Speaking training

2024/03/01 (Friday)

Is there a high turnover rate at your place of work? Why do you think this is?

Yes, there is. This company is a kind of venture, so there are too many tasks but there are not enough employees. As a result, each employee must work late every day and they must check emails on weekends. They cannot enjoy their weekends without being conscious about their work. I think this is a tragedy. If you want to improve your skills while working, it might be a good place. However, in my opinion, many people want to keep their private time. What I mean is that most people think that work is just for earning money and it doesn't make your life happier. If this company wants to reduce the turnover rate, they should try to show employees that we value your life by improving their treatment. For example, increasing their wages.

2024/03/02 (Saturday)

Do you ever find it difficult to describe your feelings in English?

Yes, I do. There are many expressions of feelings in Japanese, but we often use abstract expressions. So, it is very difficult to translate them into English. Moreover, if I increase my vocabulary in English, it might be difficult to use them correctly for describing my feelings. I've heard that it is not advisable to repeatedly use the same word while writing or speaking in English because it can make the content boring. I should try to use a variety of words to avoid making my speech or writing dull.
This is reason why I find it difficult to describe my feelings in English.

2024/03/03 (Sunday)

What are your thoughts on the report by the Korea Immigration Service?

Before reading this article, I believed that Russian citizens are not afraid of going to Ukraine and fighting. However, according to this article, Russia's political policy on conscription has changed, and more people have been assigned since the Ukraine war began. This article also mentioned that most Russians want to seek refuge in South Korea. I don't understand the reason why so many Russians try to seek refuge there. While this article doesn't provide an explanation, it does highlight the strict immigration rules of South Korea. In 2022, only 18% of all applications were accepted. I believe war has a negative impact on all countries involved, so I hope that the Ukraine war will end as soon as possible and that there will be no more wars in the future.

2024/03/04 (Monday)

What are your thoughts on the study's findings?

When I need to memorize something, I often write it down by hand. Based on my experience, handwriting is a good way for memorization. This article explains that the reason handwriting is effective for memorization is because the activity and feeling are strongly linked to our brain, making it an effective method. The article also mentions the importance of knowing which type of writing is best for the situation. When memorizing something, handwriting is preferred, whereas when writing essays or long texts, using a keyboard is more suitable. I agree with this perspective. As new technologies continue to develop, it's essential to consider how we can use them effectively.

2024/03/05 (Tuesday)

What are your thoughts on this article ?

This article showed why we get hangovers and what happens inside our body when we have one. I was surprised by two things: first, that drinking champagne increases the risk of getting a hangover, and second, that Asian people tend to get hangovers more easily. According to the article, sparkling drinks such as champagne contain bubbles that accelerate the absorption of ethanol into our body, leading to hangovers. I'll be careful not to drink too much champagne. As for Asian people being weak with alcohol and more prone to hangovers, is that correct? I believed that people's tolerance to alcohol depended on their individual physical makeup, rather than the country or region they come from. Since we don't fully understand our bodies, I want to continue learning about mine and live a healthy life.

2024/03/06 (Wednesday)

What are your thoughts on the first-ever jet suit race?

This jet suit race is a super exciting event. I think it is impossible to hold such an event in Japan because Japan is strict when it comes to trying new things. I like Marvel movies, especially Iron Man, so this suit fascinates me. I'm surprised by its horsepower; according to this article, the power is more powerful than luxury cars. It's very amazing. I wonder if wearing this suit and flying skyscrapers is dangerous. When we drive a car, we are protected by its body, whereas when we wear this jet suit, we are not protected despite its super powerful power. I also want to know about the weight of the suit. Looking at the picture on this article, I think it is very hard to wear it for a long time bacause it may be heavy. However, there is no doubt that it is exciting to wear this suit and fly in the sky as you want, and then you can feel as if you were a character in SF movies. That experience will be fantastic. I want to try wearing this kind of super suit someday.

2024/03/07 (Thursday)

What are your thoughts on England's new guidelines for phone use in schools?

When I was a student, there was a similar rule in my school. At that time, most students used phones to play games or chat with their friends. However, it has changed recently with the development of AI tools like ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a very useful tool for various situations such as learning and working. I believe that using ChatGPT improves the efficiency of learning, making it a valuable tool for students. When we use it, essential devices such as smartphones, PCs, or tablets are necessary. If schools attempt to provide students with these devices, it would incur a significant cost. In my opinion, schools should allow students to bring their phones to school. This has a positive impact on both students and teachers, as students can learn more efficiently and teachers can reduce their workload. I believe we need to adapt our perspective on what is considered good or bad depending on the current circumstances.

2024/03/08 (Friday)

What are your thoughts on the concept of toxic positivity?

This article shows that mental health problems have been popular topic among us for a long time, and we have also sought successful lives. We thought that positive thinking is the key factor of making our lives successful, and we tended to choose easy ways to avoid negative situations. For example, when we were disappointed, we bought what we wanted. However, the components of a successful life are not only positive thinking but also negative thinking. Based on my experience, there are more things to learn from negative situations than from positive ones. So I think we should accept negative situations and try to deal with them rather than avoiding them. This attitude is very important for strengthening and improving your mental health, and then you could achieve a successful life. Many people dislike negative situations and struggle, so I'll show you a good mindset. I suggest that when you face a negative situation, you should consider it as an opportunity. This mindset helps you to try to overcome it.

2024/03/09 (Saturday)

What are your thoughts on Akira Toriyama's passing?

I was shocked to hear about this news. He is one of the most famous Japanese creators. His products have been popular all over the world, such as Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest. I watched the Dragon Ball anime and read the manga many times when I was a child. I think Dragon Ball is a very special anime for Japanese people because my parents also watched it. This anime might have helped some families build relationships. When I was an elementary school student, I was crazy about playing Dragon Quest after school. Dragon Quest is a video game which is a kind of RPG. My mother set a time limit for playing games, but I never stopped and kept playing, hiding it from her. His achievements are amazing, and I loved his products. I appreciate him for providing wonderful experiences.

2024/03/10 (Sunday)

What are your thoughts on Cyberchondria ?

Before reading this news, I believed Cyberchondria was one of the new viruses like the coronavirus, but it turns out it's a combination of the words "cyber" and "hypochondria." My prediction was wrong. I think many people experience Cyberchondria. Nowadays, almost all of us have our own smartphones and use them to search for information on Google. When we feel unwell, we may search for symptoms online. If the information suggests that the symptoms are not indicative of a serious illness, we may feel reassured. However, if the information suggests that the symptoms could be a sign of a serious illness, our anxiety may increase, leading us to search for more information to reduce our anxiety. This is a symptom of Cyberchondria. This news article does not provide ways to prevent Cyberchondria. I believe it is important not to rely too heavily on information from the internet. If you are feeling anxious, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

2024/03/11 (Monday)

What are your thoughts on the findings of the Xeros survey?

I have not heard about microplastics. I understand that plastic has a negative impact on the planet. We try to save our planet by reducing the amount of plastic. When we throw them away as garbage, we try to dispose of them correctly. This is one way to reduce the negative impact of plastic. According to this article, microplastics are shed from clothes when they are washed. This finding surprised me. Cheaper clothes made from synthetic materials have a high potential to release microplastics. I wonder if Uniqlo's products are included in cheaper clothes? Microplastics can cause physical problems, such as weakened our immunity. This article illustrates attempts in the UK to reduce them. I think other countries have to address this problem in the same way as the UK because environmental issues are significant problems for all people.

2024/03/12 (Tuesday)

What are your thoughts on the InterContinental's voucher offer?

This InterContinental voucher offer is very unique, but I don't think it's necessary for people who book this hotel. Because InterContinental is a very expensive hotel, the guests who book there are typically wealthy. According to this article, it rains more than half the year in Singapore.. I believe many tourists are aware of the weather in Singapore and plan accordingly for rainy conditions. In my opinion, the hotel should develop new facilities for rainy days, such as special bathrooms or indoor activities. This would make tourists happier than simply offering a voucher for a free stay. I also think that if the hotel develops them, Singapore and this hotel will become more fascinating spots for tourists. I want to visit Singapore in the near future, so I hope that exciting places will be developed even if it rains when I visit.

2024/03/13 (Wednesday)

What are your thoughts on New Zealand repealing its tobacco ban?

I think repealing the tobacco ban in New Zealand is a bad decision because tobacco has only negative impacts on our health, affecting not only those who smoke but also those who don't. You can be affected by the smoke from people who smoke around you. According to this article, the New Zealand government is concerned about the profits from the tobacco business. The rate of tobacco usage among Pacific Island people is higher than average, making it a significant industry for those countries. The previous government implemented a tobacco ban policy, and since then, the country may have faced challenges in making a profit. I think this is the reason why the new government is repealing the tobacco ban. However, in my opinion, the government should prioritize people's health first. Moreover, they should explore new business that do not harm public health and can replace tobacco.

2024/03/14 (Thursday)

Do you often snack between meals? What do you usually snack on?

Yes, I do. I enjoy snacking on ice cream. Last year, I tried to eat healthier snacks, considering my health. I often ate nuts and I liked them so much, but I stopped eating them because healthy snacks are more expensive than unhealthy snacks such as cookies, chocolate, etc. According to this article, people who regularly consume healthy snacks have better health conditions compared to those who eat unhealthy snacks, and even compared to those who don't eat snacks at all. This fact is very interesting, and I want to know the reasons why people who consume healthy snacks have better health conditions compared to others. I wonder if healthy snacks have positive effects on our health other than satisfying our hunger.

2024/03/18 (Monday)

What are your thoughts on Real Ice's idea?

I think Real Ice's idea is unique and good. I understand that global warming is the biggest problem for us to solve. The temperature of the earth is getting higher and higher, and then more and more ice is melting. This leads to the rising of the surface of the sea. If the surface of the sea continues to rise, people who live on small islands would lose their homes. This is a serious problem. A good point of Real Ice's idea is that it uses drones, so it is a perfectly automatic way. However, I think drones are small machines and have limited power, so I wonder if drones have enough power to make ice. I want to know about the results of the tests which the company conducted in Canada. Moreover, how much ice can a drone make, and how many drones are essential to create new ice? I think it is very important to take action to save our planet, just like that the company did.

2024/03/21 (Thursday)

What are your thoughts on Expedia's findings?

According to Expedia's findings, Japanese people feel more stress than people from other countries when they sit next to a stranger on an airplane. These findings illustrate that the reason is that many Japanese people have a weak spot for proficiency in English. I think this is correct because my family and friends often tell me that they are afraid of foreign people, especially when they need to speak in English. However, I believe there are other reasons because I dislike sitting next to other people and then I feel stressed regardless of English. For example, when I ride on a train or a bus in Japan.  So, I believe that English is not the only reason Japanese people feel stressed when they ride on a plane. Now, AI is being developed rapidly, and I think more useful translation apps will be developed soon. These apps could relieve the stress caused by English.

2024/03/22 (Friday)

What are your thoughts on the study's findings?

I think the study's findings are a great achievement. We may be able to determine our level of tiredness through a new blood test. This test can identify people who haven't had enough sleep, such as those who have been awake for more than 24 hours. According to this article, people who haven't had enough sleep are as dangerous as those who drink alcohol when it comes to driving a car. Therefore, lack of sleep also contributes to road accidents. While this article highlights the relationship between sleep and tiredness, I believe there are other factors that contribute to our fatigue, such as mental health. I hope that this new blood test will be widely adopted worldwide and will be further developed to detect other signs that may contribute to fatigue.

2024/03/23 (Saturday)

What are your thoughts on the findings of this study?

I found it to be correct that there is a big difference between memorizing and understanding. Based on my experience, when I was a student, I often read textbooks in both history and language to memorize them. I understand that it is a good way for us to memorize by using our senses a lot, such as our eyes, voice, and ears. Because the more senses we use when we memorize something, the stronger our memory can link to them. However, when I was a student, I never read math and other subjects aloud. I needed to comprehend those subjects, not just memorize them. We can't understand something by just reading. We need a lot of time to comprehend something deeply and we have to concentrate on each word. So I believe there is a big difference between memorizing and understanding

2024/03/24 (Sunday)

Do you think teaching university courses through social media is a good idea?

Yes, I do. I think teachers should adopt new technology to improve the efficiency of learning and teaching. However, there are some concerns about adopting new technology because everything has both positive and negative sides. According to this article, some teachers worry about the security of TikTok. The discussion about banning TikTok is ongoing due to concerns about personal information security, especially since it was developed in China. Additionally. I think if students use TikTok during classes, they may use their smartphones for other purposes, such as playing games or watching YouTube. If they do that, it will be counterproductive. Therefore, it is very important for teachers to consider how to minimize the negative impact of using new technology when teaching students

2024/03/25 (Monday)

What are your thoughts on IQAir's report?

This report shows that approximately all countries don't take action to address air pollution such as PM2.5. Many countries recognize how important it is to solve environmental problems to save lives, but they don't address them. This is bad. According to this article, the worst country in terms of the level of PM2.5 is Bangladesh. I'm surprised by this result because I believed China is the worst country when it comes to air pollution. In Japan, sometimes PM2.5 flows from China and then it causes health problems for us, similar to symptoms of pollen allergies. This article said that some countries don't share the data about PM2.5, while others use low-cost sensors for this report. SoI wonder if China is included in either of these categories. I think we should use electric cars instead of gasoline cars and select eco-friendly materials to decrease air pollution. Moreover, new technologies for SDGs will be developed in the near future. I hope more and more people and companies become eco-friendly.

2024/03/26 (Tuesday)

What are your thoughts on the allegations against Ippei Mizuhara?

I was very disappointed to hear about this news. Shohei Ohtani is a very popular baseball player in Japan, and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is also well known to many people. Ippei Mizuhara has supported Ohtani since he started playing in the US. Ohtani often expressed his gratitude for his interpreter's support in interviews, so many people have a good impression of Ippei Mizuhara. Moreover, I believe that the more famous his interpreter is, the more people who aspire to become interpreters envision themselves working around the world. Many people, including Ohtani, are shocked by this fact. I hope that Ohtani's performance will not suffer this year. This incident makes me realize that money has a big impact on us and can easily corrupt our sense of right and wrong.

2024/03/27 (Wednesday)

What are your thoughts on Honda and Nissan's agreement?

I think this agreement between Honda and Nissan is essential for them to compete with foreign companies such as Tesla, especially in the EV market. The Japanese automotive industry lags behind compared to other countries despite having valuable technologies. I believe the reason for this lag is the lack of funding and workforce, which are not just individual company problems but rather national issues. Resolving these problems is challenging. However, when companies collaborate with each other, as Honda and Nissan have done, it can help address these challenges. I believe Japanese companies are not inferior to foreign ones. I hope more companies will collaborate with each other, leading to a quicker recovery of the Japanese economy.

2024/03/28 (Thursday)

What are your thoughts on the ELI's Dungeons & Dragons sessions?

I think using role-playing games for learning languages is very effective, so the ELI's Dungeons & Dragons sessions are very good. People who learn languages worry about making mistakes when they speak, such as grammatical mistakes. These worries stem from the pressure to speak perfectly. Using games could alleviate this pressure. People can pay attention to games, and thus, their concerns fade away during gameplay.
This makes it easier for them to think and express their thought in the language which they want to learn. Therefore, I believe ELI's Dungeons & Dragons sessions are very effective. Moreover, other countries and schools should try to implement similar methods for teaching languages.

2024/03/29 (Friday)

Do you find it surprising that Finland has been named the happiest country seven years in a row?

No, I don't. My impression of Finland is that it's a very friendly country, so I believe people who live there are happy. Finland is a popular destination for travelers. This report shows that more than half of the countries ranked on the list of happiest countries are in northern Europe, including Finland. I think what contributes to the happiness of these countries is that their governments prioritize the well-being of their citizens. In Japan, the government prioritizes increasing tax, which often frustrates us. According to this report, there is a generational difference in happiness. Denmark is the happiest country for those over 60, while Lithuania is the happiest for those under 30. This is very interesting. Asian countries are not ranked in the top 10, so I'm disappointed by this fact.

2024/03/30 (Saturday)

What are your thoughts on the study's findings?

I think artificial sweetened drinks are bad for our health if we drink too much, but I'm surprised by this finding that diet soda also has a negative impact on our health. I used to drink soda, including diet soda, too much. Luckily, I don't drink soda now. However, if I continue to drink them, it might cause me heart disease. There are many diet soda brands, such as the Coca-Cola Company, and there are many lovers of them. I think those who like drinking soda don't know this fact, so they believe that it is good for their health to choose diet soda instead of regular soda. This is very dangerous. According to this article, drinking pure fruit juices is good for our health to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. So I'll try to drink them every morning.