Foreign countries

I have ever been to Thailand, Korea, the U.S. and Australia. I have my relatives in Thailand. That’s why I have ever been there more three times. The last summer, I went there with my family and saw the relatives. The temperature was as high as Kumamoto. I was surprised at different cultures when I went to the U.S. I stayed with a host family then. I also stayed with a host family in Australia too. I would like to go to Europe for sightseeing now. Also, I really want to study English in Canada.

95

Best Friend of Yuki M.

I heard about Rie, best friend of Yuki M, from Yukiko. Rie has big eyes and long brown hair. She has the average height of Japanese women. I also heard that Yuki had told Rie had no habits. No habits!? I wonder that she has no habits. Her good points are calm and she is interested in a lot of things. Yuki likes to be with her. They met at Freshman camp, and they got to be friends. Yuki's best memory is when she made a very big okonomiyaki, went to karaoke with Rie, and staying with her.

99

Writing 1,2-last year 6

The most important invention

There are a lot of convenient things such as cars, airplanes, ships, refrigerators, TV, phone, air conditioners, computers, washing machines in present-day life. We men of today consider them ordinary because they are near to ourselves. These inventions are very convenient and important but I think that ships are the most important invention of all. First, we can transport large quantities of loads. Each different country trades. Trade is necessary. Japan particularly needs to import food because food self-sufficient rate in Japan is row. Ships are useful to transport big and heavy things such as cars too. If we use airplanes, we can transport quickly but we can’t use them to transport lots of big and heavy things, so ships are the best way to trade. Second, long-distance transport is possible. When there were no ships, people walked and rode hoses to move from place to place and they could not cross over the sea. That’s why people only knew their different land, a part of earth. It takes a long time to sail but ships can stop countries and islands easier than airplanes. Third, human history was produced by development ships. This is the most important point. Judging by the history, human beings have used ships since long time ago. On and after being invented first ships, human beings use them in various cases. For trade, war, voyage, emigration and so on. Without ships, human society could not development. These are the reasons why I think ships are the most important invention.

253

Writing 1,2-last year 5

Differences of a giving culture between Japan and Western countries

When you get a gift from someone, you must be happy. However, it is better for you to know foreign cultures because there are a lot of differences of a giving culture between Japan and Western countries. First, Japanese people don’t get and open a gift immediately. On the contrary, Western people get it without objecting and they open it immediately. Most of Japanese people think it is a virtue to decline the gift at first and get it finally because they don’t like greed. Second, people always wrap gifts up whatever small gifts they are, who repay in Japan but Western people do not always do that. I think that Japanese people feel it is important to show the other their modest attitudes. Third, in Japan, there is a custom of giving souvenirs to people other than their family and friends when they travel. The reason why they would like the others to have the experience of the trip or that they would like to show their gratitude. However, it is hard to buy a lot of souvenirs because they have to pay much money and time to choose. That’s why I think the custom is good but kind of trouble. If you have a chance to give a gift to a foreigner, please remember differences of a giving culture between Japan and Western countries like these.

228

Writing 1,2-last year 4

The U.S. government should not spend more money on space programs.

Recently, space technology in the U.S. has got more advanced. In my opinion, I don’t think the U.S. should spend more money on space programs. First, they already have enough space technologies such as space satellites, spaceships, cosmic rockets and so on. They don’t need any more technologies. They are sure to be able to predict a collision with meteorites and protect earth from them. Secondly, it is not necessary to build a space station. We don’t have to go to space because we human beings live on the earth. Going to space involves many risks. Finally, they should spend more money on the other things. To give some examples, economic measures, social security, environmental problems and so on. There are many other problems I think these things should take priority over the space programs. Space programs are not as important as problems on earth. That’s why I don’t agree that the U.S. government should spend money on space programs.

160

Writing 1,2-last year 3

Ways to prevent chapped hands

When it gets cold and dry, people’s hands tend to get dry and chapped. In bad cases, people whose hands are chapped can’t use them because of the pain. There are some ways to prevent chapped hands. First, apply hand cream to your hands frequently, even when is not cold. Your hands are so dry after washing them that you should apply hand cream then in particular. You should moisturize them. Second, cut down on using soap when you wash your hands as much as possible. Because they are made from chemical matter and they take moisture from your skin, which is not so good for skin. If you care about washing your hands with soap, you can use baby soap or natural soap. Third, put gloves on when your hands are numb with cold and when you ride a bike or motorcycle. In addition, you should wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes. They can protect your hands from dish washing liquid. In this way you can prevent chapped hands.

171

Writing 1,2-last year 2

I’m an American Idol !!!

I’m an American idol now. When I was 25 years old, I emigrated to America in order to make my debut there. I contracted with a record company and debuted. The next year, I became a popular singer. Now I’m sooo busy. I usually work at a TV station and a studio of the record company I contract with. I also work at home in order to write lyrics. On Mondays, I record music on tape whole a day. On Tuesdays, I give an interview in the morning and I have my photo taken for magazines in the afternoon. Wednesdays are the busiest day. I move from place to place in order to appear on TV shows. The TV shows are broadcast on Friday nights and Monday nights. I always watch them and find points I should reflect on. I also have a TV recording on Thursday but it’s not so hard for me because I just have to sit and talk. Sometimes I can see famous people such as Mariah Carey, Utada, and Madonna, at the TV station. From Friday to Sunday, I have my live concerts. I’m really excited every time. Thanks to the support from my fans, I can enjoy singing. I’m going to give a concert in Japan one of these days. I’m an American idol but I’d like to debut in Japan too.

233

Writing 1,2-last year 1

Happy Life in Canada with My Family
I have a happy life. I’m in 34 years old now. I live in Canada with my family and work at Vancouver International Airport. I’m in charge of “Air Canada” and “Japan Air Line”.

I have two daughters who go to elementary school and kinder garden. Because they speak Japanese at home, and English at school, they can speak both Japanese and English. The oldest is 7 years old. Her name is Clare. She likes dancing and listening to music, so she dances with her friends everyday. My second daughter is 4 years old, Reira. She likes pretty, shiny, fluffy things. Yes, she likes princesses. She wants to be a princess like Cinderella. Names of Clare and Reira are easy to say for people who speak English. Moreover, they are Japanese names too, so if they go back to Japan, they can use them.

My husband is a famous photographer who travels around the world. His name is Ren. He works at a fashion magazine and takes photographs of models. We have lived in Canada for 3 years. We are going to go back to Japan and staying there during the summer vacation. I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends in Japan. When we go back to Japan, I’d like to tell them, “I lead a happy life in Canada with my family!!”

232

Megumu

I'll tell you about one of my friends, Megumu N. She got to be 20 last month. She is so pretty. She looks mori-girl. I mean, she is naturally cute. She seems to be in a forest and get along with a lot of animals like a fairy. I like her fashion, of course her too. She is not only pretty but also a nice girl. She is kind, and warm. I think she is loved by everyone. She is really good! I often go to a movie with her. We both like Disney movies. We have ever seen Alice in Wonderland and Christmas Carol. The other time, I would like to see Toy Story 3.

116

I want to be...

If I could be an animal, I would like to be a swan. I would like to fly like birds. Among of all birds, I think swans are most beautiful. If I was a swan, I would like to fly around the world. Also, I would like to float gracefully on the water surface. Perhaps a prince fall in love with me like a fairy tale. That’s why I would like to be a swan.

75

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

USBORNE YOUNG READING

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrated by Anna Luraschi

978-1-4095-0532-7

The king told Prince Marcus. "If you fail, I'll cut off your head!"

Prince Marcus had failed- and the king wasn't joking about chopping off his head.

How cruel the king is. Also, he is too strict that he forbid his daughters to dance. According to me, princesses should be able to dance because they have to make their debut in society. They may have to attend social dancing. Dancing elegantly is important.

Ralph, a magician, was clever. He noticed that Annabel was up to put him to sleep. He also could disappear. That's just what one would expected of a magician. He finally discovered the secret of the princesses. I like the ending.

122

Shutter Island

Shutter Island (2010/ the U.S.)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio

my review ★★★☆☆

I went to see a movie last Wednesday. I saw Shutter Island. I've heard that it was interesting.

Well, my impression, it was exactly interesting but not satisfactory. There were some thrilling scenes but I felt the end was ordinary. I could imagine it in the middle even I didn't find riddles. However, I think someone who don't see mystery films very often may don't understand. Also, there are some terrible scenes in this film. I can't forget a man whose face was covered with blood.

96

My other classes

I have more 14 classes besides writing class. The most interesting class of all is history of American literature. Mukai sensei always shows us various movies such as The Last of the Mohicans, Sleepy Hollow, Moby Dick. She also tells us about old American habits and cultures. It is good for us to know America. I like the class. However, I am worried about the report. I hope I can make it. On the contrary, I don't like linguistics. I am interested in "linguistics", but the class is boring for me.

91

TOEFL/BBQ

Yesterday I took TOEFL in the morning. It was difficult. I could not solve in time, so i chose all B of the last five questions. I have to study more and more! After that, I went to Luther university in order to take part in BBQ. However, it was not held there. it was at the ground in Kikunan!! I got a map and I immediately moved there. I took a wrong way, but finally I got there. There were many people. Exchange students of KGU also were there. I was so happy because I saw a high school friend of mine, Kanako. I introduced Kie, a Thai, to her. Kanako and Kie could be friends.

119

Self introduction

In 1990, on June 8th, I was born as the oldest child in Kanagawa prefecture. A few years later, I moved to Nagano and lived there for a year or two. Then, I moved to Kumamoto when I was 4 or 5 years old. I entered an elementary school in Amakusa. There were only 24 children in my grade. I had got along with all of them, but I moved to Kumamoto city 3 years later because my father decided to work there.
I have 4 younger sisters and 1 younger brother. We have each own character. Some people say we look like each others, but I don’t think so. I am often asked whether I am a person of mixed parentage or not. That is exactly right because my father is a Thai, and my mother is a Japanese. However, most of people who ask me think I am half European or American and half Japanese because I have fair skin.
My father can speak three languages-Thai, Japanese and English. I started studying English on his advice when I was 10. I used to go to an English conversation school every Saturday. When I was 12, I also started studying with a private teacher. That is a start I am interested in English and Foreign countries.
Countries where I have ever been are Thailand, Korea, Australia and America. I stayed with local family when I went to America and Australia. I confused different cultures and national character, however, I had really amazing time and I liked English better and better.
And now, I am a university student, major in English. I like listening to music, especially foreign music, and I also like watching movies and sitcoms. I really want to study abroad next year. I want to improve my English skill. I have to improve it. In my future, I hope I would work all over the world.

319

My GW :)

I had my pictures for coming-of-age ceremony taken on May 1st. I wore furisode. I really enjoyed that. On May 2nd, I went to a summer house and had BBQ with my family. However, I had a cold that time, so I could not enjoy it very much. We stayed there, and saw a movie, 2012, at that night. It was so interesting! From my point of view, I think it was more exciting than The Day After Tomorrow. The next day, Serena, one of my sisters, and I went back home because we had things to do. On May 3rd, I went to Tosu and Tenjin. with my family. I went shopping!

113

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrated by Anna Luraschi

USBORNE YOUNG READING

978079451628-4

This is a very famous story, but I didn't know all of this story. I have never read it to the end.
The Nutcracker said "The kitchen mice are plotting to kidnap you." to Clara. Hold on. I wonder why the mice tried to kidnap Clara. The Mouse King wanted her to be his bride? Well, I think I have to read the original.
I really like the scene the Nutcracker and Clara went to the Land of Sweets, and they watched dancers' performances.
I also have to see a movie, a musical show and a cartoon film because I want to see their dancing.

113

Food / eating habits

I like eating. I want to eat all I want. In my case, it is hard to get weight. I am too thin, so I want to get stout a little more. I actually could have a heavy eating before, but I can't now. When I was a junior high school student, I really used to eat too much. However, considering a health, eating too much is not good for heath. I also cut down on chips, and chocolates.

79

Kimono

I had these pictures taken on May 1 st. It was Maedori- advance photography for coming-of-age
celemony.
During the photography, I felt dizzy because the obi was too tight and the lights were hot. I also felt it was difficult to keep an expression and pose. I learned that it was hard to have photos taken. However, I had a really great time. I enjoyed it. The album will be completed by September. I want to show my family it.

80

The Reluctant Dragon

The Reluctant Dragon

Kenneth Grahame

Adapted by Katie Daynes

USBORNE FIRST READING

978-0-7460-9694-9

Whoever heard of a dragon who doesn't like fighting? And what will happen when the boldest dragon fighter of them all comes to stay?

I knew this story. Maybe I have seen a Disney film with the same name a long time ago. It is included in Mickey And The Beanstalk. Check it!

The dragon was cute. When we imagine dragons, we usually consider that they are big, strong and fierce, so it was natural that the villagers were afraid of the dragon. But he was not! He was reluctant. He was gentle. Yes, "The dragon wouldn't hurt a fly." The boy's work was awesome! Thanks to him, everybody became happy. How wonderful!

I like this story :)

125

No pants-sagging in formal situations

No pants-sagging in formal situations

People should not sag pants in formal situations. In The Vancouver Winter Olympic, Mao Asada became the center of the public attention as a candidate for a gold medal, but Kazuhiro Kokubo also attracted our attention for a different reason. : He wore Japan’s official Olympic uniform untidy. I don’t oppose pants-sagging but he should not do that in the official uniform. I have two reasons. At first, the Olympics are the worldly athletic competitions. Players who take part in it are representatives of their countries. Kazuhiro Kokubo is also one of the national representatives. Like other young snowboarders, he also takes in a hip-hop culture, including pants-sagging. Secondly, pants-sagging seems very untidy. Legs look short and underpants are completely exposed. Nobody wants to see them. It is OK that people who have hip-hop cultures sag pants in their world, but in formal situations, they should be properly in order to let people feel comfortable.

160

Apr. 30th

I don't remember what I did on 29th. I think I just stayed at home.

On 30th, I had 2 classes. International society and Japan and American-literature history. I watched a movie, The Last of the Mohicans, at American-literature history class.
When I was watching it, I found one thing. Magua who is a native guide (Huron) exactly looked like Hayashi sensei!!!! I stealthily told my friends about that. We burst out laughing without voice.
Ayano and I saw him after the class and told him that. He asked us about Magua, such as "Was he a good guy?" "Did he die?" "How?"
Oh, I was sorry. But he was bad. He was killed.
Hayashi sensei laughed.


I had a good day.

117

Apr. 28th

I don't usually go to school on Wednesday because I have no classes, but I did last Wednesday. Yui asked me to go to the English Lounge.

I saw Yui and Megumu in front of Ichigoukan. When we went to English Lounge, there were some exchange students. Few minutes later, Ayano, Eri and Yukko also came. Because two Kendai's teachers came with Rick, we told them what kind of room it is. Then, all of them except me had gone to classes. I cleaned the room up and I went to a library.

After that, I went to Success Academy to apply TOFEL. It took only 5 minutes. It was before 3 o'clock. Oh, I should have stayed longer at a library. Why? I had made a reservation for a beauty salon at 4 o'clock, so I had to kill time. I couldn't go back to school because there are no free parking areas. I've already paid 400 yen for kengeki parking.

That was why, I decided I went for a drive by myself. I guess I was hanging around Suisenji, Obiyama and Nagamine.

I went to a beauty salon on time. I had my hair cut and dyed. There was a problem. It always takes about 90 minutes, but that day, It took about 3hours!! There were many guests, so they seemed to have a hard time because they were shorthanded. However, that was the only day when I had a plan!!! How unlucky I was!! I had an appointment to go to movie(Alice in Wonderland) with Megumu. The movie began from 18:20. OMG! I sent e-mails to Megumu and asked her to go ahead. I finally got to the movie about 7 o'clock. Thanks to her, I could go inside smoothly. She bought my ticket and put it in a receipt. I could not see the part of for about 20 minutes, however, it was good.

When we went outside, it was raining, so I drove Megumu to her home.

328

Sayano's older brother

I heard about Sayano's brother from Eri. He is older than her but he is as tall as her. He is thin. He has a stoop and black hair. According to Sayano, he is terrible but sometimes he is kind. He wants to be cool. I think he should be always kind to girls such as his sister.

59