writing 05

Types of Environmental Problems

Recently, environmental problems have been more and more serious all over the world. Though many scientists have been studying hard to solve them, they haven’t become better. To solve these serious problems, people should know about them. There are many types of environmental problems and most of them are caused by people’s lives. Environmental problems can be classified on the basis of the place they happen.
First, some of them happen in the air. They are called air pollution. One of the best-known things is the depletion of the ozone layer. It is mainly caused by the CFC gas, also called freon, released from refrigerators, air conditioners, and so on. It destroys the ozone layer and makes an ozone hole. If the ozone hole becomes bigger, people would be bathed in more ultraviolet rays, which cause diseases like skin cancer.
They also happen in the water. One of them is acid rain, defined as “rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic” (Quoted from Wikipedia). It is caused by combustion of fuel or volcanic activities. It acidifies lakes, makes forests die and liquefies metal. Water pollution and the rise in ocean level are also this type of environmental problem.
Finally, they happen on the land. A typical example is deforestation. It is caused by felling and burning trees. People do such things to sell wood, build new leisure spots, and so on. It not only robs animals of their dwellings, but also increases CO2, which causes global warming. The other problems in this type are garbage pollution, desertification, and so on.
There are still many kinds of environmental problems. All these types of problems listed above are only a part of them. Moreover, all the problems relate to each other. Some of them cause others. Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., an American environmental activist and the forty-fifth Vice President of the United States, said people are responsible for environmental problems now, in his book, “An Inconvenient Truth”. As he said, each person should have responsibility and try hard to solve these problems as soon as possible. There are a lot of things he or she can do for the environment.
Works Cited:
Wikipedia “Acid rain” 28 November 2008.

Wikipedia “An Inconvenient Truth” 25 November 2008.

book report 02

1) MLA CITATION
Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1843.
2) RESPONDING TO THE PLOT:
If I were Scrooge, I couldn’t change my mind because I think it is so difficult for everyone to change his or her mind especially being older. So if I were the author, I would change the story that Scrooge’s mind and life didn’t change at all after meeting three ghosts.
In the last page, the book says “it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.” It was the most impressive for me because it shows Scrooge’s characteristic after changing the best. So I chose it.
3) ANALYZING 7 LITERARY TERMS
1. Setting: The location of the story is London, England. And the time is the middle of the nineteenth century.
2. Point of View: This story is told through the minds and emotions of all the characters. Therefore, the point of view is omniscient.
3. Conflict: There are many conflicts in this story. For example, Scrooge versus his employees, and Scrooge versus his family. The main conflict, however, is Scrooge versus three ghosts because they tried to change his life.
4. Climax: Scrooge was avaricious and hated by the people around him, but finally, he changed his mind and became very kind to everyone. I think it is the climax in this story.
5. Symbol: The symbol in this story is a Christmas carol. It stands for Scrooge’s awaking of human love through his experience with three ghosts.
6. Irony: One of the ironies in this story is that Scrooge had much money, but didn’t have much love. Another irony is that Scrooge changed his mind because of the ghost of Marley, who was a materialistic person like Scrooge.
7. Theme: This story tells us how necessary human love is. After reading this story, I thought that the most important thing for human was not money, but love.
4) REFLECTING ON THE STORY
I was surprised that ghosts changed a person’s life. I think it is impossible in the real life. So I also felt interesting. Scrooge was rich, but always alone. I’m not rich, but never feel alone. At that time, there was strong class consciousness. However, we hardly mind it in my country. The book has already been made into a film many times, but I’ve never seen it yet. I want to see it.
The author was very poor so he had to work at a factory when he was a child. So he wrote a lot of stories as a poor man and tried to change society through Christian human love. I think his life and experience themselves might have inspired him to write the book. I agree with the author’s view of people and life. I also think that love is much more important than money. What I learned from this story is that we can change our life if we can change our mind. I thought we could never change our mind so easily, but after reading this book, I thought we could change it if we really hope to do. I expected Scrooge never changed until he died, but actually, he changed a lot and lived the rest of his life happily.

Book Report 01

1) MLA CITATION
Author: Bennett, Arnold.
Book Title: Anna of the Five Towns.
City of Publication: London, England.
Publisher: Macmillan. Date: 1902. Number of Pages: 107.
2) RESPONDING TO THE PLOT:
If I were Anna, I would not marry Henry even if I really wanted to escape from misery and dictatorial father. So, if I were the author, I would change the story that Anna married not Henry but Willy. I want the heroine to marry the man whom she really loves and get true happiness.
There are many phrases which I can see how stern Anna’s father is. One day, Anna had forgotten to buy bacon for breakfast and their breakfast was late a little. She and her sister Agnes cooked them as soon as possible, but his anger was never settled and they ate breakfast in a heavy silence (page 28). I chose it because it describes his characteristic, which had greatly influenced Anna’s life the best.
3) ANALYZING 7 LITERARY TERMS
1. Setting: The location of the story is the Potteries area of Staffordshire, England. And the time is the end of the seventeenth century.
2. Point of View: This story is told through the minds and emotions of all the characters. Therefore, the point of view is omniscient.
3. Conflict: There are many conflicts in this story. For example, Anna versus Mr. Price, and Anna versus herself. The main conflict, however, is Anna versus her father because she decided to marry Henry because of him.
4. Climax: Anna realized that she loves Willy after marrying Henry but it was too late. I think it is the climax in this story.
5. Symbol: The symbol in this story is the Methodist church. It stands for Anna’s strictly controlled activities and life.
6. Irony: One of the ironies in this story is that Anna married Henry, but actually loved Willy. Another irony is that Anna’s family was rich enough, but they all weren’t so happy.
7. Theme: This story makes us think what true happiness is. I thought that not all riches are happy after reading this story.
4) REFLECTING ON THE STORY
I was surprised that daughters did all the housework like cooking and doing washing for their father since they were children. Anna does housework every day and goes to the Methodist church every Sunday. I don’t do housework every day and go to the church. At that time, there was strong class consciousness. However, we hardly mind it in my country. If the book has been made into a film, I would compare the film with the book by using many beautiful items to represent Tellwright family’s rich life.
The author himself was born in a solicitor’s house and was rich. He was impressed by Zola’s enthusiasm for ‘realism’ and was much moved by George Moore’s realistic novel. So I think his life and experience themselves might have inspired him to write the book. I disagree with the author’s view of people and life. In my opinion, we shouldn’t have some class consciousness and male chauvinism. What I learned from this story is that money is not all for people’s lives. Of course I already knew that, but after reading this book, that idea became stronger for me. I expect the happy ending would come to Anna, but actually, she looked not so happy for me.

Writing 04

Should Television Become “Commercial Free”?

Yuma Nishimoto

Recently, TV commercials have become more variously. Each company uses popular TV stars or songs and makes impressive commercials to sell as many of their products as possible. Today, most TV stations broadcast commercials, so people can watch them almost every day and are greatly influenced by them. If there were no commercials on TV, what would happen to them? Television should not become “commercial free”.
Actually, some people think that television should become “commercial free”. The IT media news says that about 23 percent of the HDD recorder users skip all the commercials when they watch recordings and the majority skip more than 80 percent of the commercials. Only 23 percent of them don’t skip any commercials. People might enjoy watching television more and more if TV commercials are abolished.
Furthermore, people could concentrate on the program to the end. TV commercials sometimes make them feel bored and irritated. When TV commercials are too long, they may get sleepy even if they wanted to watch the next program. When a TV drama reaches its climax and they are enthusiastic about it, suddenly, the story is suspended and TV commercials start. Then, they want to watch the continuation soon and can’t help feeling irritated.
However, TV commercials are playing some important parts in television. The most important thing is that if people could not watch TV commercials, they could get little information about new products. Today, most of the information they get is by television because the people who read newspapers or listen to the radio have been decreasing. According to Wikipedia, TV commercials have produced many vogue words every year. For example, “Jikochu”, “Nensho-kei”, and “Yosou GUY”.
While TV commercials are broadcast, people can take a rest. They can do anything they want to do until the continuation of the program starts if they don’t want to watch commercials. They can go to the washroom, take snacks or drinks, and so on. If they continue watching television for a long time without taking a rest, not only their eyes but also their brains would be tired. Their eyesight easily fails and a headache may happen. They need to take a rest when they watch television.
TV commercials are sometimes nuisances for some people, but they can also enjoy watching them. They can not only make trends, but also become the center of their topics. Moreover, they can relax between programs by them. These days, there is no denying the fact that TV commercials are very important for their lives.

Works Cited:
IT media news “HDDレコーダーによるCMスキップで損失540億円” 31 Mar. 2005

Wikipedia “commercial message” 5 Nov. 2008

Writing 03

The United States

Yuma Nishimoto

The United States has had a great influence on many countries in economy, politics, and so on. Many people go there from different countries, so it is called “a melting pot of races.” The United States is so large that we need to divide it and look at each of regions to understand the country much better.
The United States can be divided by many ways. Some divide it between North and South, others divide it between East and West. Here I divide it into four regions ―― Northeastern United States, Southern United States, Western United States, and Midwestern United States. Then, I will talk about each of these regions.
First, Northeastern United States includes New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and many other states. Its culture is influenced by that of other countries, especially Canada, and Southern United States. There, many people are Protestants or Catholics, but other religions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are believed. They mainly eat meat. It is said that hamburgers are first made and eaten there.
Next, Southern United States includes Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and so on. Both whites and blacks made the development of music and influenced each other. For example, R&B, soul music, and jazz have been developed there. The popular sports are football and baseball. One of the features of southern food is using much fat and lard. Coke had its origin in this region.
Western United States includes California, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, and so on. Many things such as beef, wheat, soybeans, raw cotton, potatoes, apples, and oranges are produced. Many Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, and Native- Americans live there. Mormonism is believed in a part of this region.
Finally, Midwestern United States　includes Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and many other states. Its climate is usually cool. In winter, blizzards blow hard. Tornadoes and foods often occur. The coal industry, the iron industry, and the car industry have developed. Most people believe Catholicism, but a few people believe Judaism or Islam. There are some people who have no religions. Rock ’n ’roll, techno music, and house music are famous. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson were born there.

Of course, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other islands are included in the United States. Each region has different characteristics and all of them are so attractive! It is useful to understand them. The history of the United States is not so long as many other countries, but the characteristics of these regions make it up now and have influenced economics, politics, and cultures all over the world.

Writing 02

Seas and Mountains

Yuma　Nishimoto

Seas and mountains are two famous places where many people often go to enjoy their summer vacations. Japan is encircled by the sea and has many beautiful mountains.

Both seas and mountains are popular leisure spots. Seas are popular among young people or the families which have little children. They enjoy surfing, swimming. There are so many things to enjoy not only in the sea but also on the beach. For example, playing beach volleyball, tanning, making a castle of the sand. Mountains are loved by old people. They go there to get edible wild plants and mushrooms, and walk for keeping their health.

Both places have abundant nature. In seas, there are many fish, shell fish, seaweeds and many other sea animals. In mountains, there are many trees, insects, and animals. Both of them are very important for people to live.

However, both places are dangerous for us, too. Many accidents often happen there. For example, some are drowned, strung by jellyfish, or injured by sharks in the sea. Others are lost, meet with bears, or eat toadstools in the mountain. When we enjoy ourselves there, we have to pay attention to these dangers.

Finally, when we go to these two places, we usually wear special clothes. In seas, we wear swimsuits to swim. Nowadays, there are so many kinds of swimsuits. They are colorful and have various shapes. In mountains, we wear hats, shirts with long sleeves and long bottoms to protect our skin by insects or sharp weeds.

Both places have different characteristics. If you visit there, both will make you so happy and excited. You should go to the place where you will be able to enjoy more. Which place do you want to go now? If you are fascinated by both places, I think it will be good for you to visit both two places in this summer!

Writing 01

Japanese Famous, Charming and Brilliant Singer


Ayumi Hamasaki is one of the most famous Japanese singers. She was born in Fukuoka in 1978. She loves dogs and has five Chihuahuas, a Dachshund and a Yorkshire terrier. Not only her singing voice but also her appearance and personality attract many people.

During her early teens, she belonged to the model agency in Fukuoka and was active as “Kurumi Hamasaki”. In 1993, she was scouted in Tokyo and came out as an actress. In 1994, she changed her stage name to “Ayumi Hamasaki” and appeared in TV dramas and movies until the end of 1996. The following year, she decided to be a singer and went over to New York for voice training.

In April, 1998, she came out as a singer. This was the start of “Ayumi Hamasaki” as a singer. On January 1st, 1999, her first album got the first place in charts for the first time, and in April, a single CD got the first place in charts for the first time, too. In addition, she appeared in an annual music show, broadcasted on NHK in every New Year’s Eve for the first time in that year and continues appearing in it every year . Because of her distinguished singing ability, she won many bright prizes and got splendid records. For instance, she won the record grand prix of Japan in 2001-2003, all Japan cable broadcasting grand prix in 2000-2003, and so on. In 2006, she became the first woman and solo singer who sells the single CDs exceeded 20,000,000 pieces. In addition, she writes words of all her songs by herself and sometimes composes some of them.

Unfortunately, she found she had a problem with her left ear in 2000 and completely lost her hearing ability of left ear last year. However, she said that she would continue singing for her fans and herself until she loses her hearing ability of right ear because she really likes singing.

Not only her songs but also her unique fashion and action give us big influence. She was called “the leader of the school girls” and she became the social phenomenon to produce the various fashions as a fashion leader. She won the best dresser award in 2000, the best jeanist award in 2000, 2001, 2003-2005, and the nail queen award in 2001-2003. Not only her looking but also her way of thinking about everything is respected by many people and it influences their ways of thinking.

This year, 2008, is the 10th anniversary since her debut as a singer. Fighting against her left ear’s problem, she will continue being active in many fields as a singer, fashion leader and so on, and attract us from now on.

Newspaper Article Discussion 02

“Chinese couple asks govt for compensation over son's death”
The Yomiuri Shimbun Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008


Written Summary:
According to this article, a Chinese student, Shi Xiaoning, 26, was attacked by a man at a restaurant in Osaka's Minami entertainment district in March and died later at his home. The man was sentenced to six years in prison for injury resulting in death, but he has appealed his sentence to a higher court. His parents are seeking compensation from the central government that is only available to residents of Japan or Japanese nationals. They still owe 1.8 million yen for Shi's education. Although their supporters have consulted the Osaka prefectural police over the possibility of the parents receiving the benefit, they were told it would be impossible. The benefit, which varies from about 3.2 million yen to 29.64 million yen, is calculated based on the income of the victim and the financial situation of the bereaved family.

Opinion Statement:
I think the benefit should be paid for Shi’s family. The sorrow of losing a son is no different for Chinese or Japanese.

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about studying at a university in other countries?
2. Do you have any countries where you want or don’t want to study as a university student?
3. If you were the bereaved family, what would you do?

New Words:
･compensation: 賠償金
･district: 地域,街
･resident: 居住者,在住者
･consult: 意見を求める
･bereaved: 先立たれた

Newspaper Article Discussion 01

“Study abroad agent apologizes to clients, says it won’t pay them.”
Japan Times Monday, Oct. 6, 2008

Written Summary:
According to this article, Gateway21 Co. which had helped Japanese study abroad apologized to its clients that it went bankrupt on Wednesday, but can’t pay them back. The clients were anger, demanding to pay back and accusing it of fraud. Gateway21’s lower said that about 950,000,000 yen in tuition and boarding fees were paid by 1,300 people who wanted to study abroad, but they won’t be recovered. In addition, there are about 1,000 clients now abroad, but they might have to interrupt their studies because Gateway21 can’t continue paying its overseas business partners.

Opinion Statement:
I think it is natural that clients should be angry because they can’t not only study abroad but also recover their large amount of money. If Gateway21 can’t pay them back, they should take responsibility in other ways.

Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever been to overseas to study?
Yes→Where and how was it? No→Do you want to study abroad? Why or why not?
2. Do you think the agency like Gateway21 is necessary for us to study abroad? Why or why not?
3. What do you think are good and bad points to study abroad?

New Words:
1. declare: to say officially or publicly
2. fraud: the crime of chaeting in order to get money illegally
3. bankruptcy: without enough money to pay what you owe
4. incur: situation in which you have to deal with it
5. debt: a sum of money that someone owes