Blog topics

Here are the last topics for your blogs.

①　In Zootopia Judy is discriminated against because people believe she is too small and weak
        to be a police officer.  Are there any groups of people you think are discriminated against in                Japan?  Why is this so,  and what can we do to stop it?

②   Judy has a growth mind set ( she believes anyone can do anything).
       On the other hand Nick has a fixed mind set ( he believes you are what you are, it is impossible
       to change yourself so,  making an effort is meaningless.)
       Which do you have, a fixed mind set or,  a growth mind set?  Please give some examples why 
       you think so.

③   If you were the Mayor of Zootopia,  what would you do to make it a happier place to live for all
       the animals?


All posts must be at least 100 words. ( 10 points for each )

 Blog deadlines

 Topic 1 ( 11 / 26 ) 
 Topic 2 ( 11 / 29 ) 
 Topic 3 ( 12 / 3 )

Friday, September 20th

Here is the link for today's lesson. http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/lower-intermediate/unit-6/session-1/activity-1

After finishing the 3 activities, please write post ② on your blog.

Tuesday, September 17th.

Please click here for today’s lesson. http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/lower-intermediate/unit-3/session-2/activity-1

Friday, September 13th.

Today, please go to the BBC Learning English website.

Let's try Unit 2 Session 1 ( 3 activities )
Click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/lower-intermediate/unit-2/session-1

After finishing please start your blog (post ①. The deadline is Tuesday, September 17th )

New blog posts.

Welcome back to school everyone! I hope you had a good vacation...
Well, here are the new topics for your blogs.

①  Write about your favorite fashion style. What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
      Do you like smart or casual clothes? Where do you buy clothes, how much do you spend? Etc..

②  Where do you live now? What is it like? What do you like about the place? Is there anything you
      don't like?

③  Write about someone who you admire.  What have they achieved?  Why do you admire them?
      What have they taught you?

④  Write about your bucket list. A bucket list is a list of all the things you want to do before you die.
       Where do you want to go ? Who do you want to meet? What do you want to experience? Etc..

⑤  Free topic, write about anything you want!

All posts must be at least 100 words. Good luck!

New semester! New Topic!

Our new topic for this semester will be 'English in the media'. To help us, we will use the 'BBC Learning English' site. We will learn more about grammar and vocabulary. Also, we will be able to learn how to use English more 'naturally'.
Good luck!http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/lower-intermediate/unit-1/session-1/activity-1

All about Mexico - Presentation -

Please click here...
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13_zvZ7neGC4NOmmdH1LxTXRZ_O5x_s1ldvlP-gsymVE/edit?usp=sharing

For the next blog posts.

Here are the next topics for your blogs.

1. Seize the moment.
 
    Write about a time when you seized the moment. What happened, what did you do? Why was
    that moment important for you?

2.  My family's good points.

    Write about your family and each members good points and unique characteristics.

3.   Different opinions.

      Write about a time you had a disagreement or argument with friends or family.
      Why did you disagree? What happened? How did you solve the problem?

4.  My first trip abroad.

   Write about you experience on your first trip to a foreign country.

5.  Free topic.

    Write about anything that you want!

All posts must be at least 100 words. Deadline,  July 2nd

About the presentations

Next week we are going to do a group presentation about what have learned about recently.
I'd like each person to choose one topic and speak for about 1 minute.

Here are the topics:

1. Share with care.

Why does digital privacy matter?

What is a digital footprint and how can we manage it?

What kind of information should be kept private?

Give some advice about sharing information online for young people.

2. Real or Fake. 

What is phishing? What techniques are used to steal personal information online?

How can we know which website is real or fake?

Give some advice to young people about how to avoid scams online.

3. Passwords and security. 

How can we build a strong password?

Talk about one news story about hacking online.

Give some advice to young people about how to be safe and secure online.

4. Being kind online.

What is cyber bullying and what are the effects on young people?

Talk about one news story about cyber bullying in Japan.

Give some advice to young people about how communicate clearly and kindly online.



About scoring:

Content :  / 5
Style :      / 5
Voice :     / 5 
TOTAL :   /15

THIS IS A PRESENTATION , NOT A READING TEST!

Recently I'm interested in...

Recently, I'm interested in movies,  especially going to the cinema.
Today, a big movie will be released worldwide, the title is Avengers Endgame.
Do you know this movie? The first part, called Infinity War was released last year, so
everyone is waiting to know what will happen in the end. It is expected that Endgame will
earn the most money ever in movie history.

So far, there have been 22 Marvel movies in total.  Since the first movie ( Iron Man ) was released in 2008,  Marvel movies have become more and more popular.  The main characters are Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk , Thor , Black Widow and so on.  Many people are worried that their favorite character will die in this movie, so everyone is waiting nervously to find out.

Due to the popularity of Marvel movies, the company has made a lot of money, not only from the movies but also toys and merchandise. It is likely that Marvel's success will continue in the future as old characters die and new ones are introduced.  Have you seen any Marvel movies? Who is you favorite character? Are you going to watch Avengers Endgame in Golden Week?

If you are interested check out the trailer...

Surprising news

Did you see the news recently?

This week there was a fire at Notre Dame in Paris.
Notre Dame is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world, the name means "Our Lady of Paris" It has a long and interesting history.
It is 850 years old and has been repaired many times. Fortunately it survived bombing in World War Two. Around 12 million visitors go there every year, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Why did the fire happen? Actually, nobody knows. On Monday, while it was being restored, the fire suddenly occurred, and seriously damaged parts of the building.  The French police are investigating now.

I think this is sad news for French people. The building was loved by many people and many old paintings and artwork were destroyed in the fire. The French Prime Minister, Mr Macron said
"We will rebuild Notre Dame even mire beautifully than before" He said it will take about 5 years to
repair completely.  I hope this project can be achieved.


You can read more about this story here https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/16/notre-dame-came-15-to-30-minutes-close-to-complete-destruction

On fire!

The damage from the fire.

Cherry blossom viewing

Spring is here and the cherry blossoms are blooming. In Japan it is a custom to enjoy Hanami
or ( cherry blossom viewing ).  Usually, people take some food or drink to the park and enjoy a
picnic. People of all ages can enjoy this event, from young children to elderly people. It is especially
popular for office workers to hold a party after work, they drink alcohol with their coworkers and
enjoy looking at the blossom lit up at night.

This year I went to Koganei Park near my house, it was my first time to go there. The weather was
sunny and warm and the blossom was in full bloom. My wife made some delicious food and we enjoyed relaxing under the trees.
After taking a nap, we walked around the park and took some photos. ( See below ).

Why is this event so important for Japanese people? I'm not sure, maybe because the cherry blossoms
are a symbol of one year ending and the start of a new one, especially in schools and companies.

 Next year, I'd like to enjoy Hanami again, can you recommend any good cherry blossom spots?

Lunch time !

People playing in the park

Under the blossom

Sakura ( close up )