Wednesday 29 June 2016

Stratford upon Avon


Please watch the video and answer the questions.

  1. Who was born in Stratford upon Avon?
  2. When was he born?
  3. What was his father's job?
  4. What is the population of Stratford?
  5. How many vistors go there a year?
  6. Where was he baptised and buried?
  7. What is your impression of Stratford?
  8. Would you like to visit? Why or why not?
  9. Do you have any questions about Stratford?
Before class prepare to tell the class about a famous historical Japanese person and his or her birth place.

Sunday 26 June 2016

British Expats in Europe


Please watch the above video, it was filmed before Britain voted to leave the European Union.

  1. How do these British expats feel about Britain leaving the European Union?
  2. How will it change their lives?
  3. Why do you think so many British people live in Spain?
  4. How do you feel about the British community in Spain?
  5. Did anything surprise you in the video?
  6. Except for me, do you know any British expats in Kyoto?
  7. There are many English teachers from around the world in Kyoto. How do you feel about the expat community in Kyoto?
Before class think about a country that you would like to live in. Prepare to tell the class: which country; why it would be good for you; how long you would stay and what problems you think that you might have.

Saturday 18 June 2016

Iron Bridge


Please watch the above English lesson about Iron Bridge, a place that was very important at the beginning of the industrial revolution. When I was in secondary school in Birmingham, my class went on an educational trip to Iron Bridge, it is a wonderful place.

Did you enjoy the video? Why or why not?
Was it easy to understand?
What did you learn from the video?
What surprised you in the video?
What new words or expressions did you learn from the video?

Iron Bridge is a small place, but very important in British history.  Please think of a small, but historically important place in Japan and prepare to tell the class about it.

もし英語のくれる、貰うとあげるを勉強したかったら、http://nihongodeeigonobunnpounosetsumei.blogspot.jp/2016/06/blog-post_18.html

Saturday 11 June 2016

Kyoto Taxi Drivers


I have lived in Japan for over seventeen years and ridden in taxies many times. In all that time, I have only had one problem and that was very recently. Since April, Kyoto city has provided a special taxi rank for overseas visitors at Kyoto station and there are many taxies in Kyoto with "foreign friendly" written on them. How do you feel about this service. Please think about these questions before class.

  1. Is it a good service? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think it will be popular with overseas visitors? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think usual taxi drivers feel about this service?
  4. Do you think there could be serious problems with this service?
  5. Have you had a problem with a taxi abroad? Was the problem about languge or politeness?

Before class please think about a service Kyoto could provide for overseas visitors and a new service for Kyoto residents. Be ready to tell the class your ideas.