K07 - The Big World

THE BIG WORLD
No unauthorized photocopying. All rights reserved. Published 2009
Index
Unit 1
Looking for adventure
Unit 2
Problems in Society
10
Unit 3
Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Japan
18
Unit 4
Digging for the Past
26
Unit 5
Effects of Televised Violence
31
Unit 6
Life Style of the Amish People
36
UNIT 7
A World of Dolls
43
UNIT 8
Enjoying Water Sports
50
UNIT 9
The Cloning Controversy
54
UNIT 10 Students Write 'How To' Paragraphs
58
UNIT 11 Students Do Volunteer Work
67
UNIT 12 My Arctic Experiences
76
UNIT 13 The World of Toulouse-Lautrec
85
UNIT 14 Today's Genetically-Engineered Food
90
Unit 1
LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE
The Search for Adventure

Adventure In the News
Japanese college students write about adventurous people whose exploits
have made the newsa 14-year-old boy who sails solo across the ocean, a
90-year old woman who skydives, and a man who climbed 100 mountains.
They also consider the idea of what makes a person take great risks.
14-Year-Old Boy Sails Solo Across the Pacific

Yuko Dokura from Japan
Drawing: Yuko Dokura
Subaru
Takahashi
is
a
Japanese junior high school
student from Shirone, Nigata
Prefecture. He became the
youngest person to complete
a solo voyage across the
Pacific.
Can
you
imagine
a
14-year-old boy sailing across
the Pacific all by himself?
That's exactly what Subaru
Takahashi did. Subaru is a Japanese junior high school student from Shirone,
Nigata Prefecture. He became the youngest person to complete a solo
voyage across the Pacific.
He started out from Tokyo on July 22, 1996 in a 9-meter sail boat and arrived
in San Francisco on September 16, 1996. It was a 10,000-km, 50-day voyage.
Subaru said his voyage was thrilling. When Subaru arrived in San Francisco
he told reporters that he wanted to sail around the world next.
In an interview in Japanese, Subaru said he has been boating and
canoeing since an early age. "I don't fight with nature. Nature is not an
object that you refer to with a word like, fight.*
*Subarus words translated from Japanese to English.
90-year-old Risk Taker Sky Dives

Ayumi Ono from Japan
Drawing: Aumi Ono
She said that before she died she wanted either to take a ride in a hot air
balloon or to go sky diving.
Most older people never do anything dangerous.

They stay at home or in an old people's home, but
not this lady!
Corinne Lesile, who lives in Sun City, Arizona, is 90
years old and she's a real dare devil. She decided
to do something she had always wanted to do.
She said that before she died she wanted either to
take a ride in a hot air balloon or to go sky diving.
She selected sky diving because she wanted to do
something more daring than riding in a hot air
balloon.
Her jump was exciting. It was an 8,000-foot-fall to the desert. She used a pink
parachute and jumped with an instructor.
She was in The Guinness Book of World Records because she is the oldest sky
diver. But she explained she's not really old because she feels young.
Man Climbs 100 Mountains

Mitsuaki Etou from Japan
Drawing: Mitsuaki Etou
Tsuneo Shigehiro decided to climb 100 mountains in Japan. And he did it in

123 days which is amazing.
What do you think about climbing 100
mountains? One middle-aged man did it.
Tsuneo Shigehiro decided to climb 100
mountains in Japan. And he did it in 123
days which is amazing.
Commonly climbers can climb only a few mountains in that number of days.
This is very surprising because he is 48 years old. That is old for a climber.
On May 1,1996, Shigehiro climbed Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki prefecture. This
was the first mountain he climbed. Then after that, he climbed some of the
mountains that people think are Japan's best mountains.
And at last about four months later, Shigehiro reached his goal. He climbed
all 100 peaks. The last mountain that he climbed was Mount Fuji. He reached
the summit which is 3,776 meters high.
Why do people climb mountains? One climber says it is thrilling. Another one
says it is very satisfying to arrive at the top of a mountain. I think mountains
have many charms for us.
Why Do People Climb Dangerous Mountains?
Yuko Dokura
They push their limits although they know it's dangerous. I couldn't do the
same thing, but it is attractive to me. I want to try to do something in my life
like them. They climb the mountain to reach a goal. The mountains are there,
and they are big. I think they are attracted to such mountains because they
are so great. The power of humans can't surpass that of the mountains.
Mami Kanemaru:
I think the climbers are courageous because their lives depend on the
weather on the mountains. It is very dangerous to climb mountains like
Mount Everest because the weather is changeable. I am surprised at the
power of nature. Climbers wear gloves, but they cannot protect themselves
from the cold weather. But they never give up on conquering Mount Everest.
I am moved by their passion for the mountain.
Kayo Shigenobu:
I feel climbing a mountain is a very brave thing to do. A climbers' friendship is
very honest and wonderful.
Keita Ogura:
I think climbers have great courage. A climber believes in himself, so he can
survive.
Yohei Shimamoto:
I think it is very hard to climb a mountain. On the way to the summit, climbers
lose friends from their team. They face danger, but they continue climbing
the mountain. The reason they do it is that they are professional climbers.
They climb the mountain to the top. To go all the way is difficult.
I can understand why they try to climb dangerous mountains. Most people
want to conquer something. It is kind of like they find their goals by climbing
mountains. I mean that people want to have a challenge to the limit of their
ability. I sometimes push, push, and push myself. After I reach my goal, it is
an excellent feeling. No experience surpasses this kind of experience.
Chizura Kurono:
I wouldn't want to climb high mountains, so I don't know why they want to
do it. When they climb them, they have a very hard time. They get frost
bitten and some people die. Maybe they want something to be proud of
and want to feel satisfaction because they can do it.
Tetsuya Yonemoto:
I feel climbing a mountain is a very brave thing to do. A climbers' friendship is
very honest and wonderful.
QUESTIONS
1. Have you been in a danger before? Describe the situation. How did you
feel?
2. Have you ever done something on purpose that could risk your life?
Explain.
3. Do you agree that certain dangerous sports or activities should be made
illegal? Why? Or why not?
4. Do you believe that people can conquer their fears by doing what they
fear to do?
5. What is the most dangerous sport or activity that you enjoy doing? Why
do you enjoy it? What are the risks?
6. If you had the opportunity to do any extreme sport or activity, which
ones would you do? Why?
Unit 2
Problems in Society
Drugs, drinking, guns, theft

Japanese students learning English use their new language skills to make
observations on problems that plague societies around the world.
Drugs Affect the Younger Generation

Yuki Masui from Japan
Photo: Nores
More and more people are beginning to use them - middle aged people,
old people, housewives and young girls, even high school students.
10
The most common drugs used in Japan are stimulant

drugs. More and more people are beginning to use
them - middle aged people, old people, housewives
and young girls, even high school students.
Among teenagers, these drugs which are called
"kakuseizai" in Japan, are becoming fashionable just
like "pocket bell phones", designer rucksacks and
baggy socks ("loose socks").
These teens are ignorant about drugs. Some of them
can not tell the difference between stimulants and marijuana. They put the
drugs into drinks. They don't even know which drugs are dangerous.
It's easy for teenagers to get the drugs. They can buy them from friends who
don't think it is wrong to sell them, or they can get them from some
foreigners.
They buy drugs called "speed" which they don't think is dangerous. They
don't realize that it really is dangerous.
There is a larger number of teens using drugs according to the police. In the
last 5 or 6 years many more teens have been arrested for using drugs than
ever before.
Interviews
I interviewed people to find out what they thought about teen-agers using
drugs. I asked them the following questions.
"What do you think about drug abuse among teen-agers in Japan?"
"Why do you think teen-agers take drugs?"
"What have you heard about these things?"
"How do you think they get the drugs?"
11
Most people did not know much about this problem, but they felt that it is a
very serious problem for us. Here are some of the things they said.
One person said, " I think they are just copying what others do. It may be a
popular thing among them. I personally have never seen people taking
drugs in Japan. Maybe they get the drugs from bad people who bring them
into the area, bad people such as underworld gangs. And also I think that
they can get the drugs by Internet. I also consider that people have a
responsibility to chose their own lives."
An American teacher said he had never heard about a drug problem in
Japan. He said that in the United States, drug abuse is a very, very serious
problem, both among teens and adults. He said that in the United States, if
there is a student who has a pocket bell phone, they regard him (or her) as
a drug dealer. He told me that drug dealers sell the drugs using pocket bell
phones. He said it was common knowledge among Americans.
An American woman said when she came to Japan to work, she saw many
students with pocket bell phones and she thought they were all selling
drugs!!
The U.S. has a Similar Problem

Drugs are a problem with American teens, too. According to a survey made
by the U.S. government and published in U.S.A. Today, young people in
America are ignorant of the danger of drugs. It said in the U.S., 11% of
teen-agers are using drugs. Also, the number of drug users among 12- to
17-year olds has doubled in the last 4 years.
High School Students: A Drinking Problems

Yuka Nishimura from Japan
12
Drawing: Yuka Nishimura
According to a survey made by U.S.A.TODAY, 58% of high school students

drink beer at least once a week and 47% drink liquor at least once a week.
A Problem for U.S. Teens
In the U.S., there are many problems
in high schools, for example, drinking
or drugs, but the most serious
problem is alcohol.
According to a survey made by U.S.A.TODAY, 58% of high school students
drink beer at least once a week and 47% drink liquor at least once a week.
However, students are not only drinking alcohol but also using marijuana.
The number of students who always use marijuana is also increasing. 25% of
high schoolers use drugs at least once a week. Why do they use marijuana?
They have social or family problems, I think.
Do Japanese Students Have a Drinking Problem?
I don't think that high school drinking is a big problem in Japan. I tried to
interview some students in my college. I asked them if there is a drinking
problem among Japanese high school students and, if so, why they thought
there is a drinking problem in Japan. Most of them said drinking is not a big
problem, but if there is a problem, Japanese high schools punish students
who are drinking.
13
Student's Shoes Stolen!

Yuu Nagasaki from Japan
Drawing: Yuu Nagasaki.
What a strange world when people steal not only your money but also the
shoes off your feet.
Can you imagine someone stealing
your shoes? Well that's exactly what
happened to an 18-year-old student
from Izumo.
Nine boys came to him and forced him to give them his shoes. The thieves
were young, about 14 to 15 years old.
The shoes were Nike Air Max sneakers which are very popular with young
people and they were worth about 20,000 yen. The boys also injured him.
This has happened to other middle school students. The police said it is a
problem. What a strange world when people steal not only your money but
also the shoes off your feet.
14
Do Americans Need Guns for Protection?

Yohei Shimamoto from Japan
Photo: T. Peters
A policeman in a small town stops to have a sandwich, a cup of coffee, and

a friendly conversation with townsfolk.
Some people think Americans need

guns for their own protection, but
others disagree. What do you think?
Do you agree or disagree that
American citizens should own guns
for protection? I think they need guns
for protection. Many Americans are
killed by firearms. Guns rank second
as a killer of Americans, number one being motor vehicle deaths.
It is hard to believe, but more than ten thousand Americans are killed by
firearms every year.
I am not sure, but I believe only a few Japanese are killed by firearms each
year.
In any case, there is no comparison. Even though people are killed by guns, I
do not think gun regulation will stop the murders.
In my opinion, American citizens should own guns to protect themselves
from criminals. Almost all gun-related murders are committed by gangsters
or other criminals, and those people do not pay attention to gun
regulations.
If America makes tighter gun regulations, what is going to happen to normal
citizens? They will not be able to protect themselves.
15
Also, I do not believe gun regulations prevent crimes. For example, there are
laws against teens owning guns, yet many gun crimes are committed by
teens. So, forget about gun regulations. Let Americans have their guns.
No Guns Wanted in Japan

Photo: T. Peters
Some bereaved Japanese parents are interested in banning guns in all

countries and making the younger generation understand how dangerous
guns are.
Koichi Sunada and Masaichi Hattori, whose sons were both killed by guns in
the United States, led a conference on banning guns. The conference was
held in Tokyo.
Other bereaved parents who lost their children in the same way also
attended the conference. They are interested in banning guns in all
countries and making the younger generation understand how dangerous
guns are.
16
QUESTIONS
1. What are some of the biggest social problems in Taiwan?
2. Is gambling or potential social problem? How about teenagers spending
too much time playing online games? Internet cafes?
3. Are drugs or alcohol a problem among high school students? Which
students are more at risk?
4. Do you think betel nut is a drug? Do you know anyone who chews it? Do
you think Taiwan should allow betel nut to be sold on the streets?
5. What would you say to your friend if he/she asked you to smoke a
cigarette with them? Would you tell an adult about it?
6. Guns are not really a social problem in Taiwan but what other weapons
might be? Do you know of any students who fight? Carry knives?
7. What do you think America and Japan should do to solve their drug,
alcohol, and gun problems?
17
Unit 3
Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Japan
High school uniforms, dress codes and causual dress

Japanese college students consider the issues of school uniforms, dress
code in offices, and dress codes in general.
Fashionable High School Uniforms
Miki Kai from Japan
Photo from Miki Kai
I interviewed some Japanese students and asked them to answer this

question: "Are fashionable uniforms acceptable or not?"
Most junior high school students wear uniforms.
Some students like uniforms, but other
students don't like them.
18
However, recently, according to a Japanese government report, the

number of students in Japan who like uniforms is increasing because school
uniforms are more fashionable. Fashionable uniforms are used as a way to
attract students.
I interviewed some Japanese students to find out what they thought about
this idea. I got different opinions about this question: "Are fashionable
uniforms acceptable or not?"
Hiromi said, "I like school uniforms because I don't need to choose clothes
every day. I think that fashionable uniforms are good. My high school
uniform was fashionable, but there was a problem. Fashionable uniforms are
too expensive."
Miki also said that school uniforms are good. She doesn't like fashionable
uniforms because she doesn't want to spend too much money for uniforms.
She disagrees that fashionable uniforms make many students want to enter
a high school. Her personal opinion is that uniforms should be changed. They
should be more casual.
Mitsuaki said "I don't like school uniforms because school uniforms aren't
individual. I agree that fashionable uniforms make many students want to
enter a high school. If students like fashionable uniforms, it is good."
Blue Jeans Friday' is Coming Soon

Drawing by Yuki Masui
19
Office workers says that casual clothes are very comfortable and make
people feel friendly.
In the United States, a fashion revolution is going on. In
offices, people are beginning to dress more casually
on Fridays. They wear blue jeans, T-shirts and sandals
instead of dress clothes such as suits. Office workers
says that casual clothes are very comfortable and
make people feel friendly. It makes them work harder.
Some businesses call this "Casual Friday". This new
dress code is especially popular in California. Many
workers are very happy about this, but some people
don't like it, because they like to dress up. They say it doesn't feel right.
Also, they say in the case of formal meetings they can't wear casual clothes.
For example, sometimes they have to meet with bankers and customers.
Japan goes casual, too!
People in Japanese offices are also trying to be more casual when they
come to work. People choose one day of the week for 'Casual Day'.
However, this is going on only in some offices because some people say that
we have to be careful about our clothes.
Suits are a kind of uniform for businessman, and some people tend to prefer
uniforms. Of course, nobody thinks that they have good clothes.
Another reason is that casual clothes are not suitable for formal situations in
business. They have the same problem as office workers in American offices.
It may be difficult to introduce casual clothes into Japanese offices
because workers have never been expected to have their own taste in
clothes.
Interview: What do you think of casual clothes?
20
I interviewed several people to find out what they thought about dressing
casually.
I asked: "Do you think it is a good idea for workers to wear casual clothes to
the office? Why or why not?"
Everybody said that it is a good idea. Here are some of their comments:
"I think that workers will work harder because they can relax and will be
strongly motivated to work. We are also working when we wear casual
clothes. So it is good for workers, I think."
"If I chose a company as an applicant, I would choose such a unique
company, because maybe such a company would be open to us, and
would surely listen attentively to our opinions."
"I think that an office should inform bankers or businessmen who are coming
to the office on a " Casual Dress Day " so that the office workers will not be
wearing formal clothes. Then there would be no problem."
"I think if people work in casual clothes it will have a good effect on all sides.
Workers can feel free and relaxed. I think it's a good idea."
Japanese Students' Opinions on Dress Codes

21
Some people like the idea of a dress code; other people don't. Dress codes
are used in many kinds of situations. For example, there are dress codes in
schools, in offices, in military groups, and in religious groups. Her are some
opinions:
Keiko Mutsu:
Some people say a dress code is bad because there is no freedom or
individuality. I agree; however, school uniforms were convenient for me in
high school because I did not have to choose clothes or buy many clothes.
Kayo Shigenobu:
I don't think we need dress codes because wearing clothes is a way to
express individuality. I want to wear clothes that I like, so I don't think school
uniforms are necessary. However, a school uniform is a symbol of the school.
Yuko Dokura:
Japanese judo athletes wear white clothes in competitions. People in the
military must wear uniforms. Some companies require suits with ties for men
workers. At my high school, we had to put badges of the schools on our
uniforms, and we could only wear white socks.
Yuki Masui:
When I was a high school student, we had some school rules; mainly it was a
dress code. We had to wear sailor-style uniforms. Then, as in the winter
season we felt cold, we wore t-shirts under our uniforms to protect ourselves
from the cold. However, our teachers decided to require students not to
wear undershirts. Moreover, we had strict rules as to the kind of socks, hair
color, and the color of our umbrellas. We had to follow these rules. If we
didn't, we were punished.
22
Tetsuya Yonemoto:
In some countries, there is a rule that women have to cover themselves from
head to toe. They can't see the sunshine. They can't even talk.
Chizuru Kurono:
We had a dress code in my high school. We had to wear uniforms and white
socks. We didn't like our dress code. The teachers warned us, "If you don't
follow the school dress code, you will be considered bad students."
I didn't agree with their ideas because they didn't think about the student's
rights. We wanted them to understand our ideas. In my junior high school,
boys were skin heads because of the school dress code. We wanted to
change it, so we discussed it with the teachers and with our parents. At last,
we got the right to change the school dress code.
Yuu Nagasaki:
I thought that a dress code was not a good idea when I was in high school
because I had to wear a uniform that I didn't like. However, if we wear
clothes which we want to wear at a company, it' okay.
Yuri Syoyama:
I think that a dress code has good and bad points.
Ayumi Ono:
23
When we wear uniforms, we don't need extra money for clothes. For
example, if we have a school uniform, we wear it every day, so we don't
need to buy dresses to wear to school. I think secondhand clothes are also a
good idea. These are much cheaper than new ones.
Mami Kanemaru:
I think a dress code is a bad thing because we can not show our
individuality. We humans each have individuality, so we had better show it
to other people. If we have a dress code, we all look alike, but we are
different.
Miki Kai:
I think that a school dress code is sometimes good and sometimes bad. A
uniform show which school a student goes to. You know if a stranger comes
to school.
Keita Ogura:
To wear the same clothes is an effective way to unite people into one way
of thinking. For example, military clothes do this. In some societies, they want
to increase their unity and power by making people wear the same clothes.
Mitsuaki Etou:
A dress code sometimes means women must strictly cover their faces. I think
this is very strange.
Yusuke Kamekawa:
A school dress code requires a uniform. A dress code has good points and
bad points. One good point is that everyone wears the same clothes so
there is not a problem about clothes sense.
Yusuke Kamekawa:
24
A school dress code requires a uniform. A dress code has good points and
bad points. One good point is that everyone wears the same clothes so
there is not a problem about clothes sense.
QUESTIONS
1. Does your school have a dress code? How would you feel if (or do you
feel) you were made to wear a uniform to school?
2. Do you think students should be made to keep their hair at certain
lengths?
3. Do you think that the way a person chooses to dress is a way of expressing
oneself? If so, then shouldnt we encourage young people to express
themselves?
4. What clothes are considered fashionable to wear at your school?
5. Why do some girls want to dress and act like boys in Taiwan?
6. What are your favorite clothes to wear? Do you choose clothes that are
comfortable or cool?
Unit 4
25
Digging for the Past
Hand work, fun, artifacts, and ancient history

Japanese students discover archaeology and learn about the past by
participating in archaeological digs and examining artifacts.
Hard Work and Ancient Mystery

Ayumi Kawan and Masahiro Ohama from Japan
In January, 1996, we participated in an
archaeological dig near the Okbo
Elementary School in Kiyotake, Japan,
along with housewives and elderly farmers.
It was really cold, and a strong wind was
blowing all the time.
The work we did was to dig down in the soil 5 cm at a time and look for
something ancient such as earthen vessels, stone implements, and
arrowheads. Sometimes we dug down 30 cm at once.
26
We dug down to some layers which could be seen on the soil wall. The
different colors of these layers showed what had happened at different
ages. For example, there was a layer of volcanic ash from Mt. Kirishima.
Also, in a few barbecue places where ancient people cooked, there were
the remains of ashes and charcoal. The material that we longed to find was
"Kokuyoseki", or obsidian (a clear black stone for cutting meat and making
arrowheads, because it is really hard to find and is beautiful.
However, excavation is really hard work. From 8:30 to 5:00, we continued to
dig in the soil. (Of course, we had a lunch time and a rest time.) Then we
had to get rid of the soil which we dug. The cold climate, the cold wind, and
the dust made it hard for us. We couldn't open our eyes.
Sometimes we measured the size of each stone and our boss drew the
shape. It was really detailed work and made us exhausted, but all of it was
necessary to carry out the excavation.
Now, however, we feel it was a really good opportunity because we were
able to feel the ancient mystery and the reality of the work, and also we
were able to become friends with the housewives and farmers who were
also participating in the dig.
A Yayoi Artifact in My Father's Rice Field

Hiromi Maruyama from Japan
27
My father was farming his rice field with a machine when he heard a loud
noise. He stopped and looked to see what it was and he found a broken
piece of pottery.
My father was farming his rice
field with a machine when he
heard a loud noise. He
stopped and looked to see
what it was and he found a
broken piece of pottery.
I think that it is a piece of
Yayoi-doki (pottery from the
Yayoi period of Japanese history) because his rice field stands near the
place of an archaeological dig.
It is an interesting object, so I want to introduce it to you. The
object is a 5 by 7-centimeter piece of pottery. It is gray and
has a smooth surface.
If you hit it with your finger, you will hear a clear sound. By
studying artifacts like these, we can learn about life in the
Yayoi period of history in Japan.
Archaeology Dig is Hard Work, but Fun

Takashi Shii from Japan
I was fascinated by the idea of excavating underground and inferring
human behavior from artifacts, which is the most interesting and fantastic
part of the job for archaeologists.
Hearing about a part-time job working on an
archaeological dig in Kiyotake, Japan from my
friend, I was really worried if I had the skills to do
28
what that kind of work demanded: precise technique, concentration, and

patience.
However, I was anxious to work there because I had been taking an
anthropology class at my college.
I was fascinated by the idea of excavating underground and inferring
human behavior from artifacts, which is the most interesting and fantastic
part of the job for archaeologists.
I began to work at the archaeological site in Kiyotake around the beginning
of January, 1996. Honestly speaking, I had expected that I would do
something like real archaeologists do before I went there; however, I was
just digging in the ground and carrying lots and lots of soil for the first month.
I still can't forget the great moment when I found a piece of ancient pottery
for the first time. It was beyond description. I was wiped out all the time after
a day of work; however, the work was fun for me even though I sometimes
injured my eyes because of the dust or acid sand blown by strong winds.
After some time had passed and we had excacated to a certain depth, my
supervisor asked me to help him draw the old site. I had to record what kinds
of objects we found and the height of their existence on a sheet of paper.
From February on, my friends and I had to carefully get rid of dust or sand on
the many artifacts which we had found. We were not allowed to brush them
as we had to make sure not to injure their surfaces. I guess we had to wash
approximately 3 or 4 thousand artifacts. I was astonished to discover that
there were many kinds of designs on the pottery which could not be seen
because of the dust and sand on the artifacts.
During my archaeological work, I sometimes had muscle problems in my
shoulders and legs; however, it was a delight to feel what archaeology was
by doing the work with my own hands. It is well said that "seeing is believing".
I hope I can use the experience of my archaeology class in my third year of
college.
29
QUESTIONS
1.Would you like to be an archeologist? Why or why not?
2. Indiana Jones is an archeologist who (in the movies) has many crazy
adventures, do you think some archeologists have those kinds of
adventures?
3. Name the top three archeological sites in Taiwan?
4. What kind of artifacts or remains have archeologists unearthed in Taiwan?
In your opinion, what are some of the most interesting archeological sites in
the world?
5. Do you think we can really understand a culture that existed thousands of
years ago by digging up their artifacts? Give examples. How about the
Mayans? Or the Egyptians?
6. Is it wrong to dig up ancient burial sites or to put ancient artifacts in a
museum?
Unit 5
30
Effects of Televised Violence
Is it bad for children?

Learners of English from Japan and Saudi Arabia examine the effects of TV
violence on children and carry out an opinion poll to see what people think
about it.
What I Think About Televised Violence

Drawing by Yuki Izuno
We watch many acts of violence on TV,

and then we don't feel violence is
violence. We need to have more time
doing other things than watching TV.
Violence on television affects people. In
fact, when I watch shooting, killing and
fighting on TV, it breaks my heart.
Sometimes I can't open my eyes to
watch it. If I watch violent programs
every day, I may come to feel nothing gradually.
31
I think it's not such a big problem with adults. They distinguish TV programs
from real life clearly, but it's not good to watch too much.
We watch many acts of violence on TV, and then we don't feel violence is
violence. We need to have more time doing other things than watching TV.
It's important to communicate with the family, go outside and do exercise,
enjoy a hobby, think about something, and so on. TV is one part of our life
enjoyment (learning information), and we must choose TV programs wisely
and watch actively. If we watch TV violence this way, it's not a problem.
Televised violence has many effects on kids. They want to imitate things they
see. They don't know the difference between good things and bad things
well. Moreover, in some programs a robot comes up again after it has been
killed. A robot doesn't spill blood and shed tears if it is hurt. He doesn't say
"OUCH!" Little children don't know it's not the same as real life. They may
behave aggressively against their friends.
Nowadays there are some suicides among children in Japan because of
bullying (especially in junior high school). It's a serious problem. TV violence
may be one of the causes. Children bully a friend with violence. This includes
violence by saying words and by attitudes.
Parents must control the TV programs their children watch. But many parents
(mothers) go out for work, so (if they stay home) they make TV take care of
their children after school. People must think about the way to get along
with TV.
I think TV violence has too many bad effects on children. For example, a
little boy suddenly says violent things. He doesn't know whether this word is
good or not. So I am afraid of saying things to children.
Maybe I think it is bad to televise violent programs while children are still
awake. Violent shows are bad not only for children but also for society
32
because people who watch violent TV shows want to imitate the TV shows. I
think action movies and cartoon programs affect us negatively. We want
shooting, punching, beating, pounding, kicking, and hitting. I think parents
who have children should restrict their children's viewing of violent TV shows.
Psychologists Study Effects of Televised Violence on Children

Nahef Al-Fehadi from Saudi Arabia
I heard that psychologists did an experiment to answer this
question in which they showed each of two groups of children
a different version of a video tape: One group saw video A
which showed a lady acting normally with a big doll. The lady
was having fun with the doll!
The second group saw video B which showed a lady acting aggressively
with the same doll. She was kicking and hitting the doll violently. After
showing the children the video tapes, the psychologists left the children in a
room with a doll that looked like the one shown in the videos as well as other
toys.
The psychologists watched the children, and they found out that children
who watched video A acted normally, and children who watched video B
acted aggressively, hitting and kicking the doll! Because of this experiment,
the psychologists came to know that watching violent movies or programs
on TV changes children's behavior, making them more aggressive.
I believe that every cause is followed by an effect or sometimes effects, and
in my opinion, TV violence might change any human behavior, and it would
be worse with children! Children should be protected from TV violence in
order to keep their behavior from being shaped by violence. This raises a
question: Who is responsible for taking care of that, family or government?
My Opinion Poll:
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Does TV Violence Affect Children's Behavior?

Yuri Syoyama from Japan
In April, 1997, I conducted an opinion poll in a small town in Japan to find
out if young people thought watching violent programs on TV could have a
negative effect on children's behavior. I interviewed forty-two young people.
I asked them the following questions:
Do you think that children imitate the things they see on TV?
Do you think that watching violent programs on TV can cause children to
behave aggressively?
Do you think that parents should control what their children watch on TV?
Do you think that parents should control what their children watch on TV?
Here are the results of my poll.

I found out that ninety-five percent of the young people I interviewed
thought that children imitated the things they saw on television. Almost all of
them said that television affects children in this way.
In addition, over three quarters of the people polled believed that watching
violent programs on television would cause children to behave aggressively.
However, only a little over half of those polled agreed that parents should
control the kinds of programs that their children watch on TV, and fewer
34
than 40% of them felt that the government should control what children
watched.
According to the results of this poll, I concluded that most young people
think violence on TV can have very negative effects on children, but they
are not in favor of strong control of what children watch. It would be
interesting to conduct more surveys to find out what young people in other
countries think.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you think TV can be educational? Explain.
2. How much TV do you usually watch in a week? What kind of programs do
you like to watch?
3. What do you think of TV shows that are designed to "discover new talent?"
like American Idol?
4. Do you think movies and TV are too violent? Do you like to watch violence
on TV?
5. What can we do to protect young people from being influenced by TV
violence?
6. Why do you think our society enjoys watching violence on TV?
35
Unit 6
Life Style of the Amish People
The Amish have a peaceful life style and value family and
community.
A Visit to an Amish Community

Sachiko Watanabe from Japan
After studying the Amish lifestyle in class in Japan, a Japanese girl has the
opportunity to visit an Amish communty in Pennsylvania.
Wow! I was very impressed when I first visited an Amish family. I was visiting
the family of my former sociology professor Vasantkumar who lives near
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and they asked me if I wanted to go with them to
buy some bread at the home of an Amish family.
36
"We visited one of the biggest Amish communities in the Lancaster area.
There were huge farms with houses and lots of land. I learned they didn't
have any electricity in their houses."
Photo: Anita Lettieri
I was very glad to be asked because we had studied the Amish life style in
class, and also I had seen the movie "Witness" part of which was filmed in an
Amish community. I wanted to see how they lived together and find out if it
was like what I watched in the movie.
While we were buying bread, I noticed that the woman selling the bread
was wearing interesting clothes. I had never seen anybody wearing that
kind of clothes in real life. They were just like the clothes which I had seen in
the movie. She was wearing a blue-colored, old-fashioned dress which
didn't have any buttons, and there were many straight pins on the back of
her dress to hold it together. I hoped I would see more how the Amish live.
"I noticed their clothing because all of them were wearing the kind of black
clothing which I had seen in the movie!"
37
Another day, we visited one of the biggest Amish communities in the

Lancaster area. There were huge farms with houses and lots of land. I
learned they didn't have any electricity in their houses. They don't use
modern things, so you see no electric wires around the houses.
While we were there, I saw an auction which was held by many Amish
people in a market place. Again I noticed their clothing because all of them
were wearing the kind of black clothing which I had seen in the movie! I
didn't try to talk with them because I thought they might not want me to talk
to them. In the community, I saw children who were playing around a horse.
Although they didn't play with any of the usual commercial toys which
children usually like to play with, these children looked very lively and happy.
38
The life style of the Amish might be simple and seem to be inconvenient;
however, I feel they are really living in a way that respects nature, unlike us.
We tend to separate nature and use power to control it. It is very difficult for
us who are accustomed to living comfortably with modern conveniences.
We use an air conditioner when it is hot. When we want to contact someone,
we use the telephone. When we want to write something, we can use
computers.
I think we need to notice how we are a part of nature. I believe the Amish
people have recognized this. It might be impossible for me to live in the
Amish community, but maybe it would be good. to live with fewer modern
conveniences.
How the Amish Live

Yasuyo Goto from Japan
The Amish avoid modern conveniences. For example, they prefer to use a
horse and buggy rather than a car.
39
Amish people avoid modern life, so they don't have televisions, telephones,
or cars. They use a horse and buggy for a car. They like a simple life.The men
wear black suits and hats, and the women wear dark dresses and put caps
on their heads. Their clothing doesn't have buttons and the women's hair
style is always the same.
It is wonderful how the Amish people help each other. If there is a fire or if a
new couple marries, all the other Amish in the community help to build a
barn which is for their animals. They don't use modern equipment. Everyone
works together, and they build the barn in only a single day. This is called a
barnraising.
The children help with little jobs and the women prepare a big lunch. They
pray and eat and then go back to work. Everyone in the Amish community
takes part in the barn raising.
Thinking about Amish Values

Drawing: Sandy Peters
"I have a lot on my mind now, after watching the movie, "Witness". It is like
satisfaction, but it is also a little heavy on my heart."
40
I have a lot on my mind now, after watching the movie,

