英語4技能対策

Lesson 57  High-tech toilets


Lesson 57  High-tech toilets


Topic Question: Why are Japanese toilets so high-tech?


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the features that make Japanese toilets stand out and how these reflect broader aspects of Japanese culture and technology.


Sample Answer

“Japanese toilets are high-tech due to Japan’s culture of cleanliness, technological innovation, and the desire for comfort and convenience. Features like bidets, seat warmers, and air dryers exemplify the integration of advanced technology into daily life. The emphasis on hygiene and the user’s comfort in Japanese culture has driven the development of toilets that offer a multitude of functions beyond the basic necessities, showcasing Japan’s leading role in technological advancement in household products.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

  1. Bidets: A bathroom fixture used to wash and clean the body after using the toilet.
  2. Innovation: The introduction of something new, a new idea, method, or device.
  3. Hygiene: Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
  4. Convenience: The state of being able to proceed with something with little effort or difficulty.
  5. Integration: The process of combining one thing with another so that they become a whole.


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

  1. How does Japan’s culture of cleanliness influence their toilets?
  2. What are some of the high-tech features found in Japanese toilets?
  3. Why is technological innovation important in the development of Japanese toilets?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

a bottle / some water
(countable/uncountable 1)

A noun can be countable or uncountable

Countable nouns
For example: (a) car (a) man (a) bottle (a) house (a) key (an) idea (an) accident


You can’t use the singular (car/bottle/key, etc.) alone.You need a/an:
● We can’t get into the house without a key. (not without key)


Uncountable nouns

For example: water air rice salt plastic money music tennis


You can’t use a/an + uncountable nouns: Xmoney Xmusic Xwater
But you can say a piece of… I a bottle of…, etc. + uncountable noun.:


a bottle of water / a carton of milk / a piece of cheese /a bottle of perfume
a bowl of rice /a cup of coffee/ a bar of soap / a piece of music /a game of tennis


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. Japanese toilets often include a seat warmer, which is an example of a countable noun, meaning you can have one seat warmer or multiple seat warmers.
  2. For hygiene purposes, the use of water, an uncountable noun, is optimized in Japanese toilets through features like bidets.
  3. Many people appreciate the convenience of having a toilet with multiple functions, showcasing the integration of technology into an everyday object.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 56  Traditional Crafts and Goods


Lesson 56   Traditional Crafts and Goods


Topic Question: “Are there any companies in Japan that are famous for traditional crafts or goods?”


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about Japanese companies that specialize in products reflecting Japan’s rich cultural heritage, such as ceramics, textiles, or metalwork.


Sample Answer


“Yes, there are several companies in Japan renowned for traditional crafts and goods. For example, Arita Porcelain Lab is famous for its exquisite Arita porcelain, a craft with over 400 years of history. Another example is Nihon Mingei, known for their work with indigo dye and traditional Japanese textiles. Lastly, Tohoku Metalworks specializes in crafting samurai swords and other metal goods, continuing a centuries-old tradition.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

  1. Arita Porcelain: A type of Japanese porcelain made in the area around Arita, in Saga Prefecture, known for its high quality and artistic designs.
  2. Exquisite: Extremely beautiful and delicate.
  3. Indigo dye: A natural dye extracted from plants, used in traditional Japanese textile making.
  4. Textiles: Types of cloth or woven fabric.
  5. Samurai swords: Traditional Japanese swords known for their craftsmanship and use by the samurai, the military nobility of medieval and early-modern Japan.


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

  1. What makes Arita Porcelain Lab notable?
  2. How does Nihon Mingei contribute to preserving Japanese culture?
  3. What is special about the goods produced by Tohoku Metalworks?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

have

have and have got
I have (something) or I’ve got (something) = it is mine:

● I have a new car. or I’ve got a new car.
● Do they have any children? or Have they got any children?
● Tim doesn’t have a job. or Tim hasn’t got a job.

● I have a headache. or I’ve got a headache.
● Do you have a cold? or Have you got a cold?


The past is I had (without got) / I didn’t have / Did you have?, etc.:
● When I first met Sue, she had short hair.
● He didn’t have any money because he didn’t have a job.


have breakfast / have a good time, etc.
In these expressions have = eat or drink. You can’t use “have got.”

● Where’s Liz?  She’s having lunch.
● I don’t usually have breakfast
● I had three cups of coffee this morn111g.
● “Have a cookie. ” “Oh, thank you “


We also use have (not have got) in these expressions:

● We’re having a party next week. Please come.
● Enjoy your vacation. Have a good trip!
● I’m having a bad day. Everything is going wrong.
I hope I have a better day tomorrow.
● Mark had an accident on his first day in Rome.
● Boss, can we have a discussion about my pay?


Compare:

have got or have
● I’ve got / I have three cups of coffee
  for this office.

have (not have got)
● I have coffee with my breakfast every morning
  (not I’ve got coffee every morning)
●  A: Where’s Paul?
   B: He’s on break. He’s having a cup of coffee.
(= he’s drinking it now)


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. I have a collection of Arita porcelain at home, and I’ve got an interest in traditional Japanese crafts.
  2. They have plans to visit the Nihon Mingei exhibition to see the indigo textiles.
  3. He had an opportunity to watch a samurai sword being made at Tohoku Metalworks.
  4. We’re having a tea ceremony next week using Arita porcelain. Please come.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 55  Food and Beverage


Lesson 55  Food and Beverage


Topic Question:“Are there any Japanese food or beverage companies that are popular overseas?”


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about Japanese brands that have transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, becoming household names globally. What makes these brands stand out?


Sample Answer


“Yes, there are several Japanese food and beverage companies that enjoy popularity overseas. For instance, Asahi is known internationally for its beer, offering a taste of Japanese brewing tradition. Matcha and Green Tea from brands like Ito En have found their way into cafes and homes worldwide, celebrated for their health benefits and unique flavor. Additionally, KitKat, under Nestle Japan, has become famous for its innovative flavors unique to Japan, like matcha and sake.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

  1. Asahi: A Japanese brewery company known for its beer and other alcoholic beverages.
  2. Matcha: A finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, famous in Japanese tea ceremonies.
  3. Ito En: A Japanese company specializing in green tea and beverages.
  4. Innovative: Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
  5. KitKat: A chocolate-covered wafer bar that has unique flavor variations in Japan, differing significantly from its original form.


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

  1. What is Asahi known for globally?
  2. How have Ito En’s products contributed to the global beverage market?
  3. What makes KitKat unique in Japan compared to its global version?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

I went to the store to…


to… (to get / to see, etc.) tells us why a person does something

● Why are you going our?  To get some bread.
● Amy went to the station to meet her friend.
● Sue rurned on the television to watch the news.
● I’d like to go to Mexico to learn Spanish.


money/ time to (do something):

● We need some money to buy food.
● I don’t have time to watch television .


to + verb
(to get / to see, etc.)

● I went to the store to get some fruit.
  (not for get )
● They’re going to Brazil to see their friends.
● We need some money to buy food.


for+ noun
(for food / for a newspaper, etc.)

● I went to the store for some fruit.
● They’re going to Brazil for a vacation.
● We need some money for food.


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. I went to the international market to buy Asahi beer for the party.
  2. We need some money to purchase Matcha powder from Ito En.
  3. She’s flying to Japan to experience the wide range of KitKat flavors.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 54  Fashion and Retail


Lesson 54  Fashion and Retail


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider Japanese fashion brands that are not only popular in Japan but also have a significant presence and influence in global fashion scenes.


Sample Answer

“Uniqlo, Comme des Garçons, and Issey Miyake are Japanese fashion brands recognized internationally. Uniqlo is known for its affordable, high-quality basics. Comme des Garçons, created by Rei Kawakubo, is celebrated for its avant-garde aesthetic. Issey Miyake is renowned for innovative designs and technology-driven clothing.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer


  1. Uniqlo: A Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer known for its simple, affordable clothes.
  2. Comme des Garçons: A Japanese fashion label meaning “like boys” in French, known for its avant-garde style.
  3. Issey Miyake: A Japanese fashion designer known for technology-driven designs and the use of pleating.
  4. Avant-garde: New and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.
  5. Innovative: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.


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

  1. What makes Uniqlo stand out in the international market?
  2. How is Comme des Garçons unique in the fashion industry?
  3. What innovation is Issey Miyake known for?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

I want you to… / I told you to…


I want you to

● I want you to be happy. (not/ I want that you are happy)
● They didn’t want anybody to know their secret.
● Do you want me to lend you some money?


We use would like in the same way:
● Would you like me to lend you some money?


