BR 2-18: Cleopatra

I read Cleopatra. Cleopatra is a famous historical figure. So everyone knows the woman. Of course I know her, but I didn't know what sort she is. So I thought I wanted to read this book.

Cleopatra had good looks, culture and wit, and she led Roman influential men around by the nose. Cleopatra was said that she was so beautiful. However, she was not only beautiful but also smart. I understood it by reading these sentences, "Cleopatra was just twelve when she realized her family's resign was in danger. She was reading about Greek gods."(Daynes, 2004, p.8). She learned a lot of things by herself. I think I want to a woman who has culture and wit like Cleopatra. Please read this book!

Reference
Daynes, K. (2004). Cleopatra. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[124 words]

BR 2-17: London

Today, I read London. London is one of the cities I want to visit, so I read this book. In this book there were a lot of surprises. One of the information is that "You can listen to the speakers at Speakers' Corner near Marble Arch. People from all over the world come and speak here." (Escott, 1995, p.9) Have you ever heard Speakers' Corner? I heard it for the first time. I thought it was interesting thing. If I go to London, I want to go there.

I knew London is the city that has a long history. I want to go Buckingham Place and Westminster Abbey and I want to learn a lot of things. By reading books, I thought I want to London more. I liked the atmosphere of the city. Please read it!

Reference
Escott, J. (1995). London. New York: Oxford University Press.

[137 words]

BR 2-16: The Story of Football

I read The Story of Football. I like watching soccer game very much because it makes me so excited. Do you like football? I often watch soccer game on TV. For this reason, I chose this book.

I like soccer the best in football. I think soccer is exciting sport. Soccer is one of the sports that there are a lot of competition populations. In other words, soccer is popular sport. So, soccer spread around the globe soon. I understood how soccer was born and formed, for example, process of making rule. The story was interesting.

I didn't know about American football. So I was surprised bit of information that "So he changed the size of the pitch, reduced the number of players in each team, and allowed players to pass the ball forward. American Football was born."(Jones, 2007, p.47) I could know about American football and I had interest in the sport. I have not watched American football, so I want to watch the game someday.

Reference
Jones, R. (2007). The Story of Football. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[167 words]

BR 2-15: New York

I read New York. I think New York is the city everyone wants to visit at least once. I also want to go New York. I long to visit New York. However, I don't know about New York well. So I thought I want to know about New York before I visit there.

In this book there were a lot of surprises. The most surprising is bit of information that "More than twenty million people visit New York every year." (Escott, 1995, p.1) I thought New York is the most exciting city in the world. I read this book and I thought I want to go to Green Village. There are interesting shops, cafes, art galleries and 'off broadway' theatres. Also, if I go to New York, I go to the ballet and Broadway. By reading this book, I thought I want to visit New York still more. I hope to go there someday.

Reference
Escott, J. (1995). New York. New York: Oxford University Press.

[154 words]

My Favorite TV/Movie Star

I'll tell you about my favorite TV/movie star. My favorite TV/movie star is Japanese woman, Nanako Matsushima. She is very famous actress and fashion model. I like her very much because she is so beautiful, and has a good smile and voice. I think her voice is feminine, so I especially like her voice. She appeared a lot of TV dramas and movies. I often watched her TV dramas and movies. I like GTO, Yamatonadeshiko and Beauty or Wild Beast. Have you ever watched them? They are interesting drama and she is cool. I watched her movie recently. The title is Ghost. It is beautiful and moving movie, so I was impressed. I'm looking forward to watching her TV drama and movie from now on.

[125 words]

My Favorite Music

I'll tell you about my favorite music. I have much favorite music and one of them is BOA's music. BOA is woman singer and she is Korean. She made her debut in Japan in 2001. I have liked her when she made her debut in Japan, because I like her music very much. Her music is so cool. However, her music is not only cool but also cute. So I can enjoy many kinds of music. Also, I like her voice and dance. Her performance is so great! I often listen to her music. I become happy when I listen to her music. I'm sad to not be active in Japan recently. I want to go to her concert some day.

[121 words]

Essay 2-03a: My Every Day

My university life is good and I live a full life now. I study English at university every day. When I have free time, I enjoy a lot of things I want to do. I have many good friends and I am having a good time with my friends. I can not only study but also experience many things. There are good things for me. Now I’ll tell you about my university life now and future university life.

First of all, I’ll tell you about studying English. I have many English classes and I study English every day. In class, I study English by various ways. For example, presentation, reading books or newspaper and writing a blog. I enjoy learning English through them. I especially like writing a blog. I write daily happenings, books review, essay and my favorites. By writing daily happenings, I can look back the day, and I can know my friends daily happenings. In this way, I’m developing my English skills. Also, I have many reports and homework. It is hard for me to write reports, but I think we should learn not only English skill but also history and culture. So I learn many things by writing reports. I enjoy studying English now.

Second, I’ll tell you about my free time. At university, there is much free time, so I can do a lot of things I want to do. I read books in the library and watch movies. I also listen to music and take a ballet lesson as a hobby. It is a lot of fun for me to do them. I assimilate various things through them and I feel refreshed. I want to assimilate various things more during university student. Also, I have a part time job. I teach student English at a cram school. It is difficult for me to teach, but I learn communication and to fit into society. I experience many things in my free time, so free time is very important time for me.

Third, I’ll tell you about my friends. At university, there are many and various people. I have many chances to study in groups at class. So I can talk many people and I am stimulated them. I learn their way of thinking. Also, I have many good friends at university. I talk a lot with them and laugh every day. In my free time, I meet friends and go many places. I really enjoy time with my friends and we help each other. So friends are important for me and I can enjoy university life thanks to my friends.

Finally, I’ll tell you about my university life from now on. I have the rest two years university life. So I want to experience many things. For example, volunteer activities, reading various books and going abroad. I think studying is of course important and free time is also important. I think it is important how to use free time. That’s why, I’m going to challenge new things.

As you can see, I live a full life now at university. I enjoy studying English and my free time. I am also having a good time with my friends. I am stimulated and learn many things through them. So I think I can grow. By experiencing many things I can do only now, I want to live a full university life from now on.

[567 words]

Restaurant

Hi, everyone. I am ‘Mozzallera’ restaurant’s staff. Today, I’ll introduce my restaurant. My restaurant’s owner is Cheeza Macarroni and he is very fat. However, he is very kind and interesting man. He has unique idea and he can make very unique dishes. He is liked by every staffs, moreover town’s people too. And, there are 4 staffs in my restaurant. Daisuke Yamaguchi is second owner and he is very smart. He is always in this restaurant and he takes charge of restaurant’s accounting. We respect him very much. Kana Ooki is designer of my restaurant. She decorated the inside of the restaurant and she has very nice sense. Recently, she decided to change the inside of restaurant. She wants to design more beautiful and clean. Chihiro Yamashita can make delicious sweet. Her sweet is very famous and she won the contest of sweet. Aoi Nozoe is regular staff and she can carry dishes very quickly.

And, I’ll introduce my restaurant’s history. In 1960, Cheesa Macarroni opened this restaurant. He loved pizza and pasta so he ate these dishes almost everyday. Then, there were many mozzallera cheeses in this restaurant dish’s menu. Gradually, he gained his weight and he had become fat. That’s why people said ‘he looks like mozzollera chese’. After that, he called ‘Mozzallera chef’ from towns people. He is very famous chef because his dishes were very delicious. Moreover, he was the fattest chef in the world. Then, this restaurant had no name so he decided to name this restaurant ‘Mozzallera’. Now, this restaurant is very famous restaurant and high class restaurant. Many people come to this restaurant from all over the world. Please enjoy our restaurant. Next, I’ll introduce my restaurant’s menu.

Salad
・Chicken salad
This salad is very healthy, chicken’s seasoning is basil. The flavor is so good. You can eat not to mind the calorie.

・Seared born-less
This chicken is very tender. It was roasted, the surface is crisp and inside is juicy. The seasoning is lemon.

Pasta
・Tomato and cheese
Our shop’s special is cheese, so this menu is our recommendation. The tomato is so fresh. Please try this one.

・Vongola
Vongola is a bivalve’s pasta. We use this shellfish’s extract. This pasta’s seasoning is garlic.

・Carbonara
We recommend this pasta. We cook this pasta with much cheese and bacon. The seasoning is strong, but you find the good taste.

Pizza
・Salmon and Cheese
・Mushroom and Teriyaki chicken


Pizza has two kinds. One is Salmon and Cheese and the price is 1000. The Owner, Cheeza Macaroni goes fishing every morning, so the salmon is fresh. You can choose one cheese of the six. So you can enjoy many kinds of taste. The other is Mushroom and Teriyaki chicken and the price is 1500. The teriyaki chicken is so juicy and matches mushroom, so it is delicious pizza.


Dessert
・Pudding
・Chocolate cake
・Cassis mousse


Dessert has three kinds. Pudding is custard pudding and the price is 600. The owner, Cheeza Macaroni keeps chickens and the hen lays eggs every day. He uses the eggs, so it is so fresh. The pudding is smooth and melts. You can choose cool pudding or hot pudding. Chocolate cake is the most popular of the three. It is used expensive chocolates, so it is rich cake. The price is 700. Cassis mousse has a sweet and sour taste. Animals in the forest bring good cassis every day for this restaurant. The color of the mousse is pink and the shape is heart, so it is cute dessert. The price is 500 and it is reasonable.

If you order Course Dish, you can enjoy anti pasta mist with 5 kinds of vegetable, pate de foie gras, couliflower potage, bream and scallop or beef and avocado and dessert buffet. We have a lot of kinds of dessert. Our restaurant is particular about cheese. You can choose cheese. There are 7 kinds of cheese, red cheese, green cheese, blue cheese, black cheese, slim cheese, rose cheese and sunflower cheese. Of these cheeses, we recommend rose cheese. This cheese is rare one, so you can't eat this cheese at other restaurant. Please try to order this cheese.


Third, I’ll introduce one how to cook for you.

〈Ingredients〉
・ pizza’s dough: one piece
・boiled tomato: half of can
・salt: one teaspoon
・mozzarella cheese: a block
・three kinds of basils
・olive oil: moderate amount
・salmon

〈Steps〉
1. Strain boiled tomatoes, and remove seeds and the skin.

2. Add salt to the strained tomatoes.

3. Spread the tomato sauce on the dough.

4. Put sliced mozzarella cheese, basil, and salmon.

5. Bake the pizza with 250℃ for 10 minutes.

[794 words]

Outline: University Life

• University Life
• study English
  • classes
  • assignments
  • blog
• free time
  • read books
  • watch movies
• friends
• future university
• everyone go to university
• students study at home
• development of computer technical

[40 words]

Map: University Life

University Life about 25 years from now

In 25 years, I think university life is changed. I think everyone go to university. Also, computer technical develops and students may study at home. Students take classes at home using by computer.

[33 words]

University Life

I think I live a full life now. I study a lot of things and enjoy talking with my friends. I have a lot of things I want to, for example, reading books and studying English more. But I have many things to do, so I’m busy now. However, I’m studying English every day and I enjoy my free time. On my free time, I do assignments or read books or meet friends and so on.

[76 words]

My Favorite Drink

I'll tell you about my favorite drink. I have many favorite drinks and I decide what I drink by my feeling. I like vegetables juice the best now. I like vegetables and fruits very much, but I didn't like the juice before, because it is hard to drink. But now there are many kinds of vegetable juice that is easy to drink. So I began to drink it. The juice tastes good and it is easy to drink. We can take many kinds of vegetables and fruits. It is about more than 10 kinds. Also, there are many kinds of vegetable juice, so I can choose them. I drink it any time I like, but especially when I lack vegetable. Vegetable juice is healthy juice, so I like it.

[129 words]

Sunday

Today, I went to a beauty parlor to make arrangements of coming-of-age celebration. The beauty parlor is in Taimei, so it is a little far from my home. To find the beauty parlor was hard for me because the part of the town is like a labyrinth. But I could find it! I decided to change hairstyle and I liked the new hairstyle. I hardly have such a hairstyle, so I'm glad. I also made a reservation of manicure at nail salon near my house. So I am looking forward to coming-of-age celebration.

After that I went to CLAIR. First, I had a lunch there. I went to Japanese food restaurant and I ate Tendon. I ate is for a long time, so it was delicious. A lot of store was having a sale on clothing, so many clothing was cheap. I bought a fur on sale. I wanted it, so I was happy:) My mother and sister also enjoyed shopping. I had a good time!

[166 words]

BR 2-14: Dogs

I read "Dogs" because the picture of the dog was so cute. I also like dogs, so I read this book. I think a dog is a faithful animal. In Japan, many people have a dog as a pet. In Korea, there is a custom that people eat dogs, especially middle aged man. They eat dogs to develop stamina. I heard it in Korean class and I was so surprised. There are many kinds of dogs and they play various role. It was written a lot of things about dogs.

As previously stated, there are many kinds of dogs, for example, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, sheepdogs and sled dogs. Dog is so clever animal like search and rescue dogs and guide dogs. I think we are helped a lot by dogs. I have watched a guide dog on TV several times. They were very good partner and trust each other. The dog is a precious member of the family.

In this book there were lots of surprises. The most surprising bit of information about dogs was "Mixed breed dogs are often more healthy and live longer than purebred dogs."　(Helbrough, 2003, p.29). I've thought purebred dogs live longer and are healthier than mixed breed dogs, so I was surprised and I could discover new things. I want to know why it is.

I want to have a dog, but I can't have a dog now. However, my grandmother had a dog before. The dog was a mongrel but the dog was like shibaken the name was Marin. She was clever dog. Whenever I visited my grandmother, she came out to welcome me wagging her tail quickly. Also, whenever my family visited to a grave, she followed us. I remembered Marin by reading this book. You can see a lot of cute dogs, so please read it!

Reference
Helbrough, E. (2003). Dogs. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd..

[308 words]

Shopping♪

Today, I went to downtown with my junior high school friend, Misato to buy a dress for alumni. She is one of my best friends and I played with her after a long time. So I was looking forward to going shopping. We went there in the morning and we went to many shops. She knew many shops and I could find new shops. We went to many shops, but we can't find a favorite dress. However, I had a good time. I had a lunch at J-cafe. I went the cafe for the first time and I liked the atmosphere. I ate butter soy souse pasta and it was delicious. I want to go there again. Also, I talked with her a lot and I really enjoyed talking. Today was a good day for me:)

[136 words]

New Cellular Phone

Yesterday, I bought new cellular phone because my cellular phone was damaged. I have used it for three years. So I had attachment for the cellular phone, but I had no choice. Instead of the cellular phone, I bought a white cellular phone for the first time. It has a great camera and it is like a digital camera. I can take a clear picture, so I'm glad. I liked my new cellular phone.

[74 words]

BR 2-13: Stories of Santa

I read Stories of Santa. Christmas is just around the corner. Santa is so busy at Christmas. Santa has to deliver many presents for children all over the world. Santa can't it by himself. So there are many elves to help Santa. They opened the letters sent by boys and girls and checked whether the children good or bad. Also, tiny elves read what the good children wanted for Christmas and wrote lists of all the toys to be made. I was excited by reading this book.

Everyone likes Christmas and Santa gives dream to a lot of children. The children are looking forward to Christmas presents. Do you believe that Santa exists? I believe that, but Santa doesn't come to my house now. Maybe, I think it is because I'm not young. When I was young, I was given Christmas present I wanted every year. I wrote letters to Santa and I was looking forward to the presents. How do you spend your Christmas? I usually eat Christmas cake and go and see illumination to Fukuoka. I want to have a good Christmas day, but maybe I have a part time job the day. I hope you spend good Christmas day!!

Reference
Punter, R. (2006). Stories of Santa. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[202 words]

Good time♪

Yesterday, I went to youmetown in Hikarinomori with Chinami to watch a movie. I watched a movie after a long time, so I was glad. The title of the movie is "Ghost". The movie is remake but I've never watched the original movie. So I was looking forward to watching the movie. The heroine is Nanako Matushima. I like her because she is so beautiful and her voice is nice! The hero is Song, Seung-Heon and he is so cool! The heroine, Nanami who is a president encountered a man who is a ceramist in the park. They were in love, but she lost her life by an accident. She chose staying beside him as ghost. However, her accident involved him. The story was interesting and moving. I was moved and I had a good time :) Please watch it! I want to watch a movie again!

[147 words]

My Favorite Shoes

I'll tell you about my favorite shoes. I choose shoes by my feeling of the day. I put on many kinds of shoes, for example, pumps, boots and high-cut shoes. This autumn, I bought a short boots. I bought it when I traveled in Tokyo. It was cheap and cute, so I decided to buy it. The boots is short lace ups and the color is caramel. I liked the design and the color. It is easy to walk. I wanted such a boots, so I was happy. The boots match any clothes, so I often put on the boots. Now, I have shoes I want. It is black shoes with about two-inch heels. I want to find it when I go shopping.

[123 words]

Place to recommend

Today, I talked about favorite place at speaking class. My favorite place is Akaifusen. It is a cake shop. The price of cheesecake is 315 yen and peach tarte is 420 yen. The shop is famous for cheesecake. I like cheesecake the best of all the cakes. Akaifusen's cheesecake is the most delicious I've ever had. However, there are no shops in Kumamoto. The shop is in underground shopping center of Tenjin. So I buy the cheesecake whenever I go to Tenjin.

I talked to Ayaka M. She recommended to me a shop, BARBIE. It is a dressmaker's shop. The price of the coat is fifty thousand and a pair of boots is twenty thousand and hat is ten thousand. I was surprised at the price and the price is too expensive for me. She told me the clothes are elegant. She likes elegant style and she goes shopping there once a month.

Next, I talked to Shiomi. Shiomi talked to Nami. Shiomi recommend to me Nami's favorite shop. The shop Nami recommend is Uesto. It is a udon house. The price of kakiage udon is 290 yen and goboten udon is the same price and oden is 50 yen each. It is cheap and delicious, so she likes it. She works there as a part time job. Uesuto is in the north bypass and near her house.

[228 words]

Restaurant

Our group's restaurant is Italian restaurant and the name is Mozzarella. At first, I'll introduce you about history of the restaurant. In 1960, Cheeza Macaroni opened the restaurant. He loves pasta and pizza, so he ate these dishes every day. Then there are many Mozzarella cheese in the restaurant's menu. So he gradually gained weight and he had become fat. That's why people say "He looks like Mozzarella Cheese!” After that, he called the name more over. There was no name the restaurant, so Cheeza Macaroni decided to name Mozzarella to his restaurant.

There are three main menus. Pasta is Vongole and Pizza is Salmon and Mozzarella. Also, Soup is Shrimp Soup. I'll introduce you about recipe for Vongole.

Ingredients
• short-neck clam―250 g
• pasta―100 g
• garlic―2 cloves
• olive oil―2 tablespoonful
• basil―0.1 g
• butter―1 spoonful
• white wine―100 ml

Steps
1. Chop garlic into fine pieces.
2. Fly olive oil and garlic and add butter.
3. Add short-neck clam and wine and cover the pat. Waiting for opening short-neck clam.
4. Add pasta and basil. Season with salt and pepper and mix.

[187 words]

Recipe for Sweet and Sour Pork

Ingredients

• pork―250 g
• onion―140 g
• carrot―50 g
• pimiento―40 g
• dryiong shiitake mushroom― 3 pieces

Steps

1. Drain the pork and season meat with salt and pepper before cooking.
2. Sprinkle potato starch all over pork.
3. Fry pork by 170 degrees.
4. Pour three tablespoonful of oil into heated pot.
5. Fry onion, drying shiitake mushroom, pimiento and carrot in order.
6. Add fried meat and "Cook Do" and stir-fly over medium heat.

[78 words]

Korean Movie

Last week, I watch a Korean movie at Korean class. The title is "Welcome to Dongmakgol". This movie is a fantasy antiwar movie. The story is set in The Korean War. Some soldiers arrived at Dongmakgol village. The people are so kind and live intently. A warm interchange of villager made them change. There were a lot of scene I was moved. I was so sad because of the soldiers’ death. I thought a lot of things. I think I want to live peacefully and everyone thinks so too. The other day, North Korea bombard on South Korea. I was surprised and got angry because the bombardment took a toll of lives. We must not repeat tragedy like the war.

[120 words]

BR 2-12: The Gift of the Magi

I read The Gift of the Magi. A woman, Della was crying alone because she didn’t enough money that she can buy Christmas present for her husband, Jim. The couple was poor, but they have only two pride. One was Jim’s gold watch and the other was Della’s long hair. However, she decided to sell her precious hair and she bought a platinum fob chain for him. He also sold his precious watch and bought a pure tortoise shell comb for her. They sacrificed their precious things for each other.

This story made me so happy. Although they didn’t have money, they are quite considerate. I think the couple is nice. I was impressed that they sacrificed themselves for partner. I think people don’t mind sacrifice for people they love. I sometimes buy presents for my family and friends. I buy the presents because I want to see their happy faces. My heart became warm by reading this book.

Reference
Henry, O. (2007). The Gift of the Magi. : IBC.

[159 words]

Soccer☆

Today, I went to KKWing to watch a soccer game. I watched the J league game for the first time. It was a game between Kumamoto and Kitakyushu and the last home game Roasso Kumamoto this year. There were about ten thousand people, so the game grew livelier. I watched the game with Ryoko, her mother, Kin-chan and Satoko. I was given the ticket from Ryoko and I was so glad :) Roasso scored the first goal in the second half and scored the second goal soon after the first goal!! So I was surprised and excited. Finally, Kumamoto Roasso won the game 3-0. I really enjoyed cheering them. I had a good time, so I appreciate Ryoko and her mother very much! I like watching soccer game, so I want to go watching soccer games^^

[136 words]

Passed!!

Last month and this month, I took Eiken. I couldn't speak English well at the interview and I worried. But I passed 2 grade, so I'm happy. I want to develop my skills of writing, reading and speaking more. I think I have to English harder. I think I want to challenge next grade!

[54 words]

My Favorite Clothing

I'll tell you about my favorite clothing. My favorite clothing is skirt. It is pretty and it looks like feminine. I like skirt which is simple and has good shape. I bought a skirt a few weeks ago. The brand of the skirt is JEANASiS and it is my favorite, so I often buy clothing there. When I saw the skirt, I loved at first sight. The price was a little high for me, but I really wanted it, so I decided to buy. The color is caramel and the material is satin. The shape is also cute. I especially liked the color. When I wear the skirt, I feel happy. I'm going to wear the skirt many times. I want a dress now.

[124 words]

BR 2-11: Little Women

I chose and read Little Women because I have read it when I was elementary school child and I liked it. There were four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. They have difference character. Meg is beautiful and feminine and she likes dress. Jo is boyish but she has long hair. She was studied to be a novelist. Beth likes music and she often plays the piano. Amy has a blond hair and she often quarrel with Jo. The sisters fall into a lot of scrape one after another. So they often quarrel, but they help each other in the end. I have a younger sister and she resembles Amy a little. I quarrel with my sister once in a while. But we always make up all too soon. I think brother and sister spontaneously help each other. Although the sisters were poor, they are nice family. I was impressed the Meg's words, "Home may not be rich or splendid, but it's the best place in the world". I think so too. Home makes me comfortable and it is very important place for me. This is a much loved classic tale, so please read it!!

Reference
Alcott, L. (2006). Little Women. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[195 words]

My Favorite Motto

I'll tell you about my favorite motto. My favorite motto is "Laugh and grow fat". I think it is very important to laugh. When I became less energetic or I have troubles and worry, I try to smile. If I smiled, I feel better. I think laughing and smiling brings happiness, so I always want to have a smile on my face. When I was a high school student, I have a friend who has good smile. She always looks cheerful. Her smile is so cute and it cheers me up. So I want to a person who has nice smile. In this way, laughing and smiling brings happiness not only oneself but others. That's why I like this motto.

