Makuhari Junior High School Returnee Students Quota Entrance Exam – English Test Interview
About Shibumaku Interview (渋幕の面接対策について)
コミュニケーション能力/積極性/自分の意見をしっかりいえるかどうかが問われます。
Communication skills, proactivity, and the ability to clearly express one’s opinions are key factors evaluated. Although Shibumaku does not have group discussions, in situations where group discussions are present, it’s not only about expressing one’s opinion but also about listening to others’ opinions, and being able to draw out those opinions.
The content of interviews for returning middle school students generally falls into five patterns:
① Small talk ② General questions asking for an opinion ③ Group discussions ④ Current affairs ⑤ Questions about a pre-submitted short essay/essay
In particular, for Shibumaku interviews, the actual questions asked were 1. Small talk (normal conversation), 2. General questions asking for an opinion, and 5. Questions about a pre-submitted pre-essay. When I took the exam, it started with small talk, like ‘How did you get here today?’ This type of conversation is, I believe, to assess basic communication skills. Then, there were general questions, such as ‘Do you think time is important?’ or ‘Should wearing school uniforms be mandatory during commutes?’ The ability to express an opinion, and logically explain the reasoning is crucial. This is followed by questions about the pre-essay submitted with the application form. A pre-essay, for example, could be about ‘Writing about your favorite character, including the reasons why you like them.’ You might be asked why you chose that character and what you learned from them.
渋幕中学 帰国子女枠入試面接試験 対策コース
Course Name: Shibumaku Junior High School Interview Course
― Contents ―
① Whom do you most admire?
② Do you enjoy watching movies?
③ What was the most important invention of the last decade?
④ How do you spend your free time?
⑤ What goals do you have for the future?
⑥ Which English books would you recommend to non-returnee students?
⑥ What club would you like to join?
⑦ What was the biggest difference between Japan and another country you have lived in or visited?
⑧ 8Please tell us about your background.
⑨ What is a technological innovation you would like to see in your lifetime?
⑩ Which historical event should students know more about?
⑪ What recent news story has interested you most?
⑫ What other activities do you do in your free time?
⑬ What advice would you give to other returnees about returning to Japan?
⑭ What do you want to achieve in junior high school?
⑮ What books do you enjoy reading?
⑯ Which author’s style do you like?
⑰ If you were to give a title to your life story, what would it be?
⑱ What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
⑲ Who is someone who has had an impact on your life?
⑳ Who is a fictional character who has had an impact on your life?
Lesson Course Name: EIKEN Grade Pre 1 Writing Summary Task
Number of Lessons: 50 Lessons – 50 Questions [Standard: 1 question = 1 lesson (25 minutes)]
(Please take as many lessons as you need based on your judgment.)
Features: Original teaching materials will be used, with test-like questions.
Lesson Overview
Preparatory Type: Students are recommended to prepare their answer in advance. During the lesson, the instructor will revise and advise based on the student’s answer, working together to create a model answer.
Practice Type: Like in the actual test, without prior preparation, students create their answer with guidance from the instructor, receiving revisions and advice while forming the model answer.
The answers will be revised based on four criteria: content, structure, vocabulary, and grammar.
━━ How the Lesson Proceeds ━━
① It is recommended to prepare in advance. Create your answer in a file such as Word. (For those who prefer the tension of the actual test situation, please proceed without preparation.)
② The standard is to complete one question in 25 minutes (one session).
③ During the lesson, the student drops their written answer into the instructor’s chat box for revision.
The instructor will revise the answer paragraph by paragraph, sharing the screen with the student.
At the end, the instructor will give advice on the entire completed document.
④ If the answer is not completed during the lesson, the instructor will provide the student with the partially completed answer in a document file (Word or OpenOffice Writer).
⑤ The student is to complete the answer by the next lesson and pass it to the instructor during the lesson time.
⑥ In the second lesson, the instructor will revise the completed answer on the shared screen. The revision, advice, and completion of the answer will be tailored to the student’s level in this writing lesson.”
「5 Tips for Answering Summary Questions」
① Identifying the Main Argument ⇒ After reading the entire paper, the author’s main argument is identified. The summary revolves around this main argument.
② Abstracting Specific Terms ⇒ Specific terms and proper nouns are paraphrased into more general or abstract expressions. For example, specific names like “Lake X” or “River Y” are changed to words like “water bodies” and abstracted.
③ Constructing Logical Structure ⇒ Care is taken to establish a logical structure, including causal relationships, to maintain the same logical flow as the original text. The summary simplifies the presentation of the main argument and the flow of the original text. Paragraph One Summary → Paragraph Two Summary → Paragraph Three Summary
④ Eliminating Redundancy ⇒ Redundant information and repetitions are removed, focusing on essential information. By consolidating repeated sentences or similar words into more general terms, the summary is made concise.
⑤ Confirming Coherence ⇒ Checking if the summary conveys the author’s main argument without requiring prior knowledge.
※ Instructors, please receive the Answer Key from the manager.
EIKEN Grade Pre 1 Writing Added ‘Summary’ task to existing ‘Opinion’ task.
Sample question
● Read the article below and summarize it in your own words as far as possible in English. ● Suggested length: 60–70 words ● Write your summary in the space provided on your answer sheet. Any writing outside the space will not be graded.
Constructing Logical Structure ⇒ Care is taken to establish a logical structure, including causal relationships, to maintain the same logical flow as the original text. The summary simplifies the presentation of the main argument and the flow of the original text. Paragraph One Summary → Paragraph Two Summary → Paragraph Three Summary
Model Answer
Evaluation Criteria
Answers will be graded on four aspects: content, structure, vocabulary, and grammar. Each perspective is evaluated on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4 points, with a maximum score of 16 points.
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
＜TIPS＞
● Write one grammatically correct sentence.
● Use the given two words (phrases).
● The sentence should match the photo.
(There’s no need to write a long sentence.
● When describing objects, the present tense is fine, but when it comes to people or animals, since it’s an action happening right now, please write in the present continuous tense
Picture 1
Library / Studying
Sample Answer: In the library, students were deeply engrossed in studying, surrounded by towering rows of books.
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Picture 2
Coffee Shop / Customers
Sample Answer:
In the cozy coffee shop, customers relaxed at their tables, savoring their drinks as the barista expertly prepared coffee.
The team engages in a discussion about the strategies outlined on the flip chart. Ideas flow freely as one member takes notes on the flip chart during the vibrant discussion. During a critical discussion, the flip chart becomes a canvas for their innovative concepts.
The trainer delivers an engaging lecture using the latest technology to illustrate key points. Employees are absorbed in the lecture, where technology enhances the learning experience. The technology at the trainer’s fingertips brings the lecture to life for the attentive audience.
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Picture 10
Coffee / Conversation
Sample Answer:
The two friends are enjoying a lively conversation over coffee at the cafe.
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Picture 11
Library / Study
Sample Answer:
The student is studying intently in the quiet environment of the library.
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Picture 21
Tourists / Landmark
Sample Answer:
A group of tourists are taking photos in front of the famous landmark, capturing memories.
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Picture 41
laptop / glasses
Sample Answer:
The glasses are placed next to the open laptop on the desk. There is a laptop with a pair of glasses on the table. The laptop and glasses on the table suggest someone is working from home.
The scooter is parked against the backdrop of a serene river. A vintage scooter stands against the rustic cabin. Against the calm of the riverside, the scooter awaits its rider.
A single leaf falls gently beside the closed window. The leaf falls silently to the ground, signaling the change of season. As the leaf falls, it passes by the window, drifting slowly downwards.
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Picture 45
clock / ticking.
Sample Answer:
The clock is ticking on the wall, marking the passage of time. A solitary clock, ticking steadily, hangs above the empty table. In the quiet room, the only sound is the clock ticking.
Leaves are falling gently onto the empty park bench. The park is quiet with leaves falling around the silent fountain. Falling leaves cover the pathways in the deserted park.
The cat is sleeping peacefully on the windowsill. A lone cat, sleeping soundly, is curled up in the corner. In the quiet room, the only movement is the cat sleeping on the chair.
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Picture 48
bird / perching
Sample Answer:
The bird is perching quietly on the tree branch. A lone bird, perching atop the fence, surveys the area. In the still garden, a bird perches on the birdbath’s edge.
The train is passing under the old steel bridge. A solitary train travels under a bridge, cutting through the quiet landscape. Under the expansive bridge, the train moves silently along the tracks.
The path winds through the dense forest, creating a sense of mystery. A narrow path cuts through the forest, leading to unknown destinations. Through the thick trees, the path meanders quietly, untouched.
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Picture 51
chimney / above
Sample Answer:
The chimney rises above the house, standing out against the sky. Above the quaint house, the chimney is a prominent feature. The house, with its chimney towering above, has an old-world charm.
The smartphone lies beside the notebook on the desk. Beside the pile of papers, the smartphone remains untouched. The smartphone, placed beside the window, catches the morning light.
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Picture 53
boat / floating
Sample Answer:
The boat is floating gently on the calm water. A solitary boat, floating near the shore, creates a peaceful scene. The boat floats silently, anchored in the tranquil bay.
The crops are growing densely in the vast field. Rows of crops growing uniformly cover the entire field. The crops, growing tall, dominate the landscape of the field.
The computer screen is displaying a blank page, ready for work. On the desk, the screen is displaying a series of charts and graphs. The computer’s screen, displaying a colorful image, stands out in the room.
The pen rests on the open notebook, ready for use. A pen and a notebook are placed neatly on the table. The notebook lies open next to the pen, filled with written notes.
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Picture 57
because / sit
Sample Answer:
The park is crowded because many people are sitting on the grass enjoying the sunny day.
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Picture 58
boy / but
Sample Answer:
The boy is running on the beach, but he seems careful to avoid the water.
