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Lesson 27 　Snow Festivals (Yuki Matsuri)

Topic Question: “Can you tell me about a famous snow festival in Japan?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about well-known winter events in Japan, focusing on a festival that celebrates snow through sculptures, art, and community activities.

▮ Sample Answer

“The Sapporo Snow Festival is famous in Japan. It features giant snow sculptures and ice art. Held in February in Sapporo, Hokkaido, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world.”

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

1. Festival (祭り): An event, usually and often staged by a local community, that centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival.
2. Sculptures (彫刻): Three-dimensional artworks created by shaping or combining hard materials.
3. Ice art (氷の芸術): Artistic works made from ice, often seen in sculptures or installations.
4. Sapporo (札幌): The capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its annual snow festival.
5. Hokkaido (北海道): The northernmost prefecture of Japan, famous for its cold winters and natural beauty.

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

1. What is the name of the famous snow festival in Japan?
2. Where and when is the Sapporo Snow Festival held?
3. What attractions does the Sapporo Snow Festival feature?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

I’m going to…

A:　 I’m going to do something

We use am/is/are going to… for the future:

B: 　I am going to do something = I have decided to do it; my intention is to do it:

●　I’m going to buy some books tomorrow.
●　I’m not going to have breakfast this morning. I’m not hungry.
●　What are you going to wear to the wedding next week?
●　Your hands are dirty.” “Yes, I know. I’m going to wash them.

C: 　Something is going to happen

Something is going to happen = we can see now that it is sure co happen:

●　Look at the sky! It’s going to rain.
(black clouds now → rain)

●　Oh, no! It’s 9:00, and I’ m not ready.
　　I’m going to be late.
　　(9:00 now/ and not ready→ late)

Example Sentences:

1. I’m going to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival next year.
2. The city is going to be very busy during the festival.
3. I’m going to take many pictures of the ice sculptures.
4. We’re going to dress warmly for the festival.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 26　　Autumn leaves (Koyo)

Topic Question: “Where can I see the best autumn leaves in Japan?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the most famous locations in Japan for viewing autumn leaves, known as koyo. Think about areas with historical significance, natural beauty, or particular trees that are renowned for their fall colors.

▮ Sample Answer

“The best autumn leaves can be seen in Kyoto, especially at temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park is also spectacular for its early autumn colors.”

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

1. Autumn leaves (紅葉): The changing colors of leaves in the autumn season.
2. Temples (寺): Religious buildings dedicated to worship, found throughout Japan.
3. Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): A historic temple in Kyoto known for its scenic views.
4. Arashiyama (嵐山): A district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, famous for its bamboo groves.
5. Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園): Japan’s largest national park, located in Hokkaido, known for its rugged mountains and early autumn foliage.

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

1. Which city is recommended for viewing autumn leaves?
2. Name a temple in Kyoto that is a great spot for autumn leaf viewing.
3. Where in Hokkaido can you see spectacular autumn colors?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

What are you doing tomorrow? (present continuous for future plans)

A:

We use am/is/are + -ing(present continuous) for something happenmg now:

●　Where are Sue and Amanda?　　They’re playing tennis in the park.

We also use am/is/are + -ing for the future ( tomorrow / next week, etc.):
●　 Andrew is playing tennis tomorrow.

B: 　I am doing something tomorrow = I have arranged to do It,
I have a plan to do it:

● Sophie is going to the dentist on Friday.
(= she has an appointment with the dentist)

● We’re having a party next weekend.

C: 　Be careful! Do not use the simple present (I stay / do you go, ere.) to say what somebody
has arranged to do:

● I’m staying at home this evening. (not I stay)
● Lisa isn’t coming to the parry next week. (not Lisa doesn’t come)

But we use the simple present for schedules (buses, movies, classes, etc.):

●　The plane arrives in NewYork at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
●　What time does the movie end tonight?

Example Sentences:

1. I’m visiting Kiyomizu-dera tomorrow to see the autumn leaves.
2. We’re exploring Arashiyama’s bamboo forest next week.
3. The tour group is heading to Daisetsuzan National Park for the early autumn colors.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 25 　 Summer Festivals (Matsuri)

Topic Question: “What kind of festivals happen in Japan during the summer?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the types of festivals that are held in Japan during the summer months. These can include cultural, religious, or modern festivals that attract locals and tourists alike.

▮ Sample Answer

“During summer in Japan, people celebrate many festivals like Tanabata, Obon, and fireworks festivals. Tanabata involves writing wishes on paper, Obon honors ancestors, and fireworks festivals light up the night sky.”

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

1. Festivals (祭り): Public celebrations or gatherings with specific themes or purposes.
2. Tanabata (七夕): A Japanese festival based on a legend, celebrated by writing wishes on strips of paper.
3. Obon (お盆): A Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors.
4. Fireworks (花火): Explosive devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes, typically during celebrations.
5. Ancestors (先祖): Family members from past generations.

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

1. What is Tanabata, and how is it celebrated?
2. What purpose does the Obon festival serve?
3. What is a common feature of summer festivals in Japan?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

Regular and irregular verbs

A: 　Regular verbs
The simple past and past participle of regular verbs is -ed:
clean → cleaned　/　 live → lived　/ paint→painted　/ study → studied

● I cleaned my room yesterday.
● Charlie studied engineering in college.

Past participle
have/has + past participle

● I have cleaned my room.
● Tina has lived in Miami for 10 years.

be (is/are/were/has been, etc.) + past participle

●　These rooms are cleaned every day.
●　My car has been repaired.

B: 　Irregular verbs
The simple past and past participle of irregular verbs do not end in -ed:

Sometimes the simple past and past participle are the same. For example:

●　I made a cake yesterday. {simple past)
●　I have made some coffee.(past participle – present pe,fect)
●　Butter is made from milk.(past participle – present passive)

Sometimes the simple past and past participle are different. For example:

●　Somebody broke this window lase night. (simple past)
●　Somebody has broken this window.(past participle – present perfect)
●　This window was broken lase nighc.(past participle – past passive)

Example Sentences:

1. People celebrate the Tanabata festival by writing wishes.
2. Obon has been observed for centuries in Japan.
3. Fireworks light up the sky during summer festivals.
4. Many ancestors are honored during the Obon festival.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 24 　 Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Viewing

Topic Question: “How do Japanese people enjoy cherry blossom season?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the various customs and activities that are part of enjoying cherry blossom (sakura) season in Japan. These might include outdoor activities, special foods, or traditional events.

▮ Sample Answer

“Japanese people enjoy cherry blossom season by having picnics under the trees. They gather in parks with family and friends to eat, drink, and enjoy the beautiful sakura. It’s called ‘hanami.'”

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

1. Cherry blossom (桜): The flower of the cherry tree, known for its beauty and significance in Japanese culture.
2. Picnics (ピクニック): Outdoor meals where food is eaten in a scenic or informal setting.
3. Parks (公園): Public areas of land, usually in cities, for recreational use.
4. Hanami (花見): The traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, typically cherry blossoms.
5. Sakura (桜): The Japanese term for cherry blossom.

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

1. What activity do Japanese people commonly do to enjoy cherry blossom season?
2. Where do these activities typically take place?
3. What is the term for enjoying the cherry blossom view?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

be/have/do in present and past tenses

A: 　Be (= am/is/are/was/were) + -ing (cleaning/working, etc.)

● It isn’t raining right now.
● What are you doing tonight?

● I was working when she arrived.
● It wasn’t raining, so we didn’t need an umbrella.

B:　Be + past participle (cleaned/made/ eaten, etc.)

● I’m never invited to parties.
● Butter is made from milk.

●　The office was cleaned yesterday.
●　 These houses were built 100 years ago

C:　Have/has + past participle (cleaned/lost/eaten/been, etc.)

● I’ve lived in chis house for 10 years.
● Tom has never ridden a horse.

D: 　Do/does/did + base form (clean/like/eat/go, etc.)

● I like coffee, but I don’t like tea.
● Chris doesn’t go out very often.

● I didn’t watch TV yesterday.
● It didn’t rain last week

Example Sentences:

1. People are gathering in the parks now for hanami.

2. The cherry trees were planted decades ago.

3. I’ve attended hanami every year since moving to Japan.

4. We didn’t go to the park last year.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 23 　Traditional Sports

Topic Question: “Besides Sumo, are there other traditional Japanese sports?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about other sports or martial arts that originated in Japan and have a long history. These might include activities that are not only competitive but also hold cultural significance.

▮ Sample Answer

“Besides Sumo, Kendo and Kyudo are traditional Japanese sports. Kendo involves swordsmanship with bamboo swords, while Kyudo is the art of archery. Both emphasize discipline, respect, and mental focus.”

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

1. Kendo (剣道): A traditional Japanese sport of swordsmanship.
2. Kyudo (弓道): The traditional Japanese martial art of archery.
3. Swordsmanship (剣術): The skills of fighting with a sword.
4. Archery (弓術): The sport or skill of shooting arrows with a bow.
5. Discipline (規律): The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, showing the controlled behavior resulting from such training.

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

1. What is Kendo, and what does it involve?
2. How is Kyudo different from Kendo?
3. What do both Kendo and Kyudo emphasize?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

is being done / has been done (passive 2)

A: 　Is/ are being…(present continuous passive)

●　My car is at the garage. It is being repaired. (= somebody is repairing it)
● Some new houses are being built across from the park. (= somebody is building them)

Compare the present continuous passive and simple present passive:
●　 The office is being cleaned r ight now. (present continuous passive)
　 　The office is cleaned every day. (simple present passive)

B: 　Has/have been… (present perfect passive)

● My key has been stolen. (= somebody has stolen it)
● My keys have been stolen. (= somebody has stolen them)

Compare the present perfect and simple past:
● The room isn’t dirty any more. It has been cleaned. (present perfect passive)
　　The room was cleaned yesterday. (simple past passive)

Example Sentences:

1. Kendo is being practiced by many enthusiasts around the world.
2. The rules of Kyudo have been passed down through generations.
3. Traditional sports like Kendo and Kyudo are being preserved in Japan.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 22 　Olympics

Topic Question: “Can you tell me about a memorable moment for Japan in the Olympics?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think of a specific event or achievement that stands out in the history of Japan’s participation in the Olympic Games. This could be a record-breaking performance, a historic medal win, or any other significant event that brought pride to the country.

▮ Sample Answer

“A memorable moment was when Hanyu Yuzuru won gold in figure skating at the Winter Olympics. His performance was breathtaking, and he became the first male skater from Japan to win Olympic gold.”

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

1. Memorable (記憶に残る): Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.
2. Gold (金メダル): The first-place medal in an Olympic event.
3. Figure skating (フィギュアスケート): A sport in which individuals, duos, or groups perform on figure skates on ice.
4. Breathtaking (息をのむような): Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.
5. Olympic gold (オリンピックの金メダル): The highest achievement in the Olympics, awarded to the first-place finisher in an event.

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

1. Who was the first male skater from Japan to win Olympic gold?
2. In what event did Hanyu Yuzuru win gold at the Winter Olympics?
3. How was Hanyu Yuzuru’s performance described?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

is done / was done (passive 1)

A:

B: 　The passive is:

The past participle of regular verbs is -ed (cleaned/damaged, etc.).
For a list of irregular past participles (done/built/taken, etc.),

●　Butter is made from milk.
●　Oranges are imported into Canada.
●　How often are these rooms cleaned?
●　I am never invited to parties.
●　This house was built 100 years ago.
●　Was anybody injured in the accident?
　　Yes, two people were taken co the hospital.

C: 　Was/were born

●　I was born in Colombia in 1989. (not I am born)
●　 Where were you born’　In Cairo.

D: 　Passive + by
●　The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.
　　(= Alexander Graham Bell invented it)

Example Sentences:

１. The gold medal was won by Hanyu Yuzuru in figure skating. (Passive voice to emphasize the action and the event rather than the person.)

2. Who won the gold medal in figure skating? Hanyu Yuzuru did.
3. Breathtaking performances are remembered by fans for years. (Passive voice to highlight the effect on the audience.)
4. What do fans remember? They remember breathtaking performances.
5. The figure skates were designed by a renowned craftsman. (Passive voice to focus on the object.)

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 21 　Soccer

Topic Question: “What are some achievements of the Japanese national soccer team?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the milestones and achievements the Japanese national soccer team has accomplished over the years. These could include victories in international tournaments, remarkable performances in World Cups, or any other significant successes.

▮ Sample Answer

“The Japanese national soccer team has won the AFC Asian Cup four times and reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. They’re known for teamwork and technical skills.”

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

1. Achievements (達成): Things done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.
2. AFC Asian Cup (AFCアジアカップ): A men’s soccer tournament among Asian nations.
3. Knockout stage (ノックアウトステージ): A phase in a tournament where teams are eliminated when they lose a match.
4. FIFA World Cup (FIFAワールドカップ): An international football competition contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA.
5. Teamwork (チームワーク): The combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient.

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

1. How many times has the Japanese national soccer team won the AFC Asian Cup?
2. What stage has the Japanese team reached in the FIFA World Cup?
3. What are the Japanese national soccer team known for?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

I’ve lost my key. I lost my key last week.

(present perfect and simple past 3)

A: Sometimes you can use the present perfect (I have lost / he has gone, etc.) or the simple past (I lost/ he went, etc.).

●　“Is Peter here?” “No, he’s gone home.” or “No, he went home.”

But with a finished time (yesterday / last week, etc.), we use only the simple past (not the present perfect).

Do not use the present perfect (have arrived / have done I have been, etc.) with a finished time:

●　I saw Paula yesterday. (not I have seen)
●　Where were you on Sunday afternoon? (not Where have you been)

Use the simple past to ask When… ? or What time… ?
●　When did you buy your computer? (11or When have you bought?)
●　What time did Andy go out? (not What time has Andy gone out?)

B: Compare :

Example Sentences:

1. The Japanese national soccer team has become known for its strong teamwork. (No specific time given, general statement up to the present.)
2. When did the team start being recognized for their teamwork? They started to gain recognition after their performance in the early 2000s.
3. Japan won the AFC Asian Cup last in 2011. (Specific time in the past, so simple past is used.)
4. Have they won the AFC Asian Cup recently? No, the last time they won was in 2011.
5. The team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup multiple times. (Action in the past with relevance to the present.)
6. When did Japan first qualify for the World Cup? They first qualified in 1998.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 20 　　Martial Arts (Judo, Karate, Kendo)

Topic Question: “What are some Japanese martial arts that are known worldwide?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about various martial arts that originated in Japan and have gained international recognition. Consider how they have spread globally and what aspects make them appealing to people around the world.

▮ Sample Answer

“Karate, Judo, and Aikido are famous Japanese martial arts worldwide. Karate focuses on striking, Judo on grappling, and Aikido on using an opponent’s force. They teach discipline and respect.”

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

1. Martial arts (武道): Various sports or skills, mainly of Japanese origin, that involve combat and self-defense.
2. Karate (空手): A martial art that emphasizes hand and foot strikes.
3. Judo (柔道): A martial art focusing on throws and grappling.
4. Aikido (合気道): A martial art that uses the opponent’s force against them.
5. .Discipline (規律): Training to act in accordance with rules; the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.

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

1. Name three Japanese martial arts known worldwide.
2. What is the focus of Karate?
3. How does Aikido differ from Judo and Karate?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

just, already, and yet (present perfect and simple past 2)

just, already, and yet
(present perfect and sim p le past 2)

A: 　Just = a shore time ago

We use just with the present perfect or the simple past.

A: Are Diane and Paul here,
B: Yes, they’ve j ust arrived. or Yes, they just arrived.

B: Already = before you expected / before I expected

We use already with the present perfect or the simple past.

A: What time are Diane and Paul coming?

B: They’ve already arrived. or They already arrived.

C: 　Yet = until now

We use yet with the present perfect or the sirnple past. We use yet in negative sentences and
questions. Yet is usually at the end.

yet in negative sentences

A: Are Diane and Paul here?
B: No, they haven’t arrived yet. or
… they didn’t arrive yet.
(but B expects Diane and Paul to arrive soon)

yet in questions

A: Have Diane and Paul arrived yet? or
Did Diane and Paul arrive yet?
B: No, not yet. We’re still waiting for chem.