We also use this structure (verb + somebody + to…) with:

Sue asked a friend to lend her some money.
I told you to be careful.
What do you advise me to do?
We persuaded Gary to come with us.
I am teaching my brother to swim.


I told you to… / I told you not to…

→Jane told me to wait for her.
→Paul told Sue not to wait for !um.


make and let

After make and let, we do not use to:

● He’s very funny. He makes me laugh. (not makes me to laugh)
● At school our teacher made us work very hard.
● Sue let me use her computer because mine wasn’t working. (not let me to use)


You can say Let’s … (= Let us) when you want people to do things with you:
● Come on! Let’s dance.
● ”Do you want to go out tonight?”  ”No, I’m tired. Let’s stay home.”


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. I want you to explore the unique styles of Comme des Garçons for our next fashion project.
  2. I told you to research Issey Miyake’s pleating techniques; they’re revolutionary.
  3. The fashion instructor makes us create portfolios on international fashion brands, including Japanese ones.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 53  Video Game Companies


Lesson 53  Video Game Companies


Topic Question: “Can you tell me about a Japanese video game company that is popular globally?”


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the attributes that make a Japanese video game company stand out on the global stage, such as its iconic games or innovative game-play mechanics.


Sample Answer

“Nintendo is a globally popular Japanese video game company. Known for creating the Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon series, Nintendo has revolutionized gaming with innovative consoles like the Wii and the Switch.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

  1. Iconic (象徴的な): Widely recognized and well-established.
  2. Innovative (革新的な): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
  3. Consoles (ゲーム機): Electronic devices for playing video games.
  4. Revolutionized (革命を起こした): Changed something drastically or fundamentally.
  5. Series (シリーズ): A sequence of related video games.


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

  1. What is Nintendo known for?
  2. Name a few video game series created by Nintendo.
  3. How has Nintendo revolutionized gaming?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

to . . (I want to do) and -ing (I enjoy doing)


verbs + to . . . (I want to do)

What do you want to do tonight?
It’s not very late. We don’t need to go home yet.
Tina has decided to sell her car.
You forgot to turn off the light when you went out.
My brother is learning to drive.
I tried to read my book, but I was too tired.


verbs + -ing (I enjoy doing)

I enjoy dancing. (not enjoy to dance)
I don’t mind getting up early.
Has it stopped raining?
Sonia suggested going to the movies.


verbs + -ing or to . ..

Do you like getting up early? or Do you like to get up early’
I prefer traveling by car. or I prefer to travel by car.
Anna loves dancing. or Anna loves to dance.
I hate being late. or I hate to be late.
It started raining. or It started to rain.


would like to … , etc.

Julia would like to meet you.
I’d love to go to Australia. (I’d= I would)
“ Would you like to sit down?” “No, I’d prefer to stand, thank you.”
I like this city very much. I wouldn’t like to move.
I’d hate to lose my cell phone.


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. Many gamers around the world want to buy Nintendo’s latest console.”
  2. I enjoy playing games developed by Nintendo.”
  3. Nintendo decided to innovate by creating the Switch, a hybrid console.”


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 52   Technology and Electronics


Lesson 52   Technology and Electronics


Topic Question: “What are some Japanese technology companies that are famous worldwide?”


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about Japanese technology companies you know. Consider what products or services they offer that have gained international recognition.


Sample Answer


“Sony, Panasonic, and Nintendo are famous Japanese technology companies worldwide. Sony is known for its electronics and entertainment, Panasonic for home appliances and electronics, and Nintendo for video games.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer

  1. Electronics (電子機器): Devices or systems that operate using the flow of electrons, such as computers or televisions.
  2. Entertainment (エンターテインメント): Activities or products designed to amuse or enjoy, such as movies or music.
  3. Home appliances (家電製品): Electrical machines used in households, like refrigerators or washing machines.
  4. Video games (ビデオゲーム): Electronic games played by interacting with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a two- or three-dimensional video display device.
  5. Recognized (認識された): Known or acknowledged widely.


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

  1. Can you name some Japanese technology companies known worldwide?
  2. What is Sony known for?
  3. What distinguishes Nintendo in the global market?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

work/working go/going do/doing


Work/go/be, etc. (base form)


We use the base form w ith will /can/must, etc.:


Anna will be here soon.
Shall I open the window ?
I might call you later.
May I sit here?
I can’t meet you tomorrow.
Could you p ass the salt, please?
It’s la te. You must be tired.
You shouldn’t work so hard.
Would you li ke some coffee?


We use the base form with do/does/did:

Do you work?
They don’t work very hard.
Helen doesn’t know many people.
How much does it cost?
What time did the train leave?
We didn’t sleep well.


to work / to go / to be, etc. (infinitive)

I’m going to play tennis tomorrow.
What are you going to do?
I have to go now.
Everybody has to eat.
Do you want to go out?
They don’t want to come with us.
I’d like to talk to you.
Would you like to go out?
Dave used to work in a factory.


working/ going/playing, etc.

Please be quiet. I’m working.
Tom isn’t working today.
What time are you going out?
It was raining, so we didn’t go out.
What were you doing when the phone rang?


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. Sony will launch a new game console next year.
  2. Can Panasonic continue to innovate in home appliances?
  3. I’m going to buy the latest model of Sony’s camera tomorrow.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 51  Automotive Industry


Lesson 51   Automotive Industry


Topic Question: Why are Japanese Cars Known for Their Quality and Innovation?


Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider what makes Japanese cars stand out in terms of quality and innovation. Think about their design, technology, and manufacturing processes.


Sample Answer

“Japanese cars are known for their quality and innovation due to their advanced technology, reliable manufacturing processes, and attention to detail. These cars often feature cutting-edge safety features, fuel efficiency, and durability, making them popular worldwide.”


Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer


  1. Advanced technology (先進技術): Highly developed technical innovations used in processes or products.
  2. Reliable (信頼できる): Capable of being trusted to do or provide what is needed or promised.
  3. Manufacturing processes (製造工程): The methods and steps taken to produce goods from raw materials.
  4. Safety features (安全機能): Components or systems designed to prevent accidents or injuries.
  5. Durability (耐久性): The ability of a product to remain functional and maintain its appearance over time without breaking or deteriorating.


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

  1. Why are Japanese cars considered reliable?
  2. What kind of technology is used in Japanese cars?
  3. How do safety features and durability contribute to the popularity of Japanese cars?


Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

She said that…   He told me that…


Present
I’m en1oy1ng my new job.
My father isn’t very happy.

Past
Diane said that she was enjoying her new job.
She said that her father wasn’t very happy.


Present
We’re going to buy a house.

Past
Sarah and Tim said that they were going to buy a house.


Present
I have to leave early.
My sister has gone to Australia.

Past
Peter said that he had to leave early.
He said that his sister had gone to Australia.


say and tell

say(→said)
● He said that he was tired.
  (not He said me)
●  What did she say to you?
   (not say you)
We say he said to me, I said to Ann, etc.
but not “he said me,”” l said Ann.”


tell(→told)

● He told me that he was tired.
  (not He told that)
● What did she tell you?
  (not tell to you)
We say he told me, I told Ann, etc.
but not l “he told to me,” “I told to Ann.”


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:


  1. Using ‘said’ in past tense:
    After visiting Japan, Martin said that he was amazed by the advanced technology used in Japanese cars. He mentioned how this technology contributes to their quality and innovation.
  2. Using ‘told’ in past tense:
    Julia told me that she had read about the reliable manufacturing processes of Japanese cars. She was impressed by the attention to detail that ensures their durability and fuel efficiency.
  3. Combining information with ‘say’ and ‘tell’:
    My brother said that the safety features of Japanese cars are what make them stand out globally. He told me that after researching, he found that these cars often come equipped with cutting-edge technology that is not only innovative but also prioritizes the safety of the driver and passengers.


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 50  End of Year Parties (Bonenkai)


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


  1. Forget (忘れる): To fail to remember.
  2. Troubles (悩み): Problems or difficulties.
  3. Reflection (反省): Serious thought or consideration.
  4. Gratitude (感謝): The quality of being thankful.
  5. Strengthening bonds (絆を強化する): Making relationships stronger.


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

  1. What is the main purpose of holding end-of-year parties?
  2. How do participants at these parties typically forget their past year’s troubles?
  3. 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:

  1. Do you know where most end-of-year parties are held? (Most end-of-year parties are held at restaurants or event spaces.)
  2. 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.)
  3. 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:

Lesson 49  Obon Festival


Lesson 49  Obon Festival


Topic Question: Can you explain what Obon is and how it is observed?


▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about what you know or might have heard about Obon, its cultural significance, and the ways it is celebrated in Japan.


Sample Answer

“Obon is a Buddhist event observed in Japan to honor the spirits of ancestors. It typically takes place in mid-August and is marked by various rituals such as visiting family graves, cleaning the gravesites, and offering food and prayers. Lanterns are hung outside houses to guide spirits, and a dance known as ‘Bon Odori’ is performed. The festival ends with the floating of lanterns on rivers or the sea, symbolizing the ancestors’ return to the spirit world.”


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


  1. Ancestors (祖先): Family members from past generations.
  2. Rituals (儀式): Established procedures for a religious or other ceremony.
  3. Gravesites (墓地): Places where people are buried.
  4. Lanterns (提灯): Light sources traditionally made of paper and bamboo.
  5. Spirit world (霊界): A supernatural realm of spirits or ancestors.


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

  1. What is the purpose of Obon in Japan?
  2. How do people prepare for the spirits’ visit during Obon?
  3. What symbolizes the ancestors’ return to the spirit world at the end of Obon?


▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar

How long does it take…?

How long does it take to get from … to … ?


● How long does it take to get from Los Angeles to New York by train?
● It takes several days to get from Los Angeles to New York by train.
● How long does it take to get from your house co the airport by car?
● It takes ten minutes to get from my house co the airport by car.


How long does it take you to do something?

● How long will it take me to learn to drive?
● It takes Tom 20 minutes to get to work in the mornmg.
● It took us an hour to do the shopping.
● Did it take you a long time to find a job?


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. How long does it take to prepare the food offerings for Obon? (It takes several hours to prepare the food offerings for Obon.)
  2. How long does the Bon Odori dance last during Obon celebrations? (The Bon Odori dance can last for a few hours during Obon celebrations.)
  3. How long does it take for the lanterns to float away and symbolize the return of the spirits? (It takes a short while for the lanterns to float away, symbolizing the spirits’ return to the spirit world.)


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 48  New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)


Lesson 48  New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)


Topic Question: What are some customs or traditions for New Year in Japan?


▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider what unique practices, foods, or events are associated with celebrating the New Year in Japan.


Sample Answer

“In Japan, New Year is celebrated with unique customs like visiting shrines for Hatsumode, eating special food such as Osechi-ryori, sending New Year’s cards known as Nengajo, and the ringing of temple bells 108 times at midnight to cleanse away sins. Families also enjoy Mochitsuki, the pounding of rice to make mochi.”

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


  1. Shrines (神社): Sacred places for Shinto worship.
  2. Osechi-ryori (おせち料理): Traditional Japanese New Year food, served in special boxes called Jubako.
  3. Nengajo (年賀状): New Year’s greeting cards sent to friends and family.
  4. Sins (罪): Acts believed to violate moral or divine law.
  5. Mochitsuki (餅つき): The traditional Japanese event of pounding steamed rice to make mochi (rice cakes).


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

  1. What special foods are eaten during New Year in Japan?
  2. Which tradition involves visiting sacred places at the beginning of the year?
  3. How do Japanese people cleanse away sins at New Year’s Eve?


▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar: Questions

What… ?  Which…?  How… ?
(questions 4)


What + noun (What color … ? / What kind … ?, etc.)
● What color is your car?  ● What color are your eyes?
● What size is this shirt?  ● What nationality is she?


What without a noun:
● What’s your favorite color?
● What do you want to do tonight?


Which + noun (things or people):
● Which train did you catch – the 9:50 or the 10:30?
● Which doctor did you see – Doctor Lopez, Doctor Gray, or Doctor Hill’


We use which without a noun for things, not people:
● Which is bigger – Canada or Australia?

● What color are his eyes? (not Which color?)
  Which color do you prefer, pink or yellow?
  What is the longest river in the world?
  Which is the longest river – the Mississippi, the Amazon, or the Nile?


How…?

● ‘How was the party last night? ” “It was great.”
● How do you get cowork? ” “By bus.”


Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

  1. What color are the envelopes used for Nengajo? (The envelopes are usually white or have traditional designs.)
  2. Which is more popular for the first visit of the year, temples or shrines? (Shrines are more popular for Hatsumode, the first visit of the year.)
  3. How do families participate in Mochitsuki? (Families take turns pounding the rice and shaping the mochi.)


Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: