Today, I went to Hottarakashi Onsen with my coworkers. There were fifteen of us. Everyone gets along well, from high school students to full-time employees. We left after our part-time jobs and ate ramen on the way. Then, we drove to Yamanashi Prefecture to see the sunrise. Many things happened during the trip, but everything was so much fun. After enjoying the hot springs, we visited a famous pond. The scenery was beautiful and amazing. After that, we played volleyball together at a nearby place. I had a wonderful time with everyone. I want to go on another trip with them someday!

In this country noodles are popular.

Phrasal verbs from A to Z #day9 - I

Choosing a film with a friend? Explain what it’s about without giving away the ending. With the London Film Festival running from 7–18 October, try these three useful patterns: 📍 It’s set in… introduces the place or time. “It’s set in London in the 1990s.” 📖 It’s based on… introduces the source. “It’s based on a novel.” 👤 It follows… introduces the central character and their story. “It follows a chef who moves to a small village.” Your turn: Describe a film you know using two patterns. Leave out its title and ending. Can someone guess it?

✨Useful phrase for a language-savvy 〜 わりかんで　いいですか Don't bill contexts vary from country to country? 😀 In Japan, when you eat out with friends, we often split the bill, so you rarely have to worry about whether or not you should treat them. Restaurants are also well-used to it. In the UK where I live, splitting the bill wasn't very welcome at restaurants until not so long ago. It’s only recently that paying separately has finally become normal here. By the way, in Japan, when you want to suggest splitting the bill with friends, you say,「わりかんで　いいですか？」'Warikan de iidesuka?'. However, when it comes to the actual payment at the counter, you shouldn't say 'Warikan de onegai shimasu'... Make sure to say「べつべつで　おねがいします」 'Betsubetsu de onegai shimasu' instead. Now you're all set to handle the bill smoothly and confidently! 😉

Recently, I have become really interested in watching movies. I did not watch movies very often before, but lately I have been enjoying them in my free time. Watching a movie is a good way for me to relax after school or work. It helps me forget about my busy schedule for a while. One movie series that I watched recently is Fast & Furious. I thought it was really interesting and exciting. I especially enjoyed the car scenes because there were many cool cars and exciting races. The action scenes were also very impressive, and there were many moments that made me want to keep watching. I also liked the characters and their relationships with each other. Even though the story can be unrealistic sometimes, I think that is part of what makes the movies fun to watch. After watching the first movie, I became interested in watching the other movies in the series. There are many movies, so I want to watch them when I have enough free time. I think watching movies is a great way to take a break from school and my part-time job. From now on, I want to discover more interesting movies and enjoy them in my free time.

What do you struggle with the most in regards to speaking American English with native English speakers? Is it coming up with words to say? Is it saying enough so you don't sound limited or be able to give enough variety in your responses so you don't sound repetitive? Is it phrasal verbs? Do you use them? Do you understand them? Do you know how many there are? What about your confidence? Do you second guess yourself when you speak English? Do you have a lot of 'ums' and 'uhs' when you speak American English? Do you repeat words and phrases? Do you have long pauses in between your words and phrases? Do you translate in your head before you say it? Do you depend on translating? Do you say the bare minimum which is only the few things you know how to say but if someone asks you to 'say more.' you'd have difficulty? Are you not really sure where you struggle? Have you ever had someone from the United States... a tutor or teacher really judge your speaking and give you feedback?

Learn a new language, discover a new version of yourself!

Choose the correct answer.