Pre-TOEFL writing, foreigner has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? - rewrite -

Writing Topic

A foreigner has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons ad details to support your choice.  外国人があなたの国で1日だけ過ごすとしたらどこを勧めますか？

☆Let’s Think

To put yourself in someone’s shoes may be one way to start working on this topic. If you were the foreigner, what would you like to do? 本人の気持ちになってみることがこの題に取りかかるひとつの方法かもしれない。もし自分がこの外国人だったら、どこに行き何をしたいだろうか？

                    

☆Words and Expressions related to Travel  旅行関連の単語や表現

Destinations 目的地

1.    Kyoto is the most famous old capital in Japan. 京都は日本で一番有名な古い首都だ。

2.    The itinerary can include many kinds of locations if the person choses Tokyo.

東京を選べば日程表にたくさんの場所が含まれる。

3.    Akihabara is the biggest electronics quarter in Tokyo. 秋葉原は東京最大の電気街だ。

4.    Harajuku is a popular sight-seeing spot among the young. 原宿は若者に人気のある観光地だ。

5.    A huge statue of Buddha is in Kamakura, which was once a political center of warlords.

大仏が鎌倉（かつて戦国武将たちの政治的中心地だった）にある。

6.    A wonderful snow festival is held in Sapporo in winter. 冬は札幌で素敵な雪まつりがある。

7.    Okinawa has many beautiful beaches and distinct culture. 沖縄には多くの美しい浜辺と独特の文化がある。

Attractions 呼び物

8.    To travel around/ take a trip to/ have a tour in the area would be fun/memorable/exciting.

その地域への旅行が面白い/記憶に残る/ワクワクする。

9.    The scenery/building/structure/memorial is beautiful/magnificent.

景色/建物/記念碑が美しい/壮麗だ。

10.  Most inbound travelers hope to see something traditional in the country they are visiting.

大抵の国内への旅行者はその国の何か伝統的なものを見たいと思う

11.  Tourists can join a tea ceremony/wear kimono/take a cruise/interact with the local people there.

茶道に参加/着物を着る/遊覧船に乗る/地元の人と交流することができる

12.  Many visitors take snap shots in front of the statue. 像の前で記念写真を撮る人が多い。

13.  The place is famous for old temples and shrines. その場所は古い寺や神社で有名だ。

14.  There are many souvenir/gift shops near the gate. 門の近くにお土産屋さんが沢山ある。

15.  The person might want to enjoy local specialties and delicacies. その人は地元の特産物や珍味を楽しみたいだろう。

16.  Box(ed) lunch with the local flavor is sold at big train stations その地方の味のお弁当が大きな駅で販売されている。

17.  The downtown is full of duty-free shops that cater to people who come here for shopping.

その繁華街は買い物客用にサービスを提供する免税店でいっぱいだ。

18.   The business district has spectacular buildings. そのビジネス街には目を見張るようなビルがある。

Transportation, accommodation, services and prices 交通/宿泊施設/サービス/価格

19.  The Japanese tourism industry provides good services. 日本の観光産業は良いサービスを提供する。

20.   Deregulation has made it easier to find cheap accommodations. 規制緩和で安い宿を見つけやすくなった。

21.  Transportation expenses are not very high. 交通費はあまり高くない。

22.  It takes less than one hour to get there by train. そこに電車で行くのに1時間かからない。

23.  The railways in Japan are punctual. 日本の鉄道は時間が正確だ。

24.  People are proud of their hospitality. 人々はおもてなしの精神を誇りにしている。

25.  Prices are high in general in Tokyo. 東京は一般的に値段が高い。

                                                                                                                                               

☆Sample Essay Structure エッセイ構成例

【Introduction = Outline】I would recommend that the person visit Tokyo for a one-day trip in Japan.

【Point 1】The person can enjoy both the old and new aspects of Japan in Tokyo.

【Point 2】It would be nice to start with downtown Shibuya, go down to Asakusa, and stay in a Japanese style inn.

【Point 3】It is also possible to experience the daily lives of Japanese people if you walk down the back alleys in most towns in Tokyo.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】Under the condition of the time constraint, choosing a Tokyo tour is a safe bet.

【導入＝概要】その人が日本での１日旅行に東京を訪れることをお勧めする。

【要点 1】その人は東京で日本の新旧両面を楽しむことができる。

【要点2】まず渋谷の繁華街に行ってから浅草に行き、和式旅館に泊まると良いだろう。

【要点3】もし大抵の東京の街で裏道を歩けば日本人の日常生活を経験することもできる。

【結論＝まとめ】時間制限という条件下では東京旅行を選べば間違いない。

☆Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】                       

【Point 2】           

【Point 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

Pre-TOEFL writing, What do you want most in a friend―someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? - rewrite -

Writing Topic

What do you want most in a friend―someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.

知性的な人、ユーモアのセンスのある人、信頼できる人のうちどれを友達に求めますか。これらの性格的特徴の中でどれをあなたは最も重視しますか？理由と具体例を使ってあなたの選択を説明してください。

☆Let’s Think

Even if your friend has none of these good points, a friend is a friend; you like the person for some reason. However, you might wish that the person would have at least one of them. The choice would be based on merits you can expect or your value.

たとえこれらの特徴のどれひとつとして友達になかったとしても友達は友達だ。何らかの理由でその人が好きなのだ。しかし、これらひとつの内少なくともひとつあってほしいと願うかもしれない。選択は期待する利点か価値観に基づくだろう。

☆Sample Essay Structures 段落構成例

 Sample Essay Structure A

【Introduction = Outline】Although intelligence or sense of humor may be preferable characteristics for a friend to have, I would like my friend to be reliable for a true friendship.

【Intelligence】A friend is not a teacher. I do not care if my friend is not intelligent because friends can enjoy friendship without high-level intelligence. As long as we can share some interests, the relationship will be productive.

【Humor】Humor is important, but not indispensable in human relationships.

【Reliability】If a friend is neither intelligent nor funny, the friendship may well last, but if a friend is unreliable, it will be over in a short time.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】I want a long-lasting relationship, so I want my friend to be reliable. 長続きさせたい

【導入＝概要】知性又はユーモアのセンスは友達が持っていると好ましい性格的特徴かもしれないが私は真の友情の為に友達は信頼のおける人であってほしい。

【知性】友達は先生ではない。高い知性がなくても友達関係は楽しめるので友達が知的でなくても構わない。興味を共有できる限り関係は生産的だ。

【ユーモア】ユーモアは大切だが人間関係に必須ではない。

【信頼性】もし友達が知的でもなく面白くもなくても友情は続くかもしれないが信頼できなければ友情は短期間で終わるだろう。

【結論＝まとめ】長く続く関係が欲しいので友達は信頼できる人であってほしい。

Sample Essay Structure B

【Introduction = Outline】Of the three characteristics: intelligence, sense of humor, and reliability, I would prioritize sense of humor when I choose a friend.

【Reason 1】A person with a sense of humor makes me happy more than any other kind of person.

【Reason 2】It would be difficult for friends who are always joking around to have a row and break up.

【Follow-up】Intelligent people may help me in many ways but I sometimes feel nervous in front of them because of inferiority complex. As for trust, I can trust a friend who is unreliable because an unreliable person can become reliable if cared well enough.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】Humor saves us all. Therefore, I would like a funny person to be always with me.

【導入＝概要】知性とユーモアのセンスと信頼性の三つの性格的特徴の内、ユーモアのセンスを友達選びでは優先するだろう。

【理由 1】ユーモアのセンスのある人は他のどんな種類の人よりも幸せにしてくれる。

【理由2】いつも冗談ばかり言っている友達なら喧嘩別れしにくいだろう。

【補足】賢い人は多くの点で助けてくれるかもしれないが劣等感の為賢い人の前では緊張してしまうことがある。信頼に関しては、頼りにならない友達を私は信頼できる。というのは十分面倒を見れば頼りにならない人は頼れる人になれるからだ。

【結論＝まとめ】ユーモアは私たち皆を救う。従って私は面白い人にいつも一緒にいてほしい。

Sample Essay Structure C

【Introduction = Outline】An intelligent person has a sense of humor and is reliable, so I want an intelligent friend.

【Definition】Being intelligent is not only knowing a lot but also having ability to do well in society.

【humor】A truly intelligent person is funny without exception.

【reliability】An average level of intelligence is enough to know that reliability is the prerequisite for a workable social life.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

【導入＝概要】賢い人は面白くて頼れるので賢い友達が欲しい。

【定義】賢いということは物を知っているという事だけでなく社会でうまくやっていく能力があるということだ。

【ユーモア】本当に賢い人は必ず面白い。

【信頼性】信頼性が社会生活の成功に必須であることは普通の知能があれば十分理解できる。

【結論＝まとめ】本当の意味で知的な友達がいたら素敵だろう。

Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Body 1】

【Body 2】

【Body 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development 段落展開例

【Main Idea】A person with a real sense of humor makes me happy more than any other kind of person.

【Explanation】Such a friend is warm-hearted and the relationship will be pure.

【Example】One of my friends makes me laugh in such a way as I feel good. His jokes are part of his attempt to avoid making me sad or embarrassed, so I do not feel forced to laugh. Rather, I appreciate his consideration and feel that he likes me. This makes me comfortable and I feel that I want to see him again.

【Wrap-up】A friend who makes me laugh in good ways is likely to be a real friend.

【主張】本当のユーモアのセンスがある人は他のどんな種類の人よりも私を幸せにしてくれる。

【説明】そういう友達は心が温かく関係が純粋になる。

【説明】私の友達の一人は私が気分良くなるようなやり方で笑わせてくれる。彼の冗談は私を悲しませたりきまり悪くさせたりするのを避ける試みの一部なので無理やり笑わされている気はしない。むしろ彼の思慮に感謝し彼が私のことが好きなのを感じる。これで私は居心地良くなりまた会いたいと思う。

【まとめ】良いやり方で私を笑わせる友達は本物の友達になりそうだ。

Pre-TOEFL writing, When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? . - rewrite -

Writing Topic

When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer

有名人の意見に注目すべきかどうか

☆Hints for Points

1.    Celebrities raise awareness of important issues and make changes.

有名人は重要な問題への意識を喚起し改革を起こす。

2.    Issues taken up by famous people are usually very important.

有名人が取り上げる問題は通常非常に重要。

3.    Most famous people follow the status quo and what they say could be wrong.

ほとんどの有名人は現状に従うので発言が間違っている可能性がある。

4.    Endorsement by stars could be used to manipulate public opinions.

スターの支持は世論操作に使われるかもしれない。

☆Sample Essay Structure                                           

【Introduction】We should pay attention to the opinions of celebrities with a reservation. 保留付きで賛成

【Point 1】Most celebrities have a good heart and what they have to say is something. 心がきれい

【Point 2】Public opinion often comes out of a celebrity’s mouse. 世論の反映

【Follow-up】However, celebrity influence can be used for bad purposes. Famous musicians and artists have been used for war propaganda. Also, a comment of an influential person can be an incitement for illicit activities. When a popular TV show host said, “I’m usually against death penalty except when it comes to Michael Moore,” people tried to kill Michael Moore, a film maker who criticized the Iraq War, many of them not exactly knowing what the issue was and making friends with him after they talked with him in person. 戦意高揚や犯罪教唆への利用 

【Conclusion】 As long as it does not have the quality of provoking antagonism, we should listen to what famous people say. 敵意を挑発するのでない限り耳を傾けるべき

☆Sample Development

1. Celebrities raise awareness of important issues and make changes. They have the power to mobilize large numbers of people in a short time. Since their admirers follow them through such media as SNS, when they mention something and call for an action through such media, the comments will be shared by people and lead to some positive results. Angelina Jolie has used her fame to support poor people in Africa. Leonardo DiCaprio actively tries to alert the world to climate change whenever possible. The 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, contributed to attention to police brutality and all the discrimination against black people in the U.S. by refusing to stand up but instead kneeling down during national anthem and the news made people of all walks of life all over the world think about the problem and the importance of taking a stand. Many stars are taking advantage of their status for good causes and we should listen to them. 有名人は重要な問題への意識を喚起し改革を起こす。短期間で多数を動員する力がある。崇拝者がSNSのようなメディアを通してフォローしているので彼らが何かに言及し行動を求めると人々にシェアされ肯定的な結果になる。（アンジェリーナ・ジョリー→貧困問題、レオナルド・ディカプリオ→温暖化、コリン・キャパニック→アメリカの警察の暴力と黒人差別）多くのスターが良い運動のために地位を活用しており我々は耳を傾けるべきだ。

2. Most famous people follow the status quo and what they say could be wrong. They live on their exposure to the mainstream media, which depend on sponsors. Thus, they conform to the people in power. For example, when a documentary film maker Michael Moore blamed President George W. Bush for having a fictitious war, meaning that the Iraq War was based on a false reason, at the Academy Award ceremony, almost all participants booed him and accused him of being “unpatriotic”, but before long, Michael Moore proved right. There were no weapons of mass distraction in Iraq and it turned out that Bush administration had planned the war since 9.11 not for war on terrorism but for oil. Few celebrities, just like mainstream media, mention it even today. As this example shows, it is necessary to make an educated guess on whether to pay attention to opinions given by famous people. ほとんどの有名人は現状に従うので発言が間違っている可能性がある。彼らは主要メディアに曝されることで生活しており、メディアはスポンサーに頼っている。従って権力のある人たちに合わせる。（ドキュメンタリー映画監督のマイケル・ムーアがアカデミー賞授賞式でブッシュ大統領を嘘の戦争をしている（イラク戦争は嘘の理由に基づいている）と言って非難した時、参加者のほぼ全員がブーイングし非国民だと非難したが、まもなくマイケルムーアだ正しかったことが分かった。（イラクに大量破壊兵器はなく、ブッシュ政権は9.11直後からテロではなく石油のために戦争を計画していたことが明らかになった。）現在そのことに言及する有名人は主要メディア同様ほとんどいない）有名人の意見に注目すべきかどうかについては、知識に裏付けられた推測をすることが必要だ。

Your Sample Essay Structure                                      

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Follow-up】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】