Elementary Reading Lesson21-30

Read the article and have a discussion based on the following questions.

記事を読んで次の質問に応えてください。

Lesson 21:The Train and the Elderly Man

The Train and the Elderly Man

Last Saturday, I took a train to visit my friend’s house. I was excited to see her. On the train, I saw two high school students. They ran to get on the train at Midori Station and sat next to me. I could see they were in a hurry, and they looked a little nervous.

Soon, the two students started talking very loudly. They were talking about school and their plans for the weekend. I didn’t like it because it was very noisy. Many people on the train looked unhappy too. Some people even gave the students angry faces. I wanted to say,

“Please speak quietly,” but I was too shy to say anything.

Then, an old man stood up. He was sitting a few seats away. He walked to the students and spoke gently. He said, “Excuse me. Can you please speak more quietly? Please think about other people.” The students looked around and saw the unhappy faces of the people. They seemed surprised.

One student said, “Oh, I’m sorry.” The other student said, “I didn’t think about the people around me.”

At the next station, they got off the train. The train became much quieter after that.

Later, I told my friend Yuki about what happened. She said, “The old man was very kind and brave to speak up.” I said, “Yes, I think so too. He did the right thing.”

Questions

1. What did the two students do when they sat near the speaker?

2. What did the elderly man ask the students to do?

3. What did the speaker say to their friend Yuki later about the elderly man?

4. Have you ever been in a public place where people were noisy? How did you feel?

（あなたはこれまでに、騒がしい人がいる公共の場所にいたことがありますか？

　そのとき、あなたはどう感じましたか？）

5. If you were the elderly man, would you speak to the students? Why or why not?

（もしあなたがその高齢の男性だったら、学生たちに声をかけますか？

　それはなぜですか、またはなぜそうしないのですか？）

6. Do you think it’s important to give your seat to elderly people on the train? Why or why not?（電車で高齢の人に席を譲ることは大切だと思いますか？それはなぜですか、またはなぜそう思いませんか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a) 高齢の男性は電車で学生たちを助けた。
  The (e　) man helped the students on the train.

  b) 彼女は毎日電車で仕事に行きます。
  She (t　) a (t    ) to work every day.

  c) 彼らは駅で電車に乗るために走った。
  They ran to (g　)(o     ) the train at the station.

  d) その二人の学生は電車で私の隣に座った。
  The two students sat (n　)(t    ) me on the train.

  e) 彼女は電車に乗るために急いでいた。
  She was (i　) a (h    ) to catch the train.

  f) 彼は発表の前に緊張していた。
  He felt (n　) before his presentation.

  g) 子供たちは公園で大声で話していた。
  The children were talking (l　) in the park.

  h) その通りは交通のせいでうるさかった。
  The street was (n　) because of the traffic.

  i) 先生は遅刻した学生たちに怒っていた。
  The teacher was (a　) with the students for being late.

  j) その学生たちは電車の他の人たちのことを考えなかった。
  The students didn’t think about (o　)(p    ) on the train.

  k) 彼女は誰かが自分を見ているか周りを見た。
  She (l　)(a    ) to see if anyone was watching her.

  l) 彼らは次の駅で電車を降りた。
  They (g　)(o    ) the train at the next station.

  m) その老人は学生たちに声をかけるのがとても勇敢だった。
  The old man was very (b　) to speak up to the students.

Lesson 22:Hana’s First Speech

Hana’s First Speech

Next Sunday, Hana will make a speech in English in front of many teachers from other countries. She is very nervous. After class, she went to talk to her teacher, Mr. Brown.

“Mr. Brown, I need to make a speech next Sunday. It’s in front of many teachers from other countries. I feel very nervous. Can you help me?”

“Of course, Hana,” said Mr. Brown with a smile. “First, you should write a good speech. Think about your main message, and make your points clear.”

“OK,” said Hana. “But I don’t know what kind of words to use.”

“You should use simple words,” Mr. Brown said. “That way, everyone can understand you easily.”

“I see. But I’m also very shy. I’m not good at looking at people when I speak.”

“That’s normal,” said Mr. Brown. “You don’t have to look right into people’s eyes. You can look at their nose or forehead. It’s easier.”

“That’s a good idea,” Hana said. “Maybe I can try that.”

“And remember,” said Mr. Brown, “speak in a loud voice so everyone can hear you. Also, speak slowly. When we are nervous, we often speak too fast.”

“I understand,” said Hana. “Thank you, Mr. Brown. I’ll try to write a simple speech and practice it at home.”

“You’re welcome, Hana,” said Mr. Brown. “I know you can do it. Just be yourself and do your best.”

Hana felt much better. She smiled and was ready to start.

Questions

1. What is Hana going to do next Sunday?

2. What advice does Mr. Brown give Hana about writing the speech?

3. Which part of the face does Mr. Brown tell Hana to look at if she feels shy?

4. Have you ever made a speech in front of many people? How did you feel?
　（あなたは大勢の人の前でスピーチをしたことがありますか？そのとき、どんな気持ちでしたか？）

5. When do you feel the most nervous?（あなたが一番緊張するのはどんな時ですか？）

6. What do you usually do when you feel nervous?（緊張したとき、ふだんあなたは何をしますか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a) 彼は妹の結婚式でスピーチをしました。
  He (m    ) a (s    ) at his sister’s wedding.

  b) 彼女は学校のみんなの前で歌いました。
  She sang (i    )(f    )(o    ) the whole school.

  c) 私は面接の前に緊張していました。
  I was (n    ) before the job interview.

  d) 先生は宿題の説明をはっきりさせました。
  The teacher (m    ) the homework instructions (c    ).

  e) どんな種類の本を読むのが好きですか？
  (W    )(k    )(o    ) books do you like to read?

  f) 長い一日のあとに疲れるのは普通のことです。
  It’s (n    ) to feel tired after a long day.

  g) 彼は彼女の目を見て「ありがとう」と言いました。
  He (l    )(i    )(h    )(e    ) and said thank you.

  h) 彼女は走ったあと、額に汗をかいていました。
  She had sweat on her (f    ) after running.

  i) 明日傘を持ってくるのを忘れないでください。
  (R     ) to bring your umbrella tomorrow.

  j) その文を大きな声で読んでください。
  Please read the sentence (i    ) a (l    )(v    ).

  k) 他人のことを気にせず、自分らしくいてください。
  Don’t worry about what others think—just (b    )(y    ).

  l) テストでは最善を尽くしてください。
  Just(d    )(y    )(b    ) on the test.

Lesson 23: Nagasaki Days – A Trip to Remember

Nagasaki Days – A Trip to Remember

Hi everyone,

I want to say thank you to all of you. Thank you for helping me during my time in Nagasaki. When I was in Australia, my family was worried because I was going to live in a new country. But my life in Nagasaki was not difficult. I didn’t speak Japanese well, but you spoke to me in English and helped me to learn Japanese. I was very happy about that.

Two things surprised me. First, students clean the school every day. We don’t do that in Australia. At first, I thought it was strange, but now I understand it is a good habit. After cleaning, I always felt refreshed. Second, I was surprised that all students wear school uniforms. In Australia, we can wear our own clothes. But I think uniforms are very useful. You don’t need to think about what to wear every day, and it’s also more economical for families.

One of my best memories is the school trip to Kyoto in May. We went there by train. I saw many beautiful temples and shrines. I especially liked Kinkaku-ji. It was shiny and peaceful. We also walked through a bamboo forest and took many pictures. At night, we stayed in a Japanese-style hotel and slept on futons. We ate traditional Japanese food like miso soup and tempura. Everything was delicious.

I will never forget my days in Nagasaki. I learned many things and made many good friends. I hope we can keep in touch. Thank you again for everything.

Questions

1. What surprised the writer about Japanese schools?

2. Why does the writer think school uniforms are a good idea?

3. How did the writer feel after cleaning the classrooms?

4. Do you think wearing a school uniform is a good idea? Why or why not?
（あなたは、制服を着ることは良い考えだと思いますか？ そう思う理由、またはそう思わない理由は何ですか？）

5. What school trip do you remember the most? What did you do there?
（あなたが最も覚えている修学旅行は何ですか？ そこで何をしましたか？）

6. If you had a chance to study in another country, where would you like to go and why?
（もし他の国で勉強するチャンスがあったら、どこに行きたいですか？ それはなぜですか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a) 母は私の健康について心配していました。
  My mother (w    )(w    )(a    ) my health.

  b) 最初はその映画に興味がありませんでした。
  (A    )(f    ), I wasn’t interested in the movie.

  c) この音はとても変に聞こえます。
  This sound is very (s    ).

  d) 朝にジョギングをするのが彼の習慣です。
  It is his (h    ) to jog in the morning.

  e)  私は何を食べるべきか迷っています。
  I don’t know (w    )(t    ) eat.

  f) この車はとても経済的でガソリンをあまり使いません。
  This car is very (e    ) and doesn’t use much gas.

  g) その神社は山の上にあります。
  The (s    ) is on top of the mountain.

  h) 私は果物の中で特にイチゴが好きです。
  I like fruits, (e    ) strawberries.

  i) 彼の靴はとても光っていました。
  His shoes were very (s    ).

  j) この公園はとても静かで気に入っています。
  This park is very (p    ) and I like it.

  k) 私たちは竹林を歩いて写真を撮りました。
  We walked through a (b    )(f   ) and took pictures.

  l)  昨夜はよく眠れました。
  I (s    ) well last night.

  m) 私たちは伝統的な音楽を聴きました。
  We listened to (t    ) music.

  n) 卒業しても連絡を取り合おうね。
  Let’s (k    )(i    )(t    ) after graduation.

Lesson 24:A New Hobby in Saga

A New Hobby in Saga

I moved to Saga two years ago. There are many interesting things in Saga, such as pottery, the town of Arita, and beautiful nature. Each culture has a long history. I wanted to learn more about it.

One day, I was eating dinner with my family. My grandmother was using a very beautiful plate. It looked special. I said, “Grandma, can you show me your new plate? I love the pretty patterns. Where did you buy it?”

She smiled and said, “I didn’t buy it. I made it at a pottery class in Saga. You can try it too. Do you want to go?”

I was surprised. “Really? I didn’t know we can make pottery in Saga! I want to try it!”

A few days later, I went to the pottery class. At first, it was difficult to make the shape, but the teacher helped me a lot. After the class, I said, “Thank you very much. I had a lot of fun.”

The teacher said, “I’m happy to hear that. Pottery is a traditional craft in Saga. I want to share this culture with young people.”

When I got home, I called my friend. I told him about the class and we decided to join the next one together.

Questions

1. Where did the writer move to?

2. What traditional craft did the writer try in Saga?

3. Who told the writer about the pottery class?

4. Do you think learning about local culture is important? Why or why not?
（地域の文化について学ぶことは大切だと思いますか？その理由も教えてください。）

5. Would you like to try a pottery class if you have a chance? Why or why not?
（もし機会があれば、陶芸教室を体験してみたいと思いますか？その理由も教えてください。）

6. What is your hobby?（あなたの趣味は何ですか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)彼女は趣味として絵を描くのを楽しんでいます。
  She enjoys painting as a (h　).

  b) 私の家族は去年大阪に引っ越しました。
  My family (m　)(t    ) Osaka last year.

  c) 私はリンゴやバナナのような果物が好きです。
  I like fruits (s　)(a    ) apples and bananas.

  d) 私たちは山を歩いて自然を楽しみました。
  We walked in the mountains and enjoyed (n　).

  e) それぞれの生徒は違った考えを持っています。
  (E　) student has a different idea.

  f) 彼女はケーキを白い皿にのせました。
  She put the cake on a white (p　).

  g) このドレスはきれいな花の模様があります。
  This dress has a beautiful flower (p　).

  h) 数日後に私たちはまた会いました。
  A (f　)(d   )(l    ), we met again.

  i) そのクッキーは星の形をしています。
  The cookies are in the (s　) of stars.

  j) 彼はコメディ番組を見るときによく笑います。

  He laughs a (l    )  when he watches comedy shows.

  k) 私たちはお祭りでとても楽しみました。
  We (h　) a (l    )(o    )(f    ) at the festival.

  l) 彼らはイベントで伝統的な服を着ていました。
  They wore (t　) clothes at the event.

  m) このケーキをみんなで分けましょう。
  Let’s (s　) this cake with everyone.

Lesson 25:Hachi, the Loyal Dog

Hachi, the Loyal Dog

Ken was a kind man. He lived in Tokyo and worked at a university. One day, he found a small puppy at the train station. The dog looked weak and hungry. Ken felt sorry for it and took it home.

He gave the dog food and water. The dog was happy. Ken named him Hachi. Every day, Hachi walked with Ken to the train station. Ken took the train to work. Hachi waited at the station until Ken came back in the evening.

Many people saw Hachi waiting. They thought, “What a smart and loyal dog!”

One day, something sad happened. Ken became sick at work and never came back. But Hachi didn’t understand. He went to the station and waited. Ken did not return. Still, Hachi waited again the next day… and the next.

Every day, for many years, Hachi went to the same place. He waited at the station at the same time. People gave him food and took care of him. They loved Hachi for his loyalty.

After about ten years, Hachi became old and tired. One day, he did not come to the station. People were very sad. They made a statue of Hachi at the station to remember his love for Ken.

Even now, many people visit Hachi’s statue. They remember the loyal dog who waited for his friend.

Questions

1. Where did Hachi wait for Ken every day?

2. Why did people love Hachi?

3. What did people build to remember Hachi?

4. Have you ever had a pet that was special to you? What kind of pet was it?

（あなたにとって特別だったペットはいますか？それはどんなペットでしたか？）

5. Do you think animals can feel love and loyalty like humans do? Why or why not?

（動物も人間のように愛や忠誠心を感じると思いますか？そう思う理由、またはそう思わない理由を教えてください。）

6. What would you do if you found a lost dog at a train station?
　（駅で迷子の犬を見つけたら、あなたはどうしますか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)私の犬は私にとても忠実です。
  My dog is very (l　) to me.

  b) 彼女は東京の大きな大学に行きたがっています。
  She wants to go to a big (u　) in Tokyo.

  c) ある日、私たちは公園で小さな猫を見つけました。
  (O　)(d    ), we found a small cat in the park.

  d) 子犬は箱の中で寝ています。
  The (p　) is sleeping in the box.

  e) 一日中サッカーをして彼は弱っていました。
  He felt (w　) after playing soccer all day.

  f) その迷子の鳥がかわいそうです。
  I (f　)(s    )(f    ) the lost bird.

  g) テーブルの上にたくさんの食べ物があります。
  There is a lot of (f　) on the table.

  h) ここで数分待ってください。
  Please (w　) here for a few minutes.

  i) あの女の子はとても賢いです。
  That girl is very (s　). She can speak three languages.

  j) 私はこの英単語がわかりません。
  I don’t (u　) this English word.

  k) 兄は午後6時に家に帰ってきます。
  My brother will (r　) home at 6 p.m.

  l) 私たちは同じかばんを持っています！
  We have the (s　) bag!

  m) 彼女は毎日妹の世話をしています。
  She (t　)(c    )(o    ) her little sister every day.

  n) 動物園に大きなライオンの像があります。
  There is a big (s　) of a lion in the zoo.

Lesson 26:A Lesson from Thai Dance

A Lesson from Thai Dance

Last spring, Yuki visited a high school in Australia to study English. She stayed there for two months and joined many fun classes.

One day, some Thai students were invited to the class. They showed a traditional Thai dance. The music was soft and beautiful. The dance was slow and graceful. Everyone watched quietly and was very impressed.

After the dance, one Thai student said, “My mother taught me this dance. She told me the story behind it. I was happy and proud when I learned it from her.”

Then, the students asked many questions. They talked about culture, music, and history. Everyone learned something new.

Later in the class, a student asked Yuki, “Can you tell us about Japanese dances?”

Yuki felt very shy. She didn’t know much about Japanese dances. She wanted to answer, but she couldn’t say anything. She felt a little sad.

That night, Yuki wrote in her diary:
“Today, I learned something important. English is not the only thing I need to study. I should learn more about my own country, too. Then, I can share Japanese culture with people from other countries.”

After that day, Yuki started learning about Japanese festivals and dances. She wanted to be ready next time someone asked her.

Questions

1. How long did Yuki stay in Australia?

2. Why did Yuki feel shy during the class?

3. What did Yuki decide to do after writing in her diary?

4. Have you ever learned something important while meeting people from other countries?

（外国の人々と会って、重要なことを学んだことがありますか？）

5. Why do you think it is important to learn about your own culture?
　（自分の文化について学ぶことがなぜ重要だと思いますか？）

6. What do you want to share about your country with people from other countries?
　（あなたの国について、外国の人々と何を共有したいですか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)私の友だちはタイ料理を習っています。
　  My friend is learning (T　) cooking.

  b) 私たちは学校の行事に先生を招待します。
  We will (i　) our teacher to the school event.

  c) 彼らはお祭りのために伝統的な服を着ました。
  They wore (t　) clothes for the festival.

  d) その鳥は優雅に動きました。
  The bird moved in a (g　) way.

  e) 彼女はドアを静かに閉めました。
  She closed the door (q　).

  f) 私は彼のスピーチに感動しました。
  I (w    )(i　) by his speech.

  g) 家の後ろに庭があります。
  There is a garden (b　) the house.

  h) 彼は自分のチームを誇りに思っています。
  He is (p　) of his team.

  i) 私は大勢の前で話すときに恥ずかしく感じます。
  I (f　)(s    ) when I speak in front of many people.

  j) 彼女はクラスに自分の話を伝えました。
  She (s　) her story with the class.

  k) 私たちはテストの準備ができています。
  We (a    )(r　) for the test.

  l) 次回は私もそれをやってみたいです。
  　(N　)(t    ), I want to try it too.

Lesson 27:The Beautiful Bird Called Toki

The Beautiful Bird Called Toki

Have you heard of a bird called the toki? It is a beautiful bird with white and pink feathers. Its wings shine in the sunlight. Toki live in Japan and are very special to Japanese people.

A long time ago, many toki lived in Japan. You could often see them in the sky or near rice fields. They ate small animals like frogs and insects. People loved watching toki flying with their big, soft wings.

But then, there were fewer toki. People used a lot of chemicals in the rice fields, and that hurt the toki’s food. Also, people cut down trees and changed the land. Toki lost their homes and could not find enough food. Some people also caught toki to sell them.

Soon, toki became very rare. People were sad and wanted to help. So, the Japanese government started a special plan. They made a safe place for toki on Sado Island. At this place, people take care of toki and help them have babies.

At first, it was very hard. But little by little, the toki started to live in the wild again. Today. People are happy to see them flying in the sky.

Now, many people work together to protect toki. They teach children about the bird and the importance of nature. Everyone hopes that toki will stay with us for a long time.

Questions

1. Where did many toki live a long time ago?

2. Why did the number of toki become fewer?

3. What did the Japanese government do to help the toki?

4. Do you think it is important to protect wild animals? Why or why not?
　（野生動物を守ることは大切だと思いますか？ その理由はなぜですか？）

5. What can people do to help protect nature around them?
　（人々は自分たちの周りの自然を守るために何ができるでしょうか？）

6. Do you want to see rare wild animals with your own eyes?
　（珍しい野生動物を自分の目で見てみたいですか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)私はその歌手のことを聞いたことがありません。
　  I have never (h　)(o    ) that singer.

  b) 星は空で明るく輝いています。
  The stars (s　) brightly in the sky.

  c) 昆虫は環境にとって重要です。
  (I　) are important for the environment.

  d) 私は公園で遊んでいる子供たちを見ました。
  I (s　) the children playing in the park.

  e) その犬は遊んでいる間に足を痛めました。
  The dog (h　) its paw while playing.

  f) 彼らは新しい家を建てるために木を切り倒しました。
  They (c　)(d    ) the tree to build a new house.

  g) 冬に虹を見るのは珍しいことです。
  It’s (r　) to see a rainbow in winter.

  h) 政府は野生生物を保護するために新しい法律を作っています。
  The (g　) is making new laws to protect wildlife.

  i) 彼女は私が宿題を終わらせるのを助けてくれました。
  She (h　) me (f    ) my homework.

  j) 少しずつ、私はピアノの弾き方を覚えました。
  (L　)(b    )(l    ), I learned how to play the piano.

  k) 私たちは絶滅危惧種の動物を保護する必要があります。
  We need to (p　) endangered animals.

  l) 彼女はチームワークの重要性を理解しています。

  She understands the importance of teamwork.

Lesson 28: A Surprise in Japan

A Surprise in Japan

When my friends visit Japan, I always ask them, “What surprised you the most in Japan?”

Some people say, “The food is amazing.” Others say, “The trains are always on time.”

But many of them say, “The toilets are amazing!”

In Japan, many toilets are very clean and high-tech. These toilets are called “washlets.”

They have many buttons. You can use warm water to clean yourself. The seat is warm, and some toilets even make music sounds!

When I first came to Japan, I was very surprised. In my country, toilets are very simple. I never saw a toilet like that before. I didn’t know how to use the buttons, so I asked my Japanese friend for help. We laughed a lot.

Later, I learned how to use the washlet. Now, I love it! It is very comfortable and clean.
Some people say Japanese toilets are like toilets from the future.

Now, when I go back to my home country, I miss Japanese toilets. I hope we can have them in my country too.

Japanese people care a lot about cleanliness and comfort. I think that is very nice.

Next time my friends visit Japan, I will tell them, “Don’t forget to try the washlet!”It may be a small thing, but it is a big surprise for many visitors.

Questions

1. Why do some visitors think Japanese trains are amazing?

2. What is the name of the high-tech toilets?

3. Why were many foreign visitors surprised by Japanese toilets?

4. Did you know that most countries don’t have washlets?
　（ほとんどの国にはウォシュレットがないと知っていましたか？）

5. What else may surprise foreign visitors when they come to Japan?
　（外国人が日本に来たとき、他にどんなことに驚くかもしれませんか？）

6. If you could introduce one Japanese thing to foreign people, what would it be?
　（もし外国の人に日本のものをひとつ紹介できるとしたら、何を紹介しますか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)驚きがあなたを待っています。
  A big (s　) is waiting for you.

  b) 電車は時間通りに来ました。
  The train came (o　)(t    ).

  c) 私は朝にあたたかいスープを飲みました。
  I had a cup of (w　) soup in the morning.

  d) その座席はとても快適でした。
  The (s　) was very comfortable.

  e)その部屋はとても簡素ですが、きれいです。
  The room is very (s　), but clean.

  f) 去年、自転車の乗り方を習いました。
  I learned (h　)(t    ) ride a bike last year.

  g) 彼に助けを求めたほうがいいよ。
  You should (a　) him (f　)(h    ) if you need help.

  h) その冗談を聞いて私たちは笑いました。
  We (l　) when we heard the joke.

  i) このクッションはとても快適です。
  This cushion is very (c　).

  j) 未来には空飛ぶ車があるかもしれません。
  In the (f　), there may be flying cars.

  k) 私はその映画を見逃しました。
  I (m　) the movie.

  l) 彼女は友達のことをとても気にかけています。
  She really (c　)(a    ) her friend.

  m) 宿題を持ってくるのを忘れないでね。
  Don’t (f　)(t　) bring your homework.

  n) 今日は雨が降るかもしれません。
  It (m　) rain today.

Lesson 29: A City of Bikes: Amsterdam

A City of Bikes: Amsterdam

Last summer, I stayed in the Netherlands for two weeks and learned something interesting.
One day, my mother and I visited Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. When we arrived, I was surprised. There were not many cars, but so many people were riding bikes. Some roads were just for bicycles!

A Dutch friend named Lisa showed us around. She said, “In Amsterdam, many people use bikes every day. We care about the environment, so we try not to use cars too much.” She also said, “It’s easy to live without a car because we have good bike roads, and everything is close—schools, shops, and parks.”

I saw bike parking areas everywhere. There were hundreds of bikes in some parking areas!! Lisa told us that Amsterdam has more bikes than people. “Wow,” I said. “That’s amazing!”

Lisa also said, “We learn to ride bikes when we are very young. Our city is safe for bikers, and biking helps to keep the air clean. It’s also good exercise.”

During our stay, we rode bikes too. It was fun and relaxing. At first, I was a little nervous, but I got used to it quickly.

After coming home, I started thinking about my own town. What can I do to help the environment? I can walk or ride my bike more. I can also talk to my friends about what I saw in Amsterdam.

Even a small change can help the Earth.

Questions

1. What city did the writer visit in the Netherlands?

2. Why were there so many bicycles in Amsterdam?

3. When do Dutch people learn how to ride a bike?

4. What do you think about Dutch people using bikes more often than cars?

（オランダの人々が車より自転車を頻繁に使うことについてどう思いますか？）

5. Do you often ride a bicycle in your daily life? Why or why not?

（あなたは日常生活でよく自転車に乗りますか？その理由もしくは理由がない場合はその理由を教えてください。）

6. In your opinion, is Japan a bike-friendly country?

（あなたの意見では、日本は自転車に優しい国だと思いますか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a) 東京は日本の首都です。

  Tokyo is the (c　) of Japan.

  b) 私たちは午前10時に空港に到着します。

  We will (a　) at the airport at 10 a.m.

  c) 私は明日友達に街を案内します。

  I will (s　) my friend (a    ) the city tomorrow.

  d) 私たちは将来の世代のために環境を守らなければなりません。

  We must protect the (e　) for future generations.

  e) 私は家で水を無駄にしないようにしています。

   I (t　)(n    )(t    ) waste water at home.

  f) 食べすぎないでね。

  Don’t eat (t　)(m    ).

  g) 彼はカバンを持たずに学校へ行きました。

  He went to school (w　) his bag.

  h) 私の家は駅の近くにあります。

  My house is (c　) to the station.

  i) 公園にはどこにでも花が咲いていました。

  There were flowers (e　) in the park.

  j) 私たちは図書館にもっと多くの本が必要です。

  We need (m　) books for the library.

  k) 教室をきれいに保つのを手伝ってください。

  Please help us (k　) the classroom (c    ).

  l) 私は健康のために毎朝運動しています。

  I do (e　) every morning to stay healthy.

  m) テストの前は緊張していました。

  I was (n　) before the test.

  n) 新しい学校に慣れるのに1週間かかりました。

  It took me a week to (g　)(u    )(t    ) the new school.

Lesson 30: A Story About Two Countries

A Story About Two Countries

Tom: What are you reading, Sarah?

Sarah: I’m reading a book about Uganda. It’s a country in East Africa.

Tom: Uganda? I don’t know it. What kind of country is it?

Sarah: It has many beautiful places, but there have been problems. There were wars, and many   people suffered. Some people still live in poverty. In Uganda, one in five children does not   survive until their fifth birthday.

Tom: Oh no, that sounds very sad!

Sarah: Yes, it is. The average life expectancy is only fifty-five years old. In countries like Japan,   people live much longer.

Tom: I think many countries have had wars in the past.

Sarah: You’re right. I also read a book about Cambodia a few days ago. The lives of children   there were written in the book. The book has many pictures of them.

Tom: What do the children say in the book?

Sarah: One boy answered, “I want to have clean water.” In Cambodia, many people still don’t   have access to clean water, and it can make them sick.

Tom: That’s very sad! Clean water is so important.

Sarah: Yes, it is. There was also a girl in the book who said, “I want to go to school.” She wants   to learn and make her life better.

Tom: I really hope she can go to school soon.

Sarah: Me too. The children in these stories are strong. They want peace and a better life.   These books made me think about how important it is to help others.

Questions

1. What kind of problems do people in Uganda face?

2. Why is clean water important for people in Cambodia?

3. What does the girl in Cambodia want to do?

4. What do you think is the most important thing for children to have in life?
（子どもたちにとって人生で一番大切なものは何だと思いますか？）

5. If you could help children in another country, how would you like to help them?
（もし他の国の子どもたちを助けることができるとしたら、どのように助けたいですか？）

6. What does “peace” mean to you, and how can we work for peace in the world?
（あなたにとって「平和」とは何ですか？また、世界の平和のために私たちはどんなことができるでしょうか？）

7.次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences

  a)どんな種類の映画が好きですか？
  (W    )(k    )(o    ) movies do you like?

  b) 私たちは学校で大きな問題を抱えています。
    We have a big (p    ) at school.

  c) 多くの人が戦争中に家を失いました。
  Many people lost their homes during the (w    ).

  d) その動物たちは飢えに苦しみました。
  The animals (s    ) from hunger.

  e) 彼女はまだ同じ家に住んでいます。
  She (s    ) lives in the same house.

  f) その赤ちゃんは事故から生き残りました。
  The baby (s    ) the accident.

  g) 私は午後6時までここにいます。
  I will stay here (u    ) 6 p.m.

  h) この本は前のよりずっと良いです。
  This book is (m    ) better than the last one.

  i) 昔は人々は移動に馬を使っていました。
  (I    )(t    )(p    ), people used horses for travel.

  j) 農民の生活はたいてい大変です。
  The (l    ) of farmers are often hard.

  k) 汚れた空気は人を病気にすることがあります。
  Dirty air can (m    ) people (s    ).

  l) 家族は私にとってとても大切です。
  Family is very (i    ) to me.

  m) その女の子は強くて、決してあきらめません。
  The girl is (s    ) and never gives up.

  n) 私たちは皆、世界の平和を願っています。
  We all hope for world (p    ).