INTRODUCE
Many foreigners are not aware of the different gift-giving customs in Japan. They may ask a lot of questions about them, so knowing how to answer their questions can be very helpful.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.
1. A token of one’s appreciation is something that is given to a person to say thank you.
The team worked really hard to finish the project on time.
I know! That’s why we should give the members a token of our appreciation for their hard work.
Q: What’s the best gift to give someone as a token of your appreciation for his/her hard work?
2. To show one’s gratitude means to express appreciation for something that someone has done.
My neighbors helped me fix my fence. How can I thank them?
You can treat them to dinner to show your gratitude.
Q: How do you usually show your gratitude?
3. To put a lot of thought into something means to think carefully about it.
I’m not sure what to give my wife for our fifth anniversary.
Give her something unique. She’ll appreciate that you put a lot of thought into your gift.
Q: Do you think it’s important to always put a lot of thought into a gift?
STEP B PRONUNCIATION
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
a lot of thought / uh laht ə thawt / |
He clearly put / uh laht ə thawt / into it. |
UNDERSTAND
LISTENING
Naoki is now living and working in Fukuoka. He’s at the office talking to Andy, his new Australian coworker.
 |
TRIVIA
The phrase tsumaranai mono desu ga (つまらないものですが…) has no direct English translation. However, many native speakers use the phrase a little something to sound humble when telling someone that they got him/her a gift.
O Here’s a little something I bought for you in Mexico.
O It’s just a little something I thought you might like.
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Complete the sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
- Please accept this as _____ for being a big part of the organization.
- Josh’s girlfriend is happy with the present he gave her. He obviously _____.
- Lexi gave her mom a card and flowers to _____.
STEP B EXERCISE
Follow the instructions in parentheses using the expressions in the box.
1.
Tutor: Wow! That’s a great idea for a gift.
Student: Thanks. (Say that you carefully considered what gift to give.)
2.
Tutor: I heard that the Smith family donated a lot of money to that children’s center.
Student: They did! (Say that the kids at the center painted a huge portrait of the family as a gift to say thank you.)
3.
Tutor: Whoa, the Blue Roses are having a free concert?! That’s awesome, but why?
Student: (Say that they want to express their appreciation for their fans.)
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
Your friend just moved to Japan. He/She left you a voicemail while you were at work. Listen to the voicemail. Then, call your friend back and give him/her some advice.
Today's Expressions
- a token of one’s appreciation
- show one’s gratitude
- put a lot of thought into something
Challenge 2
Discuss your ideas.
If TimeAllows
1 GIFT-GIVING CUSTOMS |
2 SHOWING GRATITUDE |
3 CHOOSING A GIFT |
|---|---|---|
|
1 GIFT-GIVING CUSTOMS
|
2SHOWING GRATITUDE
|
3CHOOSING A GIFT
|
FEEDBACK
I can listen to and understand someone talking about gift-giving.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
