All posts by weblio PH

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson4 : Researchers Use Sounds to Call Fish Back to Dead Coral

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. coral /KAWR-uhl/
  -a hard stony substance secreted by certain marine coelenterates as an external skeleton, typically forming large reefs in warm seas
  Dynamite fishing causes coral reef destruction.
2. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
  -important and deserving of attention
  In business, significant clients must be prioritized.
3. habitat /HAB-i-tat/
  -the natural environment of an organism
  Wild animals should not be taken from their natural habitats.
4. emit /ih-MIT/
  -to send forth (liquid, light, heat, sound, particles, etc.); discharge
  This contraption emits a distinct sound.
5. detrimental /de-truh-MEN-tl/
  -causing detriment, as loss or injury; damaging; harmful
  Cigarette smoking is detrimental to human health.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Researchers attract fish back to dead corals with sounds
After a successful experiment, a group of scientists states that it is possible to call fish back to dead coral reefs by playing sounds underwater with a speaker.

Initially, they discovered that fish are likely to return after hearing the sounds of a healthy coral which is significantly loud as It is composed of various sounds produced by sea creatures. When looking for habitat, fish usually look for those kinds of sounds.

Human-caused pollution induces coral damage which makes reefs to be substantially quiet. In addition, dead corals emit unpleasant smells which dispel fish and other creatures underwater.

According to a fish biologist, Mark Meekan, having fish come back to the damaged reefs is the first step in reviving the current condition of the coral reef ecosystem.

While underwater sounds can alleviate reef damage, scientists believe that other major detrimental factors such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change should also be solved.

PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. How did the scientists call fish back to damaged corals?
2. How does a healthy coral sound?
3. What other factors cause coral reef damage?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. What can you say about the method scientists used to save damaged corals?
2. Do you agree that reviving coral reef health is essential to marine life?
3. In your opinion, what other factors contribute to coral reef destruction?
4. In what ways can you help alleviate environmental problems?
5. Who do you think should be responsible for protecting the environment?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson76 : Air Pollution May Affect Every Organ, Cell in the Body

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. oxygen /OK-si-jen/
  -a gas that is in the air and that animals need to live
  The human body needs oxygen for blood to circulate.
2. pollution /puh-LOO-shuhn/
  -damage caused to water, air, etc. by harmful substances or waste
  The company claims it is not responsible for the pollution in the river.
3. assume /a-SHUM/
  -to think that something is true, without question or proof
  With the release of the edited picture, the public assumed that the actors were dating.
4. minimize /MI-ni-mayz/
  -to make the amount of something that is unpleasant or not wanted as small as possible
  She was injected with anesthesia to minimize the pain.
5. risk /risk/
  -the possibility of something bad happening
  Receiving a vaccine dose might reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Air Pollution May Affect Every Organ, Cell in the Body
Taking long, deep breaths is essential for everyone as it allows us to take in the
oxygen needed by our body. Also, it can help bring us emotional calm. However, nowadays, oxygen is not the only thing that gets into our body when we breathe.
A lot of air pollutants come along with the oxygen. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), this has been the new normal for a lot of people as they have recorded 91% of the world’s population living in places that exceed the limits set by WHO. Around 7 million people die every year due to air pollution. Since we breathe air people assume that it affects only the parts which are linked with breathing. However, a particulate matter which is 2.5 micrometers in size can penetrate every organ and every cell in the body. It can even pass through the walls in our brain and womb and even affect the heart and blood system. Although air pollution indeed contributes largely to lung diseases, studies show that it can also
damage other organs of the body. Children, in this case, are the most at risk as aside from outside pollution, indoor pollution is also possible with the use of unsafe fuels. To combat this problem, the government must be at the forefront in controlling the pollution at its source. Experts also suggest wearing masks to minimize, if not avoid entry of pollutants into our body.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What are the risks posed by air pollution?
2. What other parts of the body might be affected by air pollution?
3. According to the article, what can be done to address the issue?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. What do you think are the major contributors to air pollution?
2. What do you think can, individuals, do to help the situation?
3. Who do you think plays the most important role in combatting this issue?
4. How can you help in your own little ways to help with this problem?
5. What are the advantages of having clean air?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did in your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson68 : Research Finds Secrets of the ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. regard /ri-GAHRD /
  -to consider or have an opinion about something or someone
  Her parents always regarded her as the smartest of their children.
2. draw /dro/
  -to attract someone to a place or person
  The screaming of the girl draw the attention of her neighbors.
3. conduct /kan-DAKT/
  -to organize and perform a particular activity
  The organization was able to conduct a benefit concert for the children.
4. identify /ay-DEN-ti-fay/
  -to recognize someone or something and say or prove who or what they are
  The characteristics of the suspect need to be identified.
5. eager /I-ger/
  -wanting to do or have something very much
  The students are very eager to learn English.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Research Finds Secrets of the “Girl with a Pearl Earring”
Researchers have used high technology to learn about Vermeer’s painting.

The painting is called “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Vermeer is popular and regarded as a master of his craft. In the sixteenth century, he worked during the Dutch Golden Age of painting. The identity of the mysterious woman in the painting has remained a mystery despite the researchers’ efforts. They have, however, disclosed critical details about how Vermeer created the painting, which is often referred to as the Dutch “Mona Lisa”. A close inspection was conducted and revealed the origins of some of the painting’s pigments. The white in the earring comes from lead mined in northern England’s Peak District. The blue is made of a valuable Afghan stone.

Insects that live on cactus plants in Mexico and South America produce the red.

The research project was led by Abbie Vandivere. She was shocked because the blue color was more precious than gold in the 17th century. The results reveal knowledge about Vermeer’s materials, and also reveal information about Dutch and international trade in the seventeenth century, according to Vandivere. Vermeer painted the girl on a piece of cloth in a particular order, according to the report.

Infrared imaging also identified that Vermeer started the painting with brown and black paint. He then worked from the green backdrop to the foreground, drawing the girl’s outline in black lines. Unfortunately, the girl has not disclosed her true identity, but the researchers are eager to search for ways to learn more about her.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What came with the popularity of the painting ‘Girl with a Pearl Earrings’?
2. What were the researchers able to learn after having a closer look at the painting?
3. How was the blue pigment characterized by the researchers?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. Who do you think is the ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’?
2. What can be concluded from the fact that the blue pigment used in the painting was a valuable thing?
3. Why do you think researchers got drawn to the painting?
4. How do you think people from their time appreciated this painting?
5. What message do you think this painting is trying to portray?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson3 : Researchers Say Indonesian Cave Art is Earliest Known Record of ‘Storytelling’

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. researcher /ri-SURCH-er/
  -a person who carries out academic or scientific research
  The researcher is studying renewable energy.
2. counterpart /KOUN-ter-pahrt/
  -a person or thing closely resembling another
  She is like the American counterpart of this Taiwanese actress.
3. resemble /ri-ZEM-buhl/
  -to be like or similar to
  The latest product design resembles the previous one.
4. supernatural /soo-per-NACH-er-uhl/
  -of, relating to, or being above or beyond what is natural; unexplainable by natural law or phenomena;
  The villain in the story has supernatural abilities.
5. myth /mith/
  -any invented story, idea, or concept:
  Our grandparents believe in myths.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Ancient cave art found in Indonesia
A team of Indonesian and Australian researchers discovered what seems to be the very first record of storytelling through pictures. This cave painting was found on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. According to the researchers, this imagery appears to be 44,000 years old which happens to be thousands of years older than its European counterpart.

The said cave art shows a total of eight creatures that resemble humans carrying spears and ropes who seem to be hunting six animals. These creatures are called “therianthropes”. They are believed to have both human-like and animal-like characteristics. These creatures appear in myths and are believed to be supernatural beings by the locals. Moreover, some of the animals in the painting appear to be local species of buffaloes and warty pigs.

However, a few of these cave paintings have been damaged, according to experts. They added that It would be unfortunate to lose this ancient artwork.

PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. Where was the cave painting found?
2. What are therianthropes?
3. What is the current state of some of the cave paintings?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. What do you think is the importance of this cave art in Indonesian culture?
2. Do you think this ancient art should be preserved?
3. What do you make of therianthropes?
4. Are you interested in ancient art?
5. What do you think are the characteristics of a good researcher?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson2 : Should a King Be More than a Queen in Card Games?

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. thrill /thril/
  -a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or tingling sensation passing through the body
  She is thrilled to be a part of an amazing team.
2. regard /ri-GAHRD/
  -to look upon or think of with a particular feeling
  Water is regarded as the universal solvent.
3. widespread /WAHYD-SPRED/
  -distributed over a wide region, or occurring in many places or among many persons or individuals
  Covid-19 infection is now widespread.
4. inequality /in-i-KWOL-i-tee/
  -the condition of being unequal; lack of equality; disparity
  This organization is formed to fight against gender inequality.
5. inspire /in-SPAHYHUR/
  -to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.)
  The customer inspired the business owner to expand his business.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Playing cards spread awareness against gender inequality
In the Netherlands, a woman was not thrilled that a king is regarded as more valuable than a queen in a deck of playing cards.

A psychology major, Indy Mellink, 23 thought this idea fuels the already widespread gender inequality in the society. This thought inspired her to put her creativity into action by coming up with new designs for playing cards. Instead of a king, the most important card would be gold, followed by silver, then bronze. The deck of cards she personally designed called GSB (Gold, Silver, Bronze) is available online. As a matter of fact, she has sold about 1,500 decks to buyers from different parts of the globe.

The first batch who tested GSB admitted that gender inequality never crossed their mind while playing the card game before. Changing the rules of card games may not happen overnight, but dedicated card players are giving it a try.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. How did Indy Mellink come up with GSB deck of cards?
2. What does GSB stand for?
3. How many decks of cards has Mellink sold?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. What do you think of GSB deck of cards?
2. Do you think GSB playing cards should replace the traditional playing cards?
3. Do you think GSB playing cards will be popular in your country?
4. What is your opinion on gender equality?
5. Have you ever thought of creating a product from scratch?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson85 : One Thing You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Heart

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. evidenced /EV-i-duhns/
  -shown to be true
  The crime was evidenced by the security camera footage.
2. alter /AWL-ter/
  -to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change
  The brand’s identity has been altered by its new tagline.
3. cope /kohp/
  -to deal successfully with a difficult situation
  Marla copes with stress like a pro.
4. relaxation /ree-lak-SEY-shuhn/
  -the feeling of being relaxed
  Kyle plays golf for relaxation.
5. coronary /KAWR-uh-ner-ee/
  -relating to the blood vessels (= tubes carrying blood) around the heart, or to the heart and diseases of the heart
  Coronary blood flow increases while doing exercise.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
One Thing You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Heart
Health experts warned about an unhealthy lifestyle that can put a huge risk of heart disease and stroke to individuals. They always advise their patients to eat nutritious food, work out, quit smoking, and limit alcohol intake, but there is something else that can be done that is much simpler and absolutely fee: smile. Dr. Anand Chockalingam, a heart disease expert at the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Missouri, does this practice—he always recommends his patients to smile. According to Chockalingam, “When we smile, the brain wiring gets altered. The chemicals that are released are more positive.” Chockalingam also added that smiling is the initial step in coping with physical and emotional stress, which was evidenced by many studies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronary heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death. American Heart Association explained that the connection between stress and heart disease remains uncertain. But the coping mechanism of people under stress might not be healthy. They may binge-eat, smoke, take too much alcohol, and have lack of sleep and exercise, which can all lead to different types of health problems. Dr. Chockalingam says smiling may be of great help, adding that “Once people smile, they are relaxing. This relaxation directly lowers blood pressure, improves sugar levels in the blood. If we are smiling, we are breaking that link between stress and health.”
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What is the world’s leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?
2. What routines does a healthy lifestyle comprise?
3. What does Dr. Anand Chockalingam urge his patients to do aside from having a healthy lifestyle?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. How is this study relevant today?
2. Do you think smiling could really help in reducing the risk of heart problems? Why or why not?
3. How do you cope with stress?
4. What is your advice to people who are having a hard time coping with stress?
5. If you could contribute to the world of medicine, what simplest thing would you do to prevent heart illnesses?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did in your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson84 : Poor Sleep Behavior Tied to Many Health Issues

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. metabolism /muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm/
  -all the chemical processes in one’s body, especially those that cause food to be used for energy and growth
  Drinking pineapple juice improves metabolism.
2. duration /doo-REYshuhn/
  -the length of time that something lasts
  The duration of the upcoming meeting must not exceed three hours.
3. synchronize /SING-kruh-nahyz/
  -to (cause to) happen at the same time
  Their lips fail to synchronize with the dialogue.
4. rhythm /RITH-uhm/
  -a regular pattern of change, especially one that happens in nature
  Nothing beats the natural rhythm of tropical island life.
5. caffeine /ka-FEEN/
  -a chemical found in coffee and tea that is a stimulant
  I’ve had too much caffeine today just to stay awake at work.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Poor Sleep Behavior Tied to Many Health Issues
New study suggests that frequently changing one’s sleeping pattern, with different numbers of sleeping hours, can cause metabolic health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Tianyi Huang, one of the study’s researchers, said that more irregular sleep times would likely result to higher risk of metabolic diseases “no matter if one has short or long sleep duration or has good or poor sleep quality.” And these results cannot be prevented by sleeping longer on some nights, Huang clarified. Kristen Knutson, researcher at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, added that our biological clocks can be the reason why unstable sleeping patterns affect our metabolic health. Explaining further, Knuston said that the human body has 24-hour rhythms that must function collectively with the environment in order to have good health. The body clock of an individual with inconsistent sleeping patterns may have difficulty “staying synchronized” which may result to harm, Knuston added. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides suggestions to prevent sleep-related problems, which include setting a consistent bedtime, sleeping in a dark room without electronics, and avoiding large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What are the metabolic diseases one can acquire due to inconsistent sleeping patterns?
2. How did Kristen Knutson explain a human body’s 24-hour rhythms?
3. What suggestions did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide to prevent sleep-related problems?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. What do you think is the importance of this study?
2. Why do you think sleeping longer on some nights cannot remedy inconsistent sleeping patterns?
3. How do you cope when you lack sleep?
4. Do you know someone with an irregular sleeping pattern? Please tell me more about it.
5. Aside from the suggestions given in the article, what advice can you give to people with sleep-related problems?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did in your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson87 : How Many Steps to Take for Good Health?

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. finding /FAHYN-ding/
  -a piece of information that is discovered during an official examination of a problem, situation, or object
  The scientist’s findings of the study came out true.
2. ideal /ahy-DEE-uhl/
  -perfect, or the best possible
  The park is ideal for both children and adults.
3. intensity /in-TEN-si-tee/
  -the strength of something that can be measured such as light, sound, etc.
  The earthquake has a recorded intensity of 5.5 magnitude.
4. conclude /kuhn-KLOOD/
  -to judge after some consideration
  The doctor concluded that Anna has recovered.
5. matter /MAT-er/
  -to be important
  Familial love is what matters the most to him.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
How Many Steps to Take for Good Health?
A new study suggests that older women who walk over three kilometers a day live longer. Based on the findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine, Americans set a goal of taking 10,000 steps or walking about eight kilometers a day. Researchers, however, have noted that the benefits of walking pace are unclear. Moreover, taking 10,000 steps each day may not be ideal for everyone. Researchers observed 17,000 women in their early 70s as part of the study. The women wore accelerometers to measure the number of steps and intensity of movements they made. The researchers followed up about 4.3 years later, learning that 504 of these women had died since the beginning of the study. The women who took at least 4,363 steps a day showed a 41 percent chance of living longer. A doctor from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts concluded that the number of steps mattered, not the walking pace or rate. It is also possible that changes in women’s behavior may affect their movements.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What is the set goal of Americans for walking?
2. How many percent is the chance of older women living longer if they took at least 4,363 steps a day?
3. According to a doctor from Harvard Medical School, what mattered more when it comes to the benefit of walking?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. Why do you think Americans have a set goal of taking 10,000 steps a day?
2. How do you think someone’s behavior can affect his/her movements?
3. What other health benefits do you think walking has?
4. Do you count the number of steps you take in a day? Please tell me more about it.
5. Do you agree that walking is as important as other exercises? Why or why not?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson69 : Women’s Influence Growing in US Men’s Professional Basketball

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. influence /IN-flu-ens/
  -the power to affect how someone thinks or behaves, or how something develops
  The influence of youth in achieving sustainable goals is evidently growing.
2. evident /E-vi-dent/
  -obvious to everyone and easy to see or understand
  It is evident that factories are contributing to the pollution.
3. rise /rayz/
  -to increase in level
  The rise in the prices of commodities is alarming.
4. leap /lip/
  -a sudden improvement or increase
  The company took a great leap after operating worldwide.
5. race /reys/
  -one of the groups that people are divided into according to physical characteristics
  Discrimination based on race should not be tolerated.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Women’s Influence Growing in US Men’s Professional Basketball
The growing influence of women in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the men’s professional basketball league in North America has become evident with the rise of several women in the organization. The involvement of women in the organization can be seen from broadcasting, officiating, and coaching to high-level management and even team ownership. Currently, 11 women are serving as assistant coaches in the thirty (30) NBA teams. One of them is Boston Assistant Coach Kara Lawson. She was a basketball star back in her University and has won several medals and awards in the field of basketball in the past few years. Player Gordon Hayward commended her as she was very experienced and well-versed in the field. Another woman assistant coach in the league is Kristi Toliver. Aside from being an assistant coach for NBA’s Washington Wizards team, she is also playing for WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Former professional basketball player Nancy Lieberman sees these trends as a great leap from the time when women’s presence in NBA was very rare. Richard Lapchick, who examines racial and gender hiring numbers for the NBA, believes that soon, NBA will have its first female head coach.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What are the involvements of women in NBA?
2. Why is Assistant Coach Kara Lawson commended by a player?
3. What does Richard Lapchick believe about the future of NBA?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. Do you watch NBA? Why or why not?
2. Have you also noticed this trend in the league? Please tell me more about it.
3. What can you say about women’s influence in the game?
4. How do you think can their involvement be furthered?
5. How do you characterize the role which women play in the field of basketball nowadays?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

Column Discussion (Expert)|コラムディスカッション(上級)
Lesson70 : Georgia Museum Devoted to Bigfoot

PART A_1
Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.
PART A_2
1. envision /en-VI-zhen/
  -to imagine something happening, or think that something is likely to happen
  We should envision a world wherein no one is left behind.
2. research /re-SERCH/
  -to study a subject in detail or to try to find information about a subject
  The students will research the link between labor and capital.
3. exhibit /IG-zib-it/
  -an object such as a painting that is shown to the public
  The exhibit featured the works of Van Gogh.
4. feature /FI-cher/
  -to include someone or something as an important part
  The magazine featured the story of a great leader.
5. allege /a-LEJ/
  -to say that something is true or state something as a fact without giving proof
  The women alleged that the politician is involved in corruption.
PART B_1
Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
PART B_2
Georgia Museum Devoted to Bigfoot
In the mountains of northern Georgia, what once was a restaurant, has now become a museum dedicated to Bigfoot or Sasquatch, an ape-like creature that is said to inhabit the forests. The owners of this place are David and Malinda Bakara. David has long been a member of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. Being a bigfoot field researcher and a Disney fan, David envisions the place to be something like a family attraction. Some people’s attention was drawn to the exhibit while some are not. The museum features several maps, statues, and videos of bigfoot. It also has statements from people who claim to have seen a bigfoot in real life. Some say that it is very human-like to the point that shooting them felt wrong. A glass container can also be found in the museum which allegedly contains feces of a bigfoot in Oregon. The place is very welcoming when it comes to people who provide additional evidence to support the existence of the bigfoot. According to David, who claims to have seen two bigfoots, these creatures come in many subspecies, and that the terms used to call them also vary from one place to another. Despite doubt of other people as to its existence, David says that it was fine with him as he knows that he will never be able to persuade everyone.
PART C_1
Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.
PART C_2
1. What are bigfoots?
2. What does Bakara envision for the place?
3. What can be seen in the Bigfoot museum?
PART D_1
Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.
PART D_2
1. Why do you think some people doubt the existence of bigfoot?
2. Why do you think some people, like Bakara, are firm in believing the existence of bigfoot?
3. What do you think might persuade the non-believers?
4. Do you think bigfoots exist? Why?
5. Do you cling to the phrase “to see is to believe”?
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK
Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did on your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK
GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.