Elementary Reading Lesson31-40

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 31: A Surprising School Tradition in Japan

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A Surprising School Tradition in Japan Questions

I want to share something surprising from my life in Japan. When I first came to Japan and started going to school, I saw students cleaning the classrooms after classes. This surprised me a lot because I had never seen this before.
 
In my home country, America, students do not clean the school. There are workers who clean the classrooms, halls, and bathrooms. Students clean only when they do something wrong. So when I saw Japanese students with brooms and cloths, I did not understand what was happening. I wondered, “Why are they cleaning?”
 
Later, I learned that cleaning is a normal part of school life in Japan. Every day, students clean their classroom and the hallway. At first, it felt strange. I did not know how to clean well. I also thought adults could clean faster than students.
 
But after some time, I started to enjoy cleaning. My classmates and I worked together, talked, and sometimes laughed. I learned that cleaning is not only about making the room clean. It also teaches responsibility and teamwork. It helps students take care of the place they use every day.
 
One day, after cleaning, I looked around the classroom. Everything looked nice and tidy. I felt happy and proud. By cleaning the room myself, I began to care about it more. It felt like our own special space. Now I think that cleaning the school is a very good tradition.

Questions Story

1. Why was the writer surprised when they first went to school in Japan?

2. Who cleans the classrooms in America?

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

4. Do you clean your classroom, work place, or home every day? How do you feel when you do it? (あなたは毎日、教室、職場、または家を掃除しますか？そのとき、どんな気持ちになりますか？)

5. Which do you think is better, students cleaning the school or hired cleaners cleaning the school? Why?

(学校を掃除するのは、生徒か、それとも雇われた清掃員か、どちらが良いと思いますか？その理由は何ですか？)

6. Can you think of a habit that helps you feel proud of your home or Japan? What is it?

(あなたが自分の家や日本を誇りに思えるようになる習慣はありますか？それは何ですか？)

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) 日本には、生徒が毎日教室を掃除するという伝統があります。

  Japan has a (t     ) of students cleaning their classrooms every day.

  b) 日本での生活で驚いたことを皆さんと共有したいです。
  I want to (s     ) something surprising from my life in Japan.

  c) 昼食のときにおもしろいことが起こりました。
  Something funny (h     ) during lunch.

  d) 教室の掃除は、日本の学校生活の普通の一部です。
  Cleaning the classroom is a (n     ) part of school life in Japan.

  e) 最初は変だと感じました。
  At first, it felt (s     ).

  d) 学校行事の間、子どもたちには大人が付き添わなければなりません。
  An (a     ) must stay with children during the school event.

  e) 掃除は責任感やチームワークも教えてくれます。
  It also teaches (r     ) and teamwork.

  f) すべてがきれいで整って見えました。
  Everything looked nice and (t     ).

  g) 私はうれしく、誇りに思いました。
  I felt happy and (p     ).

  h) 自分で掃除をして、もっと大切に思うようになりました。
  By cleaning the room myself, I began to (c     )(a     ) it more.

  i) 新しい習慣を見ると、奇妙に見えることもあります。
  When we see a new (c     ), it can look strange.

  j) その価値を理解できます。
  We can understand its (v     ).

  k) 家に誇りを持つようになる習慣は思い浮かびますか？
  Can you think of a (h    ) that helps you feel proud of your home?

Lesson 32: Helping Abandoned Animals

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Helping Abandoned Animals Questions

One day, I found three small dogs on the street. They were very scared and hungry. I felt very sad for them because they looked weak and alone. I gave them some food and water. The dogs were happy and wagged their tails. They were very friendly, and I wanted to help them as much as I could.

I brought all three dogs home, but my house was small, so my parents said we could keep only one. After thinking carefully, I decided to adopt one dog. I wanted to give it a safe and loving home. I named the dog Lucky. Lucky was very happy and followed me everywhere. I played with Lucky and gave it food, water, and a warm place to sleep. I felt happy to take care of Lucky, and Lucky seemed very happy too.

For the other two dogs, I had to take them to the animal shelter. The staff told me that many animals are abandoned every year, and some of them are killed if nobody adopts them. I felt very sad when I heard this. I hoped that someone would adopt these dogs and give them a good home. At the shelter, the dogs had food, water, a warm place to sleep, and care until they could find a family. I realized how important it is to help abandoned animals and treat them with love.

This experience taught me a lot. I learned that abandoned animals need our help, but sometimes we cannot save all of them. It is very important to be responsible when adopting a pet. People should also think carefully before leaving animals on the street.

I am happy I could give Lucky a home. I hope more people will help abandoned animals. I hope that one day, no dog or cat will have to live alone or be killed. Every animal deserves love and care. I will always remember this day and what I learned about helping animals.

Questions Story

1. Why did the writer feel sad at the animal shelter?

2. How many dogs did the writer keep?

3. Where did the other two dogs go?

4. Would you like to adopt a pet? Why or why not?（あなたは ペットを飼いたいですか？それはなぜですか？）

5. Do you think people are responsible for animals they keep? Why?（ 人は飼っている動物に責任を持つべきだと思いますか？どうしてですか？）

6. What can people do to help abandoned animals?（ 捨てられた動物を助けるために、人々は何ができますか？）

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) その保護施設は、捨てられた犬や猫の世話をします。
  The shelter takes care of (a     ) dogs and cats

  b) 彼らはとても怖がっていて、お腹も空いていました。
  They were very (s     ) and hungry.

  c) その小さな子犬はとても弱っていて、助けが必要でした。
  The small puppy looked very (w     ) and needed help.

  d) すべての子どもは、安全で愛情のある場所で育つ権利があります。
  Every child deserves a (s     )(      )(     ) place to grow up.

  e) 保護施設は犬たちに暖かい寝る場所を与えました。
  The shelter gave them a (w     ) place to sleep.

  f) このリンゴが欲しいですか、それとももう1つのほうですか？
  Do you want this apple or the (o     ) one?

  g) 職員は多くの動物が捨てられると教えてくれました。
  The (s     ) told me that many animals are abandoned.

  h) 誰も引き取らなければ、動物は殺されます。
  Some of them can (b     )(k     ) if nobody adopts them.

  i) 保護施設は犬たちの世話をしました。
  The shelter took (c     ) of the dogs.

  j) 学校にカバンを忘れていたことに気づきました。
  I (r     ) that I had left my bag at school.

  k) 誰に対しても親切に接するべきです。
  You should (t     ) everyone with kindness.

  l) 海外旅行は貴重な経験です。
  Traveling abroad is a valuable (e     ).

  m) ペットを飼うときは責任を持つことが大切です。
  It is important to be (r     ) when adopting a pet.

  n) すべての動物は愛と世話を受けるべきです。
  Every animal (d     ) love and care.

Lesson 33: Gestures Around the World

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Gestures Around the World Questions

 In Japan, people often bow to show respect. Bowing is very important in Japanese culture. People bow when they meet someone, say thank you, or apologize. They bow to teachers, elders, friends, and even strangers. Bowing is polite, and it shows that you care about other people. In the United States, people usually shake hands to greet each other. Shaking hands is common at school, work, or parties. Gestures like bowing and shaking hands help people communicate without words.

 Another difference is how people call someone. In Japan, people use their hand with the palm down. In the U.S., people wave their hand with the palm up. Some gestures can be confusing for people from other countries. For example, calling someone with the palm down may look like saying “Go away.” Gestures that are normal in one country may be strange in another. Knowing gestures is important to avoid misunderstandings. Gestures can show respect, feelings, and intentions, so it is useful to understand them.

 Some gestures are similar in many countries. Nodding usually means “yes,” and shaking the head usually means “no.” Putting a finger on the lips to say “be quiet” is common in Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Waving, clapping, and pointing are other examples of gestures that people use every day. Gestures can send messages without speaking. They are useful in classrooms, offices, public places, and even at home. Understanding gestures can help people communicate better, show politeness, and avoid mistakes.

 Gestures are interesting because they are part of daily life in every country. They show how people greet each other, respect others, and express feelings. Learning about gestures helps us understand different cultures and get along with people from other countries. By noticing and understanding gestures, we can communicate more clearly and politely. Gestures are small actions, but they have big meanings.

Questions Story

1. What do people often do in Japan to show respect?

2. How do people usually greet each other in the United States?

3. What is the difference between calling someone in Japan and in the U. S.?

4. Which gestures do you think are universal, and what gestures are unique to your country?

　（あなたが思う、世界中で共通して使われるジェスチャーは何ですか？また、あなたの国に特有なジェスチャーは何がありますか？）

5. What gesture do you use most often when communicating without words?

（言葉を使わずにコミュニケーションをするとき、あなたが最もよく使うジェスチャーは何ですか？）

6. Do you think learning gestures from other cultures is useful? Why or why not?
（他の文化のジェスチャーを学ぶことは役に立つと思いますか？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) あなたを助けてくれる人を尊敬すべきです。
  You should (r    ) people who help you.

  b)食べ物はどの文化においても大切なものです。
  Food is an important part of every (c     ).

  c) 遅れたことを謝りました。
  I (a     ) for being late.

  d) 年上の人が部屋に入ってきたら立つのは礼儀正しいことです。
  It is (p     ) to stand up when an older person enters the room.

  e) 電車の中でスマホを使っている人を見るのはよくあることです。
  It is (c       ) to see people using smartphones on the train.

  f) 夏と冬の気温には大きなちがいがあります。
  There is a big (d       ) between summer and winter temperatures.

  g) 昨夜、その機械が変な音を出していました。
  The machine made a (s     ) noise last night. 

  h) 学校の廊下で走るのは避けるべきです。
  You should (a     ) running in the hallway at school.

  i) 彼女の意図は批判ではなく助けることでした。
  Her (i      ) was to help, not to criticize.

  j) この2つのかばんは似ていますが、大きさが違います。
  These two bags look (s     ), but they are different sizes.

  k) 彼は理解したことを示すためにうなずきました。
  He (n     ) to show that he understood.

  l) クラスメートとは助け合うので仲良くやっています。
  I (g     )(      )(     ) my classmates because we help each other. 

  m) 木の中で鳥が巣を作っていることに気づきました。
  I (n     ) a bird building a nest in the tree.

Lesson 34: Japanese Words in English

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Japanese Words in English Questions

Have you ever noticed that some English words sound like Japanese? This is not by chance. Many English words come from Japanese. Recently, a famous English dictionary added 22 new Japanese words. Now, it has over 570 Japanese words.

Japanese words have been used in English for a long time. Some were used as early as the 16th century. Many new words are about food. For example, onigiri means rice balls, okonomiyaki is a kind of tasty pancake, and takoyaki is octopus balls. People like to use the real names of food, so they do not always translate them into English.

The dictionary is careful when it adds new words. Experts check how long the word has been used and how often people say it or write it. They work with language specialists to make sure the words are correct. One example is katsu, which comes from katsuretsu. Katsuretsu comes from the English word “cutlet.”

Some new words are about Japanese culture and art. Kirigami is the art of cutting and folding paper to make shapes. Kintsugi is the art of fixing broken pottery with gold or silver. It shows that broken things can be beautiful.

Another new word is isekai, which means “other world.” It is used in stories where characters go to a new and strange world. Many books, games, and shows use this idea.

As Japanese food and culture become popular all over the world, more Japanese words will probably enter English. This shows how languages and ideas can mix. Learning these words helps us understand other cultures and enjoy new experiences.

Questions Story

1.How many Japanese words are now in the dictionary?

2. When did Japanese words start to appear in English?

3. What is the meaning of isekai?

4. What is your favorite Japanese food? What kind of food is it?（あなたの好きな日本食はなんですか。それはどんな食べ物ですか。）

5. What is your favorite anime? What is the story about?（あなたの好きなアニメはなんですか。それはどんなお話ですか。）

6. If you could learn a language other than English, which language would you like to learn?（英語以外の言語を学ぶとしたら、あなたは何語を学びたいですか。）

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) 木の中で鳥が巣を作っていることに気づきました。
  I (n      ) a bird building a nest in the tree.
  b) この単語は日本語のように聞こえます。
  This word (s      )(      ) a Japanese word.
  c)私は最近新しい映画を見ました。
  I (r      ) watched a new movie.
  d)その辞書には500以上の日本語の単語があります。
  The dictionary has (o      ) 500 Japanese words.
  e) そのパンケーキはとてもおいしかったです。
  The pancake was very (t      ).
  f) 本物の日本の寿司を食べてみたいです。
  I want to try the (r      ) Japanese sushi.
  g) 私はこの日本語を英語に翻訳できます。
  I can (t      ) this Japanese word into English.
  h) 先生はリストに新しい単語を追加しました。
  The teacher (a      ) a new word to the list.
  i) 宿題が正しいか確認してください。
  Please (m      )(       ) your homework is correct.
  j) 答えが正しいか確認してください。
  Check if your answer is (c      ).
  k) これは英語に入った日本語の例です。
  This is an (e      ) of a Japanese word in English.
  l) 壊れたおもちゃを直せます。
  I can (f      ) the broken toy.

  m) この単語はおそらく人気になるでしょう。
  This word will (p      ) become popular.

  n) 多くの日本語の単語が英語に入ります。
  Many Japanese words (e      ) English.

Lesson 35: The Smell of French Fries

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The Smell of French Fries Questions

McDonald’s in the Netherlands tried a new idea for advertising. They made a special billboard that does not show pictures of food. It does not have the golden arches either. The billboard only has red and yellow colors. But there is something very unusual about it—it can make people smell French fries!

The billboards are in two cities, Utrecht and Leiden. When people walk near them, they can smell the fries. The smell makes people feel hungry and want to go to McDonald’s. The billboards are placed close to the restaurants, about 200 meters away. This way, people can eat fries soon after smelling them.

McDonald’s says that smell can bring back memories and feelings. The smell of fries can remind people of happy times eating at McDonald’s. This idea is part of their “Good Times” message. Many people who saw the billboard talked about it because it was strange and interesting. The campaign became popular quickly.

This new billboard is different from usual advertising. Most ads use pictures or sounds, but this one uses smell. It shows that companies can use different ways to reach customers. McDonald’s wants people to feel happy and remember their brand.

Recently, McDonald’s also said they will work with Krispy Kreme to sell donuts in the United States by 2026. This shows that McDonald’s wants to try new things to make customers enjoy their products. They mix new ideas with foods people already like.

The billboard that smells like fries is a smart idea. The smell of fries can make people pay attention. McDonald’s uses the smell to make people feel happy. It also helps people like McDonald’s.

Questions Story

1.What is special about the McDonald’s billboard in the Netherlands?

2. In which two cities were the scented billboards placed?

3. How far is the billboard from the nearest McDonald’s restaurant?

4. What is your favorite fast food? How often do you eat it?
（あなたの好きなファーストフードは何ですか。どのくらいの頻度で食べますか。）

5. What food makes you want to eat it when you smell it?
（匂いを嗅いだら食べたくなる食べ物は何ですか。）

6. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
（これからずっと1つの食べ物しか食べられないとしたら、何を選びますか。）

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)庭の花のにおいがします。
  I can (s     ) the flowers in the garden.
  b) 学校は公園の近くにあります。
  The school is (c     )(     ) the park.
  c) レストランは看板から200メートル離れています。
  The restaurant is 200 meters (a      ) from the billboard.
  d) 宿題を終えたすぐ後で昼ごはんを食べました。
  I ate lunch (s      )(     ) I finished my homework.
  e) 私は去年の夏休みの楽しい思い出があります。
  I have a good (m      ) of my last summer vacation.
  f) この歌は私に学生時代を思い出させます。
  This song (r     ) me (o      ) my school days.
  g) 学校は公園を掃除するキャンペーンを始めました。
  The school started a (c     ) to clean the park.
  h) 彼女はバスに間に合うように速く走りました。
  She ran (q      ) to catch the bus.
  i) 私の考えはあなたの考えと違います。
  My idea is (d      )(      )yours.
  j) 私は新しい映画の広告を見ました。
  I saw an (a       ) for a new movie.
  k) その手紙は明日あなたに届きます。
  The letter will (r      ) you tomorrow.
  l) 私は学校の初日を覚えています。
  I (r      ) my first day at school.
  m) 宿題を明日までに終わらせてください。
  Please finish your homework (b      ) tomorrow.
  n) 先生に注意を払ってください。
  Please (p      )(      )to the teacher.
  o) この会社は子ども向けのおもちゃを作ります。
  This (c      ) makes toys for children.

Lesson 36: Reading Aloud and Learning

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Reading Aloud and Learning Questions

Students read many things at school. They read books, stories, and textbooks. They often need to remember what they read for tests. Because of this, students try different ways to study.

Some students read their books aloud. They say the words with their voice. Other students read silently. Some students take notes, and others ask a friend to ask them questions. Students try different ways and choose what works best for them.

Past studies show that reading aloud can help people remember information better than reading silently. Hearing the words may help the information stay in memory.

However, researchers wanted to know if reading aloud also helps people understand the text better.

In experiments, people read short passages aloud or silently and then answered questions. The results showed that people who read aloud remembered more details, but they did not understand the passages better.

This shows that remembering and understanding are different. Students should choose study methods depending on their goal.

Questions Story

1. What are two ways students read books when they study?

2. What did researchers want to find out about reading aloud?

3. What did the experiments show about reading aloud and understanding?

4. Do you think reading aloud helps you remember things?

5. What study method works best for you?

6. Do you sometimes study with friends? What do you do together?

Lesson 37: Anonymous Reviews by Famous People

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Anonymous Reviews by Famous People Questions

Today, many people write online reviews about hotels and restaurants. These reviews help other people choose good places to visit. Famous people also use hotels and restaurants, and sometimes they write reviews online. To protect their privacy, they may use fake names.

Some people think this is not a problem. They say everyone should be able to share their opinions about a place. Reviews are useful because they tell others about good or bad experiences.

However, other people disagree. They worry that reviews from famous people can strongly affect businesses. A negative review from a famous person may hurt a small restaurant or hotel. Also, when people use fake names, businesses cannot reply to them easily or solve the problem.

Experts say reviews should be fair and helpful. People should write about their experience, not attack workers or the business. Honest and kind reviews can help customers choose good places and help businesses improve their service.

Questions Story

1. Why do famous people sometimes use fake names when they write reviews?

2. Why are some people worried about reviews written by famous people?

3. According to experts, what kind of reviews should people write?

4. Do you think online reviews are helpful when choosing a place to eat or buying things?

5. Have you ever written an online review? What did you write about?

6. Do you think it is okay to write reviews with a fake name? Why or why not?

Lesson 38 : Learning Language Through Games

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Learning Language Through Games Questions

In one language class, students learn English in a fun way. They play a role-playing game. In the game, students become characters in a story. For example, they may meet a strange creature in a forest and decide what to do. They must talk to each other to solve problems.

Teachers use this game to help students practice language. Instead of only studying grammar or memorizing words, students use English while playing. They speak, listen, and think together.

The game also helps students feel less nervous about speaking. Because they are playing a story, they can speak more freely. Sometimes they must ask questions, make plans, or convince another character to help them.

Although the game has fantasy things like magic or monsters, the situations are similar to real life. Students learn how to communicate, work as a team, and share ideas.

Students from different countries join the class. They enjoy learning English together while playing the game and creating a story.

Questions Story

1. How do students learn English in this class?

2 Why does the game help students feel less nervous about speaking English?

3. What kinds of skills do students learn through the game?

4. Do you feel nervous when you speak English?

5. Have you ever played a role-playing game? What kind of game was it?

6. Do you think games are a good way to learn something new? Why?

Lesson 39: Food Waste Around the World

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Food Waste Around the World Questions

Food waste is a big problem in the world today. Many people throw away food every day. In fact, a large amount of food produced each year is not eaten. Most food waste comes from households. Restaurants and stores also throw away food, but families waste the most.

On average, one person wastes about 79 kilograms of food each year. This means that millions of meals are thrown away every day. At the same time, about 783 million people in the world do not have enough food to eat.

Food waste also harms the environment. Producing food uses a lot of water, land, and energy. When food is wasted, these resources are also wasted. Food waste also creates gases that cause climate change.

Experts say we should try to reduce food waste. For example, stores can give extra food to food banks. People can also buy only the food they need and try not to throw food away.

If everyone works together, we can reduce food waste and help both people and the planet.

Questions Story

1. Why is food waste a big problem in the world today?

2. Who wastes the most food: households, restaurants, or stores?

3. What are two ways people can reduce food waste?

4. Do you sometimes throw away food at home?

5. What food is often wasted in your home?

6. What can people do to reduce food waste?

Lesson 40: Genome Editing and a Big Debate

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Genome Editing and a Big Debate Questions

In 2018, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui said he helped create the first genetically edited babies. He used a technology called CRISPR to change the genes of twin girls so they might not get HIV. This news surprised many scientists around the world.

Many people said his work was not ethical. They were worried that scientists might start making “designer babies,” children whose genes are changed to choose things like health or ability.

Because of his actions, He Jiankui was fined and sent to prison for three years. After he was released in 2022, he said he would not create gene-edited babies again. Instead, he wants to study how gene editing might help treat serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

However, many scientists are still worried. In many countries, editing the genes of human embryos for pregnancy is illegal. Some experts say the technology is still too new, and scientists do not know how it may affect people later in life.

Because of these concerns, genome editing continues to be a topic of debate around the world.

Questions Story

1. What did He Jiankui say he did in 2018?

2. Why were many scientists worried about his work?

3. Why do some experts still worry about genome editing?

4. Have you heard about gene editing before reading this passage?

5. Do you think gene editing for medical reasons is good or bad? Why?

6. Do you think new technology is always good for people?