Lesson 19 　　Baseball

Lesson 19 　　Baseball

Topic Question: “Why is baseball so popular in Japan, and can you recommend a famous team or player?”

▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural significance of baseball in Japan and what makes it so appealing to the Japanese people. Also, consider mentioning a well-known team or player.

▮ Sample Answer

“Baseball is popular in Japan because of its exciting games and team spirit. A famous team is the Nipponham Fighters, and a notable player is Shohei Otani, known for his batting and pitching skills.”

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

1. Popular (人気がある): Liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people.
2. Exciting (エキサイティング): Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
3. Team spirit (チームスピリット): Feelings of camaraderie among the members of a group.
4. Batting (バッティング): The action of hitting the ball with a bat in baseball.
5. Skills (スキル): The ability to do something well.

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

1. Why do you think baseball is so popular in Japan?
2. Can you name a famous baseball team in Japan?
3. Who is a notable baseball player known for their batting and pitching skills?

▮　Mastering Middle School English Grammar

I have done and I did　　 (present perfect and simple past 1)

A:

B: 　We use the present perfect for an action in the past with a result now:

●　 I’ve lost my passport. (= I can’t find my passport now)
●　 Where’s Rebecca? She’s gone to bed. (= she is in bed now)

Usually you can also use the simple past (he washed / I lost, etc.) in these situations. So you
can say:

● Where’s your key? I’ve lost it. or I lost it.

● Is Peter here? No, he’s gone home. or He went home.

Example Sentences:

1. I have watched a Yomiuri Giants game recently. (The experience affects my current feelings about baseball.)
2. Did you see the game last night? Yes, I watched it.”
3. I have always admired the team spirit in Japanese baseball. (My admiration continues to the present.)
4. When did you start following Japanese baseball? I started following it when I was a child.”

Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself: