All posts by weblio

General English (Intermediate)_Culture

2018年5月29日 weblio

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

I will ask you the following questions. Please answer.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

1.	What is your name?
2.	How do you describe the Japanese culture?
3.	What tradition in your country do you like best?
4.	Are you interested in foreign cultures?
5.	What foreign culture do you like the most?

ANSWER

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ASKING QUESTIONS

Please ask me the following questions.

ASK

1.	What is your name?
2.	How do you describe the Philipine culture?
3.	What tradition in your country do you like best?
4.	Are you interested in foreign cultures?
5.	What foreign culture do you like the most?

SUMMARIZING INFORMATION

Now, please summarize my responses to your questions.

SUMMARIZE

My tutor’s name is

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below.
After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Nicky:	What are you going to do on Christmas Day?
Kevin:	I’ll go to school as usual.
Nicky:	Are you sure? It’s a national holiday in the Philippines.
Kevin:	Really? So, government offices will be closed that day as well. Am I right?
Nicky:	Yes. Celebrating Christmas has been a tradition in our country. This began when the Spanish people brought Christianity to the Philippines in 1521.
Kevin:	That’s interesting. How do you usually celebrate it?
Nicky:	Christmas season starts in September. On Christmas day, families gather to celebrate. We prepare special dishes and gifts for everyone.
Kevin:	That’s nice. You enjoy not only Christmas day itself but also the preparation time.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

ANSWER

1.	Why is Christmas a big event in the Philippines?
Answer:
2.	When does the Christmas season start in the Philippines?
Answer:
3.	What do people prepare on Christmas Day?
Answer:

DIALOGUE PRACTICE

Let’s read the dialogue below.
Complete each conversation by choosing the correct answer.

READ AND ANSWER

1.	Tutor:	Sushi in Japan is very fresh!
	Student:	I think the location of a country affects ____________ food culture.

		a.	its
		b.	of
		c.	for
		d.	in

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

2.	Tutor:	Japanese women usually wear kimono on formal occasions.
	Student:	I heard that ____________ a traditional clothing in Japan.

		a.	are
		b.	with
		c.	its
		d.	it is

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

3.	Tutor:	It’s difficult to sit in “seiza” position on a Japanese tatami.
	Student:	I heard the younger generation is not familiar ____________ seiza.

		a.	in
		b.	though
		c.	with
		d.	on

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

4.	Tutor:	People eat food using their hands in some countries.
	Student:	In some countries, it’s the most pleasant way ____________ eat food.

		a.	in
		b.	is
		c.	to
		d.	with

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

5.	Tutor:	People in the Republic of Estonia eat 7 times on New Year’s Day.
	Student:	They pray for a rich year ____________ a lot of food.

		a.	to eat
		b.	by eating
		c.	eating
		d.	in eating

(Answer is in the last page.)

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the following questions based on your opinion. Give at least one reason to support your answer.

ANSWER

1.	Do you think modern traditions destroy old cultures?
Answer:
2.	Do you think culture is created by people?
Answer:
3.	In Western culture, once you turn 18, you have to move out from your parents’ house. Do you think this is a good idea?
Answer:
4.	What are the advantages of practicing old traditions?
Answer:
5.	Do you think adapting to a new culture is difficult?
Answer:
6.	Do you think learning about foreign cultures is important? Why?
Answer:
7.	Do you think art is valuable in one’s culture?

ANSWERS FOR DIALOGUE PRACTICE

1.	a
2.	d
3.	c
4.	c
5.	b

General English – Social Media

2018年5月29日 weblio

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below.

READ

Sasha:	Hi, Conny! It has been a while since we’ve talked.
Conny:	Yeah, it’s good that we’re friends on SNS because we can keep in touch with everyone.
Sasha:	True. Did you see Mike’s post last night? He will have a birthday party.
Conny:	Yes. I got an invitation. Social media is useful for informing people about different things.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

ANSWER

1. Why is being friends on SNS a good thing?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

2. What did Mike post on his social media account?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Let’s take turns in answering the questions below.

ANSWER

1. Have you ever had a problem while using a social media site before?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

2. What kind of information are you comfortable sharing to the public?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

3. How do we become responsible social media users?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

Mutual Questioning – Traveling

2018年5月29日 weblio

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
講師と一緒に次の文章を読んでみましょう。文章は交互に読み、一度読み終わったら役を交代しましょう。

READ

Staff:	Hello. What’s the purpose of your visit in our country?
Yuka:	I’m here to see some sightseeing spots.
Staff:	How long are you going to stay?
Yuka:	I’m going to stay here for 6 days.
Staff:	Where will you stay?
Yuka:	I will stay at the Empire hotel in Rose city.
Staff:	That’s nice! Enjoy your stay here.
Yuka:	Thank you.

ROLE PLAY

Now, let’s have a dialogue practice. Please fill in the blanks.
空欄に自分で考えた答えを入れて、会話を完成させましょう。

READ

Tutor:	Hello. What’s the purpose of your visit in our country?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	How long are you going to stay?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	Where will you stay?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	That’s nice! Enjoy your stay here.
Student:	______________________________.

DIALOGUE READING

READ

Local:	This city is famous for sightseeing spots.
Yuka:	Can you recommend one?
Local:	I recommend the city hall. It is an old building that was built in 1920.
Yuka:	Sounds good. How can I get there?
Local:	Take the subway and get off at the city hall station. You’ll see the building on the left side.
Yuka:	How long does it take from here?
Local:	It takes about 15 minutes.
Yuka:	Thank you. I’ll visit it tomorrow.

ROLE PLAY

Now, let’s have a dialogue practice. Please fill in the blanks.
空欄に自分で考えた答えを入れて、会話を完成させましょう。

READ

Tutor:	This city is famous for sightseeing spots.
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	I recommend the city hall. It is an old building that was built in 1920.
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	Take the subway and get off at the city hall station. You’ll see the building on the left side.
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	It takes about 15 minutes.
Student:	______________________________.

DIALOGUE READING

READ

Staff:	Hello, Billy’s Bistro. How can I help you?
Yuka:	Hello. Can I make a reservation for tonight?
Staff:	Sure. What time would you like to book?
Yuka:	7pm, please.
Staff:	Okay, ma’am. For how many?
Yuka:	For 4 people.
Staff:	May I know your name please?
Yuka:	My name is Yuka Sato.
Staff:	Alright. I have already made a reservation for 4 people at 7pm.
Yuka:	Thanks.

ROLE PLAY

Now, let’s have a dialogue practice. Please fill in the blanks.
空欄に自分で考えた答えを入れて、会話を完成させましょう。

READ

Tutor:	Hello, Billy’s Bistro. How can I help you?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	Sure. What time would you like to book?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	Okay, ma’am. For how many?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	May I know your name please?
Student:	______________________________.
Tutor:	Alright. I have already made a reservation for 4 people at 7pm.
Student:	______________________________.

General English (Expert)_Education

2018年5月28日 weblio

PASSAGE READING

Please read aloud the following passage. I will check your pronunciation as you read.

READ

Education

In Japan, the average age of students who enter university is 18 years old. Almost all students enter university right after they graduate high school. However, this system is not common in other countries.

In the United Kingdom, most students who go to university are 22 years old. This is because they have a unique system called “gap year”. Universities give students who passed the entrance examination a one year break. The purpose of this break is to let students gain insights on social matters.

During the gap year, students can spend their time freely. They can apply for a part-time job, do volunteer work, or travel abroad. This is considered beneficial for students’ personal growth.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the passage.

ANSWER

1.	What is gap year?
Answer:
2.	Why do universities give gap year to students?
Answer:
3.	How do students usually spend their time during gap year?
Answer:

CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES

Please construct sentences using each word below.

PRACTICE

Words and Expressions	Sample Sentences
insight
purpose
beneficial
unique
social

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the following questions based on your opinion. Give at least one reason to support your answer.

ANSWER

1.	Do you think going to university right after graduating in high school is a good idea?
Answer:
2.	Do you think Japan should start implementing gap year?
Answer:
3.	How would you like to spend gap year?
Answer:
4.	Do you think everyone should go to university?
Answer:
5.	What do you think is the reason a lot of people go to university?
Answer:
6.	Do you think choosing your major is important in getting your dream job?
Answer:
7.	Why do you think some people quit their job to go back to university?
Answer:

General English (Intermediate)_Technology

2018年5月25日 weblio

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

I will ask you the following questions. Please answer.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

1.	What is your name?
2.	What kind of technology do you find useful in your daily activities?
3.	What are the advantages of technology?
4.	Is technology helpful to students?
5.	What do you benefit from technology?

ANSWER

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ASKING QUESTIONS

Please ask me the following questions.

ASK

1.	What is your name?
2.	What kind of technology do you find useful in your daily activities?
3.	What are the advantages of technology?
4.	Is technology helpful to students?
5.	What do you benefit from technology?

SUMMARIZING INFORMATION

Now, please summarize my responses to your questions.

SUMMARIZE

My tutor’s name is

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below.
After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Nicky:	We went to an amusement park yesterday. I drove for over four hours because we were caught in a traffic jam due to a car accident.
Kevin:	That’s terrible. Car accidents usually happen during traffic jams.
Nicky:	That’s true. People do not pay enough attention especially when they are tired.
Kevin:	Yeah. By the way, I heard that self-driving cars will be released in the near future. They’re automatic, so people will not have to drive anymore.
Nicky:	That’s great, but I worry about their safety. Car problems could cause major accidents.
Kevin:	That’s right. Well, car companies are still working on it.
Nicky:	Technology makes our lives easier, but our safety should be our main priority.
Kevin:	That’s right. I hope technology could help reduce car accidents in the future.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

ANSWER

1.	Why did Nicky drive for over four hours?
Answer:
2.	What causes major accidents?
Answer:
3.	When do accidents usually happen?
Answer:

DIALOGUE PRACTICE

Let’s read the dialogue below.
Complete each conversation by choosing the correct answer.

READ AND ANSWER

1.	Tutor:	Technology is growing fast. I can’t catch up.
	Student:	____________. I often ask my sister how to use my smartphone.

		a.	Me
		b.	Either
		c.	Nor
		d.	Me neither

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

2.	Tutor:	Can you show me the pictures we took together?
	Student:	Sure. I will share them ____________ you.

		a.	with you
		b.	on you
		c.	of you
		d.	for you

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

3.	Tutor:	I often talk to my grandmother through a video call.
	Tutor:	Video calling is useful for people ____________ live far away.

		a.	what
		b.	whom
		c.	who
		d.	whose

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

4.	Tutor:	I’m happy that strawberries are available all seasons. They’re my favorite.
	Student:	Good thing Japanese farming technology has high ____________. We can eat strawberries anytime we want.

		a.	power
		b.	standards
		c.	ability
		d.	line

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

5.	Tutor:	Oh, I lost my key. I can’t enter my room.
	Student:	Don’t worry. The system ____________ your fingerprint and opens the door automatically.

		a.	recognize to
		b.	recognizing
		c.	will recognize
		d.	recognizes

(Answer is in the last page.)

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the following questions based on your opinion. Give at least one reason to support your answer.

ANSWER

1.	Do you think developing technology is always good?
Answer:
2.	In the future, do you think some people will lose their jobs because of AI (artificial intelligence)?
Answer:
3.	Do you think technology has disadvantages?
Answer:
4.	What kind of technology is the most convenient for you?
Answer:
5.	What kind of technology does your country need?
Answer:
6.	Do you believe that technology makes people lazy?
Answer:
7.	Do you think technology improves the way humans interact?

ANSWERS FOR DIALOGUE PRACTICE

1.	d
2.	a
3.	c
4.	b
5.	d

[TOEFL] Task 3_Exercise 1

2018年5月24日 weblio

ANNOUNCEMENT READING 1

Please read aloud the following announcement.

以下の文章を音読してください。

READ

Notice to all students using the parking area

This is to announce that the management has decided to expand the parking area due to the following reasons:

・increase in the number of students

・illegal parking

All students are not allowed to use the parking area from April 14 to May 31 due to construction activities.

We will provide a free bus service from the campus to the station from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the mentioned dates.

Any questions should be directed to the management office.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your cooperation.

DIALOGUE READING 1

Please read aloud the following dialogue with your tutor.
Your tutor will read the female student’s part, and you will read the male student’s part.

講師と以下の会話文を音読してください。講師はfemaleパートを読むのでmaleパートを読みましょう。

READ

Female:	Have you seen the announcement about the parking construction?
Male:	Yes, I think it’s ridiculous!
Female:	Why do you think so?
Male:	First, the duration of the construction is too long. It will take more than a month. We all know the public transportation is busy in April because it’s the start of the school year.
Female:	I think so, too.
Male:	The management should schedule all construction activities during spring vacation instead.
Female:	I agree. That way, it will not cause any inconvenience to students.
Male:	Also, it’s unrealistic. They will offer a free bus service, but the operation hours is only until 7:00 p.m. We might miss the last bus since our last class ends at 6:45 p.m.
Female:	Well, I think there is not much that we can do. Let us ask for our professor’s help.
Male:	I don’t think our professor can really help us with this. Let’s just request to extend the operation hours of the bus service.

