Essays 2-03b: Who am I?

I will introduce myself. I will show you about my name, hometown, family, schools, hobbies, favorite clothes, club activities and favorite seasons.

My name is Yukiko. I'm called Yuki, Yukko, Yuki-chan and Yukko-chan by my friends. However, I'm also called Yukiko. My hometown is Shiranui. There are a library, a heated pool, a hotspring and a roadside station. They are big institutions in Shiranui. Then Dekopon is the most famous fruit in Shiranui. It is an orange. I have four in my family that my father, my mother, my older sister and I. My father is medical office worker. Then my mother is a housewife. My older sister is also housewife. Now, she lives in Osaka. Then I'm a university student. I went to Shiranui primary school by on foot. It took about 10 minutes. Then I went to Shiranui junior high school by on foot. It took about 20 minutes. After that, I went to Buntoku high school by train. It took about 40 minutes. Then I'm going to KGU by train and on foot. It took about an hour.

My hobbies are especially listening to music, and shopping. I will show you their details on next pages. I like BIGBANG and 2NE1. They are Korean singer groups. I recommend you "HaruHaru" and "I don't care" respectively. I also like to listen to Western music. I listen to various singers’ songs. When I go shopping, I often go to PARCO, New-s and AEON MALL Kumamoto. I buy mainly clothes. Then I also like to go to Fukuoka, because there are a lot of kinds of shops and my favorite clothes shops. My favorite clothes are EMODA, dazzlin and MURUA. They have different tastes, but same group. Then I'm looking forward to seeing new clothes from now on.

I belonged to a badminton club for three years when I was a primary student. After that, I belonged to a soft tennis club for three years when I was a junior high school student. I enjoyed them, so I would like to play them again. My favorite seasons are spring and autumn, because their climates are much more comfortable. Also, my birthday is spring.

In conclusion, I have to be thankful for a lot of people. Also, I think my hobbies won't change. It's because listening to music and shopping are very fun for me. Then I am able to refresh with them. After that, I like clothes, and they make me happy. Then if I play sports future, I would like to play especially soft tennis. Also, I would like to enjoy seasons and my life. Thank you.

[438 words]

Reflection on Writing IV

I think I developed informal English, reading and writing skills in Writing IV. Then I wrote 12 book reviews now, so I have to write 6 or more book reviews. Also, I will write them today. Also, I wrote 5 essays now. Therefore I have to write 1 essay today. After that, I finished all of typing homework yesterday. Then I was able to wrote a lot of comments. I also received a lot of comments, so I was glad. Then I thought I had to write weekly posts more.

I was able to learn especially writing in English. I think I was able to understand better than before. Writing in English is difficult, but it is interesting. I was able to enjoy it, and I thought I would like to practical use.

[133 words]

Draft essays 2-03a: Language learning histories

I will write my language learning histories. I have learned English when I was a junior high school student, so I have learned English for 8 years. Also, I learned French for a year at university. Then I learned English or French mainly at school. Now, I am majoring in English, so I learned English by listening Western music.

First of all, I learned writing and reading in English when I was a junior high school student. I remember to did writing English of a textbook any number of times in class. Also, I remember to did reading English of a textbook with aloud. Then a textbook of English was written meaning of vocabulary by side, and I made an effort to remember the vocabulary.

Next, I also learned writing and reading in English when I was a high school student. I remember to did using a textbook or a print, and putting a word in parentheses, sorting words, and so on in writing class. Also, I remember to did translate an English sentence of a textbook into Japanese in reading class. They were difficult for me to write and read in high school, so I often have my preparations or reviews.

After that, I learned writing, reading, listening, speaking and grammar in English at university. Then I learned for the first time at university that writing or reading of book reviews, essays, blog and newspaper in English. Also, I learned listening by movies without subtitles. Then I learned conversation or presentation. Also, grammar was for a year, and I learned a lot of grammar. Also, I learned grammar and speaking in French at university. It was especially difficult grammar.

Then I often listen to Western music. A speed of song is fast, but I listen to it any number of times, and I think that I was able to understand. Also, I saw the words to a song. Then I like Western music, too. Therefore I was able to enjoy listening Western music with studying, too.

In conclusion, I increased that I didn’t know vocabulary at university. Also, I especially have no confidence in English at university, but I would like to grow up all subjects. Therefore I have to study English more. Also, I would like to do practical use in the future.

[385 words]

Essays 2-02b: Group Movie Reviews

Our favorite movies are the Walt Disney version and the 1991 one. Our favorite scenes of the Disney version are the ones in which Robin Hood disguises scene, fights scene, sings songs scene, and plays tennis scene. And, 1991 one’s favorite scenes are stealing money scene, fighting scene, love scene, and wedding scene.

First, Robin Hood wore a lot of disguises in the Disney movie. He was a funny and intelligent man. We couldn’t know that Robin Hood was disguised as an old man before he revealed his true self. Robin Hood gave some money to poor people as an old man. He also gave presents to children for their birthday. The theme song of this movie was Oo-De-Lally. This song is very famous and popular all over the world. Robin Hood sang this song with his friends and seemed so funny. And, playing tennis with a princess and a maid seemed a peaceful scene.

Next, Robin Hood stole some money from rich people in the 1991 movie. He seemed a bad person at first, but he saved poor people in fact. He moved really agility and looked so strong. Robin Hood and the princess were childhood friends, and they met again, and at last, they married. So, we thought that Robin Hood showed his great strength to her with fighting, and she must be fascinated by his strength. They are the best couple we’ve ever seen.

In both of the series of the movies have fighting scenes. Robin Hood’s movies’ high point is fighting scene we think. Without the scene, this movie is not consist we guess. Fighting for lovers or poor people must be very powerful, and important, so Robin Hood's fighting is not only for himself. Maybe princess Marian was kept on tenterhooks in fighting, but she was loved by Robin Hood, and she was very happy. Then poor people also believed Robin Hood forever.

At last, our favorite scene is Robin Hood’s efforts scene. He showed us through the movie what the important thing is. We could know that efforts make our dream come true all the time. So we always should do something as long as we can.

In conclusion, we should cherish our friends as Robin Hood cherishes his friends, a girlfriend, and poor people. Friends will help us when we are in troubles. Friends are the most important thing in the world we thought. And, this movie has a lot of kinds, so we can take each different view. The Disney version is shorter than the 1991 version. However, it is easy to understand. And, there is powerful fighting scene in the 1991 version, and it is worth seeing. If you have never seen these versions, please watch them.

[456 words]

Essay 2-01b: My Favorite Place

I have a lot of favorite places. One of them is Kyoto, because I like an atmosphere of Kyoto. I like especially Gion. It’s because a street of stores and houses is very good. This time, I introduce about Gion to you.

First of all, I will write about the location of Gion. Gion is famous place. There are a lot of stores, so we are able to enjoy not only sightseeing but also shopping, too. Also, there are a lot of tourists anytime. If even it is rainy day, Gion is always lively, I think. Then I have been there only once, and I have really taken to this place.

Next, I will write about the attraction of Gion. Do you know the Gion Festival? I have never been there, but I have seen the Gion Festival at the news. At that time, I knew that Gion Festival is great festival. Also, I knew that there are a lot of people in the Gion Festival. I am weak in a crowd, but I would like to see it in actual fact. Then Maiko-san is also famous. When I went to Gion, I could not see them. I supposed that we can see them anytime. If I have a chance to go to Gion again, sometime I would like to see them in actual fact. If we can run into them, we may be lucky, I thought.

Finally, I will write about the atmosphere of Gion. When I went to Gion, I felt that there is passing slowly of time. Then, there is quaint place, so we can be immersed in there. Also, we are able to have a good time there. Then a lot of buildings are unchanged since olden times, and I hope they keep up always, because they are also creating a wonderful atmosphere.

In conclusion, Kyoto is memories place for me. There is a good place. If I have a chance, I would like to go to Kyoto again for sightseeing, eating and shopping. Then I think that there is beautiful scenery in all seasons. If you have never been there, I recommend Gion to you. Of course, I want you to go to various places in Kyoto. I hope you will like there.

[378 words]

Essays 2-02a: Group Movie Reviews

Our favorite movies are the Walt Disney version and the 1991 one. And our favorite scenes of the Disney version are disguised scene, fighting scene, singing songs scene, and playing tennis scene. Also, 1991 one’s favorite scenes are stealing money scene, fighting scene, love scene, and wedding scene.

First, Robin Hood wore a lot of disguises in the Disney movie. He is a funny and intelligent man. We couldn’t know that Robin Hood is disguised as an old man before he reveals his true self. Robin Hood gave some money for poor people as an old man. He also gave presents to children for their birthday. The theme song of this movie is Oo-De-Lally. This song is very famous and popular all over the world. Robin Hood sang this song with his friends and seemed so funny. Then, playing tennis with a princess and a maid looked a peaceful scene.

Next, Robin Hood stole money a lot from rich people in the 1991 movie. He seemed a bad person at first, but he saved poor people in real. He moved really agile and looked so strong man. Robin Hood and the princess was a childhood friend, and they met again, and at last, they married. So, we thought that Robin Hood showed his great strength with fighting to her, and she must be fascinated by his strength. They are the best couple we’ve ever seen, we thought.

In all of the series of the movies, there are fighting scenes. Robin Hood’s movies’ high point is fighting scene. Without the scene, this movie is not consist we guess. Fighting for lovers or poor people must be very powerful, and important, so Robin Hood's fighting is not only for himself but for his friends. Maybe Marian princess was kept on tenterhooks in fighting, but she was loved by Robin Hood, and she was very happy, we thought. Then poor people also believed Robin Hood forever, we thought.

At last, our favorite scene is Robin Hood’s efforts scene. We could know that efforts make our dream come true all the time. So we always should do something as long as we can. Also we should cherish our friends as Robin Hood cherishes his friends, a girlfriend, and poor people. Friends will help us when we are in troubles. Friends are the most important thing in the world we thought. In conclusion, this movie has some kinds, so we can take each different view. The Disney version is a shorter than the 1991 version, but it is easy to understand. Also, there is powerful fighting scene in the 1991 version, and it is worth seeing. If you have never seen these versions, please see them.

Reference: Reitherman, Wolfgang (Producer/Director). (1973). Robin Hood: Walt Disney. United States: Walt Disney Productions.

Reference: Watson, John (Producer). & Reynolds, Kevin (Director). (1991). Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. United States: Warner Bros.

[451 words]

Essay 2-01a: My Favorite Place

I have a lot of favorite places. One of them is Kyoto, because I like an atmosphere of Kyoto. Especially, I like Gion of Kyoto. It's because a street of stores and houses is very good. Then I will write when I went to Kyoto. Also, I will write when I worked at Kyoto exhibition of a department store in Kumamoto. Also, I will write about some foods of Kyoto.

First of all, during the last spring vacation, I had a short part-time job at Kyoto exhibition of a department store in Kumamoto. The short part-time job was only for a week. Then there were a lot of stores, and I worked at Japanese cake store. Then I actually heard Kyoto dialect for the first time there. The Kyoto dialect was Okoshiyasu, Ohkini, and so on. The meaning of Okoshiyasu is welcome, and the meaning of Ohkini is thanks a lot. Also, I have become found of Kyoto more by working.

After that, I went to Kyoto with my family in last March. Also, I went there for the first time. At that time, we went to Ginkaku temple, Kiyomizu temple, Nanzen temple, Gion, and so on. There is also Kinkaku temple in Kyoto, but Kinkaku temple is far from Ginkaku temple, so we could not go there at that time. Also, we actually went to the store when I worked at Japanese cake store. At that time, I met a saleswoman when I worked together in Kumamoto, she was very surprised. Also, I was glad to meet her again.

Then Kyoto has a lot of famous foods. For instance, their famous foods are Japanese cake, Yatsuhashi, pickled vegetables, green tea, and so on. Also, I like them. Japanese cake has many kinds. Then maybe Yatsuhashi is also Japanese cake, but recently Yatsuhashi has Western taste, too. The taste is a chocolate, and so on. However, Yatsuhashi of a chocolate taste also very nice. I like Yatsuhashi both Japanese taste and Western taste. Then I think that pickled sliced radiches is probably the most famous among pickled vegetables in Kyoto. Also, I like green tea. When I went to Kyoto, I ate a green tea ice cream, and it was nice.

In conclusion, Kyoto is the place of memories for me. Also, there is a good place. If I have a chance, I would like to go to Kyoto again for sightseeing and eating. Then I think that there is beautiful scennery in all seasons. Also, like a part-time job of this time, I thought that chance is important thing.

[430 words]

Essays 1-03b: Their Precious Time

I am going to introduce about “Mrs. Doubtfire”. I watched this movie for the first time in class. After that, I watched this movie to the end at my home. Maybe I have never seen like this until now, so I think I have good chance watching new movie for me.

First of all, there are many themes in this movie. I think big theme of this movie is “family”. This movie expresses desirable situation of family. It also expresses parents’ love for their children and children’s love for their parents. Especially, children’s father has a deep interest in his children. Then children also have a deep interest in their father. Therefore I think father and children each other’s feelings become a key to solving a problem of this story.

Second, Daniel, father worked a voice artist of an animated film at first. He is able to uses different voices according to time and circumstances. Especially, he became a housekeeper, and he gets right into his part a woman for a long while. I was surprised it, but he was wonderful. He was utilizing his voice. Then I think that he is good father, because he is always thinking about his children.

Third, Miranda, mother is an interior designer. She is pressed by her work and housework, so she is very busy every day. However her husband doesn’t have his job, moreover he gives neighbors trouble many times. That was why she gets irritated, so she looks quick to take offense. However, I think that in reality she is an affectionate mother.

Fourth, their children are Lydia, Chris and Natalie. I think they are docile children. For example, when they meet their father, they are hugely pleased with their smile. Therefore they are an innocent a boy and girls. Children need their parents' love. I hope they spend together, because they are good all in all. Then I don't want to see children's sad faces. When they spend with their parents, they look happy. I hope they keep it and their smiles.

And then, I think second theme of this movie is “jobs”. There are many jobs on this movie. For instance, make-up artist, a lawyer, a housekeeper, a voice artist, an interior designer, a forwarding clerk and so on. It is able to know some jobs on this movie. However, it is not only, there is a problem that Daniel, father lost his job here. It was one of a cause of divorced. Somebody of family have to work for support family. Miranda, mother works, but I hope Daniel, father will also same job for a long time, if possible. He pesters his family, but he finds new his job his best.

In conclusion, children need also father for them. Their mother knew it later. Then she also knew that her husband’s loves for their children. He really loves for his children, so she thought family over once more. There are undying love and bonds of family there, whatever no matter what may happen. Then I was impressed by housekeeper, Daniel's words about family on television. After that, this movie looks more stories. If this movie will develop, I think that their family will be good relations. I also hope it. I also enjoyed watching this movie.

[548 words]

Essay 1-03a: "Family" and "Jobs"

I am going to introduce about “Mrs. Doubtfire”. I watched this movie for the first time in class. After that, I watched this movie to the end at my home. Maybe I have never seen like this until now, so I think I have good chance watching new movie for me.

First of all, there are many themes in this movie. I think big theme of this movie is “family”. This movie expresses desirable situation of family. It also expresses parents’ love for their children and children’s love for their parents. Especially, children’s father has a deep interest in his children. Then children also have a deep interest in their father. Therefore I think father and children each other’s feelings become a key to solving a problem of this story.

Second, Daniel, father worked a voice artist of an animated film at first. He is able to uses different voices according to time and circumstances. Especially, he gets right into his part a woman for a long while. I was surprised it, but he was wonderful.

Third, Miranda, mother is an interior designer. She is pressed by her work and housework, so she is very busy every day. However her husband doesn’t have his job, moreover he gives neighbors trouble many times. That was why she gets irritated.

Fourth, their children are Lydia, Chris and Natalie. I think they are docile children. For example, when they meet their father, they are hugely pleased with their smile. Therefore they are an innocent a boy and girls.

And then, I think second theme of this movie is “jobs”. There are many jobs on this movie. For instance, make-up artist, a lawyer, a housekeeper, a voice artist, an interior designer, a forwarding clerk and so on. It is able to know some jobs on this movie. However, it is not only, there is a problem that Daniel, father lost his job here. It was one of a cause of divorced. Somebody of family have to work for support family. Miranda, mother works, but I hope Daniel, father will also same job for a long time, if possible. He pesters his family, but he finds new his job his best.

In conclusion, children need also father for them. Their mother knew it later. Then she also knew his husband’s love for their children. She thought family over once more. There are undying love and bonds of family there, whatever no matter what may happen.

[410 words]

Essay 1-02b: A Better Life For You

      I am going to write about university life. I am second-year student in university now.
      First of all, I was uneasy before I entered a school, because it was new environment for me. However I was also excited to go to university, because I was able to turn over new leaf. You may be excited a lot of new things. Then I made friends that I have a swell time everyday.

      Second, there are a lot of department in university. You can study major. Then you have to make out a schedule of classes. It is difficult for me to think about taking subjects the first, but I was glad when I finished making it. Classes are an hour and half hour. I thought that they are very long time, because when I was a senior high school student, classes are fifty minutes. However, I already get used to the time. Then I can't decide my favorite class, because all classes are important and helpful for me.

      Next, there is a library. There is very useful. For example, it is able to reading books and newspapers, borrowing books, studying, using a computer, listening to CDs, watching movies and so on. I often go to the library for reading newspapers, borrowing books, studying and using a computer. I spend my free time for effective in the library. I can concentrate, because the library is very quiet. Then I thought to read newspaper is important.

      After that, there are exams twice a year. There are many way to take a test. For instance, they are hand in a paper, a written examination and so on. It needs sixty percent for taking credits. I study hard every time.
      And then there is a long-term holidays after exams. There are summer vacation and spring vacation. Of course, there is also winter vacation, but it is shorter than summer vacation or spring vacation. However, it is good. Then you can challenge a lot of things in vacations. When I was first-year student in university, I went to a driving school and I acquired a driving license in summer vacation, but I'm not driving a car recently. If you want to get a driving license, you may want to get it in your school days. I had a part-time job in spring vacation. Therefore, I lived a full life. I will probably work part-time in the next summer vacation and I want to enjoy my vacation.

      In conclusion, it looks busy at university by above-mentioned, but I am enjoying university life. I want you to realize your dream by your constant efforts. Then you make a lot of memory and I want you to enjoy your university life. I think that university life become meaningful for you after also became a working member of society. I hope this will give you some idea about university life. I wish you success!

[484 words]

Essay 1-02a: Have a Good Time

      I am going to write about university life. I am second-year student in university now. I was uneasy before I entered a school, because it was new environment for me. However I was also excited to go to university, because I was able to turn over new leaf. Then I made friends that I have a swell time everyday.

      First of all, there are a lot of department in university. You can study major. Then you have to make out a schedule of classes. It is difficult for me to think about taking subjects the first, but I was glad when I finished making it. Classes are an hour and half hour. I thought that they are very long time, because when I was a senior high school student, classes are fifty minutes. However, I already get used to the time.

      Next, there is a library. There is very useful. For example, it is able to reading books and newspapers, borrowing books, studying, using a computer, listening to CDs, watching movies and so on. I often go to the library for reading newspapers, borrowing books, studying and using a computer. I spend my free time for effective in the library. I can concentrate, because the library is very quiet.

      After that, there are exams twice a year. There are many way to take a test. For instance, they are hand in a paper, a written examination and so on. It needs sixty percent for taking credits. I study hard every time. Then there is a long-term holidays after exams. There are summer vacation and spring vacation. When I was first-year student in university, I went to a driving school and I acquired a driving license in summer vacation. I had a part-time job in spring vacation. Therefore, I lived a full life.

      In conclusion, it looks busy at university by above-mentioned, but I am enjoying university life. I want you to realize your dream by your constant efforts. Then you make a lot of memory and I want you to enjoy your university life. I think that university life become meaningful for you after also became a working member of society. I wish you success!

[365 words]

My Startup Labels

books, brainstorms, drafts, essay prep., essays, free-writing, graphics, links, media, movies, outlines, quickposts, reviews, revisions, typing, websites

Letter to My Host Family

     Hello, how are you? I will stay with you for 6 weeks this summer. First, I am going to talk about myself. My name is Yukiko. I am a university student. I am learning English now. My hometown is Kumamoto in Japan. My family has four people, my father, my mother, my older sister and I. We all get along very well.

     I also have good friends. I talk with my friends when I have a break at the school. I spend good time with my friends. I am really glad to see them everyday.

     I was playing tennis when I was a junior high school student. I have not been playing it recently and I want to play it again. My hobbies are listening to music and going shopping. About music, I listen to all kinds of music. I especially like western music and I have a lot of favorite songs.

     Then about shopping, I sometimes go shopping with my family. I also go there with my friends. I enjoy it every time I go. Let's go together! I hope this will give you some idea about me.

     Next, the purpose that I do this homestay this time is that I have a desire to actually enter an English speaking environment and I want to grow up. After that, I want to visit other foreign countries for the first time. So I am very interested in this. I want to enjoy when I experience the culture.

     By the way, do you have a lot of recommended places or foods? Please tell me about them. Then I want to go there and eat them. Japan is a good country too. Would you come to Japan? I want you to see our ancient history and eat Japanese foods. Finally, I am looking forward to seeing you. Sincerely yours

[307 words]