[120 words]

Presentation

Yesterday, I announced about my new country at Speaking class. I practiced speaking English, but I couldn't speak well. I announced many times, so I was tired. But it was good for me because I could practice speaking English many times. Today, I used iPad for the first time!! Surprisingly, we announced by using iPad. It was interesting and I thought using iPad is useful for presentation because pictures are clear and iPad is good size. I think it is good to use iPad at classes. My classmate's presentation was so good. Their ideas were interesting and I could know about many countries. I enjoyed listening to their presentation.

[109 words]

Essay 2-02b: Learn from Language

I’ll tell you about my language learning experience. I have learned Japanese for 20 years. However, I think there are a lot of things I don’t know about Japanese. So　I think we should learn the mother tongue while we learn foreign languages. I have learned English since I was a junior high school student. Now I am an English major, so I have learned English for 8 years. I learned foreign language except English for the first time after entering university. I learned German for a year. Also, I started studying Korean this year. I have learned Korean for 7 months. Now, I’ll tell you about my foreign language learning experience, especially English.

First, I’ll tell you about my English learning experience of my junior high school days and high school days. When I was a junior high school student, I liked English because the English class was interesting. I liked to read aloud and I entered an English recitation rally. To recite well was a little difficult, but I enjoyed it. When I was a high school student, I felt English was difficult because I was not good at reading fast. I studied English as only examination subjects, so I didn't know interest of learning English then.

Next, I’ll tell you about my English learning experience of my university days. At first, I can hardly speak English because there was no chance to speak English until then. So I exerted myself and I took English conversation class. There were students who can speak English well and I was stimulated. I’m glad when I could speak what I want to say in English. So I want to speak English fluently. I like writing class and speaking class, because writing a blog is interesting, and I want to develop my skill of speaking English. Now there are many chances for me to use English. So I began to feel that English is close to me. By learning English, I thought I began to be positive and I can learn about communicating with people. I like to study English.

Finally, I’ll tell you about my other learning experience. Last year, I took a German class and studied German for a year. It was difficult for me to study German at first, because the grammar was difficult. Later, I could write and speak German a little, so German become interesting. This year, I started studying Korean, because I like K-pop music and I’m interested in Korea. At first, I felt the Hangul alphabet was difficult for me, but I learned how to read Hangul alphabet little by little, so I’m glad. It is also difficult to speak Korean, so I’m going to study Korean harder. I’ve hardly watched any Korean dramas and movies, so I want to watch them. Learning Korean is a lot of fun for me and I’ll keep on studying Korean. I also want to try Chinese someday.

As you can see, I experienced a lot of things by learning language. I like English the best of the three languages and German is the most difficult for me. I think it is difficult to learn all language, and I also think learning language needs long time. However, I can communicate with many people and can learn not only language but culture. Then my outlooks broaden and I can learn various views by communicating with foreign people. Also, learning English changed me because I began to be positive. That's why learning language is important things for me and I want to study harder.

[593 words]

BR 2-10: The Magic Gifts

I read The Magic Gifts. There were three brothers, Yong,Ying and Chin. After their rich father died, the brothers shared out his fortune. But Yong and Ying are so greedy and Yong and Ying each took a big share of the fortune. Chin was left with a tiny bag of silver coins and he was chased out of the house. I thought the two brothers treated Chin cruelly. I think brothers have to help each other. In contrast, Chin was so kind. He used his money to help poor villagers. He didn’t know he was the poorest man in the village. He is quite considerate and has tender heart. I think to devote to other people is wonderful things. I respect him and I want to be a person like him. One day, Chin helped an old monk. Chin did everything he can do for the old monk. So the old monk gave three gifts for Chin. It is an old straw mat, a wooden spoon and a pair of chopsticks. They are the magic gift and they made him rich. Yong and Ying imitated Chin and became poor on purpose, but nothing happened and they couldn’t be rich again. In this way, I think only good persons are brought good things. This book was interesting, so please read it!

Refrence
Punter, R. (2009). The Magic Gifts. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[220 words]

My Favorite Candy

My favorite candy is Milky. I like the sweet milk taste very much. The famous catch phrase is "Milky is taste of mommy." I understand that mean. If I have Milky, I feel so happy. Fujiya sells Milky since 1951. Milky has a long history. So everyone knows Milky and it is famous candy. I like the character of Milky, Peko-chan. She is so cute and her feature is tongue. The wrapping paper is printed pictures of Peko-chan. If there are ten pictures of Peko-chan, it is said lucky. So whenever I have Milky, I count the number. When I found ten pictures, I feel happy! Now, there are many kinds of Milky, for example, strawberry and powdered green tea. I also like them, but I like Milky the best.

[130 words]

Jobs

I talked for people about jobs. First, I interviewed Chikako. Her father is banker and he works at Higo bank. She wants to try once grand staff. She wants to works at airport. The job she would never want to do is president because it looks so hard. If money were no problem, she wants to manage apartments. Second, I interviewed Yukari. Her father is banker and he works at Higo bank. Her mother works at a city hall as part time job. She wants to try once patisserie. She wants to make sweets like cake. The job she would never want to do is boxer. Next, I interviewed Ayaka. Her father is dental mechanic and her mother is house worker. She wants to try once singer because she likes songs. The job she would never want to do is a teacher. Finally, I interviewed Takuya. His father is business man and his mother works at Daskin. He wants to try once pilot. I asked him why he wants to be pilot only once. He told me that terrorism may happen. The job he would never want to do is police officer because he don't like police officer.

[198 words]

Thank you♡♡

Last Thursday, Satoko, Kin-chan, Chinami, Aya and Mizuho had surprise birthday party for me!! I didn’t know about it, so I was so surprised! I was very very happy♡♡ I ate my favorite cheesecake and it was delicious. They gave me a bag as a present. The bag is so cute, so I liked it very much:) I wanted a bag, so I was glad. I'll use the bag many times. They also gave me a birthday card. A lot of massages were written in the card, so I was glad. Chikako, Kin-chan, Satoko, Ryoko, Aya, Chinami and Mizuho, thank you so much!! After that, we went to downtown to go to Karaoke. We enjoyed singing for three hours. I went to Karaoke after a long time, so it was a lot of fun. I want to go again with them. I am happy to have good friends^^ I had a very good time.

[156 words]

Interview

Yesterday, I had a Interview of Eiken. So, afternoon, I went to Kaishin high school. I met Sayaka there. I was tired because the time to wait was long. During interview, I was nervous. So I couldn't speak English well:( I thought I should practice to tell what I want to say in English. I hope that I pass the exam.

[61 words]

Volleyball

Volleyball world championship is now holding. I like watching volleyball game and my family also like watching it, especially my mother. I watched almost all the game. Of course, I watched yesterday's game. The game was a consolation match to decide third place. Japan team faced the American team. All of American player is tall and American team is so strong. So I thought it was difficult to for Japanese to win, but Japanese team won!! The game was a close game, but it was wonderful because Japanese team didn't get up. I was so impressed. I like the game of Japanese team because Japanese team has tenacity and there are many players who are good receiver. So the game of Japanese team is so interesting!! My favorite volleyball player is Saori Kimura. She is good attacker, receiver and setter. She can many position and has good volleyball sense, so I like her. I was glad that Japanese team won a bronze medal.

[163 words]

BR 2-09: Hansel and Gretel

I read Hansel and Gretel. I have read it when I was young. I remember that I made the little house at nursery school. Hansel and Gretel was my favorite picture book. So I read this time.

I'll tell you about two children, Hansel and Gretel, their father and mother. Their mother is terrible, but their father is very kind. Hansel and Gretel liked their father very much. However, I thought their father treated the children ruthless. He didn't oppose his wife's idea that they take two children far into the forest and lose them. Hansel and Gretel are smart. Hansel dropped white stones on the path into the forest to get home. Also, Gretel ran behind the witch and pushed her to help Hansel. The old witch fell into the oven.

I like the snece that Hansel and Gretel find a little house made of cookies and cake, chocolate, coconut, ice-cream, fruit, sugar, and lots of other sweet things. It is a dream for children. I want to eat the house! The illustration is beautiful, so I enjoyed reading this book. Please read it!!

Reference
Fox, C. (2000). Hansel and Gretel. England: Pearson Education Limited.

