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Post by Admin on Dec 17, 2014 12:20:20 GMT 9
Please introduce yourself. Tell everyone a little about yourself.
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Samantha
Dec 21, 2014 18:57:13 GMT 9
via mobile
Post by samantha on Dec 21, 2014 18:57:13 GMT 9
Hello everyone! My name is Samantha! I live in Ebetsu, Hokkaido. Two months later, Sapporo Snow Festival is going to be held. It is very beautiful! I can't wait it! I like reading books but I have still just started that . Nowadays I often play "hyakunin-issu" which is a traditional game of cards of Japan. I want to show my favorite card of them. "Wata no hara yasoshima kakete kogiiden to hito ni wa tsugeyo ama no tsuribune" It was wrote by Onono Takamura. It is secret love poem. I was moved it! In the future, I want to be a member of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. I'm looking forward to studying in FILA!
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Samantha
Dec 21, 2014 19:32:57 GMT 9
via mobile
Post by Ariel on Dec 21, 2014 19:32:57 GMT 9
Hi, Samantha! I'm Ariel:)
I've been to Sapporo Snow Festival once. It was amazing. I was moved. But I don't remember so much because I was a little child. So I want to see beautiful snow statue again!
And I heard it is terrible wether in Hokkaido. Please be careful not to catch cold:)
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Post by Admin on Dec 22, 2014 10:29:41 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Thank you for making your first post and welcome to the FILA message boards. I have never seen the Sapporo Snow Festival but I've heard about it. What kind of books do you like to read? Are you reading any books in English? I just finished re-reading the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. What are you reading right now? This is a question for everyone. If you are reading this post please tell us what you are reading. Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Jan 4, 2015 16:41:52 GMT 9
Hi, Ariel ! Really? Let's go Sapporo Snow Festival together ! Thank you for your concern! However, snow of in this winter is little. So I'm happy !
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Post by samantha on Jan 4, 2015 16:50:58 GMT 9
Hi, Mr.Miyagi. I'm reading Dogura・Magura by Kyusaku Yumeno now. It is one of the three unusual books of Japan. So I'm having difficulty in reading it.
Oh, I've heard the Count of Monte Cristo! I want to read it. I read books in English once a week because I have a class of extensive reading in my high school. I've read Canon of Sherlock Holmes, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle and others in English.
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Post by Admin on Jan 9, 2015 7:12:49 GMT 9
Excellent Samantha! Reading is another fun way of learning English. I'm looking forward to your weekly report.
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Jan 9, 2015 22:05:15 GMT 9
Hi Everyone.
Vocabulary: I learned 20 new words. Also I could find other means of words which I already knew.
Reading: The book I'm reading is called "BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S" by Truman Capote. Statements about furniture,walls,and a landscape were minute so I could imagine a beautiful landscape in writing. It is a little difficult for me but I'm going to continue reading it to build my vocabulary.
Listening: I watched a Voice of America entitled "New Year". I found that a lot of Americans heard "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve. Japanese sing this song at a graduation ceremorny. I was surprised this difference between American culture and Japanese it.
Writing: I did 5 quick writes this week 1 every day. I only wrote 100 words on my first quick write. Today I could write 122 words. I was happy but I only use very easy words and grammars. I want to use words I learned 20 new words.
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Post by Admin on Jan 12, 2015 9:29:24 GMT 9
Dear Samantha, Good job getting your first weekly report in.
Vocabulary: Good job! It's important to know how to use the same words in different ways. Reading: Breakfast at Tiffany's is a good book. Keep reading and let us know what happens in the story. Listening: I hope you had a great New Year. Yes there are many differences in culture between Japan and America but there are also many similarities. What did you find similar in terms of New Years celebrations? Writing: Using words and grammar you know is important to help you improve proficiency. Yes, please try to use the new words you learn.
Great job Samantha. Please keep up the great work. Please read and comment on your classmates posts as well.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Jan 16, 2015 22:21:16 GMT 9
Hi Everyone!
Vocabulary: I learned 72 words this week. I found my skill of vocabulary was weak.
Reading: I'm still reading "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote. It's a romantic story of a beautiful prostitute and a young man who want to be a writer. There is an interesting point; Holly who is beautiful prostitute talks a lot! One line...two lines...three lines... I was surprised she had her lines of five lines! In contrast Pole who wants to be a writer little talks.
Listening: I watched some VOA. There were some news the affair which the French newspaper company was attacked. I want to disappear such a thing.
Writing: I did quick writes this week 1 very day. I thought it got difficult more and more but I become able to write 120 words on the average.
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Post by Admin on Jan 19, 2015 12:21:20 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Good job getting your second weekly report in.
Vocabulary: Wow! 72 words is great. Have you been able to use these words? Reading: Do you think Holly is an extrovert? Perhaps pole is an introvert. Listening: How much of the VOA news did you understand? If you didn't understand it please watch it again. Writing: 120 words is great. How much did you improve?
Keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by celeste on Jan 23, 2015 0:42:24 GMT 9
Hi,Samantha I'm celeste,nice to meet you!
Do you live in Hokkaido,don't you? I want to know about your local festival cause I live in osaka and I hardly see a great deal of snow. And I like Hyakunin-issu,too! I'm looking forward to see you☆彡
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Post by samantha on Jan 23, 2015 21:54:38 GMT 9
Hi everyone!
Vocabulary: I learned 101 words this week. I could use these words little by little.
Reading: I'm reading "Breakfast in Tiffany's". I think Holly is a little selfish lady. In contrast Pole is gentle and quiet. This difference help their romance I think. I watched this DVD, Audrey Hepburn was very very cute!
Listeing: I watched VOA. I especially concerned about "Indonesia Faces Criticism for Executing Drug Offenders". Each countries having different laws to control criminals but sometimes it cause these problems, I think.
Writing: I did 7 writes this week. I still wrote about 120 words but I became able to write words I wanted to express.
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Post by samantha on Jan 23, 2015 22:12:46 GMT 9
Hi Cleste! Nice to meet you, too!
Sappoto Snow Festival is going to held from February 5 to February 11. People can look at snow sucluptures and eat famous foods in Hokkaido. Please look at this picture, it's beautiful isn't it?
Oh! What poems do you like hakunin-issu? I'm happy to here you like it!
I have been to Osaka twice! I think Osaka is great city. I like takoyaki very much !
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Post by Admin on Jan 28, 2015 10:02:37 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Thank you for posting your weekly report. Vocabulary: Great work learning 101 words. Please be sure to actively use these words so you don't forget them. Reading: Are you watching the movie and reading at the same time? That's a good way to understand the story better. There are often differences between movies and books. Can you point them out for us? Listening: Do you know why Indonesia executes drug offenders? What do the people in Indonesia think? Writing: Great job doing 7 quick writes. 120 words is good. Do you think about the question before you write?
Keep up the great work Samantha. You're doing great!
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Jan 30, 2015 23:25:18 GMT 9
Hi, everyone.
Vocabulary: I learned 190 words this week. It's surprising to me now.
Reading: I continue to read "Breakfast at Tiffany's". I gradually understood it. When Holly lost her temper, Pole appeased her. They could help each other.
Listening: I watched TED. I especially concerned about "To slove mass violence, look at locals." by Severine Autesserre. She talked about Democratic Republic Congo. There are still about oppressions and slaugher. She said "It is that both macro - level and micro - level peacebuilding are needed to make peace sustinable." I think so. When we make efforts for peace, we mustn't neglect minority saying.
Writing: I did 7 writes this week. I could write 142 words. I callenged using inanimate object subjects. For example "The bus took me to Sapporo station." However it was very difficlut.
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Post by Admin on Feb 2, 2015 13:28:53 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Thank you for posting your weekly report.
Vocabulary: Wow! 190 words is a lot. Please go back and review the words. Reading: Why did Holly lose her temper? Listening: Do you know the history between the Tutsi and Hutu? What minorities do you have in your country?
Writing: Great job getting to 142 words.
Please keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Feb 6, 2015 22:44:30 GMT 9
Hi, everyone!
Vocabulary: I learned 214 words this week.
Reading: I continue to read "Breakfast at Tiffany's", but I change it into other book. Because it is a little difficult for me... I will read "The Phantom of the Opera" tomorrow, but I want to finish reading "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
Listening: I watched TED, "To invent is to give" by Dean Kamen. He invited Segway, I concerned about a few years ago. His English was easy to listen, I could laugh with native speakers at the same time! but I read him script.
Writing: I did 7 writes this week. I became be able to write 140 words on avarage and I could write 172 words.
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2015 23:29:05 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Thank you for posting your weekly report. Vocabulary: Wow! 214 words! Are you retaining these words? Are you using them every day? Do you know how to use these words?
Reading: If the book is too difficult please stop and go on to a book at the appropriate level.
Listening: Do you agree with the statement "to invent is to give?" Many people in the world give their ideas for free. Why?
Writing: Great job getting to 172 words. That's a great improvement.
Wonderful job Samantha. Please keep on working hard.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Feb 13, 2015 23:22:58 GMT 9
Hello everyone!
Vocabulary: I learnd 73 words. I always write new words on my notebook and practice them often. However I learned a lot of words last week. That's way I used 2 days to review them this week. I want to study words systematically.
Reading: I read "The Phamtom of the Opera" by Jennifer Bassett. I know this story, and love it. Last year I went to watching this stage by Shiki Theatrical Company. I was moved.
Listening: I watched TED, "My simple invention, designed to keep my grandfather safe" by Kenneth Shinozuka. He invention an equipment for him grandfather and him familiy. We are going to need these inventions as it is going to be a super aging society. I think he is wonderful.
Writing: I did 7 writes this week. I could write 150 words on avarage. I'm glad about seeing my growth.
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Post by Admin on Feb 18, 2015 8:11:09 GMT 9
Hi Samantha, Thank you for posting your weekly report.
Vocabulary: Great job learning 73 words. If you use them every day it will help you remember them. Use them in your weekly reports and in your quick writes.
Reading: What is the story about? Please share.
Listening: What was the invention? Please give us more informaiton about the TED talk you watched. What did you mean when you wrote "We are going to need these inventions?" Do you mean inventions for senior citizens?
Writing: Great work getting 7 quick writes done. Great job getting to 150 words.
Thank you for sharing your report but next time please try to add more detail. Please summarize what you have been reading and please explain what you listened to. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by samantha on Feb 20, 2015 22:48:35 GMT 9
To Mr.Miyagi
I'm sorry about my shortage. I'll be carefull from now on.
Hi, everyone!
Vocabulary: I learned 136 words.I also could review them.
Reading: I continued reading "The Phantom of the Opera". This was a love story in an opera house in Paris. Christine was very good singer of the opera house. The reason why she was good at singing was a man taught her how to sing better. She called him "my angle of music". However he was a phantom of the opera. He requested managers of opera to pay a lot of many. He also wanted Christine to love him. She was afraid him a little because he was very ungry. At such time, Raul who was a viscount and love Christine wanted to slove many mysterys in the opera. I have just finished it, I taught the phantom was a little selfish. He was very pitiful because he had never loved by anyone but he threatened managers and Christine.
Listening: I watched TED, "Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast" by Tom Wujec. This interesting title attracted me, but it's too difficult.
He found a exercise helps people understand andslove complexproblems. First, people drew how to make toast. He introduced many examples, they were funny! These example showed each opinion. People could undersand how to make toast by viewing 5 and 13 nodes. Next, group working could complicate making toast not only simple patterns but also parallel patterns and branching patterns. He said "Talking gets in the way (in the growp working).", I was surprised the best. Writing: I did 7 writes this week. I could not be over my best on last week, but I could new words!
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Post by malcolm on Feb 22, 2015 8:19:07 GMT 9
Hi Samantha!
This is Malcolm, one of the FILA English teachers.
Hokkaido is my favorite place to visit in Japan. I have visited more than 15 times. It reminds me of my home in America. I'm from Pennsylvania. Asahikawa and my home town are at the same latitude. When people say Tokyo is cold I laugh and say, "you don't know what cold is. My hometown is cold." When they ask how cold it gets in winter, I always say, "look at the temperature in Asahikawa, it is about the same."
Vocabulary: One hundred thirty-six "new" words? Wow! I'm not sure I could do that. It is very important to review the vocabulary you are learning. Keep using them as often as you can and in as many different situations as possible. Don't forget to study related words, or other meanings for the words. Try using the new words that you learn each week when you write posts on this board or any time you speak or write in daily life. It may seem strange at first, but it does help you remember them. Maybe you have heard the phrase, "Use it or lose it." Using the words regularly with help you to remember them and keep them in your long-term memory. Then you can say with certainty that you have learned them.
Reading: It is a very good story. How did society play a role in the phantom's life?
Listening: What do you mean by "nodes" and "patterns"? Could you explain this more clearly?
Writing: Good job with being consistent with the writing.
In general, do each of the activities we have suggested a little each day. Make it a habit, even if it is only for a few minutes. Build this into a habit. You can do it. This will not only help you when you come to university but also with the rest of your life.
Keep up the good work.
Malcolm
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Post by samantha on Feb 28, 2015 0:53:49 GMT 9
I'm sorry I was late. My report was disappeared while I was writing...
Hello everyone!
Vocabulary: I learned 92 new words. I'm going to finish studying General Service List tomorrow. I want to review them again and again.
Reading: I'm reading "Les Miserables" by Jennifer Bassett. This is story about early 1800s in France. Rich people rode carriages and good foods. However poor people didn't
have jobs, foods, houses and hopes.
Jean Valjean was a good man. He lived with his sister and her 7 children. They had no food in hard cold winter. 7 children cried and cried because they were starving, so Jean went to a bakery and stole a loaf of bread. He ran away there but he was arrested and be send to prison for 5 years. He tried to escape many times, but he failed all time. As a result, He lived in prison for 19 years!
He had been a good man, but living in prison had changed him. He had yellow card which show that he was a prisoner, so people hated him. He visited an church. There were a good bishop and the bishop's sister. Jean was warmly welcomed by the bishop. The bishop let Jean eat dinner and stay there. However Jean stole six silver plates from there and he was found by policemen.
When they arrived the bishop's house, they were surprised because the bishop said extraordinary things. "I gave you the silver plates and the candlesticks! You forgot the candlesticks!" Jean didn't be arrested, the bishop gave him silver plates and candlesticks. He was moved and went to next, but nobody knows where he went to.
Jean was hurt by people who didn't like poor people, so he became a thief ones a time. However he rewember a good mind by a great bishop. I think, effects which people have a lot of powers for better or worse. I don't want to forgot it.
I'm going to see this movie after submitting this report...but I want to fell a sleep because I'm tired rewriting XO.
Listening: I watched TED "The little problem I had renting a house" by James A. White Sr.
He was African-American. When he was 18 years old, he joinem the United States Air Force and wanted to find an apartment in Idaho. However he couldn't do it because he was African-American. He and his family often experienced cruel treatments about racist practices.
Especially I was shocked, when they wanted to stay a motel, they were declined. I didn't know about racism, but Japanese had it a few years ago about Chinese and Korean. I'm sure I have to study about racism before studying abroad.
Writing: I did 6 writes this week. I could write 162 words the best, but I became use new words. I want to write everyday.
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Post by Admin on Mar 5, 2015 12:02:11 GMT 9
I love Les Miz! Great job Samantha.
Miyagi H
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