blog #9/10: reaction to class topics

For blog #9, please summarize your opinion about ONE of the topics you heard about in class on Friday the 23rd. Choose whether you are for or against the issue and why. Post your entry by Wednesday June 28th.
For blog #10, do the same for ONE of the topics you heard about in class on Friday June 23rd. Post this entry by Wednesday July 5th.
Remember that you need to comment on at least TWO of your classmates' blogs every week. After the entry on July 5th, this is the last time you will have to comment on your classmates' blogs.

Blog #7/8: women-only train cars and free topic

For blog #7, summarize your opinion from today's class. Are you for or against women-only train cars. Why? Post your response by Wednesday June 14th.
Blog #8 is a free blog. Write about anything you wish.
Remember to comment on at least 2 classmates' blogs every week as well.

Blog #5/6

For blog #5, choose one of the questions below and answer it. These are all questions related to superstitions/supernatural, etc.--our new topic.
1) What is your view on fortune tellers? Do you think some of them are genuine or are they just con-artists? (con-artist=someone who tries to trick or cheat other people and get their money)
2) Have you had any very mysterious experience in your life that you couldn't explain? For example, an encounter with a ghost or any kind of supernatural experience...
3) Choose some interesting Japanese superstitions and explain their meaning/origin. Imagine that you are writing for someone who does not know much about Japanese culture.

For blog #6, you can write about a free topic OR you can choose one more question from #5 and answer it.

Post blog #5 by Wednesday, May 31st and blog #6 by June 7th.

Contest #4

Look at this picture and answer the following questions. 1) In what country was this picture taken? 2) This country has been in the news a lot these days. Why? What's happening in the country now? You must answer BOTH questions to win this contest. Good luck!

Where was this picture taken and why is this country in the news these days? 

Blog #4/#5

Blog #4/#5

For blog #4, you are to write about the theme of today’s lesson—“The American Dream.” You have a choice between the two following questions:

1) From what you have learned and discussed, do you think the American dream really exists? Why or why not?
2) What do you think the “Japanese Dream” would be? What special opportunities do people have if they are born in Japan or decide to live in Japan? What makes Japan special?

Post your blog by Wednesday May 17^th.

Blog #5 is a free blog. Write on any topic you wish and post your blog by Wednesday May 24^th.

Blog #2/#3

For blog #2, choose three pieces of advice from the article which I gave you ("Planning the Perfect Holiday) and explain why you chose them. Write at least 150 words and post your blog by Wednesday May 3rd. Also comment on at least two of your classmates' blogs from the week before.

For blog #3, write about any topic you like. It doesn't have to be about travel. Write at least 150 words and comment on at least two of your classmates' blogs from the week before. Post your blog by Wednesday May 10th.

Contest #3: Where am I?

Here is our newest travel photo contest. I am very happy in this photo because I'm eating a very yummy local food. What country am I in? The only hint I will give you is that of the guidebooks I brought to class, this country was one of them. You don't need the name of the food...just guess the country. Each student gets only 1 guess each, since I gave you a good hint...

Where am I? 

Photo Contest Hint!

No one has guessed the location in Japan where I ate that lovely meal yet. Again, the hint is the tofu. Doesn't it look very silky? And surprisingly, it also has one of the same ingredients of a Big Mac bun!

Contest #2: Thailand Trivia

I have a new contest for you. We were talking about movies filmed in Thailand and some students answered "Anna and the King." Even though this movie is about Thailand, it was NOT filmed in Thailand. Why not? It's a difficult question, but you can find the answer on the internet. As usual, only the first correct answer will get the prize. Remember, the early bird gets the worm.

Blog #1: A Trip to Thailand

Blog Assignment: Thailand Trip

For your first blog, your assignment is to summarize the trip which you planned today. Write in the future tense where you are going to go in Thailand, why you chose each place, and what you are going to do there. Try to recycle some of the language from today’s article. For example:

We are going to spend three days on Ko Samui because I want to see what a lush green island looks like.

We’re going to Pattaya because I like nightlife, so I want to check out the riotous nightclub scene.

--Post your blog by next Wednesday, April 26th. Write at least 150 words.
--Remember to comment on at least 2 of your classmates blogs from the week before. This means that you will comment on their self-introductions. Next week you will comment on this blog.

The Meaning of John's Lucky 11

My blog has kind of a strange title, so I just wanted to explain it, even though I think it's self-explanatory. As you know, we have 11 students in this class, which I think is a really good number. It's one of the smallest classes I've had at Kangaku, so it will give you many chances to interact and communicate deeply with your classmates. So, with a class size of 11, I thought that both the students and the teacher are lucky, so I named my blog for this class "John's Lucky 11."