Have you ever heard of the Yonaguni Undersea Ruins? They are one of Japan’s mysteries. Many people in Japan have never heard of them, but divers around the world know this strange and beautiful place. The ruins are under the sea, near Yonaguni Island in Okinawa.

In 1986, a local diver discovered something surprising while swimming near the island. He saw huge stone shapes on the sea floor. The shapes looked like steps, walls, and even roads. Everything looked very straight and sharp, almost like they were cut by people. The diver thought he had found an ancient city under the sea.

But here is the mystery: no one knows if the ruins are natural or human-made.

Some scientists say the Yonaguni ruins were made by nature. They believe the rocks slowly broke into shapes over thousands of years. Strong waves, earthquakes, and wind may have created straight lines in the rock. According to these scientists, the ruins are beautiful, but not made by humans.

Other researchers say the ruins look too perfect to be natural. The steps are very even. The walls look straight. Some stones look like they were placed carefully. There is also a wide, flat “plaza” that looks like a meeting place.

Some people believe Yonaguni was once part of a very old civilization from more than 10,000 years ago, before the sea level rose. If this is true, the ruins could be one of the oldest human structures in the world.

The ruins are deep underwater, so it is difficult to study them. Divers can only stay down for a short time. Also, there are no clear signs of tools, pottery, or human bones. Without these, it is hard to prove that people built the ruins.

Because there is not enough evidence, the mystery continues. Are the shapes natural rock formations? Or did people build them long ago?

Today, many divers visit Yonaguni Island to see the ruins with their own eyes. The water is clear and blue. Hammerhead sharks even swim nearby in winter. Whether the ruins are natural or human-made, they are one of Japan’s most interesting and mysterious places.

If you visit Okinawa, you can see the ruins yourself and decide what you think they really are.

---

Useful Vocabulary

ruins – old buildings that are broken or destroyed
civilization – a large, organized society in history
plaza – a flat open space
formation – the shape something has
evidence – information that shows something is true

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Multiple Choice

1. Where are the Yonaguni ruins located?
   a) Near Tokyo
   b) Under the sea in Okinawa
   c) In South America
   
   

2. When were the ruins discovered?
   a) 1986
   b) 1960
   c) 2010
   
   

3. What do some scientists believe?
   a) The ruins were made by aliens
   b) The ruins are natural rock formations
   c) The ruins are a modern building
   
   

4. Why is it difficult to study the ruins?
   a) They are too dangerous to touch
   b) They are underwater
   c) They are in a desert

Scroll down for the answers

Answers

1. b) Under the sea in Okinawa
   
   

2. a) 1986
   
   

3. b) The ruins are natural rock formations
   
   

4. b) They are underwater

Photo Credit: Julia M. Cameron @Pexels.com

 

How do you study English? Do you take regular lessons as part of your university courses? Do you join free communication sessions like those offered by the BBP Communication Rooms on campus? Do you have a pen friend or a private tutor? There are many conventional ways to learn a language, but have you ever considered these ‘alternative’ ways to get better at a language?

 

Is talking to yourself a sign of genius or an indication of craziness? By ‘talking to yourself’, it means speaking softly (or louder) when it’s only you present. You might talk to yourself in the shower or taking a walk or washing the dishes. It’s a sign of an active mind and a happy disposition. How about if you started talking to yourself in another language? Start with simple words like describing the things around you or exchanging imaginary pleasantries. As you get better at it, start commentating on live TV news or sports you’re watching. Keep it light and fun and spontaneous. It will help you grow in confidence as a speaker in your target language.

 

That’s the speaking way - now how about the writing way? Start a micro blog on Threads or Bluesky or other such social media platform. Micro blogs are short, topical comments which help start interaction with other users on the same site. Create a page with your name in English and a few words about yourself and the kind of topics you’re interested in blogging about. Search for similar topic blogs and comment on them regularly. You will soon build up a small community of followers and be able to practice your writing in the target language in a fun and spontaneous way.

 

These are two simple, fun ways to use your target language on a daily basis and inject a little spontaneity into your language learning.

 

Questions:

Q1. Is a ‘pen friend’ someone you speak with or write to?

 

Q2. What word best matches ‘disposition’ from the text?

a: Hope

b: Manner

c: Intention

d: Place

 

Q3. Does being “spontaneous” mean acting slowly or acting quickly?

 

 

Scroll ↓ down for answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A1. A friend you write to

A2. B. (Manner)

A3. Acting quickly

Photo Credit: RDNE Stock project @Pexels.com

 

The Japanese people are known to be sensitive and appreciative of the seasons. We have four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter, and each has its own beauty. There are many festivals and customs to celebrate the seasons.

 

One of the customs is called “Koromogae”: a seasonal change of clothing. In Japan, it’s usual for the people to start wearing short sleeved clothes at the beginning of June, and they go back to long sleeves at the beginning of October. I have always followed this tradition up until 2024.

 

The world had its hottest summer in 2024, including Japan. Global warming seems to be speeding up these days. In Osaka, where I live, from July to September for 2 months, the temperature was over 35 degrees Celsius. And even in mid-October, the temperature was as high as 29 degrees. In my entire life, this was the first time that I wore short-sleeved shirts in mid-October.

 

However, the majority of the people here in the Kansai area wear long-sleeved clothes in October, even when it is hot. Why?! I believe that’s because the Japanese people are faithful in following tradition. Let me share my personal experience of when I was going to graduate school in the U.S.A.

 

I went to a university called Brigham Young University, the largest private university in the U.S. It’s in a small town called Provo, an hour south from Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Utah has a lot of deserts, so it’s very dry. It gets very hot in the summer, but very cold in the winter. Utah is famous for its snow and has many famous ski resorts.

 

What surprised me was that most people in Utah wear short sleeves all year around. In the winter, they just wear heavy jackets over the short-sleeved shirts. And in the spring, even though it’s still cold, when there was a sunny day, I saw many students (boys) lying on the grass shirtless. I thought this would never happen in Japan.

 

I love the fact that Japanese people are sensitive to the seasons and there is a custom like “Koromogae,” but this custom may change in the near future due to the unusual warm weather. I think that we should be wearing short-sleeves when it’s hot, even if it’s in the middle of October. Until then, Japanese people will be wearing long sleeves regardless of the high temperature in October!

 

Questions:

Q1. Why does the author think that Japanese people wear long-sleeved clothes regardless of the high temperature in October?

 

Q2. What surprised the writer when he was going to school in America?

 

Q3. When do Japanese people usually start wearing short-sleeved shirts?

 

 

Scroll down↓for answers

 

A1. They are faithful in following the custom of "Kromogae."

A2. Male students would lie down on the grass shirtless in April when it was a sunny day.

A3. They usually start wearing them at the beginning of June.

Photo credit: Cottonbro Studio @ pexels.com

 

I started dancing when I was three years old. My mother took me to my first dance class. It was a ballet class. Since then, I have danced ballet, jazz, contemporary and traditional Japanese dance for over fifty years. There are several reasons why dance experiences have been beneficial in my life.

 

First of all, it has given me the ability to communicate with various people. Dance taught me the strength of body language. The combination of body language and words can deepen communication. Even if I was not fluent in a language by combining body language somehow, I was able to communicate. This way I have been able to make friends all over the world.

 

In addition, dance has stimulated my creativity and imagination. I have enjoyed choreographing (creating) new original dance after I acquired dance techniques by attending many classes. I have learned to combine movement and music with a theme to perform on stage. In order to come up with a theme, I read, visited museums, took walks in nature and listened to all kinds of music to be inspired. The imagination has no limits.

 

Finally, in order to dance, maintaining good health is a must. To dance I have been very conscious about eating healthy food, keeping my body flexible and mind clear. I am constantly thinking about a balanced meal. I try to stretch all the time as I keep a healthy mind.

 

I believe after all these years I will not be able to stop dancing. It is a big part of my life. I am very grateful towards my mother who took me to my first dance class. At that time, I did not know how it would influence my life in so many ways. I will continue to dance for at least 40 more years if I can.

 

 

Questions

Q1. When did the author start dancing?

Q2. In what three ways has dance improved the author’s life?

Q3. How many more years will she try to dance?

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

A1. When she was 3 years old

A2. Dance helped her communicate better, use her imagination, and eat well.

A3. She wants to dance 40 more years.

Photo Credit: Anna Shucks @pexels.com 

 

Incorporating music into your language learning journey can be an enjoyable and effective way to improve your English skills. Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, hip-hop, or jazz, there's a wealth of musical resources waiting to help you on your path to fluency. Here are some tips on how to harness the power of music to enhance your English learning experience.

 

1. Choose Songs You Enjoy: Start by selecting songs in English that you genuinely enjoy listening to. Whether it's your favorite band or a catchy tune you heard on a streaming app, choosing songs that resonate with you will make the learning process more enjoyable and motivating.

 

2. Focus on Lyrics: Once you've chosen a song, take the time to listen to the lyrics carefully. Read along with the lyrics while you listen, and pay attention to the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar used in the song. You can find lyrics online on websites like Genius or AZLyrics. Many streaming apps will also provide lyrics.

 

3. Break it Down: Break down the lyrics into smaller chunks and focus on understanding the meaning of individual words and phrases. Look up any unfamiliar words in a dictionary and try to learn their meanings in context.

 

4. Sing Along: Don't be afraid to sing along with the music! Singing along can help improve your pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in English. Even if you're not a confident singer, singing along with your favorite songs can boost your confidence and pronunciation over time.

 

5. Study Grammar and Syntax: Pay attention to the grammatical structures and syntax used in the lyrics. Analyze how sentences are formed, and identify different tenses, prepositions, and conjunctions used in the song. This will help reinforce your understanding of English grammar in a fun and engaging way.

 

6. Use Music for Listening Practice: Make listening to English music a regular part of your daily routine. Create playlists of your favorite English songs and listen to them while you're commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home. The more exposure you have to English music, the more you'll improve your listening skills.

 

7. Explore Cultural References: English songs often contain cultural references and idiomatic expressions that can provide valuable insights into English-speaking cultures. Take the time to research the cultural context behind the songs you're listening to, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural nuances.

 

By incorporating music into your English learning routine, you can make language learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music guide you.

 

Questions:

Q1. Which stage should you look up unknown vocabulary?

Q2. What are two benefits of singing along?

Q3. What are the outcomes of stage 7

 

Scroll down ↓ for answers:

  

 

  

ANSWERS:

A1. In the third stage

A2. It boosts confidence and improves pronunciation.

A3. You gain cultural understanding.

Photo Credit: Nobuaki Irie@pexels.com

 

 

On my 11th birthday, my cousin gave me a record of the popular singing duo, the Carpenters as a present. Of course, I didn't understand English at all back then. However, fascinated by the beautiful singing voice and melody, I wanted to know the meaning of the lyrics. That was my first encounter with English. At the age of twelve, I was impressed by the dynamic singing voice of The Three Degrees, a black trio who was as popular as the Carpenters in Japan, and that was how I became interested in Soul Music (R&B).

 

The following year, a group of five black brothers called Tavares caught my eye while watching TV. I instantly became a big fan of them and joined the Tavares fan club, which was backed up by a Japanese record company (Toshiba EMI) when I was in junior high school. Perhaps because I was very enthusiastic about the group, I ended up becoming the president of the fan club during my high school years. I often held Tavares record concerts and even went to radio stations to promote their songs. My dream was to go to a Tavares concert and meet them in America someday. So, I studied English hard to make that dream come true.

 

Tavares eventually disappeared from the music scene, not releasing records anymore in the late 1980s. When I was giving up my dream of meeting them, I heard the news that Tavares was coming to Japan to give concerts even in my home town of Osaka! Right after reading the news, I wrote to their record company even though I wasn’t sure if my letter would reach the group. I really wanted to thank them for their music that had enriched my life and given me a lot of joy and happiness. It is no exaggeration to say that they helped me become an English teacher. On the day of their concert in Osaka, my dreams finally came true. Not only was I able to hear their singing live but also allowed to meet them backstage. Tavares looked at me and said, "You are the one who wrote us." Yes, they had received my letter! The members were very happy to see me, and we took pictures together. The photos are still my lifelong treasures even to this day.

 

Just like this, through English, I was able to fulfill my dream. I hope that you too will meet many wonderful people and have valuable experiences by using English. Make your dreams come true with English!

 

 

Blog Quiz

Q1. How did the author encounter English?

Q2. What was the name of the group that the author became the president of the fan club for?

Q3. How did the author’s dream come true?

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         The author’s cousin gave him a record of the Carpenters for his birthday.

2.         Tavares

3.         The author was able to see Tavares' concert in Osaka and meet them backstage.

Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Joining a circle or club is an important part of Japanese university life. These organizations are often called “student groups” in English-speaking countries. It helps make your time in college more exciting and can teach you many things.

First, being part of a student group can help you make friends. When you start university, it's common to feel a bit lost or alone. Joining a group means you meet people who share your interests. You can make friends and feel like you belong. It's like finding a little family on campus.

Student groups also give you a chance to learn new things. You can join a group that matches your hobbies, like music, sports, or art. Or you can explore something totally different. In groups, you'll learn from others and maybe even discover a new passion.

Moreover, student groups help you build skills beyond the classroom. You can become a leader, learn to work with a team, or plan events. These are skills that are important in your future job and life. It's like getting a head start on gaining experience.

Being part of a student group can reduce stress. University life can get overwhelming with exams and assignments. Group activities provide a fun and relaxing break. You can enjoy doing what you love with friends, and it can be a great way to relieve stress.

Student groups often organize events and activities. This means you'll have something exciting to do on campus. It's not all about studying. You can go to parties, games, or shows. This makes your time in university more enjoyable.

Another great thing is that student groups sometimes give back to the community. They do charity work and help those in need. Being part of such groups teaches you about kindness and helping others. It's a great way to make the world a better place.

In conclusion, joining a student group is a smart choice for university students. It helps you make friends, learn new things, develop skills, reduce stress, and have fun. Plus, it teaches you about giving back to the community. So, it's a great way to make the most of your time in college.

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What does the author compare joining a group to?

Q2. What are three events you can go to if you join a student group?

Q3. What is a university circle or club referred to in English-speaking countries?

 

Scroll down for answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers:

Q1. Joining a little family.

Q2. Parties, games or shows.

Q3. A student group.

Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio@pexels.com

 

 

Staying healthy is very important for university students. College can be a hectic time with lots of studying and busy schedules. But if students stay healthy, they can do better in school and enjoy their lives more.

 

First of all, being healthy means taking care of your body. It's making sure your body is in good shape. When you're healthy, you're less likely to get sick. You won't have to miss classes or exams because of being unwell. This way, you can focus on your studies and do your best.

 

Healthy students also have more energy. When you eat well and exercise, you feel more active and ready to focus your tasks. You won't feel tired all the time, and you can stay awake and alert during your classes. This can help you understand your lessons better. Moreover, staying healthy is good for your mood. College life can be stressful, and it's easy to feel down or anxious. But when you're healthy, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that boost your mood. You'll feel happier and more relaxed, which is great for dealing with the pressures of university life.

 

Eating right is a big part of staying healthy. A balanced diet with fruits, veggies, protein and healthy fats can keep you in good shape. It gives your body the vitamins and minerals to function well. Plus, it helps you keep a healthy weight, which is important for your overall well-being.

 

Exercise is another key to staying healthy. Moving your body regularly keeps your muscles and bones strong. It can also help resuce stress and make you feel more energetic. You don't need to be a pro athlete; simple activities like walking, riding a bike, or using the stairs instead of an elevator can make a big difference.

 

Lastly, staying healthy helps you sleep better. A good night's sleep is crucial for your brain to work well. It helps with memory and thinking. When you're well-rested, you can concentrate on your studies and perform better in your classes.

 

In conclusion, being healthy is vital for university students. It means looking after your body and mind. When you're healthy, you can stay focused on your studies, have more energy, and be in a better mood. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress are all part of staying healthy. So, it's essential for students to prioritize their health during their college years.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. According to this essay, what four types of food are part of a balanced diet?

 

Q2. What are three simple ways you can get exercise?

 

Q3. What are the chemicals in your body that make you feel good called?

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz Answers

A1. Fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.

A2. Walking, riding a bike, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

A3. Endorphins.

Photo Credit: Taryn Elliott@pexels.com

 

 

The most effective study methods are fun. If you enjoy something, you are more likely to continue doing it, so why not use this idea for studying? Watching a TV/net series is a great way to study both vocabulary and pronunciation. Here is an idea for studying each.

 

1. Pronunciation

Choose one line of dialogue in the series and watch it with English subtitles. Focus on any tricky words and practice them individually first. Then focus on how the words are connected when spoken, and practice saying those words together. Start slowly and gradually build up to the same speed as the actor. Once you have practiced individual words, and connected words, try saying the whole line or multiple lines of the dialogue. One method to practice is called shadowing. Shadowing is when you read the dialogue at the exact same time as the actor, and try to copy their intonation and rhythm. You can try this with subtitles first, and then without if you are feeling confident. Another method is to record your own voice saying a line. Then listen to it and compare it to the actor's voice. Try to get as close as possible.

 

2. Vocabulary

The good thing about watching a series is that the context is very clear. This means that if an unknown word appears, you may be able to guess its meaning by watching what's happening in the scene. Try watching a short scene with the English subtitles on. If a word you don't know appears, write it down and try to guess the meaning. When the scene is finished, you can check by watching the scene with Japanese subtitles, or by looking up the words in a dictionary. Guessing the meaning of vocabulary words you don't know is a great skill to practice for language learners because you don't want to always rely on a dictionary or translation software, especially when you are mid-conversation. This method also provides you with a clear example sentence and a natural way of using the vocabulary.

 

These methods work especially well if you have a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, but it will also work with a DVD and there are also videos available on YouTube that provide subtitles. If you find studying to be a chore, consider trying something fun that will motivate you to keep doing it.

 

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. What are two things you can improve by watching a series?

Q2. What is ‘shadowing’?

Q3. What is a big advantage of studying vocabulary with a series?

 

 

Scroll down for the answers to the quiz…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

A1. Vocabulary and pronunciation

A2. Reading along aloud at the same time as you listen.

A3. The context is clear.