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Lesson 46 　　Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Topic Question: How do families in Japan celebrate Children’s Day?

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about what you know or might imagine about Children’s Day in Japan. Consider the symbols, activities, and the purpose of this celebration.

Sample Answer

“Families in Japan celebrate Children’s Day by flying carp-shaped kites called ‘koinobori’, displaying samurai dolls to inspire strength, and eating special foods like ‘kashiwa-mochi’. It’s a day to respect children’s personalities and to wish for their happiness and health.”

▮　5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Carp (鯉): A type of fish, often used symbolically in Japan.
2. Kites (凧): Lightweight frames covered with paper or cloth, designed to be flown in the wind at the end of a long string.
3. Samurai (侍): Members of the premodern Japanese warrior class.
4. Strength (強さ): The quality or state of being strong, in terms of physical power or resistance.
5. Happiness (幸福): The state of being happy, feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are koinobori and why are they important for Children’s Day?
2. What does the display of samurai dolls signify?
3. What special foods are associated with Children’s Day?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

Who saw you? Who did you see?
(questions 2)

In these questions, who/what is the subject:

●　Who lives in this house? (= somebody lives in it – who?)
　　(not Who does live?)

●　What happened? (= something happened – what?)
　　(not What did happen?)

●　What’s happening? (What’s = What is)

● Who’s got my keys? (Who’s = Who has)

In these questions, who/what is the object:

● Who did you meet yesterday'(= you met somebody – who’)

● What did Paul say? (= Paul said something – what?)

● Who are you calling?

● What was Sylvia wearing?

Compare:

● George likes oranges. →　Who likes oranges? – George.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　 What does George like? – Oranges.
● Jane won a new car. →　 Who won a new car’- Jane.
　　　　　　　　　　　　What did Jane win? – A new car.

Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:

1. Who flies the carp-shaped kites during Children’s Day? (Children and families do.)
2. What did you see displayed in homes on Children’s Day? (I saw samurai dolls and koinobori.)
3. Who enjoys eating kashiwa-mochi on this special day? (Children and their families enjoy it.)

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 45　　Coming of Age Day (Seijin Shiki)

Topic Question: What happens during the Coming of Age Day celebration in Japan?

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the significance of the Coming of Age Day in Japan. What are the customs, activities, and feelings associated with this day?

Sample Answer

“The Coming of Age Day is a Japanese holiday where 20-year-olds celebrate reaching adulthood. They often wear traditional attire like kimonos, attend official ceremonies, and enjoy parties with family and friends. It’s a day of pride and reflection.”

▮　5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Holiday (祝日): A day of celebration or remembrance, officially recognized and often not a workday.
2. Attire (服装): Clothes, especially of a particular or formal type.
3. Ceremonies (式典): Formal events, often public, performed on special occasions.
4. Pride (誇り): A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.
5. Reflection (反省): Serious thought or consideration.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is the Coming of Age Day?
2. What do 20-year-olds wear on this day?
3. What feelings do they experience during the celebration?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

is it…? have you…? do they… ?, etc.
(questions 1)

In questions, the first verb (is/are/have, etc.) is before the subject:

Remember: the subject is after the first verb.

●　Where has David gone? (not Where has gone David?)
●　Are those people waiting for something? (not Are waiting … ?)
●　When was the telephone invented? (not When was invented … ?)

do … ? / does …? / did … ?

Why isn’t … ? / Why don’t … ?, etc. (Why + negative ):
●　Where’s John? Why isn’t he here? (not Why he isn’t here?)
●　Why can’t Paula come to the meeting tomorrow? (not Why Paula can’t … ?)
●　Why didn’t you call me last night?

3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:

1. Is it common for all 20-year-olds to participate in the Coming of Age Day ceremonies?
2. Have you ever attended a Coming of Age Day ceremony?
3. Do they wear kimonos only during the official ceremonies, or do they wear them to parties as well?

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 44　　Funeral Rites

Topic Question: “What are some unique aspects of Japanese funeral rites?”

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself

Japanese funeral rites are deeply rooted in Buddhist and Shinto traditions. They often involve multiple ceremonies that span several days, including a wake (tsuya), a funeral service, cremation, and the gathering for the reading of the will. Unique aspects include the koden (condolence money), the wearing of specific mourning clothes, and the custom of kotsuage, where family members pick up bones from the ashes with chopsticks, placing them in the urn.

Sample Answer

“Japanese funeral rites are deeply respectful, focusing on the family’s farewell and the soul’s peaceful transition. Unlike many Western funerals, they don’t typically involve embalming. The bereaved often wear white, not black, and cremation is chosen over burial. Koden, condolence money, is given, not flowers.”

▮　Words to Learn and Their Meanings
Condolence (哀悼): An expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of a death.
Cremation (火葬): The disposal of a dead person’s body by burning it to ashes.
Bereaved (遺族): Deprived of a close relation or friend through their death.
Embalming (遺体保存処置): The process of preserving a body after death.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer
1. How do Japanese funeral rites differ from those in the West?

2. What unique practice is involved in Japanese funerals that isn’t found in many other cultures?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

isn’t, haven’t, don’t, etc. (negatives)

I want to go out.　　　　　 →　I don’t want to go out.
They work hard.　 　　　　　→ They don’t work hard
Liz plays the guitar.　　 　→　Liz doesn’t play the guitar
My father likes his job.　　→　My father doesn’t like his job.
I got up early this morning.→　I didn’t get up early this morning.
They worked hard yesterday.　→　They didn’t work hard yesterday.
We played tennis.　　　　 　→　We didn’t play tennis.
Diane had dinner with us.　→　Diane didn’t have dinner with us.

Sometimes do is the main verb (don’t do / doesn’t do / didn’t do):

Do something! →　Don’t do anything!
Sue does a lot on weekends.　　 →　Sue doesn’t do much on weekends.
I did what you said.　　　　　　→ I didn’t do what you said.

▮　Practice Creating Sentences
Try creating sentences based on what you’ve learned about Japanese funeral rites. Use negatives to highlight unique aspects.

“In Japan, the family doesn’t wear black to the funeral; they wear white.”
“Japanese funerals don’t usually involve embalming.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 43　　Traditional Weddings

Topic Question: “Can you tell me about traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies?”

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider what you know or have heard about Japanese wedding traditions. How do they compare to wedding ceremonies in other cultures?

Sample Answer

“Traditional Japanese weddings are unique. They include ceremonies like the San-San-Kudo, wearing kimonos, and exchanging symbolic gifts. These rituals celebrate the union of families and honor ancestral traditions. They’re deeply meaningful.”

▮　Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Unique (ユニークな): Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
2. Ceremonies (式典): Formal religious or public occasions, typically celebrating a particular event.
3. Rituals (儀式): A series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
4. Union (結合): The act of joining two or more things together.
5. Ancestral (先祖の): Relating to or inherited from ancestors.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are some key elements of a traditional Japanese wedding?
2. How do traditional Japanese weddings celebrate the union of families?
3. Can you explain the significance of the San-San-Kudo ceremony?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

too/either so am I / neither do I, etc.

Too and either

We use too and either at the end of a sentence.

We use too after a positi11e verb:
●　A: I’m happy.
　　B: I’m happy, too.

●　Jane is a doctor. Her husband is a doctor, too.

We use either after a negative verb:
● A: I’m not happy.
　 B: I’m not happy, either. (not I’m not…, too.)

●　Bill doesn’t watch TV He doesn’t read newspapers, either.

so am I I neither do I, etc.

so am I = I am, too
so have I= I have, too (etc.):
● A: I ‘m working.
　 B: So am I. (= I’m,vorking, too)
● A: I was late for work today.
　 B: So was Sam. (= Sam was late, coo)

neither am I = I’m not, either
neither can I = I can’c, either (etc.):

● A: I haven’t been to China
　 B: Neither have I. (= I haven’t, either)
● A: Kate can’t cook.
　 B: Neither can Tom.
(= Tom can’t, either)

▮　Activity: Create Your Sentences
Using the grammar focus, create sentences related to traditional Japanese weddings or any cultural ceremony you find interesting.

“I admire the beauty of traditional Japanese weddings, too.”
“I haven’t participated in a tea ceremony, and my friend hasn’t either.”
“My family values cultural traditions. So does theirs.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 42　　Japanese Sweets and Snacks

Topic Question: “Can you recommend a Japanese sweet or snack I should try?”

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about Japanese sweets or snacks you’re familiar with or have enjoyed. Which one would you recommend to someone who’s eager to try Japanese treats for the first time?

Sample Answer

“I recommend trying mochi. It’s a sweet made from sticky rice and often filled with sweet red bean paste. Mochi is soft, chewy, and comes in various flavors. It’s a must-try!”

▮　Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Recommend (おすすめする): To suggest something as being good or suitable for a particular purpose or person.
2. Mochi (もち): A Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice.
3. Sticky (粘り気がある): Tending to adhere to objects upon contact.
4. Chewy (もちもちした): Food that requires a lot of chewing before swallowing.
5. Flavors (味): The distinctive taste of food or drink.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What makes mochi a good recommendation for someone trying Japanese sweets?
2. What are some common fillings or flavors found in mochi?
3. Can you think of another Japanese snack that is popular both in Japan and abroad?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar:

You have? Have you? You are? Are you?, etc.

You can say you have? / it is? / he can’t?, etc., to show that you are interested or surprised

●“You’re late.” “I am? 1’111 sorry.”

●　I was sick last week.” “You were? I didn’t know that.”

●　“There’s a letter for you.” “There is? Where is it?”

●　“Sue isn’t at work today.” “She isn’t? Is she sick?”

Use do/ does for the simple present and did for the simple past:

●“I speak four languages.” “You do? Which ones?”
●“Tim doesn’t eat meat.” “He doesn’t? Does he eat fish

Tag questions

Positive sentence → Negative tag guestion

It’s a nice day, isn’t it? Yes, it’s perfect.
You closed the window, didn’t you? Yes, I think so
Tom will be here soon, won’t he? Yes, probably.

Negative sentence → Positive tag question

You haven’t met my mother, have you? No, I haven’t
You won’t be late, will you? Mo, I’m never late.

Example Sentences:　　Based on the Sample Answer

1. “Mochi is made from sticky rice?” “It is? I didn’t know that!”
2. “Mochi comes in different flavors, doesn’t it?” “Yes, it does. From strawberry to matcha.”
3. “You’ve never tried matcha-flavored snacks, have you?”
4. “Japanese snacks are unique, aren’t they?”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 41　　Street Food

Topic Question: “What is your favorite Japanese street food?”

▮　Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the variety of Japanese street food you know or have tasted. Which one is your favorite, and why do you prefer it over others?

▮　Sample Answer
“My favorite Japanese street food is takoyaki. They are ball-shaped and taste amazing. Takoyaki is famous in Osaka. I love it because it’s delicious and fun to eat with friends.”

▮　Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Street food (ストリートフード): Food sold by vendors in public places.
2. Ball-shaped (球形の): Something that has the shape of a ball.
3. Famous (有名な): Well-known by many people.
4. Delicious (おいしい): Tasting very good.
5. Fun (楽しい): Something that is enjoyable and entertaining.

▮　Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What makes takoyaki your favorite Japanese street food?
2. Why is takoyaki especially famous in Osaka?
3. Can you think of another street food that is fun to eat with friends?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

I am, I don’t, etc.

You can use these verbs in the same way:

●　I haven’t seen the movie, but my sister has. (= my sister has seen the movie)
●　 A: Please help me.
　　 B: I’m sorry. I can’t. (= I can’t help you)

●　 A: Are you tired?
　　 B: I was, but I’m not now. (= I was tired, but I’m not tired now)

●　 A: Do you think Jane will call tonight?’
　　 B: She might. (= she might call)
●　 A: Are you going to study tonight?
　　 B: I should, but I probably won’t. (= I should study, but I probably won’t study)

You cannot use ‘m/’s/’ve, etc. (short forms), in this way. You must use am/is/have, etc.:

●　She isn’t tired, but he is. (not … but he’s)

But you can use isn’t / haven’t / won’t, etc. (negati11e short Jonns):
● My sister has seen the movie, but I haven’t.

You can use I am/ I’m not, etc., after Yes and No:
● “ Are you tired'” “Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.”
● “Will Bill be here tomorrow?” “Yes, he will. / No, he won’t.”

We use do/does for the simple present
● I don’t like hot weather, but Sue does. (= Sue likes hot weather)
● Sue works hard, but I don’t. (= I don’t work hard)

We use did for the simple past

●　A: Did you and Chris like the movie?
● B: I did, but Chris didn’t. (= I liked it, but Chris didn’t like it)
● “I had a good time.” “I did, too.” (= I had a good time, too)
● ” Did it rain yesterday?” “No, it didn’t.”

Using the grammar points above, try to make sentences about Japanese street food. Here are some structures to get you started:

“I haven’t tried , but I’ve heard it’s delicious.”
“Is tasty?” “Yes, it is. / No, it isn’t.”
“Do you like __?” “I do. / I don’t.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 40　　Ramen

Topic Question: “What are the different types of ramen, and which one is your favorite?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the variety of ramen flavors and styles available, including the base of the soup, types of noodles, and common toppings. Then, think about which one you prefer and why.

▮ Sample Answer

“There are several types of ramen, like Shoyu, Miso, Tonkotsu, and Shio. My favorite is Tonkotsu ramen because it has a rich, pork-bone broth that’s creamy and full of flavor.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
　－Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Shoyu (醤油): Soy sauce.
2. Miso (味噌): A seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji.
3. Tonkotsu (豚骨): A broth made from pork bones.
4. Shio (塩): Salt.
5. Rich (濃厚な): Having a strong, full flavor.
6. Pork-bone broth (豚骨スープ): A soup base made by boiling pork bones.
7. Creamy (クリーミーな): Having a thick, smooth texture.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are some different types of ramen?
2. Which type of ramen is your favorite and why?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

It…

We use it for time/day/distance/weather:

Compare it and there:

●　It rains a lot in the winter.
　　It’s vey rainy in the winter.
　　There is a lot of rain in the winter.

●　It was very windy yesterday.
　　There was a strong wind yesterday.

It’s nice to…, etc

●　It’s nice to see you again.
●　It’s impossible to under sta nd her.
●　It wasn’t easy to find your house.

Don’t forget it:

●　It’s raining again. (not Is raining again)
●　Is it true that you’re moving to Dallas? (not Is true that …)

Example Sentences:　　Based on the Sample Answer

1. It’s interesting to try different types of ramen and discover which one you like best. (Expressing an opinion about an activity.)
2. It was difficult to choose my favorite type of ramen because each has its unique taste. (Describing a past difficulty.)
3. It’s nice to share a bowl of ramen with friends on a cold day. (Expressing a pleasant activity.)

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 39　　Bento Boxes

Topic Question: “What kind of food do you put in a bento box?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the variety of foods typically included in a bento box, a traditional Japanese lunchbox that offers a well-balanced meal.

▮ Sample Answer

“In a bento box, you can find rice or noodles, grilled or fried meat like chicken or fish, vegetables, and sometimes pickled or cooked side dishes. There’s also often fruit for dessert.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
　－Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Bento box (弁当箱): A single-portion take-out or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.
2. Grilled (焼いた): Cooked by direct exposure to radiant heat.
3. Fried (揚げた): Cooked in hot fat or oil.
4. Vegetables (野菜): A plant or part of a plant used as food.
5. Pickled (漬けた): Preserved in vinegar or brine.
6. Side dishes (副菜): A dish served separately alongside the main course.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What main components are found in a bento box?
2. Are there desserts in a bento box?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

there was/were, there has/have been, there will be

There was / there were(past)

There has been / there have been(present perfect）

●　Look! There’s been an accident.
　　(there’s been = there has been)
●　This road is very dangerous. There have been many accidents on it.

Compare there was(past):

●　There was an accident last night.
　　(not There has been an accident last night.)

There will be

●　The manager of the company is leav111g, so there will be a new manager soon.
●　I’m going out of town tomorrow. I’m packing my things today because there won’t be time tomorrow.
　　(there won’t be = there will not be)

Example Sentences:　　Based on the Sample Answer

1. There was rice and grilled fish in the bento box yesterday. (Using ‘there was’ for singular or combined items in the past.)
2. There have been many different types of bento boxes over the years. (Using ‘there have been’ for plural items over a period up to now.)
3. There will be a new type of bento box available soon. (Using ‘there will be’ to talk about the future.)

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 38 　Japanese Breakfast

Topic Question: “What do you usually have for breakfast in Japan?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the typical breakfast foods found in Japan, including both traditional and modern options.

▮ Sample Answer

“In Japan, a traditional breakfast usually includes rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. There’s also often green tea. Some people might have bread or eggs instead of rice.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
　－Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Traditional (伝統的な): Relating to or derived from the customs and practices of the past.
2. Rice (ご飯): A staple food in many cultures, especially in Asia, served either steamed or boiled.
3. Miso soup (味噌汁): A traditional Japanese soup consisting of a stock called “dashi” into which softened miso paste is mixed.
4. Grilled fish (焼き魚): Fish that has been cooked over direct heat.
5. Pickled vegetables (漬物): Vegetables preserved in vinegar or brine.
6. Green tea (緑茶): A type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What are the components of a traditional Japanese breakfast?
2. A traditional Japanese breakfast typically includes rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and often green tea.
3. Is bread common in Japanese breakfasts?
4. What kind of tea is usually served with breakfast in Japan?

Mastering Middle School English Grammar

Singular

● There’s a big tree in the yard.
● There’s nothing on TV tonight.
● A: Do you have any money?
　B: Yes, there’s some in my wallet.
● A: Excuse me, is there a hotel near here?
　B: Yes, there is./ No, there isn’t.
● We can’t go skiing. There isn’t any snow.

Plural

● There are some big trees in the yard.
● There are a lot of accidents on this road.
● A: 　Are there any restaurants near here?
　B: 　Yes, there are./ No, there aren’t.
● This restaurant is very quiet. There aren’t many people here.
● How many players are there on a soccer team?
● There are 11 players on a soccer team.

There is and it is

Compare:
●“What’s that noise?” “It’s a train.” (It = that noise)
　　There’s a train at 10:30. It’s a fast train. (It= the 10:30 train)

● There’s a lot of salt in this soup.
　　I don’t like this soup. It’s too salty. (It = this soup)

Example Sentences:

1. There’s rice in every traditional Japanese breakfast.
2. Is there miso soup on the table? Yes, there is.
3. There are pickled vegetables served alongside the main dish.
4. Are there any options for people who prefer bread? Yes, there are.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:

Lesson 37 　　sushi and sashimi

Topic Question: “What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the characteristics of sushi and sashimi, including their ingredients and how they are served.

▮ Sample Answer

“Sushi is a Japanese dish with vinegared rice and various toppings like fish. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish. Sushi includes rice, but sashimi is just the fish.”

▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
　－Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly

1. Dish (料理): A particular preparation of food served as part of a meal.
2. Vinegared rice (酢飯): Rice that has been mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
3. Toppings (トッピング): Ingredients added on top of a dish for flavor or decoration.
4. Thinly sliced (薄切り): Cut into very thin pieces.
5. Raw fish (生魚): Fish that has not been cooked.

▮ Answer the Instructor’s Questions Based on the Sample Answer

1. What is sushi?
2. What is sashimi?
3. How do sushi and sashimi differ?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

Do this! Don’t do that! Let’s do this!

We use come/look/go/wait/do/be, etc., when we tell somebody to do something:

●　Come here and look at this.” “What is it?
●　I don’t want to talk to you. Go away!
●　I’m not ready yet. Please wait for me.
●　Please be quiet. I’m working.
●　Bye! Have a good trip! / Have a nice time1 / Have a good flight! / Have fun! (= I hope you have a good trip, etc.)
●　Have some candy.” “Oh, thanks.　（= would you like some candy?)

We use don’t… when we cell somebody not to do something:

●　Be careful! Don’t fall.
●　Please don’t go. Stay here with me
●　Be here on time. Don’t be late.

You can say Let’s… when you want people to do things with you. (let’s = let us)

●　It’s a nice day. Let’s go out.(= you and I can go out)
●　Come on! Let’s dance. (= you and I can dance)
●　Are you ready? Let’s go.
●　Let’s have fish for dinner tonight
●　A: Should we go out tonight?
　　B: No , I’m tired. Let’s stay home.

Example Sentences:

1. Let’s try making sushi at home tonight.
2. Encouraging a group activity to make sushi.
3. Don’t forget to use fresh fish for sashimi.
4. Let’s have sushi and sashimi for our party.

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: