Thinking in English November 28, 2007
Posted by english4us in Speaking.add a comment
When you speak in English, which way do you use??
①think the things in English→speak English
②think the things in Japanese→translate in English and speak
When I was a junior high and high school student, I use ②. Teachers also asked me to do ②. However, it cost a lot of time and I couldn’t concentrate on the story because I had to use both Japanese and English hastily in my head. It’s not effecient way.
On the other hand, thinking in English and speak is very simple and the best way. English is all that needed in my head. We can concentrate on the story we talk and enjoy conversation.
Yet, it is a little difficult to think in English. Then, my recommendation for getiing the skill of thinking in English is using English-English dictionary. When you are free or a bit bored in class, why don’t you look up a word in a dictionary?? Very easy words are OK! Soon you can find it interesting.
Let’s try it!!
A Taste of Hakata November 7, 2007
Posted by english4us in Events.3 comments
Today, I introduce you some information about A Taste of Hakata!!
A Taste of Hakata is a walking tour which invites foreign tourists to take a walk with local volunteers. This weekend, I’m going to participate in the event as one of the volunteers. So, I give some information about it below;
(Remainding) Date: Nov. 9,10 Start 10:00&14:00
Nov. 11 Start 10:30 only
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: 500 yen
Itinerary Kushida Shrine → Jotenji Temple → Tochoji Temple → Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
If you have afree time, plase visit around the area!! You will see many foreigners and have chances to talk with them.
STEP&TOEIC test October 24, 2007
Posted by english4us in Uncategorized.add a comment
Today I introduce you to the information about STEP and TOEIC test.
I think taking some tests is very important thing to fuel our motivation to study English. We can also determine our current skill level in English.
Here some information about the most popular English tests in Japan.
The Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP)
[Application] December 1st – December 25th
[1st-stage test] January 27th, 2008
[2nd-stage test] February 24th
If you want to know more, click here; http://www.eiken.or.jp/index.html
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
Official test;
[Application] November 5th – December 6th
[Test] January 13th, 2008
IP test at FWU;
[Application] now being accepted
[Test] November 17th
If you want to know more, ask Tanoue-san.
Conversational Expression October 23, 2007
Posted by english4us in Listening.add a comment
Today, I introduce you to some useful sites on the internet!! I learned about them in the night class at FWU.
1. eigozai.com
This site intruduces VOA Special English and shares some listening materials. When we study English conversational expressions, it’s better to learn from a little lower level than your skill. This site provides us some easy english expressions we can use in the daily life!! But most of the words are learnt in a junior high school, so if you feel it’s too easy, please go to the next site. The link here; http://www.eigozai.com/index.htm
2. Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab
In this site, we can listen various conversations in various situations. Each conversation has Pre-Listening Exercises, Listening Exercises and Post-Listening Exercises, so we can learn more deeply!!If you are interested in it, please click here; http://www.esl-lab.com/index.htm
3. BBC learning English
This is one of the BBC Learning English sites. The Flatmates is a radio drama consists of easy English. We have many exercises and quiz, so we can enjoy studying with them. Moreover, storyline is decided by the votes. 
It’s interesting, isn’t it?? So, if you want to know more, click here; http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/
Music Ranking (the second week of October) October 17, 2007
Posted by english4us in Music.2 comments
1. You Raise Me Up
2. Ai No Corrida
3. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
BOYS TOWN GANG
4. Girlfriend
Avril Lavigne
5. Built To Last
6. Won’t Go Home Without You
Maroon 5
7. Because Of You
Ne-Yo
8. You’re Beautiful
9. Running
Sarah Brightman
10. Umbrella
Studying With Music October 11, 2007
Posted by english4us in Music.4 comments
Do you love MUSIC??
If your answer is YES, why don’t you enjoy studying English with MUSIC?
There are many Japanese people who have studied only by English songs and mastered English very well.
Also there are many ways of studying English with songs.
For example, if you listen to the songs, you can improve your listening skill.
If you read the lyric sheets, you’ll find many new words and phrases. Then, you can learn about them.
If you remember the lylics and sing a song, you can express your feelings with attractive words.
It’s nice, isn’t it?? So, let’s enjoy studying English with music!!!
I’ll introduce an example that I usually do when I study with songs.
①Choose one song you are interested in.
②Listen to the song and take dictation of it.
③Check ther lyric and learn about new words and phraises.
④Listen to and sing the song many times and enjoy the music!!
So, let’s try!!!
Lyrics Search Engine; http://lyrics.astraweb.com/
Music Ranking (the first week of October) October 8, 2007
Posted by english4us in Music.6 comments
1. You Raise Me Up
2. Ai No Corrida
Quincy Jones
3. Girlfriend<Radio Edit>
Avril Lavigne
4. Because Of You
5. Running (Single Version)
Sarah Brightman
6. Can’t Take My Eyes Of You
BOYS TOWN GANG
7. Bad Day (Album Version) 
Daniel Powter
8. Won’t Go Home Without You
9. Dancing Queen
10. I Fell In Love With The DJ
CheNelle
Oxford Bookworms Library October 8, 2007
Posted by english4us in Reading.2 comments
The “Oxford Bookworms Library” can be considered as the core series in Oxford’s extensive reading program. It is published by Oxford University Press, and now it has large variety of stories. There are 7 levels provided more than 150 stories according to your own ability. Each book includes an Activities section of “Before Reading”, “While Reading” and “After Reading” exercises, so you can read and enjoy the story more deeply.
If you are interested in the “Oxford BookwormsLibrary”,
the link here; http://www.oup-readers.jp/students/bookworms/index.shtml
If you’d like to buy it,