[ 185 words]

BR 2-08: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is written by Roald Dahl. I like books written by him, so I have read some books. They were all interesting. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of the famous books.

Do you like chocolate? I like chocolate very much because it is sweet and I feel happy when I eat it. So I want to go chocolate factory like this book. There was a boy, Charlie who is so poor. Luckily, he found a ticket which he can go the biggest and most famous chocolate factory in the world. The chocolate factory is amazing place!! Inside the factory there are beautiful greenflies, trees, flowers and a chocolate river. Also, there are strange workers called Oompa-Loompas. They work dancing and singing. At the factory, some magic sweets are made like amazing chewing gum. The factory is very interesting place and the characters are also funny. One of the people, Mr. Willy Wonka who is the head of the factory gave a big surprise to Charlie in the end. This book is filled a lot of interesting contents, so please read it!

Reference
Dahl, R. (2001). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. England: Pearson Education Limited.

[190 words]

My Favorite Color

I'll tell you about my favorite color. I have a lot of color I like, so it is difficult for me to choose only one. However, I like red the best. Red is used various things, for example, sports and traffic. Generally, red has images like passionate and impressive, but I think red is fashionable color, so I like red. There are various red like wine red. I like wine red better than deep red because I think it is more fashionable. I have a lot of red things, for example, wallet, dictionary, pencil box and bag. I bought a red sweater a few weeks ago. I like it very much and I feel cheerful when I wear it. When I buy a car, I want to a red car.

[130 words]

BR 2-07: The Stories of Gnomes and Goblins

I read Stories of Gnomes and Goblins. This book has four stories. There are various gnomes and goblins. I’ll tell you about two stories. Harold was a happy farmer, but a gnome arrived. The gnome said that he want half of everything Harold grow. Harold didn’t like that at all, so he decided he would trick the gnome. Then, Harold never saw him again. Next, Jessy was skipping in the sun and she heard a tiny cry. A fairy was crying, “Please help me!” Jessy helped the fairy and the fairy invited her to a party in gratitude. She enjoyed the party. I thought the fairies were so cute. In this way, there are lazy gnomes and kind fairies. Do you believe that gnomes and goblins exist? I want to see kind fairies. I enjoyed reading this book, so please read it!

Reference
Rawson, C. (2003). The Stories of Gnomes and Goblins. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[142 words]

Aso☆

Today, I went to Aso with my family. We went for a drive by my driving. At first, I went to milk farm. There were many animals, for example, dogs, cows and goats. I touched dogs and they are so cute! I drank milk and ate sausage and it was delicious!! After that, I went to Shirakawa headwaters for the first time. I was surprised because the water was so clear!! I've never seen such clear water. I drank the water and it was soft and delicious. Today was good weather, so I felt a pleasant cool breeze. I could see colored leaves and the scene was very beautiful. I could feel refreshed today :)

[114 words]

My Favorite Elementary School Memory

I'll tell you about my favorite elementary school memory. My favorite memory is dodge ball. When I was in the fifth grade, our class started to practice dodge ball to take part in a dodge ball tournament. At first, I don't like dodge ball. We used hard ball like volleyball, so it was fearful. Also, the speed which boys throw a ball was so speedy. However, I gradually felt that dodge ball is fun. When I could take the ball, I was so glad. I practiced hard with my classmates every day and planed strategy. Sometimes we quarreled, but I got along well with my friends. We have practiced dodge ball for two years and took part in many tournaments. This is my good memory and I want to play dodge ball with the classmates someday.

[136 words]

Monday

Yesterday morning, I went to meet my sister at the station. She went to Shizuoka for school event. She went there by bus, so she could go many prefectures. I got souvenirs, so I'm glad. What I like the best is Abekawamochi. Have you ever heard? I like it very much.

After that, I went to downtown alone. I like shopping alone. I bought a sweater and a book. I bought a book after a long time. I like reading books now, so I wanted to read a lot of books, especially novel. I enjoyed shopping. In the evening, I went to ballet lesson as usual. It was a lot of fun and I could feel refreshed. I had a good time :)

[122 words]

BR 2-06: The Story of Flying

Do you like flying? I like flying very much because I like to watch the sky. So to get on the plane is a lot of fun for me. However, I wonder that heavy planes can fly. This book told me the history of plane.

As you know, Wright brothers succeeded a flight under power for the first time. But people who wanted to fly repeated trial and error before. Sure enough, the origin of flight was a bird. Triplanes were only the start. Over the next forty years, all kinds of planes were built. For example, hot-air balloon, airship and helicopter. I like hot-air balloon. I have been to a balloon festival before. There were many various balloon and it was so beautiful. I enjoyed riding hot-air balloon. Now, planes are necessary to move. I could learn about plane, so I enjoyed reading this book.

Reference
Sims, L. (2004). The Story of Flying. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[146 words]

My Favorite Movie

My favorite is The Devil Wears Prada. This is a woman's story. The heroine, Miranda works hard under her boss like the Devil. She wasn't interested in clothes, but she gradually become beautiful. The actress is Anne Hathaway and she is so beautiful, so I like her. We can see her wearing various clothes. I think it is one of the charm points of this movie. As she gradually used to working, she has changed. She became a well-dressed woman and forgot her really dream. However, she decided to retire the job and do the best for her really dream. I think most of girls want to wear nice clothes, but it is not good to think of only it. I want to be a woman who has strong will like the heroine.

[133 words]

Cocktail Party: I am Jane

A busy day...

Last Saturday, I was so busy. In the morning, there are a study and training about two hours. After that, I had to go downtown. My friend asked me to take a picture, so I rushed there. Then, I went to part time again. I worked about 6 hours. It was too busy, so I'm tired. But elementary schoolchildren were cute, so I enjoyed the class.

[66 words]

Essay 2-02a: Learn from Language

I’ll tell you about my language learning experience. I have learned Japanese for 20 years. However, I think there are a lot of things I don’t know about Japanese. I have learned English since I was a junior high school student. Now, I am an English major, so I have learned English for 8 years. I learned foreign language except English for the first time after entering university. I learned German for a year. Also, I started learning Korean this year. I have learned Korean for 7 months. Now, I’ll tell you about my foreign language learning experience, especially English.

First, I’ll tell you about my English learning experience of my junior high school days and high school days. When I was a junior high school student, I liked English because the English class was interesting. I liked to read aloud and I entered an English recitation rally. To recite well was a little difficult, but I enjoyed it. When I was a high school student, I felt English was difficult because I was not good at reading fast. I studied English as examination subjects.

Next, I’ll tell you about my English learning experience of my university days. At first, I can hardly speak English because there was no chance to speak English until then. So I exert myself and I took English conversation class. There are students who can speak English well and I was stimulated. I’m glad when I could tell what I want to say in English, so I want to speak English fluently. Now, there are many chances to use English as writing a blog. I came to feel that English is close to me. By learning English, I thought I came to be positive and I can learn about communicating with people. I like to study English.

Finally, I’ll tell you about my other learning experience. Last year, I took a German class and studied German for a year. It was difficult for me to study German because the grammar was difficult. However, I could write and speak German a little. This year, I started learning Korean because I’m interested in Korea. At first, I felt the Hangul alphabet is difficult for me, but I came to read it little by little. So I’m glad and learning Korean is a lot of fun. I’m going to study harder Korean.

As you can see, I experienced a lot of things by learning language. Learning language is difficult, but I can communicate with many people and can learn not only language but culture. Then, my outlooks broaden and I can learn various views by communicating foreign people. Also, learning English changed me because I came to be positive. That's why learning language is important things for me and I want to study harder.

[466 words]

BR 2-05: Story of Robots

Now many kinds of robots are being developed in Japan. I think the high technology is wonderful. Some robots can conversation with people, and others can help housework and nursing. In this way, the robots which are useful for life are being developed. They are like a human being.

This book has some stories of robots. There was a boy who is so lazy. He used a robot to clean his messy room. Also, there was a wicked man. He converted a robot to steal a large sum of money.

They used robots to benefit and be lazy. I think the usage is not good and we should think how to use robots. I think the robots should be used to make use of people who need help. This book is interesting and we can think a robot. So, please read this book!

Reference
Punter, R. (2004). Stories of Robots. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[143 words]

Outline post: language learning experience

(31 words)

Mind Map: Language Learning Experience

This is mind map of language learning experience. I want you to know my experience, so please see it!

(50 words)

Quickposts: Language Learning Experience

I think learning language is difficult. I have learned English since I was junior high school student. I came to read and write English, but it is difficult for me to speak English. I can’t sometimes tell what I want to tell. However, I’m glad when I could tell in English.

(51 words)

Summer Vacation

At first, I interviewed Asaki about her summer vacation. Her vacation fun is travels in Korea. She went to Korea on August 9 and she spent three nights. She went there with her grandparents, cousins, and sister. She celebrated her grandparents. Her vacation study is English blog. She wrote a blog by using computer. She enjoyed her summer vacation and had a good time.

Next, I talked Daisuke. He reported Ayaka's summer vacation to me. Her vacation fun is overseas study and training. She went to Minnesota the end of vacation with English major students. Her roommate was a Czech and she enjoyed staying there. Her vacation study is American culture. She learned a lot of things in America.

I think they had a good time. I have never been to foreign countries, so I envy them. I want to go to foreign countries someday because I can learn not only language but culture.

[154 words]

My Favorite Class

My favorite class is the Korean language. This year, I started studying the Korean language with my friends because I'm interested in Korea. I like to listen to K-pop music and there are some singers I like, so I thought I wanted to learn Korean. At first, I felt the Hangul alphabet is difficult for me and could see it like a sign. However, I came to read it, so I'm glad. The teacher is Mr. Paku and he talks us about culture and custom of Korea. There are a lot of different things I am surprised. I can learn not only Korean but custom, so this class is interesting. I want to be good at Korean and I want to go traveling to Korea someday.

[126 words]

English Official Approval

Yesterday, I took an English examination. In the afternoon, I went to the school from which I graduated. It was held there, so I looked back on my high school days with nostalgia. To my joy, I met my high school friend. She was working as a proctoring. I met her after long time, so I was so glad :) I hope that I'll pass the examination and I think I want to take the semi-first class someday.

[78words]

October 16th

Hello ; ) Today is holiday and there is no part time job, so I'm happy! But I have some homework. Also, I have to study English because I will take English examination tomorrow. So, I'm going to study today. I'll do my best!

[44 words]

October 15th

Today was ordinary day and nothing unusual happened. I had three classes today. In the second period, there was the class, American history of literature. I like the class because I can learn about a lot of famous novelist and works. Also, I can learn about American history, culture and American way of thinking, so it is interesting. Today, I watched The Great Gatsby. Do you know it? I watched it for the first time. The hero of the story is Jay Gatsby and he is cool. I thought Gatsby is a vain person, but I can also see that he has single-minded love for Daisy. I can learn about Lost Generation and Jazz Age by watching the movie. I am looking forward to watching the rest of The Great Gatsby next week.

[133 words]

BR 2-04: Diary of a Skywatcher

Do you like star gazing? I like it very much and often look up at the stars. We can see various constellations. I don’t know about constellation well, but I can find only Orion and Cassiopeia because it is easy to find. This book is a boy’s diary. The boy doesn’t know about the sky well. So the ideas are interesting.

The boy said that the moon doesn’t look anything like cheese. Also, the boy thought that the grey bits are water. I hadn’t thought such a thing before. The idea is interesting and I think the moon is mysterious, especially full moon. I can see the grey bits are rabbit. Sometimes, I can see various animals, so it is interesting.

He went camping and lay watching the sky. He felt like the stars were really close. He thought that it gets harder to tell the distances involved and I can understand it. I haven’t lain watching the sky, but I can see the sky more clearly at my grandmother’s house because there is little light. I want to lie watching on the mountain. Maybe I can see a shooting star.　I haven't seen a shooting star, so I want to see it someday.

This book says a lot of things about sky. I think the sky has a lot of mysterious things, so it is interesting. When I look up at the sky, I feel like my heart become bigger. This book has the boy’s interesting ideas. So, please read it!

Reference
Howes, J. (2004). Diary of a Skywatcher. Australia: Nelson Australia Pty Ltd.

[254 words]

My Favorite Sport to Watch

My favorite sport to watch is soccer. It is interesting to watch the soccer game because the movement is fast and I'm excited when the player scores goals. This year, there was the World Cup in South Africa. The World Cup is the biggest event in soccer. Of course, I watched the game on TV and cheered for Japanese team. I was so excited and I want to go and watch the soccer game someday. I could see many world famous players, so it was a lot of fun. Also, I have been to the soccer club's aid many times when I was a high school student. It was fun for me to cheer with my friends. This is my happy memories. I didn't know about soccer well, but I came to see it.

[134 words]

Shopping♪

Yesterday, I went to Tosu and Tenjin with my family. At first, I went to Tosu PREMIUM OUTLETS. I have been there before and I wanted to go there because it is so cheap! I bought some clothes and they were cheap, so I was happy. My father, mother and younger sister also bought something they wanted. After that, we ate Marukou ramen. I heard it is famous for Saga. When I went there, many people lined up in front of the store. The ramen was delicious and I was also surprised at the price. It is 370 yen! It is so cheap, isn't it? I like ramen very much, so I want to go there again. Next, I went to Tenjin, Fukuoka. I like Tenjin because there are many shops. I bought a pair of boots. It is long boots and the color is beige. I liked it and I want to put on many times. Yesterday, I bought a lot of things, so I was satisfied and tired. However, I spent a lot of money, so I have to work harder! Yesterday was shopping day for me :)

[189 words]

October 8th

I had three classes today and after that, I went to part time job. Today, there was a soccer game on TV, but I couldn't watch it in real time. So I recorded the game on video tape. Did you watch it? Argentina is strong team, but Japan won the game 1-o!! I was very glad^^ The game was so interesting because the players' movements was fast. I am not familiar with soccer, but I like watching soccer game!

[79words]

Essay 2-01b: My Favorite Grandmother's House

My favorite place is my grandmother's house. My grandmother lives alone in Nankan. Nankan is located in near the border of Fukuoka prefecture. Nankan is a town encircled by the mountains and has the beauties of nature. My grandmother’s house is old-fashioned Japanese house and I like it. Our house is a little far from my house, so I can’t often go there. However, when I went there, I can get some fresh air and see many green mountains. So I can feel relaxed. There are three spots I like. I want to tell you about the spots.

At first, I’ll tell you about a Japanese style room. I like to sleep in the room of tatami and the smell of tatami is good. I can hear the song of birds because the room is quiet. A pleasant cool breeze blows, so I can sleep comfortably and it is a cozy room for me. Also, there is a veranda by the room. I like to see the sky and the stars sitting there. In the night, the starlit sky is so beautiful. When I am there, I feel like my heart become bigger.

Next, I’ll tell you about a garden. This is a garden my grandmother is proud of. My grandmother grows a lot of vegetables and fruits, for example, cucumber, pumpkin, adzuki bean and cherry. Also, there are persimmon trees. Sometimes I harvest them with my grandmother and she teaches me about a lot of things, so it is a lot of fun. The vegetables and fruits she grows are delicious and I like them, especially adzuki bean. She often makes steamed bun using adzuki bean she made. I sometimes enjoy making them with my grandmother. I like steamed bun she made. For this reason, I like the garden very much.

Finally, I’ll tell you about what is near my grandmother’s house. There is a stream and the water is clean. So there is fish in the stream. Also, we can see firefly in summer and it is very beautiful scene. I hope that the fish and firefly survive forever. I remember that I went fishing with my father when I was child. I was surprised that I caught a river crab. In this way, I have a lot of pleasant memories.

As you can see, I like my grandmother’s house. The house has a nice garden, beautiful nature and space I can feel comfortable. When I am tired, I can get power and feel relaxed because I can eat delicious food and sleep comfortably. I can also see the beauties of nature. My grandmother’s house is my favorite place to go and relaxed.

[445 words]

My Favorite Dessert

I like cheesecake the best of all dessert because I like cheese very much and it is not too sweet. Whenever I go to a cake shop, I choose cheesecake. There are many kinds of cheesecake, for example, a gelatin cheesecake and a baked cheesecake. I like both of them. A few weeks ago, I ate a pumpkin cheesecake for the first time. The color was bright yellow and it was delicious. I want to eat various cheesecakes. I have a cake shop I like the best. Its name is Akaifusen and it is in Tenjin. There is no shop in Kumamoto, so I'm sad. It is very soft and delicious. I feel happy eating it. The cheesecake is the best I've ever had. Please check it!

http://www.akaifusen.jp/about/index.html

[130 words]

Monday

Monday is my favorite day because there is a lesson of ballet. The lesson starts at 7:00 p.m. I had a class in the sixth period, so I hurried back. The lesson is about one hour and a half. I like that time I am dancing. It is a lot of fun and I can feel refreshed. Also, I like my teacher very much. I often talk with her a lot of things. Yesterday, I had a happy time, too :)

[80words]

Weekend

October started and I feel so fast. It is said autumn of appetite, so recently my appetite has increased. By the way, last Saturday, I had part time job as usual. Sunday is a day I spend a time quiet, so I sleep late. Yesterday afternoon, I went to PARCO and I bought some clothes. So I was happy but there are a lot of things I want. After that, I met my cousin by chance. I was surprised and we had lunch together. I was glad because I met him after a long time. I had a good weekend :)

[100words]

BR 2-03: Sleeping Beauty

I read Sleeping Beauty. I think the tile is very good. Also, the illustration is colorful and beautiful. So the illustration invited me. I want to tell you about this book.

There was a woman named Rose and she is the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. I can see through the illustration. Rose grew into a delightful girl because the fairies wished. I like this scene very much. However, there is an evil fairy and the fairy put Rose to sleep. I thought the fairy is so evil. I had only good image about fairy, so I was a little sad. For one hundred years the castle stayed hidden, but one day, a brave prince named Florien rode by. He cut branches with his sword and he kissed Rose’s lips. Her eyes flickered open and she cried, “You are the prince I drew.”

I think this story is romantic. I like fairy tale like this. I can see a dream world, so I am excited. I am envious of her and I want to meet a brave man like Florien. Please read this romantic tale!

Reference
Knighton, K. (2006). Sleeping Beauty. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[186 words]

Essay 2-01a: My Favorite Grandmother's House

My favorite place is my grandmother's house. The house is big and has many rooms. My grandmother lives in Nankan and Nankan has the beauties of nature. I can get some fresh air and see many green mountains. Whenever I go to her house, I can feel relaxed. There are three places I like. So I want to tell you about the places.

At first, I’ll tell you about garden. This is a garden my grandmother is proud of. My grandmother grows a lot of vegetables and fruits, for example, cucumber, pumpkin, adzuki bean and cherry. Also, there are persimmon trees. The vegetables and fruits she grows are delicious and I like them. Sometimes I harvest them with my grandmother and she teaches me about a lot of things, so it is a lot of fun. She often makes steamed bun using adzuki bean she made. I sometimes enjoy making them with my grandmother. I like steamed bun very much she made. I like the garden very much.

Next, I’ll tell you about Japanese style room. I like to sleep in the room of tatami and the smell of tatami is good. I can hear the song of birds because the room is quiet. A pleasant cool breeze blows, so I can sleep comfortably and it is a cozy room for me. Also, there is a veranda by the room. I like to see the sky and the stars sitting there. In the night, the starlit sky is so beautiful. When I am there, I feel like my heart become bigger.

Finally, I’ll tell you about near my grandmother’s house. There is a stream and the water is clean. So there is fish there. Also, we can see firefly in summer and it is very beautiful scene. I hope that the fish and firefly survive forever. I remember that I went fishing with my father when I was child. I was surprised that I caught a river crab. In this way, I have a lot of pleasant memories.

As you can see, I like my grandmother’s house. When I was tired, I can get power and feel relax because I can eat delicious foods and sleep comfortably. Also, I can see the beauties of nature. I have a lot of pleasant memories. For this reason, I love my grandmother’s house and it is my valuable place.

[396 words]

BR 2-02: Stories of Snowmen

I read Story of Snowmen. Have you ever built a snowman? I remember that I built a snowman when I was child. When I saw the illustration of this book, I thought it was cute. So I thought I want to read this book.

There are many kinds of snowmen in this book. Some snowmen are tall, others are short. Snowmen of this book have hands, carrot nose, hat, scarf and buttons. I think British and American snowman is a little different from Japanese snowman. British and American snowman looks like a human being and I want to see it someday. There are some stories and I have a story I like. There was the Best Snowman Contest. Emma's snowman, Snowy is poor. Daphne's snowman, Icy is so rich. The day before the contest, Icy played Snowy a trick. However, Snowy won first prize. I think bad things return to me if I do bad things. Also, I think unaffected people are nice. This book is interesting, so please read it.

Reference
Punter, R. (2007). Stories of Snowmen. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[171 words]

My Favorite Animal

My favorite animal is dogs, especially big ones. I like golden retriever because it is smart and the face looks gentle. There are many guide dogs for the blind, so I think they are wonderful. When I see a dog, I feel glad. My grandmother has had a dog before, but she died a few years ago. The dog's name is Marin and she is 'shibaken'. I often played with her when I went to my grandmother's house. She is very smart and cute. Whenever she found me, she wagged its tail. We often took a walk together without a dog collar and she always followed me. I liked Marin very much. I can't have a dog now, but I want to have a dog someday.

[129 words]

September 28th

Today, I had only one class, so I was happy! In the morning, I spent time at home and I went to school. The class is American History. After taking the class, I went shopping alone. I wanted to buy some clothes, but I didn't buy any clothes. To my joy, I met my friend, Misato by chance. So we enjoyed shopping and talking. I had a good time.

[69words]

International Cocktail Party

Hello, I'm Jane. I'm from France and I live in Paris. My job is chef and I run the restaurant of French cuisine. My hobby is stamp collecting. I like to collect many country's stamps. I dislike staying up late because I'm tired.

Today, I met three people. First, I met Emily and she is from France. She has husband, but has no children and she has a dog. She lives in Paris and her job is teacher. She likes children very much. Her hobby is shopping but she dislikes spending money.

Next, I met Vladimir and he is from Russia. His job is artist and his job is watching movies. He dislikes studying.

Finally, I met Diego and he is from Spain. His job is pilot, but he dislikes high places. His hobby is star gazing and he is romantic.

[141words]

My Favorite Travel

This summer, I went to Tokyo with my junior high school friends. I spent three nights in my friend's house. First day, I went to Odaiba. The night view of Odaiba was so beautiful because we can see Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. Second day, I went to Yokohama Chinatown. I like Yokohama because the city is very beautiful.I ate many kinds of Chinese food. Then, I went to Shibuya and Harajyuku to go shopping. After I enjoyed shopping, I went to a bar of haunted house. It was very fearful, but it was fun. Third day, I went to Tokyo Disney Sea. I could enjoyed five attractions. Tower of Teller and Indy Jones Adventure was so interesting. I really enjoyed spending time with my precious friends and I could make great memories.

[134 words]

September 26th

Today, I went to my grandmother's house to help a feast. I had to get up early, so I was sleepy. The feast is that a got goes around each house every year. This year is my grandmother's house. I knew the local customs for the first time. About twenty people came to my grandmother's house. After praying, we ate vegetables stewed in a soy-flavored broth and boiled rice with assorted ingredients. These are made by mothers and it was delicious! I think Nishime is healthy Japanese food. I talked an old woman and she told me interesting talk. After that, the got went to next house. I think it is good for nearby people to gather and talk. I had a good time :)

[124words]

BR 2-01: HAMLET

I read a book, HAMLET. I know HAMLET is one of the works of Shakespeare and it is famous work. However, I didn't know the story. So I thought I want to read it. When I saw this book for the first time, I had fearful image.

Hamlet was the King's son. He lost his father and his mother had married the new King, his uncle. Hamlet knew that the new King, his uncle killed his father and he decided to take revenge. There is a scene I think it is interesting. Hamlet had an idea to make sure the truth. He asked a troop of actors to put on a play about a man who poisons a king. The King and Queen settled down to watch the play. The King had gone pale and left the room. I think Hamlet is clever and the scene is interesting. In the end, Hamlet could kill the King, but Hamlet also dead because of poison. Hamlet could take revenge, but I felt sad. Before Hamlet die, he said to his friends, "I want you to tell the world my story." I thought Hamlet taught us importance of revealing the truth. I learned a lot of things through this book, so please read this book.

Reference
William , S. (2009). HAMLET. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

[212 words]

Cake♪

Today, my friend, Aoi came back to Kumamoto. So we went to a cafe. She took us to nice cafe. The cafe is in Nagamine and the name is Ura-CAFE. There is the cafe which is hard to find, but it is beautiful cafe!! I ate mont-blanc and it was delicious♪ The look is cute, isn't it? We talked a lot and I enjoyed eating and talking. I was happy to talk with my friends, so I had a good time :) I want to go there again, but I don't have any confidence if I can find the cafe.

[100words]

September 22

Yesterday, fall semester started. I was glad to meet my friends. Today, I had three classes. The first class is Writing, but there were no class. I could talk my friends about what happened during summer vacation. After that, I went to LL audition room with Chikako and Mizuho for the first time. I borrowed a magazine, ENGLISH JOURNAL. Do you know? The magazine has a lot of interesting contents. I can enjoy learning English. I want to borrow the magazine again. Then, we went to library to watch a movie. I enjoyed watching the movie and talking.

[98words]

September 19th

I went to my grandmother's house to clean the house with my family. Next week, there are a feast at my grandmother's house. About thirty people will come to my grandmother's house. My grandmother told me that the feast is traditional. I will help the feast next week, so I'm looking forward to joining it. I cleaned many rooms, so I was tired. But I was glad because my grandmother's house became clean. After that, we went eating udon. The noodle shop's udon is delicious and it is cheap, so I like it. When I go to my grandmother's house, we often go to the noodle shop. September 20th is Respect for the Aged Day. I think I want to thank my grandmothers :)

[124words]

September 16th

Today, I used English Central for the first time. I thought it was interesting to study English. I could enjoy speaking. There are a lot of moving image, for example, Full House and Hayao Miyazaki film, Howl's moving castle. I like both of them very much. When I was child, I often watch Full House. It is very pleasant and Michelle is so cute. Also, I like Hayao Miyazaki film, especially "Spirited Away" and "Mimiwosumaseba". I came to watch these movies again.

[82words]

Recently happenings

In August, I was so busy because of part time job. Also, I went to many places in August. I'm spending quiet days at home these days. I'm doing a lot of things at home, for example, watching DVD, studying English, listening music and so on.

On September 5th, I went to downtown. I found a body lotion there. The aroma of beach is so sweet and I liked it very much. There were many cute clothes of autumn. I wanted to buy the clothes, but I endured. For dinner, I went to a restaurant to eat grilled slices of meat with my family. I like grilled slices of meat very much and I ate it after a long time, so I was glad. It was so delicious and I was satisfied.

On September 8th, in the mornings, I walked to library near my house. I saw some dragonflies on the way. I thought autumn came and I'm glad that I can feel a little cool. I borrowed two books. I hardly read books, so I thought I have to read books. I'm going to read the books.

[188words]

My Favorite Place

My favorite place is my grandmother's house. My grandmother lives in Nankan. Her house is in a nice, quiet place in the country. There are two places I like. First, it is a garden. My grandmother grows many vegetables, for example, cucumber, pumpkin, adzuki bean and so on. I like the vegetables my grandmother grows. I enjoy harvesting the vegetables with my grandmother. Second, I like the room of tatami. I like sleeping there very much. When I sleep the room, I become composed and feel relax. There is a stream near my grandmother's house. I went fishing with my father when I was child. In summer, we can see fireflies there. It is beautiful and I like the stream. My grandmother's house is a place I can feel relax and become cheerful.

[136 words]

My Favorite Flower

My favorite flower is sunflower because sunflower makes me cheerful. The painter, Gogh is famous for a painting, "sunflower". I like the painting. I think the color, yellow signifies cheerful. So, when I see sunflower, I become cheerful. The shape of sunflower looks like sun, so I think sunflower is energetic flower. However, the code for flowers is admiration and love. The code for flowers is different from my image. Also, I think sunflower looks like a person because it is tall, so I feel strange when there are many sunflowers. I have never been to a flower garden of sunflower. I want to go there someday. Also, I want to grow sunflower at home, but I can't grow it because it's too big.

[126 words]

My Favorite Junior High School Memory

My favorite junior high school memory is rhythmic sportive gymnastics club. I belonged to the club for three years. I started playing rhythmic sportive gymnastics when I was junior high school student. So, it was difficult for me to dance. However, I practiced hard every day. I could gradually enjoy dancing. I think good things that I belonged to this club are to meet my best friends. To my joy, I could make good friends, but they are not only good friends but also rivals. Though we quarreled on occasion, we bonded with each other. When I could not be select player, it was galling. However, I could learn a lot of things. These are my precious memories and I'm glad that I have best friends.

[126 words]

My Favorite Dish

My favorite dish is hamburger. I have liked it since I was child. There are many kinds of hamburger, but I like cheese hamburger the best because it is delicious and the cheese goes well with meat. When I go to the restaurant, I often order hamburger. So, my mother says to me "How about eating different dish for a chance?". My favorite restaurant of hamburger is center-river. The restaurant is famous for hamburger. The hamburger is delicious, but I can't often go there because it is a little expensive for me. So, I'm happy when I eat the hamburger. Of course, I like hamburger which my mother make. I have never made hamburger, so I want to make hamburger by myself.

[125 words]

My Favorite Season

I like spring the best of all the seasons. I have two reasons. First of all, spring is good climate. Spring isn't hot and isn't cold. I like warm climate because it is comfortable. Also, we can see many kinds of flowers and insects. I like cherry blossom very much. When I see cherry blossom, I can feel spring and it warms my heart. I like to go to see cherry blossom with my family or friends. To go to see cherry blossom is one of the Japanese cultures. Second, I think spring is encounter and farewell season because there are a graduate ceremony and an entrance ceremony. We can make new friends and feel refreshed. For this reason, I like spring.

[124 words]

TOKYO☆Vol. 4

The final day, I went to Ueno. I went to Ameyoko for the first time. Do you know Ameyoko? I have watched there on TV before. There were many kind of fish and it was cheap! If I live in Tokyo, I wanted to buy them! I ate Kebab there. I ate it for the first time and it was delicious!! Have you ever eaten it? After that, I went to Akihabara and Shinbashi. In Shinbashi, my friend, Aoi took us to a cafe. Its name Tujiri and there are only Kyoto and Tokyo. There are many food of powdered green tea. I ate parfait of powdered green tea. I like powedered green tea very much, so it was soooooo delicious!! I was surprised because the cost was 1400 yen! I have never eaten such a delicious and expensive parfait. So, I was satisfied.

During my stay in Tokyo, I could go a lot of places and I really enjoyed spending time with my friends. We talked a lot after a long time. They always encourage me and when I met them, I always become happy! So, they are my precious friends :) I had a very good time and I could make great memories♪♪

[205 words]

TOKYO☆Vol. 3

On August 28, I went to Tokyo Disney Sea!! This is the second time that I have visited there. I got up early and I arrived at 9 a.m., but there already were a lot of people. So, I thought it is good if I enjoy three attractions at least. I used FASTPASS very well, so I could enjoyed five attractions! It is Tower of Teller, Indy Jones Adventure, Center of the Earth, Storm-rider and Raging-spirit. That day was a hot day and I waited more than an hour, so I was tired. However, all of the attraction was soooooo interesting!! Tower of Teller is the newest attrction, so I wanted to ride it. It is fearful, but interesting and I liked it very much. Also, I liked Indy Jones Adventure very much. I have not watched the movie, but I could enjoy. The speed was fast and I could see many characters. If you go to Tokyo Disney Sea, please enjoy these attractions!! On the way, I ate ice cream and its shape is Mickey and Minnie. It was so cute♡ I came home after I bought some souvenir. I had a good time :)

[197 words]