QUESTION

The male student expresses his opinion on the management’s decision.
State his opinion and explain his reasons.

男性が管理部の決定事項について意見を述べています。この男性の意見を述べ、彼の意見の理由を説明してください。

PREPARATION

You have 30 seconds for preparation before answering.
Please start your preparation silently.

回答の前に30秒の準備時間があります。静かに解答の準備を始めてください。

PREPARE

(30 seconds for preparation to answer)

(回答の準備時間30秒)

ANSWER

You have 60 seconds to answer. Please start your answer now.

60秒で回答します。回答を始めてください。

ANSWER

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

We will check the sample answers. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWERS

The female student and the male student are talking about an announcement made by the management.

According to the announcement, all students are not allowed to use the parking area from April 14 to May 31 due to construction activities.

The male student disagrees with the management’s decision and gives two reasons why he is against it.

First, he feels that it’s ridiculous that the duration of the construction is too long. He argues that the management should schedule all construction activities during spring vacation instead. It is because the public transportation is busy in April since it’s the start of the school year.

Second, he adds that the bus operation hours is only until 7:00 p.m. He says that some students might miss the last bus since their last class ends at 6:45 p.m.

For these reasons, the male student doesn’t support the expansion of the parking area in their school.

ANNOUNCEMENT READING 2

Please read aloud the following announcement.

以下の文章を音読してください。

READ

Notice to students

This is to notify all students that the library will be temporarily closed from November 28 to December 22. Annual maintenance and insect nuisance control will take place during the said dates. Please be advised that no student will be allowed to enter the library on the dates mentioned above.

Kindly return your books before the said dates.

The library will resume its normal operations on January 4 at 10 a.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the administration office.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

DIALOGUE READING 2

Please read aloud the following dialogue with your tutor.
Your tutor will read the female student’s part, and you will read the male student’s part.

講師と以下の会話文を音読してください。講師はfemaleパートを読むのでmaleパートを読みましょう。

READ

Female:	Hi, John.
Male:	Hi, Kate. Did you see the announcement at the library?
Female:	Yes, I saw it this morning and I have to return some books.
Male:	I think the temporarily closing of the library from November 28 to December 22 is unreasonable.
Female:	Why do you think so?
Male:	Well, it’ll be held during our exam week, right?
Female:	Yeah, our exam week is from December 5 to December 14.
Male:	You see, it’s going to be inconvenient for us students. The library maintenance is scheduled to be finished before winter vacation. But, I think the administration office should conduct it during winter vacation instead. This is a university, so they should not interfere with the students’ examination schedule.
Female:	Do you usually study at the library?
Male:	Yes. It’s quiet there, so I can concentrate well on studying.
Female:	That’s true.
Male:	We have a study space next to the cafeteria. I sometimes go there after class, but all seats are occupied most of the time, so I go to the library.
Female:	That’s right. The study space is always crowded.
Male:	I think I’ll go ahead and raise this concern to the administration office now. I’ll see you around!

QUESTION

The man expresses his opinion on the annual library maintenance.
State his opinion and explain his reasons.

男性が管理部のお知らせについて意見を述べています。この男性の意見を述べ、彼の意見の理由を説明してください。

PREPARATION

You have 30 seconds for preparation before answering.
Please start your preparation silently.

回答の前に30秒の準備時間があります。静かに解答の準備を始めてください。

PREPARE

(30 seconds for preparation to answer)

(回答の準備時間30秒)

ANSWER

You have 60 seconds to answer. Please start your answer now.

60秒で回答します。回答を始めてください。

ANSWER

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

We will check the sample answers. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWERS

A female student and a male student are talking about the announcement made by the school library.

According to the announcement, the library will be temporarily closed from November 28 to December 22.

The annual maintenance and insect nuisance control will take place from November 28 to December 22. All students are not allowed to enter the library on the mentioned dates.

The male student disagrees with the announcement and gives two reasons.

First, he thinks that the annual maintenance and insect nuisance control will be inconvenient for the students. It is because the duration of the construction activities interferes with the students’ examination schedule. He says the administration office should conduct it during winter vacation instead.

Second, he adds that the study space next to the cafeteria is always crowded. He says students don’t have enough space to study.

In short, the male student gives a couple of reasons why he is against the annual library maintenance taking place during their examination schedule.

General English – Education and school

2018年5月24日 weblio

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below.

READ

Sasha:	Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the office of the swimming club? I’ve been walking around and still can’t find it.
Conny:	Perfect! I’m on my way there, too. By the way, I’m Conny. I’m the co-captain of the club.
Sasha:	I’m pleased to meet you, Conny. I’m Sasha.
Conny:	So you’re the new recruit! The swimming club will be glad to meet you!

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

ANSWER

1. What did Sasha ask Conny?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

2. What is Conny’s position in the club?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Take turns in discussing the topics with your tutor.

ANSWER

1. What are some of the effective ways to learn English?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

2. Does a good education guarantee a good job?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

3. Some people say that there are subjects in school that are not needed or important. Do you agree with this?
Answer: ___________________________________________________

General English (Intermediate)_Environmental Problems

2018年5月23日 weblio

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

I will ask you the following questions. Please answer.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

1.	What is your name?
2.	What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
3.	What do you think is the cause of this problem?
4.	How do you think this problem can be solved?
5.	Do you help in solving this problem? How?

ANSWER

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ASKING QUESTIONS

Please ask me the following questions.
Take note of my responses as you will summarize them later.

ASK

1.	What is your name?
2.	What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
3.	What do you think is the cause of this problem?
4.	How do you think this problem can be solved?
5.	Do you help in solving this problem? How?

SUMMARIZING INFORMATION

Now, please summarize my responses to your questions.

SUMMARIZE

My tutor’s name is

DIALOGUE READING

Let’s read the dialogue below.
After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Nicky:	It’s almost summer vacation. Are you excited?
Kevin:	Yes, I am. I look forward to our beach trip.
Nicky:	Oh, but it always rains heavily in the afternoon.
Kevin:	I know, climate change is really getting worse.
Nicky:	I think so. By the way, do you know what causes climate change?
Kevin:	One of its causes is air pollution from power plants.
Nicky:	The government should control the power plants to reduce air pollution.
Kevin:	I agree. Air pollution has been the biggest environmental problem in our country for years now.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

ANSWER

1.	What is one of the causes of climate change?
Answer:
2.	Why does Nicky think the government should control the power plants?
Answer:
3.	What is the biggest environmental problem in their country?
Answer:

DIALOGUE PRACTICE

Let’s read the dialogue below.
Complete each conversation by choosing the correct answer.

READ AND ANSWER

1.	Tutor:	What does it take to become a professor of environmental studies?
	Student:	You need to ____________ a deep understanding of environmental issues.

		a.	be
		b.	being
		c.	having
		d.	have

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

2.	Tutor:	We conducted a study on the effects of air pollution on human health.
	Student:	That sounds interesting. For sure, your research ____________ a lot to the health organization.

		a.	will contributing
		b.	will be contributed
		c.	will contribute
		d.	contributes

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

3.	Tutor:	I have been so interested in the recycling project of the Science Club, but I don’t know how I can join.
	Student:	That’s good to hear. You may go to the Science Department and ____________ the registration form.

		a.	fill in
		b.	treat to
		c.	draw down
		d.	deal with

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

4.	Tutor:	I think the waste management project has been effective.
	Student:	I agree. People have __________ more responsible in throwing their waste.

		a.	have become
		b.	became
		c.	become
		d.	becoming

(Answer is in the last page.)

READ AND ANSWER

5.	Tutor:	What can you say about organic gardening?
	Student:	I think it is ____________ to the environment and to our health.

		a.	awful
		b.	hopeful
		c.	wonderful
		d.	helpful

(Answer is in the last page.)

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the following questions based on your opinion. Give at least one reason to support your answer.

ANSWER

1.	Do you think environmental problems are a big issue?
Answer:
2.	What do you think is the main cause of environmental problems?
Answer:
3.	Do you think people in your country take enough actions to save the environment?
Answer:
4.	As a student, what can you do to save the Earth?
Answer:
5.	Do you think environmental problems will get worse in the future?
Answer:
6.	How can we solve the environmental problems?
Answer:
7.	Do you think technology is destroying the environment?
Answer:

ANSWERS FOR DIALOGUE PRACTICE

1.	d
2.	c
3.	a
4.	c
5.	d

[TOEFL] Task2_Exercise1

2018年5月22日 weblio

INSTRUCTION

Please answer the questions. I’ll correct your pronunciation and grammar.

以下の質問に答えてください。講師は発音と文法について指摘します。

QUESTION 1