"Witness". It is like satisfaction, but it is also a little heavy on
my heart. There were remarkable contrasts between the
violent people and the Amish people in this movie.
In one scene where Eli talked to his grandson Samuel
about a gun, the words said to Samuel were impressive.
I thought, "Why does a gun exist? A gun may be necessary for a policeman
to stop violence. But, is it true that if there is a gun, then some people will use
that gun to kill other people, even those who have no sin."
When I watched the scene in which everyone was working to build a barn
together, it brought tears to my eyes. How peaceful the scene is! They put
power together and share pleasure. They are smiling.
This is what I am looking for, and my hope is there will be no war and people
won't change nature. After I watched this movie, my mind was peaceful.
QUESTIONS
1. Could you live as the Amish do? Are there any similar communities in
Taiwan?
2. The Amish practice of barn raising shows great community cooperation.
41
3. What are some things that your community does to help people?
4. What are some the advantages of growing up in an Amish community?
Disadvantages?
5. Would you like to visit an Amish community in America? Why or why not?
6. Do you think it is ethical for outsiders to visit Amish communities? What
are some of the pros and cons of this form of tourism?
7. What would you miss the most about your present life if you had to live in
an Amish community next month?
42
UNIT 7
A World of Dolls
Yukiko Hattori from Japan has always loved dolls. In this section, she shares
some very special stories about her dolls and others. She tells how she came
to love them and shares a special experience of friendship.
Memories of Dolls
Yukiko Hattori from Japan
Drawing:Yukiko Hattori
My dream finally came true when I was six. One day my father came back
from his business trip with three store-bought dolls!
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My mother seemed to be able to make dolls out of

anything. She would make my two older sisters and me
cornhusk dolls with golden corn-silk hair, rag dolls with shiny
button eyes and yarn hair, eggshell dolls (as breakable as
Humpty-Dumpty) and even tiny matchstick dolls for our
cardboard dollhouses.
I enjoyed playing with them, but still, secretly, I yearned for
a store-bought doll like the one our rich cousin had. Her doll
had beautiful blonde curls, and it could open and close its blue glass eyes
and even say "Mamma." I never stopped admiring it, but somehow I could
not tell my parents that I also wanted that kind of doll. I knew, though
vaguely, such dolls were a little too expensive for my parents to buy for all
three of us.
Drawing: Yukiko Hattori
Their dolls were abandoned and in miserable condition. One had lost one of
her arms, and the other was one-legged.
However, my dream finally came true when I was six.
One day my father came back from his business trip
with three store-bought dolls! They were much
smaller than our cousin's doll and their eyes were just
painted ones, but I did not care about such
differences. They were real "store-bought" dolls, hard
plastic dolls in princess-like fancy dresses and with wavy nylon hair. What
more could I wish for? We each chose one and I named mine Misako.
Soon my sisters and I became devoted mothers. Our "children" kept us busy
all day. We gave them a bath, dressed them, brushed their hair, took them
out for a walk, and put them to bed. We thought up all sorts of things we
could do with our dolls and tried everything.
Several months later, they got more like real childrentheir faces and
44
bodies became dirtier; their dresses got stained; their hair less smooth. I felt
that Misako was closer to me than before because of these familiar
changes.
Drawing: Yukiko Hattori
You can take care of them if you want," my sisters said to me. Thus, I was
unexpectedly promoted to being the luckier mother of three children
instead of just one.
But, by then, my sisters' interests seemed to
have moved into different toys. Their dolls
were abandoned and in miserable
condition. One had lost one of her arms,
and the other was one-legged. "You can
take care of them if you want," my sisters
said to me.
Thus, I was unexpectedly promoted to being the luckier mother of three
children instead of just one. They were more or less handicapped and they
often looked to me as if they needed me to help them. I enjoyed this feeling
of being neededbeing the only one in the world who could protect them
with a lot of love. Indeed, they made the rest of my childhood days very
happy.
Finding My Dream Doll

Photo: Yukiko Hattori
Several weeks later, a letter came from an unknown Japanese lady living in
Ft. Collins, Colorado. She had read my letter at a Japanese bookshop in
Denver.
Almost 10 years ago, I sent a letter to a readers' column of a magazine. I
wrote about my dream doll which I always wanted to find and purchase
someday.
45
"The doll does not need to be a luxurious one, but she must look as if she
listens when I talk to her, like the doll, Emily, in the book "A Little Princess".
Several weeks later, a letter came from an unknown Japanese lady living in
Ft. Collins, Colorado. She had read my letter at a Japanese bookshop in
Denver.
"I got interested in your dream doll," she wrote. "I have made bisque dolls as
my hobby for a long time. Perhaps none of my dolls is good enough to suit
your dream, but I would be happy if one of my dolls could join your doll
family until you find your real dream doll. Would you mind receiving one?"
That is how I got Rosa, a big bisque-headed doll in a Victorian-styled dress
with a velvet bonnet and high, buttoned shoes. She was very beautiful and
well-made.
To be honest, I had never imagined my dream doll as something so
aristocratic. Up to that time, my doll family had consisted of just an odd
mixture of rather poor, old creatures. Sometimes, their very helplessness
seemed to me the main reason I was attracted to them.
Now, this Rosa here was far from any kind of poorness. She might not need
anyone to take care of her. While I was looking at her, she was also looking
at mequite patiently. Besides being beautiful, I noticed she looked
good-natured, innocent, and very sympathetic.
"Well, isn't she like Emily?" I asked myself. "To have someone you can nurse is
wonderful, but you may also need somebody else who is willing to share
46
your problems and pleasures. Wasn't that the quality I saw in Emily who gave
me the idea of the dream doll in the first place?"
Soon I set myself to write a letter to Rosa's "biological mother" to express my
sincere gratitude. Since then, I have been blessed with having at least one
good "listener" around meand one in Colorado, too!
Messengers of Friendship
Photo:Yukiko Hattori
Yes, they were perfect as messengers; only these messengers were about 40
centimeters tall!
In 1927, as many as 12,000 young Messengers of Friendship
arrived in Japan after many weeks' voyage from the U.S.A.
In spite of the long and hard journey, they were bravely
keeping their friendly smiles on their lovely faces, which
instantly fascinated Japanese children.
Each of the young Americans had a special passport, visa,
ticket, a small trunk with some clothes inside and a number
of nice letters from the children in her hometown. Yes, they
were perfect as messengers; only these messengers were
about 40 centimeters tall!
Have you ever heard about these Friendship Dolls? When Dr. Gulick, an
American missionary who had lived in Japan for twenty years, observed
many Japanese farmhands suffering from discrimination in California, he
came up with the idea of sending dolls to Japan to create and preserve
good relationships between the children of the U.S.A.and Japan.
To his surprise, his idea was eagerly supported by more than 2,600,000
people all over the U.S.A. They donated and collected money to buy dolls;
then made tiny clothes to dress them and wrote heart-warming letters to
Japanese children to send with the dolls.
47
The program was a great success and it created better relationships

between the children of the two countries. When World War II started years
later, however, the authorities in Japan began seeing the dolls as something
related to the enemy and ordered children to burn them. This seemed the
sad end of the Friendship Dolls in which so many good-willed people had
been involved.
Fortunately, not all people lost their common sense, even in wartime. Some
tried to save the dolls' lives by hiding them somewhere, taking a great risk.
About 200 dolls out of 12,000 survived the war in this way.
Now those dolls are well taken care of by children in various kindergartens
and elementary schools where they are living peacefully. Though they are
already 70 years old, you will see their friendly smiles have not changed at
all.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you have any dolls or action figures? Did you ever have any dolls or
action figures? Which was your favorite?
2. Do you think that dolls are only for girls? Are action figures only for boys?
3. Do you think dolls and action figures are only for young children? At what
age should children stop playing with dolls?
4. Have you ever made a doll? What toys have you made?
48
5. What was your favorite toy when you were younger? What is your favorite
toy now?
6. What are some toys that your parents have? What toys does your
mother have? What toys does your father enjoy?
49
UNIT 8
Enjoying Water Sports
The Thrill of Surfing

Arata Narita from Japan
Photo: Naotsuga Matsumoto
As I have improved my surfing skill, I've begun to seek for a "the big wave",
even a typhoon situation. When the wave is big, it's thrilling.
50
I have been surfing for two years. The reason why I started surfing is that I
came across a beautiful beach in Miyazaki, Japan.
Miyazaki is one of the most famous spots for surfing in Japan. In summer time,
many surfers visit Miyazaki from all over Japan or even from overseas.
I live in a college dormitory and it is close to the beach. Because the beach
was close, I had no doubts about deciding to learn to surf. I have played
many sports in the past, such as soccer, football, and rugby.
However, now I realize that I like surfing the best because surfing is a sport
which improves me the most. To learn surfing techniques is very difficult, and
it takes time. Also, surfing is done in a totally natural environment, the sea.
Photo: Naotsugu Matsumoto
When I come out of the wave, I feel lucky I'm still alive.
I realized that the size, quality and power of waves are
different in each surfing area, so I have tried surfing in
Hawaii and Australia as well as in all areas in Miyazaki. As I
have improved my surfing skill, I've begun to seek for a
"the big wave", even a typhoon situation. When the wave
is big, it's thrilling. Each wave is different. A wave never
comes in the same way. If I succeed in riding a big wave,
it gives me a feeling of accomplishment and excitement
But sometimes you can't succeed in riding the wave. Then you just go into it.
This can be dangerous. At that moment, you think, "Oh, maybe I'll die."
When I come out of the wave, I feel lucky I'm still alive."
Students Interview Novice Scuba Diver

Miwa Kawano and Kaoru Maruhana from Japan
Photo from Seisei Tatebe-Goddu
Seisei Tatebe-Goddu goes scuba diving with a Japanese friend.

51
We, Miwa Kawano and Kaoru Maruhana,

interviewed Seisei Tatebe-Goddu (14), a
middle school student from the U.S. who
lives in Kibana-dai. We asked her about
scuba diving and her interest in it.
She started scuba diving about 3 months
ago in May 1997 because she wants to
become a marine biologist in the future.
She said that scuba diving will help her to be a marine biologist. She also
said another reason is she likes to swim.
Since we are not familiar with scuba diving , we asked what kind of
equipment is needed to do that. She explained that a beginner, needs
flippers, mask, wet suits, and a snorkel. An intermediate person needs a
weight belt (That is one lead per 10 kilos. A person needs the same weight as
he/she weighs.), a tank (14 kilos), and a back pack for floatation. She said
the equipment is very heavy. Beginners usually can scuba dive for only half
an hour, but people who have licenses can be under the water for 1 to 3
hours.
We asked if she wants to continue or not in the future. She answered that
she wants to continue, but her nose bone is crooked. Therefore, she needs
an operation if she hope to continue.
In scuba diving, she enjoys seeing a lot of sea animals, and she is impressed
that she can breathe under the water for a long time. Through the scuba
diving, she hopes to visit Okinawa, Australia, Bermuda, and Italy (the
Mediterranean sea) in the near future. She did not list the eastern coast of
the US, so we asked the reason why. She said that the eastern coast is very
cold, and it does not have variety of animals (not a large diversity).
She experienced a scary moment once in the past when she went under
the water. She was surrounded by walls of rocks. When she turned around
there was nobody, so she felt very scared. Her mind was filled with anxiety at
that moment.
52
While she is under the water, she realizes that divers have to be careful
because they might break corals very easily even if they touch them with
their hands softly. We would like her to enjoy the nature of Miyazaki through
scuba diving.
QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever been surfing? Is surfing popular in Taiwan? Where do
people go surfing in Taiwan?
2. Have you ever been scuba diving? Would you like to try?
3. Do you consider scuba diving and surfing to be dangerous sports? Which
is more dangerous?
4. What other water sports do you know? Which ones have you tried? Which
ones would you like to try?
5. Seeing as Taiwan is an island- do you visit the ocean often? Why or why
not?
6. What beaches have you visited in Taiwan? Which one is your favorite?
Can you describe it?
53
UNIT 9
The Cloning Controversy
The cloning of a sheep sparks a controversy

The cloning of a sheep named Dolly in Scotland was an important scientific
breakthrough. Since that event, cloning has become a controversial issue,
and people worldwide are debating whether or not humans should carry
out experiments to create life.
Scientists Have Cloned Animals

Akiko Kawasoe from Japan
54
Drawing: Sandy Peters
Animals can be reproduced by technology now; researchers can clone

them. A clone is an exact copy of another animal.
Scientists have cloned a sheep which they have named Dolly, and this
sheep is now famous all over the world. Researchers took genes from a ewe
and used them to create a copy (Dolly) of the ewe. These scientists also
used human genes to clone a lamb named Polly.
Why are scientists doing this research? One reason is to get information
about genes so they can improve our health. They also want to learn how
better farm animals can be produced.
Cloning is a controversial issue for people. Some people think it is good
because this research can help us, but other people think cloning is
unnacceptable.
Some people want to ban cloning because they are afraid scientists will try
to clone human beings. They don't think it is right to make duplicates of
people. In fact, some countries have banned human cloning.
Should Animals Be Cloned?

Akiko Kawasoe from Japan
Photo: Sandy Peters
I read that pandas are endangered in China because they are losing their
habitat.
55
Some people think it might be possible to save

endangered animals by cloning them. Tigers,
elephants, and other endangered animals might be
saved this way.
In China, pandas are endangered because they are
hunted and they are losing their habitat, so some
Chinese scientists want to try to clone pandas to
save them from extinction.
I don't really like the idea of cloning animals, but I don't think I want pandas
to become extinct. If the best way to save them is to make cloned pandas,
then maybe it cannot be helped and they must be cloned.
Panda are wild animals, so maybe researchers can make tame cloned
pandas. This might be an egotistical human thought. However, I want to live
with a lot of animals and nature. I don't want animals to die out, especially
pandas.
I think humans must think more about protecting animals and nature.
Maybe cloning is the way to save all endangered animals.
56
QUESTIONS
1. If you could clone anything, what would you clone? Why?
2. What are some things we should never clone? Why?
3. Why do some people think cloning is a bad thing? What is your opinion?
Explain.
4. If cloning can be used for medical purposes like giving a person a new
ear or leg does that make it a good thing?
5. Do you think we will accept cloning as ethical and safe in the future or
not?
6. What are the main reasons to support cloning? Or to oppose cloning?
57
UNIT 10
Students Write 'How To' Paragraphs
A Class Project
Students in one of Julia Karet's writing classes at Chaffey Community
College in Rancho Cucamonga, California wrote how-to paragraphs which
they share with us in this issue.
Humorous How-to Advice

How to Be Fat
Misato Nikashima from Japan
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Gaining weight is very simple. You eat, eat, and

eat. First, you should choose high calorie food;
highly recommended junk foods are ice-cream
(Ben & Jerry's is the best), chocolate and whatever
you want except low calorie food. Next, eat more
than 6 times a day. If you are thirsty, drink beer or
carbonated drinks. Of course don't do sports! If you
go somewhere, use a car. While you're staying
home, lie down on your bed or take a nap. When it
is time to sleep, check your weight. Be sure, you
should do these things day in day out. In three months, you will be fat.
Everybody will call you CHUBBY.
How to Annoy Your Teacher

Wahid Sali from Pakistan
To annoy your teacher is very easy if you follow

these simple directions. First of all, go to your class
late every day. When you are in the class don't pay
attention to what your teacher is teaching. Instead,
look out of the window at some beautiful girls or
you can talk to your friends very loudly. You can
even go out of the class twice or better yet thrice to grab a soda, to smoke
or go to the restroom to do your hair. When she is writing on the board or
explaining something to the class, start hooting, make funny noises, throw
stuff at him/her like paper, chalk etc. You can even throw chewing gum at
the teacher. However, if you really want to annoy your teacher you can
stick a piece of chewed chewing gum on the chair. After following all my
instructions the teacher will probably be so annoyed with you that she will
most likely throw you out of the class.
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How to Lose Your Girlfriend

Dae-Yeong Go from Korea
Oh, are you sick and tired of your girlfriend? So you want to dump her and
get another girl? No problem. It is very easy only if you follow these
directions . First of all, you should break all appointments with her. Don't
appear to appointment place, instead hang around the appointment
place with another girl. Hugging or kissing, even holding her hands, could
not be better. Next step is that you should always talk about that girl in front
of your girlfriend. Don't forget to compare your girl friend with another girl.
Say how beautiful she is, how kind she is, how attractive she is than her. After
that, whenever your girlfriend calls you or visits you, just say "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm
very busy or I'm very tired."
After that, you avoid meeting her or talking to her for few days, then
disappear a couple of days. Finally, choose a rainy day and drink a lot, then
call her out such as to a cafe. After she comes, keep drinking. All of a
sudden, stop drinking and gaze at her face sadly for few seconds, then
pretend to be weeping and say slowly "I'm sorry but I'm in love with another
girl." Probably your girl friend will slap your cheeks. It may hurt you for few
seconds, but that s all you'll pay for this. Now, you could separate with your
X-girl friend. You are absolutely free. Feel free to find out another girl.
How to Hurt Your Best Girlfriend

Mireya Caballero from Mexico
I am going to give you some tips of how to hurt to your best girlfriend. First,
tell her that her hair is so ugly and that she looks like a witch. You can also tell
her that her boyfriend is cheating on her. In addition, tell her that she is
gaining weight. Tell her that her clothes are old fashioned and do not match.
Always try to get better score than her on tests, and of course make sure
that she knows about it. Be careful. If you take these easy tips you really will
hurt your girlfriend.
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How to Prepare Food Paragraphs

How to Make a Chunky Mexican Salsa
Mireya Caballero from Mexico
Preparing Mexican salsa is easy and quick with few
ingredients. First of all, make sure you have all the
ingredients: six medium tomatoes, ten serrano
peppers, one half bunch of cilantro, a half of an
onion, one garlic clove, six ounces of water, salt,
and a bowl. Once you have all these ingredients,
you can begin to prepare a delicious Mexican salsa. First, wash all the
vegetables thoroughly and let them to dry for a few minutes. When the
vegetables are dried, roast the tomatoes on the grill about ten minutes and
then add the peppers until they become soft. When the vegetables are soft,
remove them from the grill and put them in a pan for a while. Now, blend
the garlic with two ounces of water. Then add the tomatoes, the peppers,
the chopped onions, the cilantro and four ounces of water and blend them
all together at slow speed. Finally, when it is ready, pour the salsa in a bowl
and add salt to your taste. This is the easiest way of making a chunky
Mexican salsa.
How to Make Soba

Dae Yeong Go from Korea
Japanese noodles called "soba" are very delicious

and so easy to make. A package of noodles, 8
cups of water, a big pot, a big bowl, a flat dish, a
pair of long chopsticks and a small pack of soy
sauce are needed. First, boil water for 10 minutes.
After that, put the noodles into the pot for 2
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minutes. As soon as you put noodles into the pot, stir the noodles with a pair
of long chopsticks so
that the noodles do not stick to each other. After you have boiled water for
10 minutes, throw out the hot water. Then, mix soy sauce with cool water in
the proportion of 1 to 3. Finally, put the noodles in flat dish and mixed sauce
in bowl. If you lose your appetite, make this easy-cooking delicious
Japanese noodles. It makes up for your lost appetite without a doubt.
How to Cook Instant Noodles
Ray Widjaja from Indonesia
Instant noodles are very delicious and so easy to

cook that even a boy can do it. In the process of
cooking instant noodles, you will need one pot,
about three or four glasses of water, one package
of instant noodles which also includes sachets of
seasoning, dried vegetables, vegetable oil, chili
sauce, and sweet soy sauce, and a scissors. First,
boil the water in the pot. Second, put the noodles
and dried vegetables in and simmer for about two minutes. Next, while the
noodles are being cooked, cut open all the sachets of seasoning,
vegetable oil, chili sauce, and sweet soy sauce and mix them together on a
plate. Then, take the noodles and vegetables out from the water and drain
well. Finally, put the noodles and vegetables on the plate and mix them well.
Your delicious noodles are ready to serve. Moreover, cooking instant
noodles is so simple that it is considered a no-brainer in the cooking world.
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How to Do Practical Things

How to Use Chopsticks
Jessica Luo from China
Most oriental people use chopsticks just like western
people use forks and knives. However, using chopsticks
is harder than using the forks. You have to use fingers to
control a pair of chopsticks instead of holding forks with
the whole hand. To be able to control a pair of
chopsticks to get the food you aim at, your fingers must
cooperate with each other. First, you have to hold
chopsticks properly. Every chopstick has two sides. The side which you use to
touch food is always sharper than the other side. You hold one chopstick just
like you hold a pen. The second chopstick you hold similarly like the first one.
The only difference is that you put the middle part between the fourth finger
and the end of middle finger. Now your hand is holding the middle part of
the pair of chopsticks. You must make the bottom of this pair of chopsticks
be at the same level. Then you can start eating the food with this pair of
chopsticks. You can use the first finger and middle finger to control the first
chopstick to open the bottom wide. You move your first chopstick toward
the second chopstick when you aim at food placed in between the
chopsticks. To be able to send the food into your mouth you must make the
first chopstick press tightly to the second one to make sure the food cannot
drop. The cooperation of your fingers is very important when you use
chopsticks.
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Making Clothes is Easy

Ha Phan from Vietnam
Are you wondering how I make my clothes? Uh! I will tell

you an easy way to do it. Here are the instructions for
making clothes, please follow me. First at all, you have to
go to the fabric store, check in the store catalog to select
the style you want to make. Next, take the number of the
style and choose your pattern size in the store cabinet. You
need to know your pattern size by the measurements of
your body: bust, waist, and hip, or by the size of clothes you usually wear to
chose the pattern. Then, read all the suggestions in the back of the pattern
bag to know what kind of fabric is good for that style. Finally, buy the fabric
and the notions that are needed for the clothes, for example: buttons or
zipper, lace, elastic, etc. After going home, open the pattern bag and cut
out the pattern pieces for the view you have chosen using paper scissors.
The easy way to do this is to follow the cutting layout. Before cutting, place
all the pattern pieces on the fabric according to the layout. Pin the pattern
and the fabric together with the quilting pin. Cut accurately through the
fabric and the pattern on the cutting line using the fabric scissors. Lastly,
thread the thread on the sewing machine and start to sew fabric pieces
together. However, before starting to sew, please read and follow carefully
the step by step sewing directions. Finally, sew the notions on the clothes
and press it nicely. To conclude, making clothes for yourself or for your lover
is interesting and enjoyable; also it will help save your money.
It is easy to prepare a nicely wrapped special gift without any trouble. Once
you have prepared the equipment, such as paper, scissors, tape, ribbon,
box, and card, you may start to fold. After putting the gift inside of the box,
fold the paper and wrap it carefully around the box. Once you have
finished this step, put the tape on the edges.
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Before fixing the card on the present, tie the ribbon the way you prefer.
Finally, do not forget to write beautiful words on the card. In conclusion, you
only have to follow a few steps to prepare a simple but wonderful gift
Showering is Part of Life

Ha Phan from Vietnam
In the countryside of Vietnam, taking a shower is a very simple thing to do.
First, go to the pond, (usually the pond is in the backyard of every house at
the countryside) dive in the water, then swim around the pond. Next, stand
and scrub your body and your head. Lastly, get out of the pond and go to
the clothes changing room and change to clean clothes. This is the type of
shower we take two or three time a day, depending on how hot it is that
day. We do not use soap or shampoo at all. Females always wash their hair
two or three time a week with special mix water. To prepare the water for
cleaning hair, they take some leaves of these plants: lemon leaves, jelly
grass leaves, bamboo leaves, etc., and one kind of dry fruit. Next, put all in
the pot, fill the water and boil it about half-hour. After that, mix with some
rainwater and all females in the family use it to clean their hair. That kind of
water makes their hair shiny and smells good. Usually we take a shower
together with family members or with friends; we swim and play for an hour.
To conclude, taking shower is enjoyable in my countryside even in the winter
or the summer time.
How to Make a Gift

Karina G. Vidal from Brazil
It is easy to prepare a nicely wrapped special gift without any trouble. Once
you have prepared the equipment, such as paper, scissors, tape, ribbon,
box, and card, you may start to fold. After putting the gift inside of the box,
fold the paper and wrap it carefully around the box. Once you have
finished this step, put the tape on the edges. Before fixing the card on the
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present, tie the ribbon the way you prefer. Finally, do not forget to write
beautiful words on the card. In conclusion, you only have to follow a few
steps to prepare a simple but wonderful gift.
QUESTIONS
1. What advice would you give on How to annoy your teacher?

2. What tips would you give on How to lose your girl (or boy) friend?
3. What advice would you offer on How to hurt your best friend?
4. If you were asked to prepare a food that best represented your country,
which dish would you make? Whats the best dish you can make? Explain
the procedure.
5. Do you think eating from 7-11 is healthy? Why do so may people eat from
7-11?
6. If you could choose where to eat where would you want to eat most of
the time?
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UNIT 11
Students Do Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is spreading around the world.

More and more students around the world are volunteering to help others
and to carry out worthwhile projects. Read about the volunteer experiences
of three students from Japan.
International Work Camp

Miho Kashiwagi from Japan
Photo: Miho Kashiwagi
What attracted me most was we could communicate with people who are
from different cultures during the work camp.
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I never dreamed I would have such a

wonderful experience in summer 1995. One
day I found an interesting advertisement in
a magazine. It was about international work
camps, one of which I took part in.
Immediately I ordered the brochure and
got information about these international work camps.
I learned that the camps were held all over the world at different times of
the year anybody can participate in any camp as long as they are eager to
do a voluntary work.
What attracted me most was we could communicate with people who are
from different cultures during the work camp. Work campers are supposed
to stay and work together cooperatively the whole the time.
Obeying my curiosity, I applied to a work camp. Because I was not sure if I
had enough money, and because my parents were anxious about my
safety, I decided not to join a work camp held abroad. I decided to join the
nearest one held in Minamata, Japan.
The group was small at first, but finally we had 17 members: ten Japanese,
four Germans, one British, one French, and one American.
One day in August 1995, a girlit was mewith a
huge sports bag, was thrilled about arriving in
Minamata. That day, there were just some Japanese
work campers, but later other members came up one
after another. At last, we increased to a total of 17
members: ten Japanese, four Germans, one British, one French, and one
American.
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All of us were college-aged students and majoring in several subjects such

as comparative culture, communication, social welfare, engineering,
business, physical geography, biology, medicine, law, English, and
Japanese.
We were together three weeks and devoted ourselves to aforestation and
having a lot of fun together. Our main work was to help with a plan of
aforestation for a piece of reclaimed land.
At first, we went into the mountains and dug out baby trees. Then next, we
replanted them in a field. Although this process might sound easy, we had a
hard time indeed. Because it was extremely hot, every drop was very
precious for us. When we happened to get cold water, we could not have
been happier.
Besides, in the mountains, tons of hungry mosquitoes were waiting for us. Of
course, there was no way to avoid being their victims. As a result, we
suffered from mosquitoes bites. We were always itchy.
Planting new trees was hard work. It was extremely hot and tons of hungry
mosquitoes were waiting for us.
At the beginning, we were not sure how to
plant trees, so we could not go on working
without asking a specialist. However, later
on we improved a lot . Actually I felt as if I
were an expert in that field after a week.
In the end, we had taken and replanted
about 250 baby trees. They were supposed
to grow up in the field and be planted in the reclaimed land in the near
future.
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By the way, I heard that only half of them are still alive. I understand that it is
normal. Life is severe, isn't it?
We, Minamata work campers, divided into three groups. Each group was in
charge of cooking and cleaning by rotationone group prepared food,
while two groups worked outside during the morning. Afternoons, we were
basically free. How to spend time was up to us.
Some played with local kids, some listened to music, some wrote letters,
some washed their clothes, and some had conversations. Labor groups
were likely to take a nap. On weekends, we delighted in field trips and
excursions.
We stayed in a tiny, old public house which had no shower room. That's why
we quickly became good friends. Every night we had to visit local people to
take a bath. We went there in a small group of a few Japanese and foreign
members. It was really fun and a good experience not only for foreign
members, but also for the local people.
We enjoyed talking and communicating together. Each of Japanese

members had to be a simultaneous interpreter, and I did my best in our
cultural exchanges.
After taking a bath, we enjoyed talking and
communicating together. As Japanese, each of
Japanese members had to be a simultaneous
interpreter because others could not communicate
orally. I did my best with trial and error in our cultural
exchanges.
Since we had grown up in different cultural environments, sometimes there
were some conflicts among us. For instance, one German expressed her
feelings directly, she did not refrain from complaining. Consequently, such
an attitude offended other members.
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Cultural and personal differences caused us puzzlement and antipathy, but

we worked on compromises and understanding. Yet it is not normal for
everybody to have the same ideas. We should not judge them just because
their ideas are different.
I really feel that all members were truly nice and warmhearted. I was very
fortunate to run into them in Minamata and share a lot of exciting and
unforgettable memories with them. So why don't you join an international
work camp? I bet you will have irreplaceable experiences!
International Wheelchair Tennis Championship

Nariyuki Kanegae from Japan
Photo: Nariyuki Kanegae
Their participation taught me that if people believe in themselves and make

the best effort they can whenever possible, they can do almost anything.
I went to the International
Wheelchair Tennis Competition at
the end of May, 1997.
This year, the competition was
held in Iizuka City which is in
Fukuoka
prefecture,
Japan.
About 50 foreign players and
about 100 Japanese players
joined the competition.
I assisted two New Zealand players. They had artificial legs, so they
belonged to the "Standing Class" which is the class for the people who can't
walk well.
My hardest work was interpreting for them because they often asked me
very difficult questions about Japanese culture and customs. Some of the
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questions were difficult to answer even in Japanese. So, I thought that I have
to study more about Japan before I go abroad next year.
Photo: Nariyuki Kanegae
This year, about 50 foreign players and about 100 Japanese players joined
the competition, and I assisted two New Zealand players.
By the way, I was really surprised by one of the New
Zealand tennis players. I couldn't believe that he had
an artificial leg. He made an effort which I couldn't
imagine. I was really moved.
Their participation taught me that if people believe
in themselves and make the best effort they can
whenever possible, they can do almost anything.
I hope to join the competition next year also because it will be a good
experience for me again and I want to see the players again.
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Volunteer Work with Children

Photo from Takashii Shii
I almost cried when some students at the program came to the airport to see
me off on February 28th.
For three or four days after the night I
arrived in Yellowknife, it was cloudy, I
couldn't see the northern lights like we can't
see stars in a cloudy sky.
I devoted myself to looking for someone
who needed help. I often went to the
Information Center downtown carrying a
map and asked a worker there if anyone
needed some volunteers or not.
There were lots of people, however, most
of them wanted someone who could stay
more than two or three months.
Unfortunately, because I had to go back to Japan for the new semester at
college, I couldn't stay there that long.
The volunteer work which I found was an after school program at the YWCA.
My work was disciplining students. After their classes at elementary school, I
and two other co-workers went to the school to pick up those kids who were
supposed to study in the program.
The reason why these kids come to the program was their behavioral
problems. They had difficulty in adjusting to teachers and friends at the
school. They never listened to what teachers said and often fought with
other classmates.
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On the first day of my volunteer work in the program, I was shocked to see
the rudeness of the children. They didn't even try to remember my name just
because it was difficult for them to pronounce it. They called me "Chinese"
or "Korean", not "Japanese" even though they knew my nationality after my
introduction.
In the program, two other co-workers and I established a timetable and let
them play, study, clean rooms and so on. Since these students didn't listen to
what we said so seriously, we made a rule, the so-called "Three strike system".
Once they did something wrong, they got one strike. And when they got
three strikes, they had to get out of the room, which is the same system as in
baseball when batters have to leave the batter box when they get three
strikes. Then we called their mother or father and told them how badly their
children behaved so these children would behave properly.
Sometimes we played some sports like soccer and tennis. Since I had some
experience playing tennis, I could teach tennis to those who were willing to
learn. As I talked or played sports with these children everyday, they
gradually became familiar with me and finally remembered my name,
which I never expected.
Unfortunately, by the time I really felt close with them and they pronounced
my name very well, it was already at the end of February and I had to go
back to Vancouver.
Sometimes I had to give these students a good scolding when they didn't
behave properly, and they swore at me at times when they got upset. But,
even though lots of incidents made me have stress, I was so sad when I had
to part from them. They asked me when I was going to visit them again. All I
could say was "I would like to call on you again when I have time and
enough budget after I graduate from college".
I couldn't say honestly , "Probably I will never have a chance to visit you
because it costs money to come here again." I almost cried when some
students at the program came to the airport to see me off on February 28th.
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QUESTIONS
1. Some people say that volunteer work is conceited and that most people
who volunteer do it for their own personal gain? Do you agree? Why? Or
why not?
2. Do you think volunteer work actually benefits the community? Does it
have an impact?
3. Have you ever volunteered your services? Explain.
4. What do you think about organizations like the Tzu Chi Buddhist
Foundation in Taiwan which does much volunteer work? Do they make a
difference?
5. Was there a time in your life that you felt you could have used a helping
hand?
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UNIT 12
My Arctic Experiences
Takashi Shii from Japan went to Canada to see different kinds of vegetation
and the Aurora "Borealis (Northern Lights). He tells about experiences in
Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.
My Life in the Northwest Territories

Photo:Takashi Shii
I wanted to see the aurora borealis, which is called the "northern lights."
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Since I was born and brought up in a rural

town, I have a great interest in nature. Using
the chance of study abroad in my second
year at college, I decided to go to Canada
just because I wanted to see different kinds of vegetation there. Additionally,
I wanted to see the aurora borealis, which is called the "northern lights." After
I finished the study abroad program , I went to Yellowknife in the North West
Territories. Living in the severe climate which was completely different from
the climate in Japan, I had great experiences.
I saw a dog sled raceactually experienced it with my friends, saw
aboriginal people, volunteered at the after-school program of the YWCA,
went to the library to study about aboriginal people, and took pictures of
the northern lights at midnight. Everything was new to me.
Photo:Takashi Shii
I had great experiences. For example, I saw a dog sled raceactually

experienced it with my friends.
Lots of incidents impressed me while other
things made me feel upset, sad, or pleased.
In one month, from the beginning of
February to its end, I experienced
magnificent things which I can't experience in Japan. I won't ever forget my
life in Yellowknife in the North West Territories.
People say that the Northwest Territories is not a land of eternal ice and
snow, although there are permanent ice caps on the far northern islands.
For the most part, however, the climate of the Northwest Territories can be
described as dry and cold.
My friends once told me that temperatures in this region fall below zero
degrees centigrade for seven months of the year, from October to April.
Extreme temperatures such as 57 degrees below zero (centigrade) have
been recorded, but this is rare.
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To tell the truth, I wasn't really sure if I could endure cold climate because I
was born in the southern part of Kyushu which has warm climate. I wore as
much warm clothing as possible before I left the Vancouver airport.
On February 1st, when I first arrived at the Yellowknife Airport, it was about 20
degrees below zero according to the stewardess. She told passengers to
make sure to wear gloves and not to touch any metal after getting off the
plane. When I heard the temperature, a chill ran down my spine because
such cold was beyond my understanding.
Fortunately, it wasn't so cold as I had expected because the air was
completely dry. But I still felt chilly until I got a taxi. I told the taxi driver the
address of the bed and breakfast where I was supposed to live. He kindly
took me to the house. On the way to the house, he taught me lots of things I
had to pay attention to what I should do, where I should visit, and so on.
Photo:Takashi Shii
The house was located on a sort of small island, far away from downtown,
and I could see a big frozen lake near the house.
The house called Blue Raven Bed and Breakfast was
located on a sort of small island, far away from downtown,
and I could see a big frozen lake near the house.
Not only the lake, but also the trees were covered with lots
of snow, and they even looked frozen. Because of the
severe cold temperature, the trees were much smaller and shorter in
comparison with Japanese ones.
When I knocked on the door of the house, my host family kindly welcomed
me. The first thing they asked me was if I felt that temperature outside was
cold or not.
Of course, I said, "Yes!!", however, they said, "No, it's warm today." I couldn't
understand their sense of cold. Actually it was 20 degrees below then.
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Anyway, another life in the Arctic started for me. I was worrying about what
would happen the next day.
The Northern Lights in Yellowknife

Photo: Takashi Shii
I was stunned and just stood there with my mouth open.
My host mother works for the government as a photographer and has taken
lots of pictures of the aurora and arts and crafts. So she is a professional
about pictures. Because she had two or three sets of cameras, she kindly
lent me one and taught me how to use it.
I clearly remember the sixth night in the Yellowknife. Suddenly my host
mother came to my room around 8 p.m. and told me to change clothes
and go outside quickly carrying her camera.
The aurora borealis was flickering in the sky! I was stunned and just stood
there with my mouth open. It was like ghosts like lots of myths and legends
have said. I forgot to take pictures of the mysterious lights.
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I was so excited that I couldn't sleep at all that night. Since that night,
whenever it was sunny, I went outside at night and looked at the sky. It was
so cold that I lost all feeling in my hands and feet.
Photo: Takashi Shii
Most of the time I saw green northern lights. Occasionally, I saw pink or
purple ones.
Most of the time I saw green northern lights.
Occasionally, I saw pink or purple ones. They
sometimes moved so fast that I was unable to
take pictures of the lights, for I needed a long
exposure for that.
Of course the exposure depended on the film I
used, the brightness of the northern lights and
the house lights around me. These elements
made it difficult for me to take very good
pictures.
Additionally, the time of my being able to be out was limited. I had to bring
her camera back to house in one hour at the most, for the camera was
going to be broken because of the cold temperature. The coldest
temperature which I experienced was 45 degrees below zero.
Unfortunately, whenever I had to go inside the house, great northern lights
were flickering in the sky. As I took the pictures of the northern lights, I came
to find a characteristic movement of the lights. They first appear in the north
part of the sky and then they gradually come down to the south part of the
sky. After that, suddenly, they come right in the middle of the north and
south only for a while, which is the time when the best northern lights can be
seen.
Therefore, I often went out when the northern lights are located in the
southrn part of the sky and waited for the best northern lights. Since it is only
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a few seconds for the northern lights to come down to the middle of the sky,
it is very hard to get good pictures.
The year 1997, when I went to this province, was not supposed to be the
year when I was able to see the good northern lights because the northern
lights have strong attachment with sun movement or its 11 year-cycle. 1991
was the year when red northern lights, which is rare in the Yellow Knife, was
observed.
The stronger the sun acts, the better and strong northern lights flicker in the
sky. That's because they occur from the collision between atmospheric
gases and solar wind. Much more solar wind comes to the earth when sun is
active, which lead to the best northern lights. And the colors of the northern
lights depend on the height of the collisions and kinds of gases.
So, the next best northern lights should be seen in 2002. Even though the
year 1997 was sort of in the middle of 1991 and 2002, I think I was lucky that I
was able to see good northern lights even though I didn't see red northern
lights.
A Dog Sled Ride and Traditional Ways

Photo: Takashi Shii
The instructor asked me time after time if the clothes I had on were warm
enough or not.
Around the end of my stay in Yellow Knife, I
experienced a dog sled ride. I called on a musher
who had won the tournament of the dogsled races
more than four times.
In his house, there were lots of trophies on the shelves.
I had a girl take my picture in front of the shelves.
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Finally, the time came to take a ride on a dogsled . The instructor asked me
time after time if the clothes
I had on were warm enough or not. Because the temperature outside
wasn't so cold, I thought my clothes were adequate.
Photo: Takashi Shii
It was terribly freezing!! I don't know how fast they ran, but I lost all feeling in
my hands and feet. Sometimes the snow which the dogs kicked up hit me.
However, my thinking changed right after 12 dogs started to pull the sled on
the frozen lake. It was terribly freezing!! I don't know how fast they ran, but I
lost all feeling in my hands and feet. Sometimes the snow which the dogs
kicked up hit me.
After my experience on the dog sled, the instructor told me that the body
temperature I felt decreased 20 degrees below the current temperature.
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The current temperature then was 20 degrees below zero. So, the actual
temperature I felt was minus 40 degrees centigrade.
Photo: Takashi Shii
After my ride on the dog sled, I went to see an igloo, which is a house made
of snow.
After my ride on the dog sled, I went to see an igloo, which is a house made
of snow. There I had a chance to hear the stories of the Inuit (the Eskimo
people).
Of course, I couldn't understand what they were talking about, however,
there was a translater beside me. So, I heard some stories about the Inuit,
and he kindly showed me some of the tools used by the Inuit. They were
things I had never seen.
He talked about the skills he used when traveling in the Arctic such as how
to make an igloo, how to make water from ice, and how to hunt using their
invention. I regret that I didn't take pictures of their tools, for I didn't have my
camera at that time.
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QUESTIONS
1. Do you want to visit the Arctic? Why? Or why not?

2. What is it about the arctic that draws so may people?
3. What would be the most difficult aspect of living in a place like the arctic?
What would be the best aspect of living there?
4. Why do so many people revere the Northern Lights? Do you feel they are
beautiful? Do you revere the Northern Lights?
5. What part of Taiwan would you compare to the Arctic? What if you had
to live there?
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UNIT 13
The World of Toulouse-Lautrec
Travel back in time to the Parisian Cafe Society of the early 19th
century!
The French painter, Henri de Toulouse -Lautrec, created colorful posters
which chronicled Parisian nightlife in the theaters, music halls, and cafs of
Paris in the late 19th century.
An Evening at the Moulin Rouge

Vronique Schlumberger from France
My friend and I went to a music hall show at the Moulin
Rouge last night. We had a really great evening. We
went into a huge smoky place and sat down at a table.
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We asked for two glasses of red wine which is the traditional and
fashionable drink in this place. The people were so noisy that we couldn't
hear each other speaking. Everybody was chattering and laughing. The
atmosphere was really cheerful!
When the performance started, a loud and exciting music stopped
everybody from speaking. Ten dancers jumped on the stage shouting and
laughing. It was great fun. A visit to this music hall is a must!
Night Life in Montmartre

Ana Lpez from Mexico
Tonight I was walking up the hill of Montmartre. Before the Revolution, this
place was famous for its dangerous taverns, but the great cathedral of
Notre-Dame is in this neighborhood, too. Fortunately, it does not affect the
night life of Paris today.
I went there to experience the night life of the cafs that everyone is talking
about. I especially wanted to see the Moulin Rouge which opened up not
long ago. Many students like to to there. As went in I saw a big dance floor
and walls with mirrors. I enjoyed the show. The music was loud, and the
can-can dancers were wonderful.
Conversing with Toulouse-Lautrec

I met Toulouse-Lautrec in a caf of Montmartre where he
spends most of his evenings and nights. I heard about him
when I discovered his personal style on posters he printed to
advertise music hall shows in the Moulin Rouge.
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When I arrived in the caf for our appointment, I asked for Toulouse Lautrec.
Somebody indicated me his table. He was standing near the table. He was
a funny little man with short legs. He was wearing a hat and small round
glasses. Dancers were performing and the caf was noisy. One dancer was
shouting and there was smoke everywhere.
To start a conversation, I said hello to him...
Vronique: Hello!
Toulouse-Lautrec: Hi!
Vronique: I would like to ask you a few questions about your poster
production. First, how did you choose your subjects?
Toulouse-Lautrec: When I studied painting, we found a new way of
expression. No more landscapes which are only accessories. I wanted to
paint life, to paint people. Where is life in Paris? Life is in cafs! At this time,
everyone in Paris goes out at night. So I went out at night to find models.
Now, here is my life. Cafs are my house.
Vronique: What kind of people do you meet here?
Toulouse-Lautrec: All kinds of people..tired workers who want to relax,
bourgeois who evade their tight and formal life, artists who can freely
express their thoughts, dancers who can freely express themselves with their
bodies.
Vronique: What about your poster technique?
Toulouse-Lautrec: I am using a Japanese woodblock technique that I
discovered when I learned painting. This technique allows using bright
colors.
87
The Dark Side of Paris Caf Life

Woradej Rinsurongkawong from Thailand
Last night, I went to a caf-concert to see the performance of the dancer
Jane Avril and hear the songs of Bruant. When I was in that place, I started
wondering about the people there. They loved to be insulted and to see a
maniac dancer.
Whatever inspired me to go to that place? The answer is simple. I used to
see pictures of Bruant and Jane Avril drawn by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. In
the pictures, they looked delighted, so I wanted to see that kind of feeling.
However, when I was in that caf, I felt like a stranger. I felt uncomfortable
when a lady came out and people started shouting at her. Surprisingly, that
lady smiled and laughed instead of feeling disappointed. At the same time,
a dancer danced and just shouted all the time.
Incredibly, the people in that place loved seeing that kind of show. They
laughed, danced, and shouted all the time. It seemed like that place was
the happiest place in the world. I felt that everyone there wanted to live
with his or her own dark side forever. After twenty minutes, I could not stand
that kind of atmosphere anymore. I went out and said to myself, "I will never
ever come here again."
88
QUESTIONS
1. Toulouse-Lautrec was a famous artist- tell me about three famous artists
from Taiwan.
2. What about Toulouse-Lautrecs work do you like? Dislike?
3. Before reading this textbook- did you know of Toulouse-Lautrec? What
artists are you familiar with?
4. What art do you like? What kind of paintings do you like? Do you have a
favorite artist?
5. If you were an artist, what kind of artist would you be? A sculptor? A
painter? A writer? Explain why.
6. Who are some of Taiwans famous artists?
89
UNIT 14
Today's Genetically-Engineered Food
The foods of our future

Tastier, better-tasting, and longer lasting food.
Breakthroughs in science are changing the way
people produce food. Scientists are producing
better-tasting, better-looking and longer-lasting food.
Some people love it, but other people fear this new
food may not be safe.
90
Voices in Favor of Genetically Modifying Food

I don't agree with the idea that scientists should not
grow genetically-engineered food. If they want to
make progress, they should do experiments. It's
important to keep trying. If they don't keep trying,
they will never be able to develop new technologies.
The world is changing. For many reasons, scientists have to find new
technologies. Maybe these technologies won't be successful in the
beginning, but if scientists keep trying, they will develop new ways.
Pinar Mfftler from Turkey
I think it is okay for scientists to genetically engineer food because they can
develop better food and this can help with the hunger problem all around
the world. In the case of vegetables and fruits, we wouldn't have to depend
so much on farmland, wondering if the crops are going to spoil or not.
Scientists can help us to have more and better meats to eat by cloning only
the superior animals. I don't think that we should worry so much about
genetically-engineered food. After all, this food has been designed
specifically to be better in many ways. Technologies won't be successful in
the beginning, but if scientists keep trying, they will develop new ways.
Martn Ramrez from Argentina
I think genetic engineering is great. Since time immemorial, people have

been dreaming about producing tastier, longer-lasting, better quality food.
It is not a secret that many products have been genetically-engineered
already. If more new foods are created by genetic engineering, just
imagine the variety of dishes you could serve at the table. I was impressed
by the news that tomato soup has been created from cells. It would be so
great to create a good steak that way. Then we wouldn't have to kill
animals for food. I hope in the future this will be possible.
91
Vera Sirotkina from Russia
I think it is normal for scientists to produce genetically-engineered food

because of the high level of technology and research that is going on these
days. Scientists always want to know more and more and they hope to find
ways to solve problems. Nowadays we are facing many problems such as
pollution, an excess of rain, or a lack of it. Scientists want to collaborate to
find solutions for these problems. I think the most common feeling people
have is the fear of the unknown. We can't imagine how it is possible to
create new food using a high level of genetic engineering, but thanks to
new advanced technology and research, man is able to create new food. I
think this could be something great for our world.
Angela Fernandez from Mexico
Fears about the Genetic Manipulation of Food

Photo: Sandy Peters
I don't know if the tomatoes we find in supermarkets are genetically

manipulated or not. What I do know is that they are very bad!
If we manipulate vegetable genes, we can manipulate
human genes. My first fear is that it may be possible that a
substance which is left in food could get into a human
body while the person is eating. Then, is it possible that this
substance could modify the person's genetic structure?
The new techniques do not assure taste
Another thought: I don't know if the tomatoes we find in
supermarkets are genetically manipulated or not. What I do know is that
they are very bad! A tomato grown with sun and soil is much better. In the
case of strawberries, actually, most strawberries we can find are very tasty. I
guess, however, they have been genetically manipulated, too.
92
Can we trust the scientists?

Food production by genetic manipulation is a very small part of what
scientists do. I think that they are working much more behind our backs on
animal and human manipulation: monsters and Frankenstein might not be
fiction.
A Simulated Letter-Writing Campaign

Alert to citizens!
It's time to stop scientists from genetically engineering our food!
NOTE: These letters are not real letters and do not necessarily represent the
opinions of the writers. They simulate the kinds of letters that people
concerned about the issue of genetically engineered food might write to
editors, supermarkets, or public officialsmayors and congressmenin an
attempt to influence them to take some kind of action.
To the Mayor, City Hall
Dear Mayor:
Core and more, supermarkets shelve produce, which seems perfect.
Vegetables all have the same size and the same color. They last longer
when customers keep them at home. Our association has been informed
that experiments have been conducted to modify vegetable and fruit
characteristics by splicing genes. We also know that we can't evaluate
exactly what the ramifications of such manipulations will be. These
interventions are not foolproof. As long as long term safety testing has not
been performed, we do not accept genetically engineered food.
We insist that all Houston supermarkets inform customers about the origin of
produce by labeling all the items, following the example of organically
93
grown food. Therefore, we are asking you and your administration to act on
this situation.
We thank you in advance for your consideration and we remain at your
disposal for any further information.
Sincerely,
Members of GFE (Green Forever)
Simulated letter to a city mayor by Pinar Mfftler from Turkey

To the Mayor, City Hall
Dear Mayor:
The reason that I'm writing to you is to inform you about the dangers of
genetically engineered foods. I'm sure you receive letters full of complaints
and concerns about this. Genetically engineered foods are a big
breakthrough. I can accept it is some ways, but this great progress also
brings many problems. Now these foods are sitting on the shelves without
any information for the consumer. They are not labeled.
The biggest problem is we don't know what we are eating. Last week, my
daughter and I went to a restaurant that we usually go to. After we left, my
daughter became ill. Later we learned that there were fish genes in the
tomatoes that we ate. She had a terrible reaction to the tomatoes because
she is allergic to fish. This is just one example.
I'm not the one to tell you what to do, but I believe you will do the best for us
before it's too late.
Regards,
A Consumer
94
Simulated letter to a supermarket manager by Angela Fernndez from

Mexico
To the Manager, Good Foods Supermarket
Dear Manager:
In this letter, I want to express my concern about the recent problem found
in your supermarket. I have been a customer for 20 years and have never
had any problems, but I heard that you are now accepting food that is
manipulated with genetic engineering. This is threatening our food supply.
Probably behind this exist big economical reasons, but it is unfair and
exposes humans to health dangers.
The first thing that scares me is that genetic engineering is an imprecise
technology. It is impossible to try to change the nature of something by
mixing another organism into it. I think the nature of each element in the
universe has to be respected. I don't believe in this. It is something so
dangerous that it can cause serious illness and allergic reactions, or maybe,
death.
I think we as consumers have the right to be warned when products are
created with genetic engineering. For this reason, we demand the use of
labels on each product to prevent the consumption of products that are
really dangerous for our health.
Thank you,
A dissatisfied consumer
95
Simulated letter to a congressman by Ana Lpez from Mexico

To Congressman X, Government Office
Dear Mr. Congressman:

The purpose of this letter is to express to you my concern about the
development of genetically engineered food. Such a procedure, I think, is
tampering with nature. There are some points that support my opinion. First,
this food has been spliced with genes that can be dangerous for some
people. They can be allergic to these genes, and the only way to make
them aware is by putting labels on the food that has been altered. Second,
the techniques used in the procedure are not clear. Clearly, we have the
right to know exactly what the ramifications are. In most cases, the
procedures are not foolproof. Among other things, these are my most
important concerns about genetically engineered food. For me it would be
very important that you suggest the improvement of procedures for
genetically engineering food and also the use of labels so that consumers
will know it has been done. Hopefully you can help us get regulations to
protect human health.
Sincerely,
A Constituent
96
Simulated letter to a newspaper editor by Woradej Rinswongkawang from

Thailand
To the Editor, Local Newspaper
Dear Editor:
Nowadays, there is a crucial problem in our society, and most people are
not aware of it. It concerns genetically engineered food. I know that you are
one of the most popular media with social responsibility; therefore, I am
writing this letter to you. I want you to be a part of our campaign to ban all
those harmful genetically engineered foods.
Without informing consumers, some manufacturers have done something to
their products. Sometimes, we know that they have done something, but it is
acceptable because it is not harmful to our health. Other times though, they
do not say anything and that situation could cause deaths.
I want you to think of a situation where a trout gene has been added to
tomatoes. A man who is allergic to trout eats the tomatoes, and he dies.
Who will take the responsibility for his death?
If you don't want that story to become reality, please join us. We look
forward to your reply in your newspaper, and we hope that you will become
part of our campaign.
Sincerely yours,
A Reader
97
Simulated letter to a magazine publisher from Vera Sirotkina from Russia
Dear Publisher:
Unfortunately, I am not your subscriber anymore. You know why? Only
because none of your supermarket advertisements (which I am interested in)
include any information about genetically engineered food. Please, don't
ask me, "Who does?" Why don't you be first in such a progress movement?
Imagine the benefits that you could bring to your subscribers. I bet my life
that many of them are food sensitive. After seeing all those bright pictures
and cutting out the coupons, the poor customer who has allergies runs to
the supermarket. He knows the food that he has an allergy to. For example,
he has an allergy to fish. But how can he know that tomatoes to which he
doesn't have an allergy contain fish genes in it? So that tomato salad could
be his last meal. Think about it.
Not only would this information benefit subscribers, but also it could make
your magazine unique and distinctive. The best part is that I would be your
subscriber again.
Sincerely yours,
A Reader
98
QUESTIONS
1. Why do you think people would want to genetically engineer food?

2. Do you think that maybe you have eaten genetically engineered food
without knowing? Does it bother you? Do you think most people dont care?
Explain.
3. Why do some people consider genetically engineered food as bad? Why
do some consider it as a good progress?
4. If you could genetically engineer any food you want to be better in every
sense- which food would you choose?
5. Do you think that allowing people to genetically engineer food today will
lead to us allowing people to genetically engineer other things tomorrow?
Such as? Explain.
99

K07 - The Big World

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THE BIG WORLD

No unauthorized photocopying. All rights reserved. Published 2009

Looking for adventure

Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Japan

Digging for the Past

Effects of Televised Violence

Life Style of the Amish People

Enjoying Water Sports

The Cloning Controversy

UNIT 10 Students Write 'How To' Paragraphs

UNIT 11 Students Do Volunteer Work

UNIT 12 My Arctic Experiences

UNIT 13 The World of Toulouse-Lautrec

UNIT 14 Today's Genetically-Engineered Food

The Search for Adventure

14-Year-Old Boy Sails Solo Across the Pacific

Drawing: Yuko Dokura

90-year-old Risk Taker Sky Dives

Drawing: Aumi Ono

Most older people never do anything dangerous.

Man Climbs 100 Mountains

Tsuneo Shigehiro decided to climb 100 mountains in Japan. And he did it in

Why Do People Climb Dangerous Mountains?

Drugs, drinking, guns, theft

Drugs Affect the Younger Generation

The most common drugs used in Japan are stimulant

"What do you think about drug abuse among teen-agers in Japan?"

"Why do you think teen-agers take drugs?"

"What have you heard about these things?"

"How do you think they get the drugs?"

The U.S. has a Similar Problem

High School Students: A Drinking Problems

Drawing: Yuka Nishimura

According to a survey made by U.S.A.TODAY, 58% of high school students

Student's Shoes Stolen!

Do Americans Need Guns for Protection?

A policeman in a small town stops to have a sandwich, a cup of coffee, and

Some people think Americans need

No Guns Wanted in Japan

Some bereaved Japanese parents are interested in banning guns in all

High school uniforms, dress codes and causual dress

I interviewed some Japanese students and asked them to answer this

However, recently, according to a Japanese government report, the

Blue Jeans Friday' is Coming Soon

Japanese Students' Opinions on Dress Codes

Digging for the Past

Hand work, fun, artifacts, and ancient history

Hard Work and Ancient Mystery

A Yayoi Artifact in My Father's Rice Field

Archaeology Dig is Hard Work, but Fun

what that kind of work demanded: precise technique, concentration, and

Effects of Televised Violence

Is it bad for children?

What I Think About Televised Violence

We watch many acts of violence on TV,

Psychologists Study Effects of Televised Violence on Children

Does TV Violence Affect Children's Behavior?

Here are the results of my poll.

A Visit to an Amish Community

Photo: Anita Lettieri

Photo: Anita Lettieri

Another day, we visited one of the biggest Amish communities in the

How the Amish Live