was near the station. (= The hotel we stayed at…)

You must use who/that/which when it is the subject

● l met a woman who can speak six languages. (who is the subject)
● Jack was wearing a hat that was too big for him. (that is the subject)

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. The exercises they regularly engage in, which include walking and biking, contribute to their physical well-being.
2. The traditions they practice, which focus on mindfulness and gratitude, have a positive impact on their mental health.
3. The social support networks they have, which provide emotional and practical support, are vital for their overall happiness and longevity.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 66　　Election

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the factors that might influence the lack of interest among Japanese young people in elections, such as social, economic, and educational aspects.

▮ Sample Answer

“Japanese young people might not be interested in elections due to a feeling of disconnection from the political process, a perception that their vote does not make a difference, and the lack of political education that connects their daily lives to policy making.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Disconnection (切断): The feeling of not being connected or involved with something.
2. Perception (認識): The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
3. Political process (政治過程): The steps and methods involved in making and implementing government policies and decisions.
4. Vote (投票): A formal indication of a choice between two or more candidates or courses of action.
5. Policy making (政策立案): The process of creating laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern a community or society.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are some reasons Japanese young people might feel disconnected from elections?
2. How does the perception of the effectiveness of one’s vote influence interest in elections?
3. Why is the connection between daily life and policy making important for increasing interest in elections?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

If I had… If we went…, etc.

You can say:

● If he had the money, he would buy a car.
　　or　　 He would buy a car if he had the money.

I’d/ she’d / they’d, etc. = I would / she would/ they would, etc.:

● I don’t know the answer. If I knew the answer, I’d tell you.
● It’s raining, so we’re not going out. We’d get wet if we went out.
● Jane lives in a city. She likes cities. She wouldn’t be happy if she lived in the country.
● If you didn’t have a job, what would you do? (but you have a job)
● I’m sorry I can’t help you. I’d help you if I could. (but I can’t)
● If we had a car, we could travel more. (but we don’t have a car, so we can’t travel much)

If (I) was/ were… I wouldn’t go out if I were you.

You can say if I/he/she/it was or if I/he/she/it were:
● It’s not a very nice place. I wouldn’t go there if I were you. (or… if I was you)
● It would be nice if the weather was better.(or… if the weather were better)
● What would Tom do if he were here? (or… if he was here)

Compare:

if I have / if it is, etc.
● I wane to go and see Helen.
　　If I have time, I w ill go today.
(= maybe I’ll have time, so maybe ‘ll go)

● I like that jacket.
　　I’ ll buy it if it isn’t too expensive.
(= maybe it will not be too expensive)

● I’ll help you if I can. ( = maybe I can help)

————————————————————-

if I had / if it was, etc.
● I want to go and see Helen .
If I had time, I would go today.
(= I don’t have time today, so I will not go)

● I like that jacket, but it’s very expensive.
I’d buy it if it wasn’t so expensive.
(= it is expensive, so I’m not going　to buy it )

● I’d help you if I could, but I can’t.

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. If the political process were more transparent, young people might feel a stronger connection to it.
2. Young individuals would likely participate more in elections if they understood how policies affected their futures.
3. If there were more initiatives to make voting easier and more accessible, we might see an increase in young voters.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 65 　　Seppuku

Topic Question ：　Why do samurai commit seppuku?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the cultural, historical, and personal reasons why a samurai would choose to commit seppuku.

▮ Sample Answer

“Samurai commit seppuku as a way to preserve their honor or take responsibility for their actions. It was seen as a method of dying with dignity rather than falling into the hands of enemies or living in disgrace.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

1. Honor (名誉): A sense of ethical conduct and duty, highly valued by samurai.
2. Responsibility (責任): The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
3. Dignity (尊厳): The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
4. Disgrace (不名誉): Loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action.
5. Enemy (敵): A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the main reason samurai commit seppuku?
2. How does seppuku relate to a samurai’s honor?
3. What alternatives does seppuku present to living in disgrace or captivity?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

If we go… If you see…, etc.

If can be at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle:

If at the beginning

If we take the bus, it will be cheaper.
If you don’t hurry, you’II miss the train.

                    if in the middle

It will be cheaper if we take the bus.
You’ll miss the train if you don’t hurry.

In conversation, we often use the if-part of the sentence alone:

●　Are you going to the concert?” “Yes, if I can get a ticket.

If you see Ann tomorrow…, etc.

After if, we use the present (not will). We say if you see… (not if you will see) ・
●　If you see Ann tomorrow, can you ask her to call me?
●　If I ‘m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not if I will be)
●　What should we do if it rains? (not if it will rain)

If and when

If I go out = it is possible that I will go out, but I’ m not sure:
● A: 　Are you going out later?
　 B:　 Maybe. If I go out, I’ll close the windows.

When I go out= I’m going out (for sure):

● A: Are you going out later?
　 B: Yes, I am. When I go out, I’ll close the windows.

Compare when and if:

● When I get home tonight, I’m going to take a shower.
●　If I’m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not　When I’m late)
● We’re going to play basketball if it doesn’t rain. (not when it doesn’t rain)

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:

1. If a samurai faced disgrace, he might consider seppuku to preserve his honor.
2. Don’t disrespect the complexity of samurai culture by oversimplifying their traditions.
3. Let’s research more about how the practice of seppuku evolved over time.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 63　　Dogeza

Topic Question: 　　What is dogeza?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural significance and the context in which dogeza is performed in Japan.

▮ Sample Answer

“Dogeza is a traditional Japanese form of deep apology or request, which involves kneeling directly on the ground and bowing deeply until one’s forehead touches the floor. It symbolizes extreme regret or the earnestness of a request, showing a high level of respect and humility.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Apology (謝罪): An expression of regret for having caused inconvenience or harm.
2. Kneeling (ひざまずく): The action of staying in a position in which the body is supported on a knee or knees, as a sign of respect.
3. Bowing (お辞儀): Bending the body or head forward as a sign of respect.
4. Regret (後悔): A feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.
5. Earnestness (真剣さ): Serious intention or effort.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What does dogeza involve physically?
2. In what situations is dogeza typically performed?
3. How does dogeza express one’s feelings?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

the oldest 　the most expensive

The superlative form is -est (oldest) or most … (most expensive).

Short words (old/cheap/nice, etc.)→the -est
old→the oldest cheap→the cheapest
but good→the best bad→the worst

Words ending in -y (easy/heavy, etc.)→the -iest:
nice→the nicest heavy→the heaviest pretty→the prettiest

Long words (careful/ expensive/interesting, etc.)→the most . . . :
careful→the most careful 　　　interesting→the most interesting

We say the oldest … I the most expensive …, etc. (with the).
● The church is very old. It’s the oldest building in the town.
　　(= it is older than all the other buildings)
● Money is important, but it isn’t the most important thing in life.

You can use the oldest / the best / the most expensive, etc. without a noun:
● Ken is a good player, but he isn’t the best on the team.
　　(the best = the best player)

You can use superlati11e + I’ve ever … / you’ve ever …, etc.:
● The movie was very bad. I think it’s the worst movie I’ve ever seen.
● What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. Dogeza is considered one of the most sincere forms of apology in Japanese culture.
2. This tradition may not be the oldest in Japan, but it’s among the most respected.
3. The gesture of dogeza is seen as the most humble way to express apology or request.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 62　　”Itadakimasu”

Topic Question: What does “Itadakimasu” mean?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the significance and the cultural context in which “Itadakimasu” is said before meals in Japan.

▮ Sample Answer

“‘Itadakimasu’ is a Japanese phrase said before eating to express gratitude for the food, acknowledging the effort of those who prepared it and the sacrifice of the ingredients. It embodies respect for life and appreciation for the meal.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Gratitude (感謝): A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
2. Acknowledge (認める): Accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
3. Effort (努力): A vigorous or determined attempt.
4. Sacrifice (犠牲): An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
5. Embodies (体現する): Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the purpose of saying “Itadakimasu” before a meal?
2. How does “Itadakimasu” show respect for the meal and its ingredients?
3. In what way does “Itadakimasu” reflect Japanese cultural values?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

not as… as

● Rome is not as old as Athens. (= Athens is older)
● The Grand Hotel isn’t as expensive as the Western. (= the Western 1s more expensive)
● I don’t play soccer as often as you. (= you play more often)
● The weather is better than it was yesterday. It isn’t as cold. (= as cold as it was yesterday)

Not as much as … / not as many as …
● I don’t have as much money as you. (= you have more money)
● I don’t know as many people as you. (= you know more people)
● I don’t go out as much as you. (= you go out more)

We usually say: as me / as him / as her, etc.
You can say:
● She’s not as old as him. or She’s not as old as he is.
● You don’t work as hard as me. or You don’t work as hard as I do.

