All posts by weblio PH

Intermediate: House and Residence

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. mortgage
  2. amortization
  3. residential

ANSWER

1. word:
M
_
R
T
G
A
_
E
meaning: [noun] money that is borrowed from a bank to buy a property
sentence: She was worried about being able to pay her _______ on time after losing her job.

2. word:
A
M
_
R
T
I
Z
_
T
I
_
N
meaning: [noun] a monthly payment for buying a property through installment
sentence: The __________ of her house is due tomorrow.

3. word:
R
E
S
I
_
E
N
_
I
_
L
meaning: [adjective] an area of land used for houses
sentence: The wide grassland on the countryside was bought for _____________ purposes.

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I have decided to invest my hard-earned money on something. I’m planning to buy a house next year. Do you think it will be worth it?
I think so, Ron. You just have to be ready when you decide to buy a house. It is not as easy as with renting an apartment, but you can do it.

I appreciate your encouragement, Emma. I just feel like renting an apartment is a waste of money in the long run. That’s why I’m planning to buy a house as soon as possible.
I see. That’s also my reason why I got my dream house three years ago. At first, it was really difficult to save up a down payment for my mortgage, but I just decided to “go the extra mile” and got a side job. Now, paying my monthly amortization feels like paying a rent.

Wow. That’s very inspirational. I hope I can also save up for my dream house. Do you know a place near the office?
Twenty-five kilometers west from here, the greater part of the valley area is being converted to a residential land. It’s a short drive away and it’s near the Hollaway City.

Oh, I think I have been there before. I will check that later. Thanks for your help, Emma. Buying a house is really difficult but it became a bit easier because of your help.
No problem, Ron. If you need company when you visit the location, I’ll come with you if I’m available. Just call me if you need help.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. What is Ron planning to do next year?
Answer:
2. Why did Emma bought a house three years ago?
Answer:
3. Is Hollaway City near the beach?
Answer:
4. What does Emma mean by “go the extra mile”?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Some people say that it’s better to earn less if your workplace is near your home than to earn more but your workplace is far. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. Would you live in a house that’s said to be haunted by ghosts?
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. Please describe your ideal house and neighborhood.
Answer:
2. Would you buy a house in the city or in the countryside?
Answer:
3. Which is more important when buying a house: the price or the location?
Answer:
4. Would you consider living in a foreign country?
Answer:
5. What are things in your home that you couldn’t live without?
Answer:

Intermediate: Movies and Entertainment

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. adaptation
  2. genre
  3. plot

ANSWER

1. word:
A
_
A
P
T
_
_
I
O
N
meaning: [noun] a movie, TV drama, or stage play that has been made from a written work like novels, comics, etc.
sentence: I don’t like the latest movie _______ of the novel Gone with the Wind.
2. word:
G
E
_
R
E
meaning: [noun] a particular type/kind of literature, art, etc.
sentence: Which movie _______ do you like?
3. word:
P
_
O
T
meaning: [noun] story
sentence: I hope the movie has a nice _______.

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I can’t wait to go home. It has been a really tough day. What are you up to this weekend, Emma?
I’m planning to watch a movie with my family. Nemesis War is showing this weekend.

Cool! I would like to watch movies too, but I have to stay at home to help my mother. I heard there are lots of new movies these days. Do you always watch movies?
I don’t frequently go to the theaters, but I watch movies once or twice a month. It also depends on what movies are showing. I like action movies and historical drama.

I’m into sci-fi and mystery movies. I like unpredictable plots. It’s fun to guess what will happen to the characters.
I totally agree with that. Anyway, Nemesis War has great reviews on most entertainment websites. I hope it will “live up to the hype”!

I’m sure it will. Enjoy the movie, Emma. I’ll try to watch it next week with my family.
Thanks, Ron. I hope we could watch a movie together next time. It will be my treat.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. What is Emma planning to do on the weekend?
Answer:
2. Why can’t Ron watch a movie on the weekend?
Answer:
3. Does Ron like historical drama?
Answer:
4. What does Emma mean by “live up to the hype”?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Some people say that it’s alright for historical movies to be historically inaccurate to look more creative. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. If you were a film director, what kind of movie would you like to make?
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What local and Hollywood movies are popular in your country?
Answer:
2. Which movie genre do you like and dislike most? Why?
Answer:
3. What are the best and worst movies you have ever seen?
Answer:
4. Do you often watch movies at cinemas, on services like Netflix and Hulu, or on DVDs?
Answer:
5. Have you watched movies or TV show adaptations of popular books and comics? What do you think about them?
Answer:

Intermediate: Fast Food and Dining Out

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. block
  2. affordable
  3. starving

ANSWER

1. word:
B
_
O
C
_
meaning: [noun] area with streets on all sides
sentence: There is an Italian restaurant a _______ away from here.
2. word:
_
F
F
O
_
D
A
B
_
E
meaning: [adjective] not expensive
sentence: They’re serving delicious and ________ hamburgers here.
3. word:
S
_
A
R
V
_
N
G
meaning: [adjective] very hungry
sentence: Let’s go grab some breakfast. I’m _________.

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I’m so hungry. Do you want to join us for lunch, Emma? We’re going out.
Sure. I forgot to bring my lunch today. Where are we going to eat?

We’re planning to go to the fast food restaurant just two blocks away from here. I heard they serve delicious and affordable hamburgers.
That sounds nice. I don’t usually eat fast food, but I am curious about their hamburgers. I might try them as well. How often do you eat fast food?

I just eat fast food once or twice a month because I’m trying to lose weight. What fast food do you like eating?
I love French fries and hotdogs. When I was younger, my mom usually buys me those foods after school. Now, I realize that those food are unhealthy, so I just eat them once in a while.

That’s good. I also like fast food when I was younger. We really need to eat healthy food now that staying fit is difficult. After all, “you are what you eat”.
I agree with that, Ron. Anyway, we shouldn’t keep them waiting. Let’s go. I’m starving!

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. Where are they going to eat for lunch?
Answer:
2. Why does Emma only eat fast food once in a while?
Answer:
3. Does Emma like to eat fast food now?
Answer:
4. What does Ron mean by “you are what you eat”?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Many people believe that fast food, soda, and sweets shouldn’t be sold in school cafeterias. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. If fast food were free in your country, would you eat it everyday?
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. How often do you eat fast food? What is your favorite fast food?
Answer:
2. Do you prefer bringing home-cooked lunch or eating out when you’re at work (or in school)?
Answer:
3. How is the food in your work (or school) cafeteria?
Answer:
4. What are the common fast food in your country? Are they affordable?
Answer:
5. Some people say that we (humans) are less healthier now because of the popularity of fast food? Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:

Intermediate: Elderly Care

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. migrate
  2. perks
  3. retirement

ANSWER

1. word:
_
I
G
_
A
T
E
meaning: [verb] to move (live or work) in another place
sentence: His grandparents _____________ to the countryside.
2. word:
_
E
_
K
S
meaning: [noun] advantages or benefits
sentence: The elderly in Japan enjoy a lot of _____________.
3. word:
_
E
T
_
R
E
M
_
N
T
meaning: [noun] a period in someone’s life when he/she stops working
sentence: My grandfather had an early _____________.

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Are you coming to Annie’s birthday party tomorrow?
I’m afraid I can’t. I am going to visit my grandparents. Are you coming to the party?

Yes, I am. I hope I can visit my grandparents, too. Anyway, how often do you hang out with them? It must be fun.
I visit them once or twice a week. When I have free time, I stay at their house over the weekend. I bring them food and we eat together while watching TV.

Wow, that’s nice. I also want to visit my grandparents, but they migrated to the United States. My aunt and uncle are taking care of them.
Don’t worry, Ron. I know you can visit them soon. For now, you can show them that you care by calling them often. I think it will really mean a lot to them.

That’s right, Emma. That’s the least that I can do for now. They are “getting on in years”. I hope I could visit them next year.
I’m sure you can do that. Anyway, I need to go now. I need to buy some stuff for my grandparents. See you next week.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. Why can’t Emma attend Annie’s birthday party?
Answer:
2. What does Emma do with her grandparents when she has free time?
Answer:
3. In what way can Ron show that he really cares for his grandparents?
Answer:
4. What does Ron mean by “getting on in years”?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Many say that people older than 60 should no longer work. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. Would you rather retire early or enjoy working for as long as you like?
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What activities do you do with your grandparents?
Answer:
2. How does your country help the elderly population?
Answer:
3. What kind of activities do the elderly do in your country after retirement?
Answer:
4. What perks do the elderly enjoy in your country?
Answer:
5. Is living a very long life a good thing or not?
Answer:

Intermediate: Health and Sickness

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. dizzy
  2. therapy
  3. frighten

ANSWER

1. word:
D
I
_
Z
_
meaning: [adjective] feeling shaky
sentence: He was _____________ so he didn’t go to school.
2. word:
T
H
_
R
A
_
Y
meaning: [noun] treatment or cure to a sickness
sentence: I need to undergo a special _____________.
3. word:
_
R
I
_
H
T
E
_
meaning: [verb] to feel fear
sentence: Ebola and Dengue viruses ___________ me most.

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Good to see you’re back, Emma. Why were you absent for a week? Are you well?
Hey, Ron. I caught a flu last week. I couldn’t get up to prepare for school until today.

That’s too bad. I had colds last month. It was terrible. I hope you’re okay now.
Thanks, Ron. I’m feeling a lot better now. I think I just needed some rest. I slept for almost 9 hours yesterday, but I still feel a bit weak.

Take some rest, Emma. Let me know if you need anything. Take care of yourself and eat well. After all, “health is wealth”.
I totally agree with that. Anyway, shouldn’t you be preparing for gym class?

Well, I asked Ms. Roberts for me to be excused from gym class today. I hate baseball. Besides, I often get dizzy because of the heat.
I see. Take care, Ron. See you around.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. Why was Emma absent for a week?
Answer:
2. How does Emma feel now?
Answer:
3. Why did Ron asked to be excused from gym class?
Answer:
4. What does Ron mean by “health is wealth.”?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Many say that the government has a bigger responsibility on maintaining public health than individual people. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. Would you consider donating your organs after your death?
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What disease frightens you the most?
Answer:
2. What is the health service like in your country?
Answer:
3. Do you consider yourself healthy?
Answer:
4. Have you ever tried any alternative health therapies?
Answer:
5. Do you have unhealthy habits?
Answer:

Beginner: Hobbies – Coordinating Conjunctions

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hello, Emma. What are you going to do this weekend?
Hi, Ron. I’m just going to watch TV at home. I like reading books after watching TV. How about you?

I don’t like watching TV, but I like reading books. By the way, do you like listening to music?
Yes, I like listening to pop songs. How about you?

I also like that. Actually, I like singing karaoke, but I only like pop songs.
It’s nice to know about that. I don’t like singing, but I am looking forward to hearing you sing next time.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions I’ll ask you about the dialogue.
講師が会話文について質問するので答えてみましょう。

ANSWER

1. What is Emma going to do this weekend?
Answer:
2. What does Emma like to do after watching TV?
Answer:
3. Does Emma like listening to pop songs?
Answer:
4. Does Ron like singing rock songs?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the picture for 1 minute. Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. What does Sarah like to do?
Answer:
2. What does Karen like to do?
Answer:
3. What does Jack like/dislike to do?
Answer: ____________________. But,_________________

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. What three things do you like doing in your free time?
Answer:
2. What activities at home do you like/dislike?
Answer: ____________________. But,_________________
3. What activities at school do you like/ dislike?
Answer: ____________________. But,_________________
4. What activities do you like to do with your family?
Answer:
5. Which one do you like? Reading books or watching TV?
Answer:

Beginner: Cooking and Dining – How-So

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hi, Emma. Do you cook at home?
Yes, I cook at home most of the time so that I can save money on food. I learned how to cook from my parents who work as chefs. How about you?

You are very lucky. I try to cook sometimes so I can eat home-cooked meals at school. I’m not a good cook, though. How can I learn to cook on my own?
You can read and follow cookbooks so that you can learn how to cook on your own. I’m sure you can do it, Ron.

Thanks, Emma. I will start tomorrow so that I can have more time to practice cooking.
That’s a great idea. Good luck!

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions I’ll ask you about the dialogue.

ANSWER

1. What does Emma do to save money on food?
Answer:
2. Why does Ron try to cook sometimes?
Answer:
3. How did Emma learn how to cook?
Answer:
4. Does Ron want to learn how to cook?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the picture for 1 minute. Fill in the blanks by describing what each character does.

ANSWER

1. How does Rina prepare for Ron’s birthday?
Answer: ___________________ so that they can eat cake.
2. How does David prepare for Ron’s birthday?
Answer: ____________________ so that they can cook delicious food.
3. How does Bella prepare for Ron’s birthday?
Answer: ______________________ so that they can use clean plates.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. How do you prepare your food so that it will look good and delicious?
Answer:
2. How often do you eat out so that you can eat together with friends or family? Tell me something about your favorite restaurant.
Answer:
3. How do you eat so that you can stay healthy? Do you usually eat vegetables and fruits?
Answer:
4. How many times do you eat in a day so that you do not feel hungry?
Answer:
5. How do you have your lunch so that you can eat at school or at work? Do you eat out or bring your own food?
Answer:

Intermediate: Disaster Preparedness

GUESS THE WORD

Rearrange the letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. casualty
  2. vicinity
  3. calamity

ANSWER

1. word:
A
C
S
U
L
A
T
Y
meaning: [noun] Number of people and/or animals who have died in an event
sentence: The number of ______________ has increased due to lack of disaster preparation.
2. word:
I
C
V
I
T
Y
I
N
meaning: [noun] A region near a particular place
sentence: Our house is near the ____________ of the earthquake hazard zone in our country.
3. word:
A
C
L
A
M
T
Y
I
meaning: [adjective] A disastrous natural event causing damages and death
sentence: The ______________ caused massive destruction in the country.

DIALOGUE

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. Fill in the blanks with the correct responses.

READ

We are going to have an earthquake drill later. Have you done that before?
_________________________. How about you, Ron?


Yes. I have. It was challenging, but the instructors did well in facilitating us during the drill. We need to prepare ahead for emergency situations.
You’re right. Have you experienced any disasters before?


No, I haven’t. How about you? Have you experienced any disasters before? What happened?
________________________________________.

I see. Thanks for sharing about that. Do you think Japan is prepared for any disasters that might happen?
_____________. I hope the earthquake drill goes well.

READING ALOUD

Read and take note of the important points in the article.

READ

According to Red Cross, an international humanitarian organization, knowledge in disaster preparedness can help save lives. In fact, it should be mandatory for everyone to know what to do before, during, and after natural calamities. Red Cross suggests that family members should discuss how to respond to different types of emergencies that are most likely to happen in their vicinity.
In Japan, one of the most common drills is for Earthquake preparedness which is participated by everyone in the country. Students take part in disaster drills on their first day of school to introduce them the importance of disaster preparedness. Japanese and even foreign employees are also taking part in calamity preparation as high-rise buildings are more prone to shaking and collapsing during an earthquake. Authorities in Japan are helping in providing evacuation measures and areas where civilians can go right before and after a calamity.

QUESTIONS

Please answer the given questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. What is the name of the international humanitarian organization?
Answer:
2. Why should disaster preparedness training be mandatory for everyone?
Answer:
3. Disaster preparedness education should start in preschool/kindergarten. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. If you would have a superpower to stop any natural disaster to happen, what would it be?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

Please explain the meaning to the following quotes.

ANSWER

1. “You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.”
– Jeannette Rankin 
Answer:
2. “Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.”
– Max Mayfield, Director National Hurricane Center
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What kind of disasters are common in your country?
Answer:
2. What preparations do you do when there is an incoming natural calamity in your place?
Answer:
3. How do people in your country help each other during disasters?
Answer:
4. What are some problems that people have right after a disaster?
Answer:
5. Do you think man-made disasters are more destructive than natural ones?
Answer:

Beginner: At Work – Why-Because

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Good morning, Emma. Why are you late?
I’m really sorry, Ron. I’m late because there was an accident on the road. Anyway, why do we have to meet early?

Oh, I see. Are you okay? We have to meet early because of an urgent request from a client. They want us to finish the project within the week.
I am okay, don’t worry. I thought we have already agreed to finish the project in a month?

I’m sorry. We have to finish the project this week because the event is moved to an earlier date.
It’s not a big problem, Ron. We can do it. I’ll set a meeting with the client this afternoon. Then, we can discuss the changes with our team.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions I’ll ask you about the dialogue.

ANSWER

1. Why is Emma late?
Answer:
2. Why did Ron ask to meet Emma?
Answer:
3. Why do they have to finish the project in a week?
Answer:
4. Do you think that they will finish the project on time?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the picture for 1 minute. Complete the sentences with the correct answers to the questions.

ANSWER

1. Why is the manager angry?
Answer: The manager is angry because ______________________________.
2. Why is Sandy sad?
Answer: Sandy is sad because ______________________________.
3. Why is Bill happy?
Answer: Bill is happy because ______________________________.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. Why do most workers want to study English?
Answer:
2. Why do most people work overtime?
Answer:
3. What is your dream job? Why?
Answer:
4. Which do you prefer, a job with high salary or a workplace with nice people? Why?
Answer:
5. Which do you prefer, working with a team or working alone? Why?
Answer:

Beginner: Travelling and Vacation- Antonymous Adjectives

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hi, Emma. How was your family trip?
It was fun but tiring. We went to an animal park. We saw kangaroos and rabbits! It was very scary at first, but we enjoyed the experience. How was your weekend?

That is so cool. Were there many people in the park? My weekend was a bit boring but it became interesting when I went to the park with my friends.
There were only a few people when we went there. At first, I thought it is a big park, but it is small.

I wish I could visit that place too. It is easy to travel, but it is difficult to find time.
That’s right. Anyway, I need to go. My sister is waiting for me.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions I’ll ask you about the dialogue.

ANSWER

1. What did Emma do with her family?
Answer:
2. What animals did Emma see in the park?
Answer:
3. How did Ron’s weekend become interesting?
Answer:
4. Does Ron always go out with his family?
Answer:

DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the picture for 1 minute. Choose the word in the parentheses that is the OPPOSITE of how each character looks/acts and use it in a sentence.

ANSWER

1. How does Mary look? (happy/sad)
Answer:
2. How does Ben look? (afraid/brave)
Answer:
3. How does Peter look? (strong/weak)
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. Do you prefer to travel somewhere cold or hot?
Answer:
2. Do you prefer long travels by a ship or short travels by an airplane?
Answer:
3. While on vacation, what activities do you enjoy that other people find boring?
Answer:
4. When travelling, do you usually bring heavy or light baggage?
Answer:
5. Is it better to be awake or asleep while travelling?
Answer: