Column Discussion (Expert)｜コラムディスカッション（上級）Lesson96 : Specializing or Generalizing?

PART A_1

Let’s learn vocabulary. Listen and repeat the words and the sentences with your tutor.

PART A_2

1.　ponder	/PAN-der/
	-to think carefully about something
	Choosing a course is something one should ponder.
2.　specific	/spe-SIF-ik/
	-used to refer to a particular thing and not something general
	The specifics in the guidelines should be laid down in order to avoid confusion.
3.　specialize	/SPESH-el-ayz/
	-to spend most of your time studying one particular subject or doing one type of business
	The general physician would like to specialize in the field of neurology.
4.　desire	/di-ZAYER/
	-to want something
	She desires to be one of the company executives.
5.　crisis	/KRAY-sis/
	-a situation or time that is extremely dangerous or difficult
	Resources are becoming scarce during an economic crisis.

PART B_1

Let’s read the article. Please read it aloud, and I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

PART B_2

Which Is Better for Your Career: Specializing or Generalizing?

One may always ponder which is better, to know a little about everything or to have a deep understanding about one specific thing? This question is a subjective one depending on the situation. According to an expert, the main reason is money. Take for example a restaurant that specializes in making sushi—you will expect a high quality of sushi but at the same time, prices on the menu are also high compared to a restaurant that serves a variety of pizza, sushi, and tacos. While generally, a specialist is desired, it was proved that generalists are more likely to survive during an economic crisis as there will be more job offers for them. The size of the industry or organization should also be considered in deciding. In a small organization, being a generalist is more advantageous as one may be required to do a lot of tasks. While in large companies, are most likely looking for specialists. Another important thing is to know one’s self. You may be one who is interested in learning a little about different things or one who is enthusiastic about just one field and would like to know everything about it. However, experts say that maybe the best is a combination of both—while keeping up to date with one’s field, one must also be willing to accept changes when the necessity comes.

PART C_1

Let’s answer comprehension questions. Please answer them based on the article.

PART C_2

1.	What is the difference between a generalist and a specialist?
2.	How can being a generalist be advantageous in times of crisis?
3.	How can there be a mix of both generalists and specialists?

PART D_1

Let’s discuss the article. Please answer the questions below and express your opinions.

PART D_2

1.	What are the advantages of being a generalist?
2.	What are the advantages of being a specialist?
3.	What should one consider in deciding whether to be a generalist or a specialist?
4.	Aside from the factors mentioned, what other things might be considered in deciding?
5.	Personally, which of these two are you most inclined to be?

REVIEW AND FEEDBACK

Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.

ではこのレッスンで学んだことを振り返りましょう。

(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.

Parts of this lesson material are based on:
An article by Voice of America