2008 01 Session A Questions Sample Answers

Passage reading

Let the student read the passage aloud.

(Before, let the student read the passage silently for 20 seconds)

Your story should begin with this sentence:

One day, Ken was listening to his teacher, Mrs. Ito , talk about air conditioning.

Please check where to pause.

Today in Japan, environmentally friendly are attracting more attention.

This is because serious concerns are being expressed about the amount of energy people use.

Environmentally friendly buildings reduce this amount, so they help improve the environment.

More and more homes, schools, and offices are being designed in this way. Such buildings will play a more important role in the future.

Your story should begin with this sentence:

One day, Ken was listening to his teacher, Mrs. Ito , talk about air conditioning.

Q&A Section

Q1

According to the passage, how do environmentally friendly buildings help improve the environment?

A1 (Sample)

By reducing the amount of energy people use.

Q2

Now, please look at the picture and describe the situation. You have 20 seconds to prepare.

Your story should begin with the sentence on the card.

<20 seconds>

Please begin.Now, Mr. /Ms. _______, please turn over the card and put it down.

A2 (Sample)

One day, Ken was listening to his teacher, Ms. Ito, talk about air conditioning . She said to the class, “We’ll set the temperature at 28 degrees to save energy.”

About 12:30, Ken was enjoying lunch with his classmates. Ken suggested going to the gym to play basketball.

Just before afternoon classes, Ken and his classmate were perspiring and felt too hot playing basketball. Ken asked Ms. Ito to change the temperature of the classroom to 24 degrees.

Q3

Some people say that large cities should have more trees to make the environment better. What do you think about that?

A3

I agree, I think trees help keep cities cool. Also, people can lead healthier lives with a lot of trees in their neighborhood.

or

I disagree. Trees cost too much to take care of . We should think of cheaper ways to help the environment.

Q4

These days, club activities at some schools have become less popular. Do you think club activities are necessary for school education?

Yes – Why?

No – Why not?

A4

Yes,

Students should learn how to work with others. Club activities give them a good chance to do this.

No,

Studying is much more important than club activities. Students have to give up too much of their time for club activities.