Lesson 8: Admiration
I want to tell you what a good husband and father you are.

I can read and understand a text expressing admiration.

INTRODUCE

It’s nice to read messages of admiration because they can boost your confidence and make you feel good.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.

    1. When you think the world of someone, you think very highly of a person.

     

    My son thinks the world of his grandfather. He wrote about his grandfather for his school essay on real-life heroes.

     

    Q: Who do you think the world of?

     

    2. When you tell someone what a something he/she is, you let him/her know what kind of person you think he/she is. It can be used both positively and negatively.

     

    If I were still in touch with my professor, I would tell her what a wonderful mentor she was. She’s the reason for my success now.

     

    Q: Have you ever told someone what a jerk he/she was?

     

    3. Remarkable means special or exceptional.

     

    The president of the company is quite a remarkable person. He does charity work and has even written several best-selling self-help books!

     

    Q: Do you consider yourself to be a remarkable person?

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one word ends in a consonant sound and the next word starts with /h/, the /h/ is often dropped and the two words are connected.
Phrase Example

of him

/ uhv-im /

I think the world / uhv-im /.

tell her

/ tel-er /

You should / tel-er / what an amazing chef she is.

UNDERSTAND

READING

Naoki is reading an email from Saori.

Naoki, I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I’ve finally made a decision. Aoi-chan and I are going to live in Fukuoka with you. I know you love us, and I know how much you love your job there… You don’t have to choose between the two things you love anymore. I feel so foolish for thinking that Aoi-chan’s fancy preschool here in Tokyo was more important than us being together.

I’m sorry that we had to fight over this, but my head is clearer now. You’re doing a remarkable job there, and I don’t want to take that away from you. You’re passionate and hardworking, which is why I fell in love with you in the first place. I think I had almost forgotten about those traits these past few months… But really, I think the world of you because of them.

And just in case I haven’t said it enough, I want to tell you what a good husband and father you are. I really hope Aoi-chan grows up to be just like you.

We’ll see you very soon!

Love,

Saori

TRIVIA

Can you explain the difference between admiration, envy, and jealousy? Admiration is a positive feeling of respect for someone. Both envy and jealousy are feelings of wanting something that you don’t have but someone else does. Envy, however, tends to be neutral or even positive, whereas jealousy is often seen as a more negative emotion.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Rephrase the sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

tell someone what a something he/she is
remarkable
think the world of someone
  1. I think very highly of Ryunosuke Akutagawa. His works inspired my writing style.
  2. The actors delivered a very special performance at last night’s show.
  3. My new boyfriend cooked something for me again last night. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure to let him know that he’s a great cook.

STEP B EXERCISE

Choose the follow-up sentence that best match the bold sentences.

1. Dante Mercado’s Fireworks by the River is such a remarkable film. __________.

  • It’s very similar to many other movies made that year.
  • It stands out from many other movies made that year.

2. If I had the courage to talk to her, I’d tell her what an excellent pianist she is. __________.

  • The way she plays is very emotional and moving.
  • I don’t think she understands what you need to become good at playing the piano.

3. James thinks the world of his mother. __________.

  • He thinks she focused on her work too much when he was growing up.
  • He recognizes how tough it must have been to raise five children while working.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You found an interesting advice column online. Read the advice column to get some tips. Then, tell your friend about what you read.

Today's Expressions

  • think the world of someone
  • tell someone what a something he/she is
  • remarkable

Shakespeare’s Secretary

Dear Shakespeare’s Secretary,

A friend of mine passed away a few days ago. Since then, I’ve been feeling very upset that I never got a chance to tell him what a good friend he was. He was always there for me when I needed him, and he was also a remarkable father to his two young children. I really admired him, but I never told him… Now I want to tell my other good friends how I feel about them before it’s too late, but I’m afraid it will be awkward. Can you help me?

— Unsure in Utah

Dear Unsure in Utah,

I’m so sorry about your loss.

Indeed, it would be good to let your other friends know that you think the world of them before it’s too late. You can express your admiration in different ways – gifts, notes, or a heart-to-heart talk. A simple cup of coffee or a note like “I think you’re awesome!” might even do the trick. If you’re a little shy with words or gifts, you can express your admiration to them through your actions. Be the same supportive friend that they are to you.

—Shakespeare’s Secretary

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

ADMIRATION
2

REMARKABLE PEOPLE AND THINGS
3

TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU THINK OF THEM
1

ADMIRATION

  1. What actions do you consider admirable?
  2. How do Japanese people normally respond when someone expresses admiration toward them?
  3. Do you think it’s common to feel envy or jealousy toward someone you admire?
  4. What would cause you to stop admiring someone?

2REMARKABLE PEOPLE AND THINGS

  1. Should everyone try to be remarkable?
  2. What historical figures do you think were truly remarkable?
  3. Have you heard about any remarkable acts on the news recently?
  4. Do you find any TV shows or movies remarkable?

3TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU THINK OF THEM

  1. When was the last time you told someone what you think of him/her?
  2. Would you tell someone what you thought of him/her even if it would be hurtful?
  3. Have you ever been told what kind of person you are?
  4. Is it okay to lie and tell someone what a wonderful person he/she is?

FEEDBACK

I can read and understand a text expressing admiration.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK