All posts by weblio PH

Theme Talk – Intermediate: Exotic Pets

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What kind of animal are they holding?
Answer:
2. Would you like to hold it too? Why or why not?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Name some exotic animals/pets that you already saw.
Answer:
2. In your opinion, is it safe to own an exotic animal as a pet?
Answer:
3. If you could own an exotic pet, what would it be and why?
Answer:
4. Which do you prefer to own? A snake or a scorpion?
Answer:
5. Is there an exotic animal/pet that you’re afraid of? If yes, what is it?
Answer:
6. What exotic animals/pets does your country have?
Answer:
7. If you could give an exotic pet to your closest friend, what would it be and why?
Answer:
8. What exotic animal/pet describes your personality?
Answer:
VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. exotic
meaning: [adjective] unusual, rare
example: Frogs that has a bright-colored skin are exotic and dangerous to humans.
2. personality
meaning: [noun] the kind of person an individual is
example: His favorite exotic animal is spider because it describes his mysterious personality.
3. poisonous
meaning: [adjective] deadly, harmful
example: There are many snakes, spiders and frogs that are poisonous to humans and to other animals.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. exotic
Answer:
2. personality
Answer:
3. poisonous
Answer:

Theme Talk – Intermediate: Online Communication

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What can you see in the picture?
Answer:
2. What are the people doing in the picture?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Do you like communicating online? Why? Why not?
Answer:
2. To whom do you usually communicate online?
Answer:
3. Do you think communicating online is a good idea? Why? Why not?
Answer:
4. How does online communication benefit people?
Answer:
5. How often do you communicate online?
Answer:
6. Do you think communicating online is better than face-to-face conversations? Why? Why not?
Answer:
7. What is your opinion about meeting new people online?
Answer:
8. What problems could people experience when communicating online?
Answer:
VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. link
meaning: [noun] a connection between documents or areas on the internet
example: You have to click the link to visit the website.
2. social networking
meaning: [noun] using web sites to meet people and talk to them
example: I met my friend through social networking.
3. virtual
meaning: [adjective] using computer images and sounds that makes one think an imagined situation is real
example: People often do virtual activities online.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. link
Answer:
2. social networking
Answer:
3. virtual
Answer:

[TOEFL] Task 4_Exercise 2

PASSAGE READING

Please read the passage silently for 45 seconds.
Then, please read the passage aloud.

READ

Laughing is essential to people as it is one of their ways to express their emotions. It also helps them feel better since it improves their mood. Another reason why people laugh is to communicate with others. It helps them build relationships. According to a study, laughing is associated with human interaction. In fact, people laugh for about 30 times more when they are with other people as compared to when they are alone.

LECTURE READING

I will read aloud the lecture part. Please take down notes while I am reading.
After that, please read aloud the lecture part.

READ

In today’s lesson, we will be discussing the reasons why people laugh. Laughing has always been a huge part of people’s lives; they can’t go on a day without it. People laugh to express their emotions. They usually laugh when they hear funny jokes or when they are being tickled.
However, people do not only laugh because of funny jokes, they also laugh to communicate. People laugh for about 30 times more during conversations with their family and friends. It is their reactions to statements and comments. In social interactions, people laugh to display some sense of belongingness. It is a way to show the people around them that they understand and agree with them. A study on human relationships reveals that families, couples or friends who deal with problems through laughter feel less stressed. They feel it most especially when they are doing it together. When these problems turn into positive emotions, people feel a lot better both physically and mentally.

QUESTION

Using the examples in the lecture, please explain the reason why people laugh.

ANSWER

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

ANSWER

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

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

SAMPLE ANSWERS

The professor is talking about the reasons why people laugh, the topic mentioned in the passage.
According to the passage, people laugh to express their emotions. He also mentions that they laugh to communicate.
The professor gives 2 examples to show the connection of laughter to human interaction by saying that people usually laugh during conversations with their family and friends.
The first point in the passage explains that people laugh to express their emotions.
The professor explains that they usually laugh when they hear funny jokes or when they are being tickled.
The second point in the passage mentions that people also laugh to communicate.
The professor mentions that it is their reactions to statements and comments during conversations.

[TOEFL] Task 4 Exercise 3

PASSAGE READING

Please read the passage silently for 45 seconds.
Then, please read the passage aloud.

READ

Poisonous animals can kill other living things by using poison. However, the poisonous substances inside their bodies do not affect them at all. They use one of the two basic strategies to avoid getting poisoned. Some animals use the first strategy wherein they keep the components of their poison in separate compartments. Others use the second strategy wherein they improve their bodies to become more resistant to poison.

LECTURE READING

I will read aloud the lecture part. Please take down notes while I’m reading.
After that, please read aloud the lecture part.

READ

Have you ever wondered how poisonous animals get to poison other living things but never themselves? In this lesson, we will be discussing the two basic strategies they use: securing the storage of toxins inside their bodies and gradually developing their ability to resist poison.
Let’s start with the first strategy. Some poisonous animals securely store the components of their poison inside their bodies. But why it does not affect them? Let’s use the bombardier beetle as an example. This kind of beetle prevents poisoning itself by keeping the components of its caustic spray in two different compartments located in its abdomen. When the components get mixed together, they create a violent chemical reaction that sends out caustic spray. The spray gets shoot out of the glands but does not affect the beetles as it passes through a hardened chamber that protects the beetle’s organs.
The second strategy focuses on animals improving their ability to resist poison by producing special proteins that inactivate the toxin in their blood. Just like bombardier beetles, snakes also keep their venom in a special compartment located behind their eyes. However, as for snakes, they let a small amount of venom run throughout their bloodstream so they can strengthen their immunity to poison.
These two basic strategies help poisonous animals to be safe and immune to their own toxins.

QUESTION

Using the examples in the lecture, please explain the reasons why poisonous animals do not poison themselves.

ANSWER

You have 60 seconds to answer. Please start now.

ANSWER

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Now, let’s check the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

READ

A professor is talking about the reasons why poisonous animals do not poison themselves, the topic mentioned in the reading passage.
According to the reading passage, poisonous animals prevents poisoning themselves by securely storing the toxic chemicals inside their bodies and developing their ability to resist poison.
The professor gives two examples as to how poisonous animals prevent themselves from being poisoned.
The professor mentions that a bombardier beetle prevents poisoning itself by keeping the components of its caustic spray in two different compartments located in its abdomen.
The second point in the reading passage explains that animals improve their bodies to become more resistant to poison.
The professor mentions that animals produce special proteins to inactive the toxin in their blood and they let a small amount of toxin to run throughout their bloodstream to strengthen their immunity.

[TOEFL] Task 2_Practice 1_1

INSTRUCTION

Please answer the questions below. I will correct your pronunciation and grammar.

QUESTION 1

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some people think children should listen to their parents. Others think children should do what they want and parents should listen to them.
What do you think and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

QUESTION 2

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some people think having a difficult time is necessary. Others think we should avoid having a difficult time as much as possible.
What do you think and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

QUESTION 3

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some people like to spend their weekend by doing outdoor activities. Others prefer to spend their weekend at home.
Which do you prefer and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

QUESTION 4

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some parents think sending their children to school is the most effective way for them to learn. Others think homeschooling is more effective.
What do you think and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

QUESTION 5

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some people like eating a heavy meal for dinner. Others prefer eating a heavy meal for breakfast.
Which do you prefer and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

QUESTION 6

You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to answer.
Some people like to watch movies in a theater. Others prefer to watch movies at home instead.
Which do you prefer and why? Please answer with specific reasons and examples.

ANSWER

I think
The reason I think so, is

Theme Talk – Intermediate: Movie Interruptions

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What is the man doing inside the cinema?
Answer:
2. Is it appropriate to do it while inside the cinema?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Have you experienced interruptions while watching a movie inside the cinema?
Answer:
2. If someone is too noisy while the movie is still being played, would you call out his/her attention to be quiet?
Answer:
3. Has your phone rang so loud while inside the cinema? If yes, what did you do?
Answer:
4. Name two to three common interruptions inside the cinema.
Answer:
5. Would you change your seat if the person beside you is messy while eating his/her snacks (ex.: popcorn) inside the cinema?
Answer:
6. Have you experienced when a baby/child cries in the cinema? If yes, how did it go?
Answer:
7. Have you caught someone taking videos of the movie in the cinema?
Answer:
8. What was the worst movie interruption you experienced?
Answer:
VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud.
Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. interruption
meaning: [noun] an act of stopping something/someone from doing an action
example: He is causing an interruption inside the cinema when his phone started ringing.
2. messy
meaning: [adjective] not clean; dirty
example: Her two-year old son is becoming messy while eating his popcorn.
3. the show must go on
meaning: [idiom] whatever happens, anything that someone is doing must be continued
example: Despite of the noise from movie watchers inside the cinema, the show must go on.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. interruption
Answer:
2. messy
Answer:
3. the show must go on
Answer:

Theme Talk – Beginner: Japanese Culture

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What can you see in the picture?
Answer:
2. What are the people doing in the picture?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What is the best part of Japanese culture for you?
Answer:
2. If you could change one Japanese culture, what would it be?
Answer:
3. Do you think some parts of Japanese culture are hard to follow? Why? Why not?
Answer:
4. When do you wear traditional Japanese clothes (Kimono)?
Answer:
5. Why do you think people love cherry blossoms?
Answer:
6. What is the best Japanese holiday for you?
Answer:

VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. practice 練習する
meaning: [verb: 動詞] to do or play something regularly in order to become good at it
example: They practice various traditions in Japan.
2. flower
meaning: [noun:名詞] the attractive, colored part of the plant where the seeds grow
example: Foreigners visit Japan to see the little flowers of cherry trees.
3. national 国民の
meaning: [adjective:形容詞] relating to or typical of a whole country and its people
example: The children wore their national dress.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. practice
Answer:
2. flower
Answer:
3. national
Answer:

Theme Talk – Beginner: School clubs

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What can you see in the picture?
Answer:
2. How many paintings do you see?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Are there clubs in your school (ex.: art club, music club, etc.)?
Answer:
2. If you could join in any school club, which club would you join and why?
Answer:
3. Name two or three best clubs that you joined in your school.
Answer:
4. Is having school clubs helpful to students? Why? Why not?
Answer:
5. Name one school club that you will never join. Why?
Answer:
6. If there is a sleeping club in your school, would you join? Why? why not?
Answer:

VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. hobby 趣味
meaning: [noun:名詞] an activity/interest that someone does on his/her free time
example: My favorite hobby is reading.
2. free time 自由な時間
meaning: [noun:名詞] a time when someone does not have to work/study
example: On his free time, he does activities in Arts club.
3. club クラブ、同好会
meaning: [noun:名詞] a group of people who often meet to share their same interests/hobbies
example: My friend and I joined the Science club.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. hobby
Answer:
2. free time
Answer:
3. club
Answer:

Theme Talk – Beginner: Team Sports

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What can you see in the picture?
Answer:
2. What do people do in the picture?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Do you like sports? Why? Why not?
Answer:
2. What do you think is the most popular team sport in your country?
Answer:
3. What is the best team sport for you?
Answer:
4. What is the most difficult team sport for you?
Answer:
5. When was the first time you played team sports?
Answer:
6. What makes other people enjoy playing team sports?
Answer:
VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. game 遊びやスポーツの試合
meaning: [noun:名詞] a pleasant activity or sport that people play
example: We play games at school everyday.
2. player 選手
meaning: [noun:名詞] someone who takes part in a game or sport
example: The players practiced well to win the game.
3. match 試合
meaning: [noun:名詞] a sports activity in which two people or teams need to get more points to win
example: My friend lost the tennis match.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. game
Answer:
2. player
Answer:
3. match
Answer:

Theme Talk – Beginner: City Driving

DESCRIBE THE PICTURE

Look at the picture below and answer the questions to describe it.

ANSWER

1. What can you see in the picture?
Answer:
2. What is the problem in the picture?
Answer:

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Is heavy traffic a common problem in your country?
Answer:
2. Which city in your country has the heaviest traffic?
Answer:
3. Do you prefer to drive in the city or ride a taxi?
Answer:
4. Are there subways in your country?
Answer:
5. What do you think is the safest way to travel in the city?
Answer:
6. Is night driving safer than day driving? Why? Why not?
Answer:

VOCABULARY CHECK

Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.

ANSWER

1. heavy traffic 交通渋滞
meaning: [noun:名詞] a long line of cars, vans and buses on the road
example: He always comes to work late because of heavy traffic.
2. passenger 乗客
meaning: [noun:名詞] a person who travels by paying to ride a car, van or bus
example: The bus was full of passengers.
3. subway 地下鉄
meaning: [noun:名詞] a road below the city where people can cross the street or ride the train
example: You could travel faster by taking the subway.

MAKE A SENTENCE

Make sentences using the given vocabulary words.

ANSWER

1. heavy traffic
Answer:
2. passenger
Answer:
3. subway
Answer: