Topic Question:Can you explain the significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture?
No.1 First, try answering the question yourself. – The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
▮ Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent. The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “Chanoyu” or “Sado,” is more than just drinking tea. It is a spiritual and philosophical ritual that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Originating in the 15th century, it reflects the Zen Buddhist principles and emphasizes the beauty of simple and transient things. The ceremony is meticulously planned and performed, involving specific utensils, attire, and procedures. Each element, from the preparation to the serving of matcha (powdered green tea), is symbolic, aiming to create a moment of harmony between the host and guests. It celebrates the art of hospitality and mindfulness, making it a profound cultural tradition in Japan.
No.2 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings – Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
Spiritual (精神的な): Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul. Meditation is a spiritual practice that helps me find inner peace.
Philosophical (哲学的な): Relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. We had a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life.
Meticulously (細心の注意を払って): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. She meticulously planned her trip to ensure everything went smoothly.
Symbolic (象徴的な): Serving as a symbol of something. The olive branch is symbolic of peace.
Mindfulness (マインドフルネス): The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. Practicing mindfulness can greatly reduce stress and anxiety.
No.3 Key Expressions and Example Sentences – Pronounce the Example Sentences of Key Expressions Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Key Expressions Instantly
1. Embodies (を体現する) This painting embodies the artist’s emotions during a difficult time in his life.
2. Zen Buddhist principles (禅仏教の原則) The concept of simplicity in Zen Buddhist principles has influenced my lifestyle.
3. Art of hospitality (おもてなしの芸術) Japanese culture is renowned for its art of hospitality and meticulous attention to guests’ needs.
No.4 Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer Instructor: What do you think about the philosophical aspects of the tea ceremony?
Do you see any value in incorporating such traditions into modern life?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No.5 Free Discussion on the topic Let’s discuss how traditional rituals like the tea ceremony can play a role in today’s fast-paced society. Can adopting aspects of such ceremonies help improve our quality of life or mindfulness in the modern world?
The library is located north of the main entrance.
● South of – 「…の南に」
The parking lot is situated south of the sports centre.
● East of – 「…の東に」
The student accommodation is found east of the cafeteria.
● West of – 「…の西に」
The science building is west of the library.
● Adjacent to – 「…に隣接して」
The swimming pool is adjacent to the gym.
● Directly across from – 「…の真向かいに」
The art gallery is directly across from the main square.
● To the north/south/east/west of – 「…の北/南/東/西に」
The tennis courts are to the east of the football field.
● Between…and… – 「…と…の間に」
The coffee shop is located between the bookstore and the library.
● In front of – 「…の前に」
There is a bus stop in front of the entrance.
● Behind – 「…の後ろに」
The bicycle parking is behind the main building.
▮ 街や都市の変化を説明する際に役立つ動詞とその使用例
これらの動詞はエリア、ビル、木、工場、施設などに関連する変化を示すために使われます。
● Expand (拡大する)
“The industrial area expanded to include a new manufacturing plant.”
● Develop (開発する)
“A new residential development was constructed on the outskirts of the city.”
● Transform (変形する)
“The old factory was transformed into luxury apartments.”
● Renovate (改修する)
“The city hall was renovated to restore its historical appearance.”
● Rebuild (再建する)
“The community center, damaged by the storm, was completely rebuilt.”
● Demolish (解体する)
“Several dilapidated buildings were demolished to improve city safety.”
● Restore (復元する)
“The ancient ruins were carefully restored for public viewing.”
● Modernize (近代化する)
“The school’s facilities were modernized to support new educational technologies.”
● Clear (撤去する)
“The land was cleared of trees to make room for the new park.”
● Plant (植える)
“Hundreds of new trees were planted along the city streets.”
● Erect (建設する)
“A new monument was erected in the city square to honor veterans.”
● Upgrade (アップグレードする)
“The airport’s runways were upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft.”
● Convert (転換する)
“The old warehouse was converted into a modern art gallery.”
● Enlarge (拡大する)
“The parking lot was enlarged to reduce congestion during peak hours.”
● Beautify (美化する)
“The riverbank was beautified with the addition of walking paths and gardens.”
● Pave (舗装する)
“New roads were paved to improve access to the remote areas.”
● Relocate (移転する)
“The zoo was relocated to a larger, more natural environment outside the city.”
● Refurbish (改装する)
“The old theater was refurbished, including new seating and lighting.”
● Construct (建設する)
“A new bridge was constructed to ease traffic between the city and the suburbs.”
● Excavate (掘る)
“Archaeologists excavated the site, uncovering a previously unknown historical settlement.”
解答例
The Woodwards University’s map portrays the changes from 1985 until now. The most significant change is the demolition of many buildings over 20 years. It can be seen the transformation of some buildings with open-space.
First of all, the Woodwards University replaced the largest car park with a shuttle bus terminal and there was no car park anymore.The small car park was altered to be the lecture theatre between the science libraries and admin building. In addition to this, the road was change into shuttle bus line which connected to all buildings except the farthest, science laboratories and passes by admin building.
There have also combined some buildings. Physics block, chemistry block and biology block in the north east became science laboratories behind the lecture theatre. A library which had been opposite the biggest car park in the past was extended and joined with the IT center which now was in front of the shuttle bus terminal.
Finally, admin building which has large building in 1980 has also altered to be long building in the east. Moreover, the remnants of space was built open-space, such as footpaths. （187 words )
The library is located north of the main entrance.
● South of – 「…の南に」
The parking lot is situated south of the sports centre.
● East of – 「…の東に」
The student accommodation is found east of the cafeteria.
● West of – 「…の西に」
The science building is west of the library.
● Adjacent to – 「…に隣接して」
The swimming pool is adjacent to the gym.
● Directly across from – 「…の真向かいに」
The art gallery is directly across from the main square.
● To the north/south/east/west of – 「…の北/南/東/西に」
The tennis courts are to the east of the football field.
● Between…and… – 「…と…の間に」
The coffee shop is located between the bookstore and the library.
● In front of – 「…の前に」
There is a bus stop in front of the entrance.
● Behind – 「…の後ろに」
The bicycle parking is behind the main building.
▮ 街や都市の変化を説明する際に役立つ動詞とその使用例
これらの動詞はエリア、ビル、木、工場、施設などに関連する変化を示すために使われます。
● Expand (拡大する)
“The industrial area expanded to include a new manufacturing plant.”
● Develop (開発する)
“A new residential development was constructed on the outskirts of the city.”
● Transform (変形する)
“The old factory was transformed into luxury apartments.”
● Renovate (改修する)
“The city hall was renovated to restore its historical appearance.”
● Rebuild (再建する)
“The community center, damaged by the storm, was completely rebuilt.”
● Demolish (解体する)
“Several dilapidated buildings were demolished to improve city safety.”
● Restore (復元する)
“The ancient ruins were carefully restored for public viewing.”
● Modernize (近代化する)
“The school’s facilities were modernized to support new educational technologies.”
● Clear (撤去する)
“The land was cleared of trees to make room for the new park.”
● Plant (植える)
“Hundreds of new trees were planted along the city streets.”
● Erect (建設する)
“A new monument was erected in the city square to honor veterans.”
● Upgrade (アップグレードする)
“The airport’s runways were upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft.”
● Convert (転換する)
“The old warehouse was converted into a modern art gallery.”
● Enlarge (拡大する)
“The parking lot was enlarged to reduce congestion during peak hours.”
● Beautify (美化する)
“The riverbank was beautified with the addition of walking paths and gardens.”
● Pave (舗装する)
“New roads were paved to improve access to the remote areas.”
● Relocate (移転する)
“The zoo was relocated to a larger, more natural environment outside the city.”
● Refurbish (改装する)
“The old theater was refurbished, including new seating and lighting.”
● Construct (建設する)
“A new bridge was constructed to ease traffic between the city and the suburbs.”
● Excavate (掘る)
“Archaeologists excavated the site, uncovering a previously unknown historical settlement.”
解答例
The Woodwards University’s map portrays the changes from 1985 until now. The most significant change is the demolition of many buildings over 20 years. It can be seen the transformation of some buildings with open-space.
First of all, the Woodwards University replaced the largest car park with a shuttle bus terminal and there was no car park anymore.The small car park was altered to be the lecture theatre between the science libraries and admin building. In addition to this, the road was change into shuttle bus line which connected to all buildings except the farthest, science laboratories and passes by admin building.
There have also combined some buildings. Physics block, chemistry block and biology block in the north east became science laboratories behind the lecture theatre. A library which had been opposite the biggest car park in the past was extended and joined with the IT center which now was in front of the shuttle bus terminal.
Finally, admin building which has large building in 1980 has also altered to be long building in the east. Moreover, the remnants of space was built open-space, such as footpaths. （187 words )
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
＜TIPS＞
● Write one grammatically correct sentence.
● Use the given two words (phrases).
● The sentence should match the photo.
(There’s no need to write a long sentence.
● When describing objects, the present tense is fine, but when it comes to people or animals, since it’s an action happening right now, please write in the present continuous tense
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
Directions: Write ONE sentence base on the picture. Use the TWO words or phrases under the picture. You may change the forms, or the words and you may use them in any order.
Practice: (Apart from the actual test mentioned above, please create three sentences.)
