In this episode you will learn to correctly conjugate the verbs: to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spanish with Jania

How to conjugate the verbs of "comer" in Spanish?

As it's already May, a lot of the part 1 and part 2 topics are changing in the IELTS speaking exam. Let's start with the topic "Describe a positive change you made in your life" with some good idioms which are explained below.

Remember this is just an example answer, and you should never learn example answers off by heart. It's very important to speak naturally in the speaking exam.


Idioms used in the example answer:

Out of shape

If someone is unhealthy or not able to do a lot of physical activity, we can say they are out of shape.

“He drinks and smokes too much, and has become very out of shape.”



In good shape

If you’re in good shape, you are fit and healthy. This  especially refers to the physical condition of your body ( being at a healthy weight, not overweight, getting plenty of exercise)


Run down

If you’re feeling run down, you are tired and lacking energy, usually after a sustained period without enough rest.

“After working late in the office every night for the last 2 weeks, he started to feel very run down.”


Full of beans

Someone who has a lot of energy might be described as full of beans.

“Young children are always full of beans, and love to run around, and play.”


Fit as a fiddle

Fit as a fiddle means ‘in very good health’ and may more often be used to refer to older people.

“My grandfather is 86, but is still as fit as a fiddle, and goes to exercise in the park every morning.”


Picture of good health

To look the picture of health simply means to look very healthy and well.

“Wow! Have you been going to the gym recently? You look the picture of health.


IELTS 85 Speaking

Describe a positive change you made in your life - IELTS speaking part 2

皆さんは、日本語を勉強するとき、どんなペンやノートを使っていますか。
お気に入りの文具で仕事や勉強をすると気分が上がりますよね。
今回は、フミがお気に入りのペンについて話します。 

What kind of pens and notebooks do you use when studying Japanese?
Doesn't it raise your spirits when you use your favorite stationaries at working or studying?
This time, Fumi talks about his favorite pen.

♤ キーワード
・ばかにする（make fun of, look down）
* Fumi using the word in the sense of the latter. 
・見栄（みえ：vanity, feeling of showing off）
・映える（はえる：look good, look cool）
・しょぼい（shabby）
・難民（なんみん：refugee, In figurative meaning, people who are unable to get something）
* Aya using the word in the sense of the latter. 
・しっくりくる（perfect match, feel right in one's hand）

♧ 理解度チェッククイズ
1. フミが最近よく使っているのは、どんなペン？ 
2. フミが海外で働いていたときに使っていたのは、どんなペン？

♢ 前回のクイズの答え
1. 中国でタブーとされている贈り物は？ 
→ 時計
2. それをプレゼントとしてあげるのは、どのくらい失礼？
→ 結婚式に喪服で行くくらい失礼

BGM special thanks：MusMus

アヤさんとフミさんの日本語雑談（Aya and Fumi’s Japanese Chit-Chat）

Episode 26：お気に入りのペン

Рассказ про мальчика Павлика, который обижался, что ему никто ничего не дает. Один старичок подсказал волшебное слово, которое надо говорить, когда что-то просишь. Павлик не верил, что оно поможет, но слово оказалось действительно волшебное.

Not Prickly Russian

Мини история. Волшебное слово

Let's practice Japanese pronunciation with 日本語初歩. You can get it with the following link. Today's lesson is Chapter 5, P40/428.

はつおんの練習🗣Pronunciation Practice!!

Let's practice Japanese pronunciation with 日本語初歩 Chapter 5 (数)

In this story, a Ferrari named Rarri gets an offer that’s hard to refuse. But what will the consequences be? This is Part 2 of 6.  

It was 7:25am when Rarri rolled into the large garage located at the race track. It was here where the racing cars got tuned up and repaired. Rarri’s number one competitor was waiting for him: a Mercedes racing car. 

“Good of you to meet me here,” said the Mercedes. 

“Why did you call me here?” said Rarri. 

“I just wanted to have a friendly talk.” 

The Mercedes was leaking arrogance and superiority. Rarri didn’t respond, but slightly revved his engine. 

“Listen Rarri, I’ll cut to the chase. I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need. Enough to feed generations of Mercedes. That’s not why I race. I race for the glory. And as you know, I have quite a reputation.” 

Rarri said, “You called me here to boast about your success?” 

“I’ve been watching you closely, Mr. Ferrari. You’ve performed quite well, winning so many races. But you know you can’t beat me, and I won’t let you. That cup is mine.” 

“We’ll see who is the faster car and better driver soon.” 

“Maybe, but I’d rather settle things today. I have an offer for you. You lose on purpose and I’ll give you half the prize money. Second place is nothing to be ashamed of.” 

Rarri’s mind immediately flashed to his family. They all depended on Rarri to win this race. They had been so supportive, encouraging him day and night to train harder. 

Mercedes saw that Rarri was contemplating and he said, “I heard a little rumour that you’re feeling a bit nervous about the big race. Something about wind and snow. Would I be right?” 

“I’m not worried about snow,” said Rarri, trying to be brave. “But I care very much about my family, and they need this money. I’ll think about your offer and let you know before the big race.” 

“Listen here, little race car. I respect you, but you must know, if you don’t accept my gracious offer, there’ll be consequences… You’ve got 24 hours.”

Being a Cloud

Rarri the Ferrari 

Governments across the world are busy encouraging people to buy electric vehicles (EVs) as countries try to meet climate targets.

In some places, customers have been given incentives to buy EVs, making them cheaper than oil-powered cars at the showroom.

But drivers have been wondering whether new EVs will hold their value over time.

It's a topic that has received a lot of attention online. A number of different sites report that in many markets the prices of secondhand EVs are depreciating faster than the prices of oil-powered cars.

Depreciation is to be expected with all vehicles. As soon as a new car is driven away from the showroom, it loses some of its value.

But aging EVs are a little different to aging oil-powered cars — they come with a unique set of challenges.

In the first half of 2023, Car Dealer magazine reported that 29 of the top 30 biggest depreciating used cars were EVs.

The EV market is growing all the time, and while a few years ago there was not enough supply to meet customer demand, that's no longer the case.

Previously, customers looking for an EV might have settled for a used vehicle, but they don't have to anymore.

New models may also promise newer battery technology or longer battery life, causing people to choose a new vehicle over an older one. Perhaps they are also encouraged by those generous government incentives to buy new.

But it might not be all bad news for EV owners who are looking to sell their used vehicles. Writing for Euronews, Geraldine Herbert argues that increased public confidence in EVs will help slow depreciation rates, because people will feel more comfortable buying older vehicles.

In the next few years, the EV market will keep growing as countries end sales of new oil-powered cars, and according to Herbert this means that more EVs will keep more of their value over time.

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

Do Electric Vehicles Hold Their Value Over Time?

The Adventures of Captain Underpants” is a popular children's book written by Dav Pilkey. It is about the hilarious adventures of George and Harold as they try to trick their strict principal Mr. Krupp, but their trick ends up backfiring on them! 

**Send me a message for your free copy of this book to follow along.**


The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Chapter 1 George and Harold, Chapter 2 Tree House Comix, Inc.

Aprende dos palabras nuevas y expresa de manera formal una idea que parece básica 