Example Sentences:

1.Karate has just been added to the Olympics. (It was added a short time ago.)

2. When was Karate added to the Olympics? It was just added in the last Olympics.
3. Judo practitioners have already competed in many international competitions. (They have competed sooner than expected.)
4. Have Judo athletes been in the Olympics? Yes, they’ve already competed in several Olympic Games.
5. Has Aikido been recognized globally yet? (Asking if it has happened up to now.)
6. No, Aikido hasn’t been included in the Olympics yet, but it’s gaining recognition.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 19 　　Baseball

Topic Question: “Why is baseball so popular in Japan, and can you recommend a famous team or player?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural significance of baseball in Japan and what makes it so appealing to the Japanese people. Also, consider mentioning a well-known team or player.

▮ Sample Answer

“Baseball is popular in Japan because of its exciting games and team spirit. A famous team is the Nipponham Fighters, and a notable player is Shohei Otani, known for his batting and pitching skills.”

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

1. Popular (人気がある): Liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people.
2. Exciting (エキサイティング): Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
3. Team spirit (チームスピリット): Feelings of camaraderie among the members of a group.
4. Batting (バッティング): The action of hitting the ball with a bat in baseball.
5. Skills (スキル): The ability to do something well.

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

1. Why do you think baseball is so popular in Japan?
2. Can you name a famous baseball team in Japan?
3. Who is a notable baseball player known for their batting and pitching skills?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

I have done and I did　　 (present perfect and simple past 1)

A:

B: 　We use the present perfect for an action in the past with a result now:

●　 I’ve lost my passport. (= I can’t find my passport now)
●　 Where’s Rebecca? She’s gone to bed. (= she is in bed now)

Usually you can also use the simple past (he washed / I lost, etc.) in these situations. So you
can say:

● Where’s your key? I’ve lost it. or I lost it.

● Is Peter here? No, he’s gone home. or He went home.

Example Sentences:

1. I have watched a Yomiuri Giants game recently. (The experience affects my current feelings about baseball.)
2. Did you see the game last night? Yes, I watched it.”
3. I have always admired the team spirit in Japanese baseball. (My admiration continues to the present.)
4. When did you start following Japanese baseball? I started following it when I was a child.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 18 　　Sumo Wrestling

Topic Question: “Can you explain the rules of Sumo wrestling?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about what you know regarding the rules and rituals of Sumo wrestling. Consider the objective, the dohyo (ring), the attire, and how a match is won.

▮ Sample Answer

“Sumo wrestling is a Japanese sport where two wrestlers fight in a ring. The goal is to force the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with anything other than their feet.”

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

1. Sport (スポーツ): An activity involving physical exertion and skill.
2. Wrestlers (相撲取り): People who participate in wrestling.
3. Ring (土俵): The area where Sumo matches take place.
4. Opponent (対戦相手): A person whom someone competes against in a sport or game.
5. Ground (地面): The solid surface of the earth.

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

1. What is the goal in a Sumo wrestling match?
2. Where do Sumo wrestlers compete?
3. How can a wrestler win a match?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

for　　since 　　ago

　
A: Jane is in Brazil. She has been there 　　　for three days.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　since Monday.

B: 　Ago

ago = before now:

Susan starred her new j ob three weeks ago. (= three weeks before now)
When did Tom leave? Ten minutes ago.” (= ten minutes before now)

Compare ago and for:

●　When did Jane arrive in Brazil?

　　　 She arrived in Brazil three days ago.

●　How long has she been in Brazil?
　　　 She has been in Brazil for three days.

Example Sentences:

1. I have been interested in Sumo wrestling for two years.
2. She has been following Sumo matches closely since she visited Japan.
3. The Sumo tournament started five days ago.
4. When did the tournament start? Five days ago.
5. How long have you been a fan of Sumo wrestling?
6. I have been a fan of Sumo wrestling for a few years.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: