マイチューターの英語4技能対策

Lesson 15. 　Technology and Gadgets (技術とガジェット)

▮ Explanatory Text:
In today’s world, technology and gadgets are integral to our daily lives. They keep us connected, make tasks easier, entertain us, and open up new possibilities for learning and creativity. From smartphones and laptops to smart homes and wearable tech, the advancements in technology continue to transform the way we live and interact with the world around us. Discussing technology and gadgets can not only help us stay informed about the latest innovations but also share tips, preferences, and experiences that can benefit others.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. I use [gadget] for…
2. My favorite piece of technology is…
3. A gadget I can’t live without is…
4. The latest tech I’m interested in is…
5. One tech tip I’ve learned is…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. I use my smartwatch to track my fitness activities and monitor my health.
2. My favorite piece of technology is my e-reader because it allows me to carry hundreds of books in one device.
3. A gadget I can’t live without is my smartphone; it keeps me connected with friends and family.
4. The latest tech I’m interested in is virtual reality gaming systems.
5. One tech tip I’ve learned is to regularly back up my data to avoid losing important information.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss the technology and gadgets you use in your daily life. Share why they are important to you, how they improve your day-to-day activities, or any particular features you find invaluable. If you’re passionate about a recent technological advancement, describe what it is and why it excites you. Additionally, if you have any useful tips or tricks related to technology, share them with your classmates. This is an opportunity to explore how technology impacts our lives and the potential it holds for the future.

Lesson 14. 　Pets and Animals (ペットと動物)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Pets and animals hold a special place in many people’s hearts and lives. They can be loyal friends, members of the family, or fascinating creatures that inspire curiosity and admiration. Talking about pets and animals allows us to share stories of companionship, care, and sometimes, adventure. It’s a topic that can bring out warm feelings, laughter, and even a sense of responsibility towards animal welfare. Whether you have a pet, wish to have one, or simply enjoy learning about animals, this topic opens the door to engaging and heartfelt conversations.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. I have a…
2. My favorite animal is…
3. I would love to have a pet…
4. One interesting fact about this animal is…
5. Taking care of a pet requires…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. I have a dog named Luna who loves to play fetch.
2. My favorite animal is the elephant because of its intelligence and social behavior.
3. I would love to have a pet cat, especially a Maine Coon.
4. One interesting fact about parrots is that they can mimic human speech.
5. Taking care of a pet requires time, patience, and lots of love.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss any pets you have or would like to have, including what kind, their names, and any special habits or traits they have. If you don’t have a pet, talk about your favorite animal and why it fascinates you. Share any memorable experiences you’ve had with animals, whether they’re pets or wild animals you’ve encountered. This is an opportunity to explore the meaningful connections we have with the animal world and the joy and responsibility that come with it.

Lesson 13. 　Your Hometown (故郷について)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Your hometown is more than just a place where you were born or grew up; it’s a part of your identity, shaping your experiences, memories, and often, your perspectives on life. It could be a bustling city, a quiet countryside, or a cozy town. Talking about your hometown allows you to share your roots with others, revealing the culture, traditions, and unique aspects of your background. It’s a way to connect with others by highlighting similarities and differences in our upbringing and environment.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. I come from…
2. My hometown is known for…
3. One thing I love about my hometown is…
4. A popular tradition in my hometown is…
5. If you ever visit my hometown, you should definitely…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. I come from a small town surrounded by mountains.
2. My hometown is known for its annual music festival.
3. One thing I love about my hometown is the sense of community among its residents.
4. A popular tradition in my hometown is the lantern festival in mid-autumn.
5. If you ever visit my hometown, you should definitely try the local street food.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss your hometown, including where it’s located, what it’s known for, and any personal stories or details that make it special to you. Share what you love most about it and any local traditions or events that are celebrated. If there’s a particular place, dish, or activity that visitors should not miss, mention those as well. This is an opportunity to express pride in your roots and learn about the diverse backgrounds of others.

Lesson 12.

Sports You Play or Watch (するまたは見るスポーツ)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Sports play a significant role in many people’s lives, whether they are participants or spectators. Playing sports can improve physical health, teach teamwork and discipline, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Watching sports, on the other hand, can be thrilling, bringing people together to cheer for their favorite teams or athletes. It’s a universal interest that transcends language and cultural barriers. Discussing the sports you play or watch not only shares your interests but also encourages conversations about health, dedication, and community.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. I enjoy playing…
2. My favorite sport to watch is…
3. I’m a big fan of…
4. One of my best memories is playing/watching…
5. I admire athletes who…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. I enjoy playing soccer with my friends on the weekend.
2. My favorite sport to watch is basketball, especially during the playoffs.
3. I’m a big fan of Serena Williams because of her determination and skill.
4. One of my best memories is watching the World Cup with my family.
5. I admire athletes who overcome adversity to achieve their goals.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss the sports you enjoy playing or watching. Share why these activities are meaningful to you and any personal experiences that have made these sports special in your life. Talk about your favorite teams or athletes and what makes them stand out to you. If you have any memorable moments related to playing or watching sports, whether it’s a personal achievement or a historic game, share those stories. This is a chance to explore the importance of sports in building character, fostering relationships, and uniting people.

Lesson 11. 　Music and Bands (音楽とバンド)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Music is a universal language that resonates with everyone, cutting across cultures and generations. It has the power to uplift, soothe, energize, and inspire. From classical orchestras to rock bands, and from jazz ensembles to electronic music producers, the variety of music available is as vast as human creativity itself. Discussing your favorite music and bands can reveal much about your personality, memories associated with certain songs, and even your cultural background. It’s a great way to connect with others and discover new sounds.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. My favorite genre of music is…
2. I love listening to…
3. The first band I ever loved was…
4. One song that means a lot to me is…
5. I enjoy music that…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. My favorite genre of music is classic rock.
2. I love listening to live jazz performances.
3. The first band I ever loved was The Beatles.
4. One song that means a lot to me is “Heroes” by David Bowie.
5. I enjoy music that makes me feel energized and ready to tackle the day.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss your musical preferences, including your favorite genres, bands, or solo artists. Share stories about the first time you discovered a band or song that left a lasting impression on you. Talk about any concerts or live performances you’ve attended and how they made you feel. If there’s a particular song that holds special meaning for you, share why it’s important. This is an opportunity to explore the soundtrack of your life and the impact music has had on your personal journey.

Lesson 10. 　Movies You Love (好きな映画)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Movies are a powerful form of entertainment and art that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, fear to inspiration. They can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to unique characters, and present us with perspectives we may never have considered. Discussing movies you love not only allows you to share a piece of your world but also to connect with others over shared tastes and memorable cinematic experiences. It’s a way to discover new films and understand the elements that make a movie truly stand out for someone.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. My favorite movie is…
2. I love this movie because…
3. One movie that really moved me is…
4. A film I could watch over and over is…
5. This movie has a great…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. My favorite movie is “The Shawshank Redemption” because of its powerful message about hope.
2. I love this movie because the soundtrack perfectly complements the storyline.
3. One movie that really moved me is “Inside Out”; it made me think differently about emotions.
4. A film I could watch over and over is “Back to the Future” because it’s just so fun and nostalgic.
5. This movie has a great plot twist that took me completely by surprise.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss your favorite movies and why they hold a special place in your heart. Share what genres you enjoy and any particular themes or elements that attract you to a film. Talk about a movie that impacted you deeply or changed your perspective in some way. If there’s a film you enjoy rewatching, share why it remains enjoyable for you. This is an opportunity to explore the art of cinema together and maybe find your next favorite movie through recommendations.

Lesson 9. 　Your Ideal Job (理想の仕事)

▮ Explanatory Text:
An ideal job is not just about earning a salary but finding a role that matches your interests, values, and skills, where you can contribute positively and feel fulfilled. It varies greatly from person to person because what makes a job ideal for one might not be the same for another. Discussing your ideal job can help you understand your own aspirations better and learn about diverse career paths and possibilities that exist in the world.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. My ideal job would involve…
2. I would love to work in…
3. The most important thing for me in a job is…
4. I am passionate about…
5. In my ideal job, I would be able to…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. My ideal job would involve helping people improve their mental health.
2. I would love to work in the field of renewable energy.
3. The most important thing for me in a job is having a good work-life balance.
4. I am passionate about environmental conservation.
5. In my ideal job, I would be able to travel and explore different cultures.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss what your ideal job looks like. Describe the sector or industry you are interested in, the kind of work you would like to do, and why these choices appeal to you. Share what values and passions drive your career aspirations. Also, talk about what steps you are planning to take or are already taking to make this dream job a reality. This is a chance to explore and articulate your professional goals and ambitions.

Lesson 8. 　Learning English (英語を学ぶこと)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Learning English opens up a world of opportunities, from being able to communicate with people from different cultures to accessing a vast amount of information and entertainment. It can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Sharing experiences and strategies for learning English can help motivate others and provide valuable insights into overcoming common obstacles. It’s a journey that requires patience, practice, and perseverance.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. One strategy I use to learn English is…
2. I find English challenging because…
3. My favorite way to practice English is…
4. I started learning English because…
5. A helpful tool for learning English is…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. One strategy I use to learn English is watching movies with subtitles.
2. I find English challenging because of the irregular verbs.
3. My favorite way to practice English is by speaking with native speakers.
4. I started learning English because I wanted to travel the world.
5. A helpful tool for learning English is language exchange apps.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss your journey of learning English. Share what motivated you to start, the challenges you’ve faced, and how you’ve overcome them. Talk about your favorite tools and strategies for learning and practicing English. If you have any tips for fellow learners, share those as well. This is an opportunity to reflect on your progress and inspire others with your story.

Lesson 7. 　Childhood Memories (子供の頃の思い出)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Childhood memories are some of the most precious treasures of our lives. These memories often include first experiences, adventures with friends, family vacations, and simple moments that felt magical through the eyes of a child. Reflecting on and sharing these memories can bring joy, laughter, and sometimes a touch of nostalgia. It helps us reconnect with our past and the people who have shaped who we are today. Talking about childhood memories can also strengthen bonds with others by revealing our roots and the journey we’ve taken to grow up.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. When I was a child, I used to…
2. One of my favorite childhood memories is…
3. I’ll never forget the time when…
4. As a kid, I loved…
5. My family and I often…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. When I was a child, I used to climb trees in our backyard.
2. One of my favorite childhood memories is going fishing with my grandpa.
3. I’ll never forget the time when I got lost at a carnival but found my way back with the help of a kind stranger.
4. As a kid, I loved collecting colorful leaves in the fall.
5. My family and I often went on picnics in the local park during summer weekends.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss your most cherished childhood memories. Describe the people, places, and activities involved. Share how these experiences made you feel and why they are unforgettable. If there are any lessons you learned or funny anecdotes from those times, feel free to share them as well. This is a chance to revisit the joys of your childhood and share a piece of your history with others.

Lesson 6. 　Best Friends (親友)

▮ Explanatory Text:
Best friends are the people in our lives who know us deeply and accept us unconditionally. They are our confidants, our support system, and often feel like family. The bond with a best friend is built on trust, mutual respect, shared experiences, and countless memories. Talking about our best friends helps us appreciate the special connection we have with them and can also reveal what we value most in friendships.

▮ Common Phrases:
1. My best friend and I always…
2. I met my best friend when…
3. Something unique about my best friend is…
4. We have a tradition of…
5. My best friend helps me…

▮ Example Sentences:
1. My best friend and I always have a movie night on Fridays.
2. I met my best friend when we were both in kindergarten.
3. Something unique about my best friend is her ability to make anyone laugh.
4. We have a tradition of exchanging handmade gifts every birthday.
5. My best friend helps me stay positive during tough times.

▮ Discussion Instructions:
Discuss the relationship you have with your best friend. Share how you met, what you enjoy doing together, and what makes your friendship strong. Talk about a memorable moment you’ve shared and how your best friend has impacted your life. If you have any traditions or inside jokes, feel free to share those as well.