We say the same as … :
● The weather today is the same as yesterday.
● My hair is the same color as yours.
● I arrived at the same time as Tim.

Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. “Eating silently is not as meaningful as saying ‘Itadakimasu’ before a meal.”
2. “I may not know as many Japanese words as my friend, but I always remember to say ‘Itadakimasu’.”
3. “My appreciation for meals is the same as the gratitude expressed by ‘Itadakimasu’.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 61　　Noise when eating noodles

Topic Question: Why do Japanese people make noise when eating noodles?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural significance and reasoning behind why making noise while eating noodles is considered acceptable or even polite in Japan.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, making noise when eating noodles, such as slurping, is considered polite because it shows appreciation for the food and signifies that you are enjoying your meal. It also helps to cool down the hot noodles before they enter your mouth.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Slurping (すする音): The noise made by sucking something liquid or semi-liquid up into the mouth loudly.
2. Appreciation (感謝): Recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
3. Signifies (意味する): Be an indication of.
4. Enjoying (楽しむ): Take delight or pleasure in an activity or occasion.
5. Cool down (冷ます): To make something less hot.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What does making noise while eating noodles signify in Japan?
2. How is slurping viewed in terms of politeness?
3. Why is slurping practical when eating hot noodles?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

older than… more expensive than…

We use than after comparatives (older than … / more expensive than …, etc.).
●　Athens is older than Rome.
●　Are oranges more expensive than bananas?
●　It’s easier to take a taxi than to take the bus.
● “ How are you today?” “Not bad. Better than yesterday.”

We usually say: than me / than him / than her / than us / than them.
You can say:
● I can run faster than him. or I can run faster than he can.
● You are a better singer than me. or You are a better singer than I am.

More / less than…
●　A: How much did your shoes cost? Fifty dollars?
　 B: No, more than that. (= more than $50)
●　The movie was very short – less than an hour.
●　They’ve got more money than they need.

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. “Slurping noodles is more appreciated in Japan than eating quietly.”
2. “The sound of slurping is older than many modern table manners.”
3. “People enjoy their noodles more when they slurp them than when they try to eat quietly.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 60 　　Lost wallets return

Topic Question: Why do lost wallets return to their owners in Japan?

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the cultural and societal factors in Japan that contribute to lost wallets often being returned to their rightful owners.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, lost wallets often return to their owners because of the country’s strong culture of honesty and respect for others’ belongings. Additionally, the efficient police reporting system and community spirit play a significant role in ensuring lost items find their way back.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Honesty (正直): The quality of being honest; truthfulness.
2. Respect (尊敬): Admiration felt or shown for someone or something that you believe has good ideas or qualities.
3. Belongings (所持品): Things that you own.
4. Efficient (効率的な): Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
5. Community spirit (地域社会の精神): A feeling of involvement in and concern for one’s local community.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What cultural trait helps in returning lost wallets in Japan?
2. How does the police reporting system contribute to returning lost items?
3. Why is community spirit important in this process?

▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

(a) little (a) few

(a) little + uncountable noun:
(a) little water
(a) little time
(a) little money
(a) little soup

(a) few + plural noun:
(a) few books
(a) few questions
(a) few people
(a) few days

a little = some but not much
● She didn’t eat anything, but she drank a little water.
● I speak a little Spanish.　(= some Spanish but not much)

a few = some but not many

● Excuse me, I have to make a few phone calls.
● We’re going away for a few days.
●　I speak a few words of Spanish.

little (without a) = almost no or almost nothing
● There was little food in the fridge. It　was almost empty.

few (without a) = almost no
● There were few people in the theater.
　　It was almost empty.

little and a little
A little is a positive idea:
● They have a little money, so they’re not poor. (= they have some money)

Little (or very little) is a negative idea:
● They have (very) little money. They are very poor. (= almost no money)

few and a few
A few is a positive idea:
● I have a few friends, so I’m not lonely. (= I have some friends)

Few (or very few) is a negative idea:
● I’m sad and I’m lonely. I have (very) few friends. (= almost no friends)

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:

1. In Japan, there is a little more hope of getting your lost belongings back.
2. Only a few people would keep a wallet they found, thanks to the strong sense of community.
3. There’s very little chance of not finding the owner of a lost wallet in Japan, due to efficient systems and honest citizens.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: