All posts by weblio PH

Intermediate: Communication and Foreign Language Learning

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. informative
  2. tough
  3. complex

ANSWER

1. word:
I
N
F
R
O
A
M
E
T
I
V
meaning: [adjective] containing a lot of useful facts
sentence: The presentation about the new business proposal was very ____________.
2. word:
T
U
O
H
G
meaning: [adjective] something that is difficult
sentence: The situation was ___________ for both the teachers and the students.
3. word:
C
M
O
L
P
X
E
meaning: [adjective] involving different but connected parts that are confusing
sentence: She made a _________ explanation of the report which made the manager more confused.

DIALOGUE

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

READ

I feel so tired today. That French class was very tough, especially the business terms. Do you think I can learn the language before my trip to France?
Sure you can! I know It’s quite complex but I know you can handle it. Learning a different language is really difficult.

I agree. On the other hand, learning French is interesting and very informative. Have you tried learning a different language before? How was it?
____________________. I think you could also try learning that language.

I think I could try that in the future. Anyway, can you give me some tips on how I can learn a new language in an easier and faster way?
____________________________________________.

I see. I will take note of your recommendations. I appreciate all your help, Alice. Thank you.
You’re welcome, brother. Have some rest now so that you can process more information tomorrow.

READING ALOUD

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

READ

In Japan, a recent survey was conducted for students on their behavior about learning English. The results of the survey indicated that students have contradictory attitude towards learning English. Although a lot of students thought English is important for them to get a job, only a few of them are willing to take jobs requiring English. The surveyors find this disappointing. However, it is also possible that the students do not necessarily think that learning English is the only way to land on their dream jobs. Excellent English communication skills have become a universal work requirement all over the world, but not a requirement to reach success.

QUESTIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. What is the result of the survey?
Answer:
2. Why is it possible that students don’t find learning English very necessary?
Answer:
3. Good English communication skills should be one of the requirements when applying for a job. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. Would you work for a company where you have to communicate in a foreign language (like English) instead of your native one?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

Please explain the meaning of the following quotes.

ANSWER

1. “It is not the voice that commands the story; it is the ear.” – Italo Calvino
Answer:
2. “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What languages would you like to learn in the future?
Answer:
2. Do you think people can communicate with ghosts and spirits?
Answer:
3. If you could have a conversation with a famous person, who would you talk to and what would you talk about?
Answer:
4. Would you like to have a career that requires you to talk to a lot of people? Why?
Answer:
5. Where do you excel the most? Listening, speaking or both?
Answer:

Intermediate: Art and Literature

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. mundane
  2. originated
  3. scenic

ANSWER

1. word:
M
N
U
D
A
E
N
meaning: [adjective] ordinary and not interesting
sentence: For some people, painting is a _______ activity.
2. word:
O
I
R
I
G
A
T
N
E
D
meaning: [verb] where it began/started
sentence: Ballet dance _______ in 15th century Italy.
3. word:
S
E
C
N
I
C
meaning: [adjective] a beautiful sight
sentence: Her painting collection consists of _______ views in South America.

DIALOGUE

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

READ

I thought classes are suspended tomorrow due to bad weather. Why don’t you take a little break from studying?
This is my final term’s project, brother. I’m writing a literature review of the Tale of Genji. It is the greatest novel in Japan and the world’s first novel. Do you know about it?

Of course, I studied it for my eighth-grade literature class. Although, I find reading a mundane activity. Do you like reading, sister?
___________________. How about you? I think you’re into visual art.

I am. I love painting scenic views and doing portraits. I like impressionist style of painting, by the way. Do you have a favorite art style?
___________________.

I see. Well, I hope you’ll be able to finish your homework on time. If you need any help, you know where to find me.
Sure. Thanks, brother.

READING ALOUD

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

READ

Every seventh of July, Japan celebrates one of their famous festivals known as “Tanabata”, the Star Festival. It is known to have originated from China’s “Qixi Festival”. It was first introduced in Japan during in 755 A.D. by Empress Koken, the 48th monarch of Japan. The Japanese fully embraced Tanabata Festival and its story during the early Edo period. Tanabata is a story of two lovers, Hikoboshi and Orihime, who were only allowed to see each other once a year as a punishment given to them by the heaven god for neglecting their duties after marrying each other. Today, Japan’s streets are in vibrant displays with people writing their wishes on strips of paper known as “Tanzaku”. They hang these strips of paper on bamboo trees with hopes that their wishes will come true. In some traditions, these bamboo trees are set afloat on a river and/or burned once the festival is over.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. Who are the two lovers celebrated at the Tanabata Festival?
Answer:
2. Why are the two lovers not allowed to spend their life together?
Answer:
3. Some people say that tfhe Tanabata Festival is equivalent to Valentine’s Day. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. What do you think will happen to a country without art and literature?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

In your own understanding, please explain the meaning of the following quotations.

ANSWER

1. “Creativity takes courage.” – Henry Matisse
Answer:
2. “It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature.” – Henry James
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. Who is your favorite literary character?
Answer:
2. What is the weirdest literature you have read?
Answer:
3. Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction literature?
Answer:
4. Which art form do you like most?
Answer:
5. Do you think art is important in the modern world? How?
Answer:

Intermediate: History and Culture

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. remarkable
  2. civilization
  3. expedition

ANSWER

1. word:
R
M
E
R
A
A
K
L
B
E
meaning: [adjective] someone/something amazing and unforgettable
sentence: Her research about the Forbidden Kingdom is truly ______________.
2. word:
C
V
I
I
L
Z
I
T
A
O
I
N
meaning: [noun] a human society with developed culture, laws, and intellect at a specific time and place
sentence: The Mayan ________________ was famous for their calendar-making, symbolic artworks, and agriculture.
3. word:
E
X
E
P
I
D
T
O
I
N
meaning: [noun] an organized journey, especially a long one for a particular purpose
sentence: He was famous for his first _______________ around the world.

DIALOGUE

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

READ

I slept late last night. I searched about world history and it’s really amazing. I didn’t expect it to be incredible. What do you think is the most remarkable historical event?
________________________________. What about you?

I’ve been reading about Japanese history lately and I found out about Onna-Bugeisha. Do you know about them?
I know about them since my mother is half-Japanese. They are the female version of the samurai of the 200 A.D. It was believed that Empress Jingu became the first Onna-Bugeisha after leading a battle against Korea.

Cool! Onna-Bugeisha even fought along with samurais during battles. By the way, I think the greatest civilization is the Mesopotamian. Humans in this era built waterways for their economic needs. What do you think is the greatest civilization in the world?
________________________________.


That’s incredible. It’s silly of me to think history is boring when I was in high school.
It’s amazing how history shaped us what we are today. I’m excited as to what the future holds for us all.

READING ALOUD

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

READ

Majority of world historians considers Alexander the Great as the greatest explorer and military leader of all time. He has greatly influenced the world during his time in less than two decades. At a young age, Alexander was educated by a famous philosopher, Aristotle. After the death of his father, he ruled his father’s kingdom at age twenty. He then expanded his father’s armies, innovated new battle techniques, and led them in conquering the Persian Empire. His conquests led him to victories not just in Persian territories, but as well as in Syria, in Egypt, and in Asia Minor. He introduced Greek culture to people of these territories the same way Aristotle taught him. Because of his successful expeditions, the Greek civilization was as one of the greatest civilization in history.

QUESTIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. At what age did Alexander The Great become king?
Answer:
2. Based on the article, why was Alexander given the title “The Great”?
Answer:
3. Some people say that history repeats itself. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. Can history and literature be separated?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

Please explain the meaning to the following quotes.

ANSWER

1. “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Answer:
2. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.” – Master Oogway
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. What do you think are man’s greatest achievements and worst failures?
Answer:
2. What are the most important events in your country’s history?
Answer:
3. Which is the most important time among the three? Past, present or future?
Answer:
4. What historical event would you like to turn into a movie? Do you think it’s important for the movie to be historically accurate?
Answer:
5. If you have the power to turn back time, what part of history would you like to change? Why?
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Technology and Internet

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hey, Alice. Is our internet okay?
Well, yes. In fact, I am watching cooking videos online. Why?

I cannot seem to connect on our internet. I have an online game to play in ten minutes.
Did you try to turn off our internet line?

Not yet, but since you asked, I guess I have to try. Maybe after I turn off our internet and turn it on again, it will finally be okay.
Let’s hope so.

CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. How many hours do you think you spend your time on the internet?
Answer:
2. At what age did you have your own cellphone and laptop/desktop?
Answer:
3. Have your tried not to use your phone for a day? Why or why not?
Answer:
4. Name one to three Internet sites that you always use/open to study.
Answer:
5. Do you always buy things that you like online? Why or why not?
Answer:
6. Which one do you use more often? Phone or laptop/desktop?
Answer:
7. How do you see technology in the future?
Answer:
8. Do you believe everything that you see, read and watch on the Internet? Yes or no?
Answer:
9. Do you think robots will look and act like us in the next fifty years?
Answer:
10. Do you think people can live in a world without the Internet?
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Travel

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

This place is wonderful. I cannot believe we are here in Palawan, Philippines.
Indeed. The beach is so beautiful and I have never felt so warm. I am really happy that we are here this vacation. I cannot wait to swim and enjoy the sea.

Me too, but first, we have to go to our hotel room to put down our bags and get some rest for a while.
I agree. I think we should just ride a jeepney from here since the hotel is only few kilometers away.

Sure. This will be our first time to ride a jeepney. This is going to be fun especially we both know some Filipino words.
It truly is. I am excited to speak in Filipino that we learned during our flight.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What is the best place you have ever visited in your country?
Answer:
2. If you are given the chance to live in another country, would you do it? If yes, which country would you like to live in? If no, why?
Answer:
3. Did you have any bad memory during your travel?
Answer:
4. Have you tried camping? If yes, how was it like? If no, would you like to do it someday?
Answer:
5. Name three to five important things you always bring whenever you travel.
Answer:
6. Name top three tourist places in your country.
Answer:
7. Would you like to travel to space/outside Earth? Why or why not?
Answer:
8. Do you prefer to travel in cold countries or in warm countries?
Answer:
9. Have you ever gotten lost while travelling? If yes, how did you find your way back?
Answer:
10. Do you like to travel alone or do you want to travel with someone? (Example: Friends,family)
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Animals and Pets

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Emma, may I ask for a favor?
Sure. What is it?

Will you come with me to take Chowie to the pet hospital today? She is not feeling well since last night and I think she has a fever.
Who is Chowie?

She is my new dog. Actually, she is a puppy and I named her Chowie. I found her last night alone in the streets so I decided to keep her since it was raining.
Oh, poor Chowie. Okay, Ron. Let’s meet outside your house in ten minutes then we will go to the hospital.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What is/are your favorite pet/s?
Answer:
2. Do you have any pet/s at home? If yes, what kind of pet/s do you have at home? If no, would you like to have one?
Answer:
3. In your own opinion, what animal is the best pet and why?
Answer:
4. Can you live in a world without animals? Yes or no?
Answer:
5. If you would have a new pet, what would you name it?
Answer:
6. Would you like to have a wild animal as a pet?
Answer:
7. Would you like to visit countries like Africa that protects many wild animals? Yes or no?
Answer:
8. If you would become an animal, what would you be and why?
Answer:
9. What animal/s are you afraid of? Why?
Answer:
10. Do you think it is safe to have a snake or a spider as a pet? Why or why not?
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Hobbies

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Are you writing on your diary again, Alice? It’s night already.
Writing on my diary every night has always been my hobby. How about you? Don’t you have any hobbies?

I prefer doing my hobbies in the morning like biking at six in the morning. I also love to paint especially sunsets.
Wow. I did not know you love to paint sunsets. I always wanted to go to the beach while the sun goes down.

Our parents love to watch the sunset at the beach too. Maybe we can ask them to have a family beach vacation next week. What do you think?
That is a great idea! I’m sure they will agree.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. Name three hobbies that you love to do during your free time.
Answer:
2. Did someone teach you those three hobbies or did you learn them on your own?
Answer:
3. Are you happy whenever you show your hobbies to others or are you afraid to show them?
Answer:
4. Are you still able to do your hobbies even if you are busy?
Answer:
5. If you have more free time, what would you do with it?
Answer:
6. What hobbies do you want to do on your free time that are not possible to do?
Answer:
7. Do you spend money on your hobbies? Yes or no?
Answer:
8. If you will spend a day doing your hobbies, who would you like to spend it with? Why?
Answer:
9. Is your free time shorter than before?
Answer:
10. Do you consider shopping, sleeping and watching movies as a hobby? Why or why not?
Answer:

Intermediate: Travelling

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. exotic
  2. tranquil
  3. overcrowded

ANSWER

1. word:
E
O
X
I
T
C
meaning: [adjective] rare or uncommon
sentence: They were amazed when they saw ________ animals at the zoo.
2. word:
T
A
R
N
U
I
Q
L
meaning: [adjective] peaceful and quiet
sentence: The temple they visited was beautiful and ________.
3. word:
O
E
V
R
C
R
W
O
D
E
D
meaning: [adjective] has a lot of people or things in one or more place/s
sentence: Some tourist places in the Philippines is becoming ________ .

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 have a long weekend next week and I’m planning to have a mini-vacation. Do you have any suggestions on where I can travel and unwind?
_______________________. What is your ideal travel destination?

Well, I want to go to places that are quite exotic and tranquil. What is your ideal travel destination?
_______________________.

I didn’t know you’re into travelling too. Maybe one day we can be travel buddies and explore together. How often do you travel by the way? And do you travel alone?
I actually prefer travelling alone since I only have limited time
for myself. Although, I still travel with my family or friends depending
on the destination. I usually travel once or twice a month.


That’s amazing. I’m also thinking of creating video blogs whenever I travel, so I have memories of my travel experiences.
Indeed. Now I regret not making video blogs until now.

READING ALOUD

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

READ

According to an article of The Telegraph, a British Newspaper, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared Japan as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination since 2010 followed by India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Because of the country’s wonderful and exotic places and a tranquil atmosphere, Japan has attracted many visitors particularly Chinese and Australians. Some of Japan’s most visited places are Shibuya, Dotonbori, and Tokyo Disneyland. However, according to the newspaper Japan Times, Japan is starting to face a problem known as “Kankō Kōgai,” which means “tourism pollution” due to overcrowded places especially in large cities and in major tourist destinations. Japanese people who are known to be polite and very welcoming are getting stressed by the uncontrolled rise of tourists every day. Citizens are requesting for a better transportation access and more accommodations for tourists to prevent the said problem.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. Who announced Japan as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination?
Answer:
2. In your own words, what is tourism pollution?
Answer:
3. Some people say that tourism destroys a country’s natural and cultural heritage. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. What do you think Japan’s government should do to reduce “Kankō Kōgai” without negatively affecting the country’s tourism?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

In your own understanding, please explain the meaning of the following quotations.

ANSWER

1. “Even if travelling is not for everyone, don’t let it break you. Life is too short so go and see the world.” – Unknown
Answer:
2. “It’s not about how much you spend in travelling. It’s about the memories and experiences you earn while you’re at it.” – Unknown
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. If you were to live in another country, where would it be and why?
Answer:
2. Where do you think is the most iconic/remarkable place on earth?
Answer:
3. Have you ever gotten lost while travelling?
Answer:
4. What is the one place you like to visit again and again in your country and abroad?
Answer:
5. Describe your ideal vacation trip with family/friends.
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Music

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hey there, Emma. I saw your video online yesterday. I did not know you can play the piano. The song you played on the video sounds beautiful.
Thank you, Ron. I have been practicing my piano skills for five months and I decided to take a video of myself to see if I did it well.

You learned how to play the piano in just five months? That is so cool. I’m really proud of you.
Actually, I have always wanted to play the piano. When my parents bought a piano five months ago, I started practicing.

I am so happy for you, Emma. How about we play a song together someday? I know how to play the guitar.
That’s a great idea! Well, we can play a song together tomorrow since it’s weekends. You can come to my house at 10 in the morning.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What are your favorite songs? Why do you like them?
Answer:
2. Who is your favorite singer?
Answer:
3. What kind of music do you like the most? (Example: Pop, punk, rock, country, classical, etc.)
Answer:
4. Do you play any musical instrument? If yes, what do you play? If no, would you like to learn?
Answer:
5. Do you like to sing in Karaoke bars? If yes, name one song you always sing. If no, why?
Answer:
6. Do you like to listen to music while you are studying or working?
Answer:
7. Name a song that best describes you.
Answer:
8. When was the last time you attended a concert?
Answer:
9. Are there any songs that you don’t like?
Answer:
10. Name three foreign singers that are famous in your country.
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Food and Dining

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I cannot find anything to eat here at home. I am hungry. How about you, Alice?
I am hungry, too. Our parents won’t be home soon, so I guess we just have to wait for them.

Well, I was thinking of ordering food online. I want to order pizza and spaghetti. What do you say?
I have a better idea. Let’s bake pizza and cook spaghetti. Is that okay with you?

Wow! Of course, it is okay with me as long as I bake the pizza while you cook spaghetti.
Okay, Sam. Just make sure your pizza will taste good.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What do you think are the three best foods in your country?
Answer:
2. Do you like to eat at restaurants or do you prefer to eat at home?
Answer:
3. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? If not yet, would you like to if given the chance?
Answer:
4. Do you know how to cook? If yes, what do you usually cook? If no, would you like to learn how to cook?
Answer:
5. What do you think is the worst food you have ever eaten?
Answer:
6. Do you like spicy foods?
Answer:
7. Do you like meat better than vegetables?
Answer:
8. Name three foods from other countries that you like.
Answer:
9. How often do you eat healthy foods?
Answer:
10. Are there any foods that you don’t like to eat?
Answer: