＜英語第２次試験直前予想問題５９題＞をお送りいたします。どうぞ、知識の整理にご利用いただきたいと存じます。
●＜英語第２次試験レポート＞ご協力のお願い！
試験終了後は、ハローのホームページから、今年の質疑応答のレポートをお送りいただきたくお願い申し上げます。皆様のご健闘を心よりお祈り申し上げております。
●＜英語第２次試験直前予想問題５９題＞解答例
[自然]
(1) What is Japan’s climate like?
There are four distinct seasons in Japan ? spring, summer, fall and winter.
There is also a rainy season between spring and summer.
Japan’s climate is influenced by summer and winter monsoons, ocean currents and topographical features.
(2) Why are there many volcanoes in Japan?
It is because Japan is located on the circum-Pacific earthquake belt.
There are about 80 active volcanoes in Japan. It is said that about 10% of the world’s 800 active volcanoes are concentrated in Japan.
(3) Why are there so many hot springs in Japan?
The number of hot springs has a lot to do with the number of volcanoes.
Because Japan has lots of volcanoes, it abounds in natural hot springs.
(4) Why are there many earthquakes in Japan?
The Japanese archipelago is situated along the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
Squeezed in under these plates are the Pacific Plate and the Philippines Sea Plate,
which makes the landforms unstable, causing a lot of earthquakes in and around Japan.
(5) What is typhoon?
Typhoons, or Taifu, are violent tropical storms which often strike Japan from early summer through autumn.
(6) What is tsuyu?
Tsuyu is the early summer rainy season which begins about the middle of June and lasts about a month.
This rain is needed by the farmers at rice-planting time.
(7) What is the charm of spring in Japan?
In early May, trees are covered in fresh green. Above all, spring is the season when cherry blossoms bloom so beautifully, and people enjoy “hanami,”
or Cherry-Blossom-Viewing picnics, under the trees.
Also, since it is neither too hot nor too cold, spring is one of the best seasons to travel.
(8) What is the charm of summer in Japan?
If you are interested in outdoor activities, you can enjoy swimming in the sea or climbing mountains.
You can also enjoy viewing fireworks displays and Bon dances, throughout Japan in summer.
(9) What is the charm of autumn in Japan?
Because it is neither too hot nor too cold, it is one of the best seasons to travel.
Besides, a lot of delicious food including seafood and vegetables in season is available in autumn.
Also, you can enjoy viewing the beautifully changing colors of autumnal leaves in the mountain.
(10) What is the charm of winter in Japan?
You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaido.
Its powdery snow is regarded as the best in Japan. Also, I can recommend that you go to Zaozan, on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures.
This place is famous for its winter landscape of ice-covered trees.
[歴史]
(11) Who do you think is the most important person in Japanese history?
I think it’s Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived from 1543 to 1616. He was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate,
which was to maintain effective rule over Japan from 1600 through 1867.
With his sweeping victory in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu became the most powerful warrior leader in Japan, and in 1603 he assumed the title of the shogun, thus succeeding in the reunification of Japan. Ieyasu established the “bakuhan”
(literally, shogunate-domain) system, which was the political, economic, and social foundation of the entire Edo period.
(12) What do you think is the most important historical event in Japan?
It was the Meiji Restoration. It is narrowly defined to refer to the 1867 coup d’etat that overthrew the Tokugawa shogunate, but it more broadly marked the beginning of Japan’s modernization. Following the opening of the country to the West in the mid-19th century, Japan had an influx of various foreign things from Western technology to the military draft system to democracy. Japan abolished its feudalistic shogunate system and developed into a constitutional monarchy.
(13) Who do you think is the most influential foreigner in Japanese history?
I think it is Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who used “gunboat diplomacy” to make Japan accept and sign “the Treaty of Peace and Amity” (or “Treaty of Kanagawa”) in 1854.
This led to the opening of two ports (Shimoda and
Hakodate) to American whaling ships. This also meant the end of Japan’s 220-year “sakoku” (seclusion) policy and later Japan’s signing of “The Treaty of Amity and Commerce” under conditions favorable to the U.S. in 1858. These historical events marked the burgeoning Western influence on Japan.
(14) Please explain the Meiji Restoration. Why was it so important in Japanese history?
Japan realized the need to establish a modern state to cope with powerful Western countries, once it opened its doors to the world in 1854 after 220 years of national isolation.
As a result of strong demands from imperial loyalists of the lower samurai class, the last shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu stepped down in 1867, and Emperor Meiji came to the throne.
Thus, the Meiji Restoration took place in 1868, which included a series of drastic political, economic and cultural changes.
Seeking to “enrich the nation and strengthen the military,” the new government promoted industrialization and modernization, through abolishing the feudal system and introducing Western culture and political systems.
(15) When did Japan end its policy of national isolation? How did it happen and what changes it brought to Japan?
In 1853, Commodore Perry and his squadron of American ships appeared in Uraga Bay in Kanagawa to press for the opening the country.
At first, powerful Satsuma (now Kagoshima Prefecture) and Choshu (now Yamaguchi
Prefecture) domains were opposed to the idea of giving up the national isolation policy.
With their growing knowledge of the Western power, however, they decided to switch their allegiance toward the drive to open up the country.
On the other hand, the masses were suffering under inflation, and riots and attacks on shops of wealthy merchants occurred in various regions, weakening the foundations of the bakuhan system. This led in 1867 to the relinquishing of power by the 15th Tokugawa shogun, Yoshinobu, to the imperial court.
A decree was made which established a government centered around the emperor, bringing to an end the long-lasting feudal system, and the Meiji period came into being.
(16) What was the Showa period like after the end of World War II?
A great many reforms including the creation of a new constitution were carried out. Culturally, this was a period when all sorts of fads from the United States and Western Europe were introduced, and almost overnight Japanese people became westernized.
(17) What is the difference between emperor and shogun?
Shogun was at the top of samurai warriors. The title, shogun, was given by the emperor.
The term shogun came to be commonly used with the establishment of the government called bakufu, which controlled the land and people of the nation for about 700 years until the middle of the 19th century. The emperor of Japan is believed to have direct lineage from the Sun Goddess of Japanese mythology.
Japanese people refer to the current emperor as Ten-no, and almost never use his actual name.
Ten-no doesn’t have any political power whatsoever.
(18) What is sakoku?
Sakoku was Japan’s policy of isolation from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries.
Adopted by the Edo government for security from European countries, the policy also ensured control over regional lords by depriving them of their ability to conduct foreign trade.
[文化]
(19) On what occasions do Japanese go to Buddhist temples?
Very few Japanese go to temples except for funerals or hatsumode, the first visit paid on New Year holidays.
However, temples in Kyoto and Nara, such as Kiyomizu Temple and Todaiji Temple, are always crowded with tourists.
(20) On what occasions do Japanese go to Shinto shrines?
Japanese visit Shinto shrines on New Year’s Day to pray for good health and happiness during the coming year, and on special occasions such as after the birth of a child, or to celebrate shichi-go-san. People also visit shrines to pray for success in passing school entrance examinations, and to obtain good luck charms.
Although some weddings are conducted according to Shinto rites, couples usually do not go to shrines to take their marriage vows.
(21) What is the difference between temples and shrines?
Temples in Japan are Buddhist temples and they are called “tera” in Japanese.
On the other hand, shrines are Shinto shrines and they are called “jinja” in Japanese.
At most Buddhist temples, there are Buddhist statues in the main hall. At Shinto shrines there are torii gateways at the entrance.
A torii consists of two upright posts connected at the top by two horizontal crosspieces.
(22) On what occasions do Japanese wear kimono and yukata?
Today, kimonos are worn only on special occasions, such as graduation ceremonies, Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies, weddings, or celebration of New Year’s Day.
These days, fewer and fewer people wear kimono. One big reason is that they are very expensive.
Another reason is that, when wearing a kimono, it’s difficult to move around. On the other hand, we do see many young women in the informal cotton kimono called yukata, especially at summer festivals.
(23) Please tell me about the “cherry blossom front.”
It’s the front of the blooming of cherry blossoms, moving from south to north through Japan.
The front appears in the southern part of the country at the end of January, passes through the central part toward the end of March, and moves northward.
This indicates the coming of the height of spring in each region.
(24) Why do Japanese like cherry blossoms?
Cherry trees bloom brilliantly and lose their flowers in the short span of about two weeks.
This evokes a sentimental feeling among Japanese, drawn from an ancient cultural belief, and reminding us of the short, transitory nature of human life.
Also, cherry blossoms are regarded as the official signal that spring has come after a long, cold winter, so people are naturally in a cheery mood.
Besides, Japanese people like to enjoy “hanami,” or cherry- blossom-viewing parties, with family or friends.
These are some of the reasons why Japanese love cherry blossoms in particular.
(25) What is hanami?
Hanami is “Cherry Blossom Viewing.” In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, people picnic under the trees.
Sometimes the parties last late into the night and can become quite lively.
(26) What is the difference between Kabuki and Noh? Where can I see Kabuki and Noh?
Kabuki is a traditional stage drama performed exclusively by men to the accompaniment of songs and music.
It is characterized by a combination of rhythmical words, dancing, elaborate costumes, and stage sets.
On the other hand, Noh is a classical stage art performed mostly by men to the accompaniment of recitative chants called yokyoku and an orchestra consisting of a flute and three types of drums.
It is characterized by symbolic, highly stylized acting, and elaborate masks.
In Tokyo, you can see Kabuki at Kabukiza in Ginza, and Noh at Kokuritsu-Nohgakudo in Shibuya.
(27) What is the difference between Geisha and Maiko? Where can I see Geisha or Maiko?
Geisha is a kimono-clad female entertainer who is trained in the traditional arts, singing, dancing, and conversation and who serves as a party companion and hostess.
On the other hand, a maiko is an apprentice geisha.
A maiko trains under the strict guidance of specialists for several years in the fields of traditional dance, song, and the shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument similar to a banjo.
You can see some of them if you stroll in the Gion district of Kyoto in the afternoon and evening.
(28) Why do Japanese people use so many foreign words in their language?
Japanese has only a few types of notation, and so it is easier to accommodate foreign words into Japanese.
Sometimes foreign words are intentionally used; for example, when Japanese can’t find any appropriate Japanese translation for a foreign word, or when they want to use words for effect.
As a matter of fact, foreign words sound fresh and cool to Japanese.
(29) On what occasions are hanko or Japanese personal seals necessary?
Japanese people use three types of hanko, or personal seals. One is called jitsuin, or a registered seal.
An impression of the seal is officially registered at the local government office.
This seal is used only for official documents and important transactions.
Mitomein, or a cheap, ready-made seal, is mainly used when they receive registered mail.
Ginkoin is a seal registered at a bank, and is used when they make withdrawals without using a cash card.
(30) Sushi is very popular all over the world, but why is that?
It is because sushi is a very healthy meal in that it is low in calories but high in protein.
Also sushi is always made with fresh ingredients, not only for the safety of the eater but for the flavors.
The delicate flavors of rice, vegetables and fish are enhanced with healthy soy sauce, ginger and wasabi (Japanese horseradish).
● ●
(＠＠）
＞●＜ "I like Shushi very much, too."
●＜英語第２次試験レポート＞ご協力のお願い！
試験終了後は、ハローのホームページから、今年の質疑応答のレポートをお送りいただきたくお願い申し上げます。皆様のご健闘を心よりお祈り申し上げております。
●＜英語第２次試験直前予想問題５９題＞解答例
[自然]
(1) What is Japan’s climate like?
There are four distinct seasons in Japan ? spring, summer, fall and winter.
There is also a rainy season between spring and summer.
Japan’s climate is influenced by summer and winter monsoons, ocean currents and topographical features.
(2) Why are there many volcanoes in Japan?
It is because Japan is located on the circum-Pacific earthquake belt.
There are about 80 active volcanoes in Japan. It is said that about 10% of the world’s 800 active volcanoes are concentrated in Japan.
(3) Why are there so many hot springs in Japan?
The number of hot springs has a lot to do with the number of volcanoes.
Because Japan has lots of volcanoes, it abounds in natural hot springs.
(4) Why are there many earthquakes in Japan?
The Japanese archipelago is situated along the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
Squeezed in under these plates are the Pacific Plate and the Philippines Sea Plate,
which makes the landforms unstable, causing a lot of earthquakes in and around Japan.
(5) What is typhoon?
Typhoons, or Taifu, are violent tropical storms which often strike Japan from early summer through autumn.
(6) What is tsuyu?
Tsuyu is the early summer rainy season which begins about the middle of June and lasts about a month.
This rain is needed by the farmers at rice-planting time.
(7) What is the charm of spring in Japan?
In early May, trees are covered in fresh green. Above all, spring is the season when cherry blossoms bloom so beautifully, and people enjoy “hanami,”
or Cherry-Blossom-Viewing picnics, under the trees.
Also, since it is neither too hot nor too cold, spring is one of the best seasons to travel.
(8) What is the charm of summer in Japan?
If you are interested in outdoor activities, you can enjoy swimming in the sea or climbing mountains.
You can also enjoy viewing fireworks displays and Bon dances, throughout Japan in summer.
(9) What is the charm of autumn in Japan?
Because it is neither too hot nor too cold, it is one of the best seasons to travel.
Besides, a lot of delicious food including seafood and vegetables in season is available in autumn.
Also, you can enjoy viewing the beautifully changing colors of autumnal leaves in the mountain.
(10) What is the charm of winter in Japan?
You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaido.
Its powdery snow is regarded as the best in Japan. Also, I can recommend that you go to Zaozan, on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures.
This place is famous for its winter landscape of ice-covered trees.
[歴史]
(11) Who do you think is the most important person in Japanese history?
I think it’s Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived from 1543 to 1616. He was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate,
which was to maintain effective rule over Japan from 1600 through 1867.
With his sweeping victory in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu became the most powerful warrior leader in Japan, and in 1603 he assumed the title of the shogun, thus succeeding in the reunification of Japan. Ieyasu established the “bakuhan”
(literally, shogunate-domain) system, which was the political, economic, and social foundation of the entire Edo period.
(12) What do you think is the most important historical event in Japan?
It was the Meiji Restoration. It is narrowly defined to refer to the 1867 coup d’etat that overthrew the Tokugawa shogunate, but it more broadly marked the beginning of Japan’s modernization. Following the opening of the country to the West in the mid-19th century, Japan had an influx of various foreign things from Western technology to the military draft system to democracy. Japan abolished its feudalistic shogunate system and developed into a constitutional monarchy.
(13) Who do you think is the most influential foreigner in Japanese history?
I think it is Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who used “gunboat diplomacy” to make Japan accept and sign “the Treaty of Peace and Amity” (or “Treaty of Kanagawa”) in 1854.
This led to the opening of two ports (Shimoda and
Hakodate) to American whaling ships. This also meant the end of Japan’s 220-year “sakoku” (seclusion) policy and later Japan’s signing of “The Treaty of Amity and Commerce” under conditions favorable to the U.S. in 1858. These historical events marked the burgeoning Western influence on Japan.
(14) Please explain the Meiji Restoration. Why was it so important in Japanese history?
Japan realized the need to establish a modern state to cope with powerful Western countries, once it opened its doors to the world in 1854 after 220 years of national isolation.
As a result of strong demands from imperial loyalists of the lower samurai class, the last shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu stepped down in 1867, and Emperor Meiji came to the throne.
Thus, the Meiji Restoration took place in 1868, which included a series of drastic political, economic and cultural changes.
Seeking to “enrich the nation and strengthen the military,” the new government promoted industrialization and modernization, through abolishing the feudal system and introducing Western culture and political systems.
(15) When did Japan end its policy of national isolation? How did it happen and what changes it brought to Japan?
In 1853, Commodore Perry and his squadron of American ships appeared in Uraga Bay in Kanagawa to press for the opening the country.
At first, powerful Satsuma (now Kagoshima Prefecture) and Choshu (now Yamaguchi
Prefecture) domains were opposed to the idea of giving up the national isolation policy.
With their growing knowledge of the Western power, however, they decided to switch their allegiance toward the drive to open up the country.
On the other hand, the masses were suffering under inflation, and riots and attacks on shops of wealthy merchants occurred in various regions, weakening the foundations of the bakuhan system. This led in 1867 to the relinquishing of power by the 15th Tokugawa shogun, Yoshinobu, to the imperial court.
A decree was made which established a government centered around the emperor, bringing to an end the long-lasting feudal system, and the Meiji period came into being.
(16) What was the Showa period like after the end of World War II?
A great many reforms including the creation of a new constitution were carried out. Culturally, this was a period when all sorts of fads from the United States and Western Europe were introduced, and almost overnight Japanese people became westernized.
(17) What is the difference between emperor and shogun?
Shogun was at the top of samurai warriors. The title, shogun, was given by the emperor.
The term shogun came to be commonly used with the establishment of the government called bakufu, which controlled the land and people of the nation for about 700 years until the middle of the 19th century. The emperor of Japan is believed to have direct lineage from the Sun Goddess of Japanese mythology.
Japanese people refer to the current emperor as Ten-no, and almost never use his actual name.
Ten-no doesn’t have any political power whatsoever.
(18) What is sakoku?
Sakoku was Japan’s policy of isolation from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries.
Adopted by the Edo government for security from European countries, the policy also ensured control over regional lords by depriving them of their ability to conduct foreign trade.
[文化]
(19) On what occasions do Japanese go to Buddhist temples?
Very few Japanese go to temples except for funerals or hatsumode, the first visit paid on New Year holidays.
However, temples in Kyoto and Nara, such as Kiyomizu Temple and Todaiji Temple, are always crowded with tourists.
(20) On what occasions do Japanese go to Shinto shrines?
Japanese visit Shinto shrines on New Year’s Day to pray for good health and happiness during the coming year, and on special occasions such as after the birth of a child, or to celebrate shichi-go-san. People also visit shrines to pray for success in passing school entrance examinations, and to obtain good luck charms.
Although some weddings are conducted according to Shinto rites, couples usually do not go to shrines to take their marriage vows.
(21) What is the difference between temples and shrines?
Temples in Japan are Buddhist temples and they are called “tera” in Japanese.
On the other hand, shrines are Shinto shrines and they are called “jinja” in Japanese.
At most Buddhist temples, there are Buddhist statues in the main hall. At Shinto shrines there are torii gateways at the entrance.
A torii consists of two upright posts connected at the top by two horizontal crosspieces.
(22) On what occasions do Japanese wear kimono and yukata?
Today, kimonos are worn only on special occasions, such as graduation ceremonies, Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies, weddings, or celebration of New Year’s Day.
These days, fewer and fewer people wear kimono. One big reason is that they are very expensive.
Another reason is that, when wearing a kimono, it’s difficult to move around. On the other hand, we do see many young women in the informal cotton kimono called yukata, especially at summer festivals.
(23) Please tell me about the “cherry blossom front.”
It’s the front of the blooming of cherry blossoms, moving from south to north through Japan.
The front appears in the southern part of the country at the end of January, passes through the central part toward the end of March, and moves northward.
This indicates the coming of the height of spring in each region.
(24) Why do Japanese like cherry blossoms?
Cherry trees bloom brilliantly and lose their flowers in the short span of about two weeks.
This evokes a sentimental feeling among Japanese, drawn from an ancient cultural belief, and reminding us of the short, transitory nature of human life.
Also, cherry blossoms are regarded as the official signal that spring has come after a long, cold winter, so people are naturally in a cheery mood.
Besides, Japanese people like to enjoy “hanami,” or cherry- blossom-viewing parties, with family or friends.
These are some of the reasons why Japanese love cherry blossoms in particular.
(25) What is hanami?
Hanami is “Cherry Blossom Viewing.” In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, people picnic under the trees.
Sometimes the parties last late into the night and can become quite lively.
(26) What is the difference between Kabuki and Noh? Where can I see Kabuki and Noh?
Kabuki is a traditional stage drama performed exclusively by men to the accompaniment of songs and music.
It is characterized by a combination of rhythmical words, dancing, elaborate costumes, and stage sets.
On the other hand, Noh is a classical stage art performed mostly by men to the accompaniment of recitative chants called yokyoku and an orchestra consisting of a flute and three types of drums.
It is characterized by symbolic, highly stylized acting, and elaborate masks.
In Tokyo, you can see Kabuki at Kabukiza in Ginza, and Noh at Kokuritsu-Nohgakudo in Shibuya.
(27) What is the difference between Geisha and Maiko? Where can I see Geisha or Maiko?
Geisha is a kimono-clad female entertainer who is trained in the traditional arts, singing, dancing, and conversation and who serves as a party companion and hostess.
On the other hand, a maiko is an apprentice geisha.
A maiko trains under the strict guidance of specialists for several years in the fields of traditional dance, song, and the shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument similar to a banjo.
You can see some of them if you stroll in the Gion district of Kyoto in the afternoon and evening.
(28) Why do Japanese people use so many foreign words in their language?
Japanese has only a few types of notation, and so it is easier to accommodate foreign words into Japanese.
Sometimes foreign words are intentionally used; for example, when Japanese can’t find any appropriate Japanese translation for a foreign word, or when they want to use words for effect.
As a matter of fact, foreign words sound fresh and cool to Japanese.
(29) On what occasions are hanko or Japanese personal seals necessary?
Japanese people use three types of hanko, or personal seals. One is called jitsuin, or a registered seal.
An impression of the seal is officially registered at the local government office.
This seal is used only for official documents and important transactions.
Mitomein, or a cheap, ready-made seal, is mainly used when they receive registered mail.
Ginkoin is a seal registered at a bank, and is used when they make withdrawals without using a cash card.
(30) Sushi is very popular all over the world, but why is that?
It is because sushi is a very healthy meal in that it is low in calories but high in protein.
Also sushi is always made with fresh ingredients, not only for the safety of the eater but for the flavors.
The delicate flavors of rice, vegetables and fish are enhanced with healthy soy sauce, ginger and wasabi (Japanese horseradish).
● ●
(＠＠）
＞●＜ "I like Shushi very much, too."
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