INTRODUCE
Nowadays, you can find just about any kind of service to make your life more convenient.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.
1. To be geared toward someone means to be made to suit a particular type of person.
This app is geared toward working parents who want to
monitor their kids when they’re not at home.
2. A rent-a-something service is a business that lets people use things for a fixed price and time.
My cousin owns a rent-a-car service.
3. To have someone do something means to ask a person to perform a task for you.
Troy broke his ankle, so he had Tiffany do the grocery
shopping.
II. Talk about a service/product that you really like or regularly use. Use the expressions above.
STEP B PRONUNCIATION
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
rent-a-costume / ren-tuh-kos-toom / |
I need to find a / ren-tuh-kos-toom / service for the Halloween party. |
UNDERSTAND
READING
Saori and Catherine are exchanging text messages.
 |
Catherine: So, how’s your visit going? I bet Naoki was surprised to see you!
Saori: He really was! I actually have a funny story about that. I’ll tell you later. Anyway, things are going pretty well. Better than I expected, actually. I can see how happy Naoki is working here. I actually kind of feel bad about how mad I got last week…
Catherine: Don’t tell me you want to apologize!
Saori: Honestly, I kind of do, but I don’t think I can. lol
Catherine: Well then, check this business out: Sorry-San. It’s an apologizing service. You can have a person apologize to Naoki for you! lol
Saori: Hahaha! Where did you find that company?
Catherine: I found it while I was looking for a rent-a-husband service.
Saori: What? Why would you rent a husband?!
Catherine: Well, not a real husband! Just someone to act like a husband. Jun is too busy at work to help me with the baby or the household chores. The rent-a-husband service is geared toward people who want a man’s help. You can have the “husband” attend school events or go out to dinner with you, but I’m just going to have mine help me clean. 🙂
Saori: So what does Jun think about it?
Catherine: I haven’t told him yet. But knowing Jun, he probably won’t even notice. lol
TRIVIA
Do you know that there really are apologizing services in Japan? They charge according to the kind of apology required: face-to-face, by email, or by text message. Apologizing services are only one of the many unique businesses in Japan. You can also rent a fake friend to hang out with you for the day, or a fake boyfriend/girlfriend to attend an event with you!
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Are the rephrased sentences correct? If not, correct them.
1. I had my secretary print 50 copies.
→ My secretary printed 50 copies for me.
2. This book is geared toward students who are preparing for their university entrance exams.
→ This book was created by students who are getting ready for their university entrance exams.
3. Eric started a rent-a-dog service.
→ Eric started a company that sells dogs.
STEP B EXERCISE
Rephrase the underlined sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
1.
Tutor: Is this class suitable for people who don’t speak any Chinese?
Student: Sorry, no. It’s meant for people who can already speak some Chinese.
2.
Tutor: What’s the best way to get around the city and do some sightseeing?
Student: There are a lot of businesses that rent out bikes here. They’re pretty cheap and convenient.
3.
Tutor: Can the taxi driver give me directions to the hotel in English?
Student: Honestly, I think you should just ask him to drive you to the hotel. That would be faster.
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
Your friend just broke up with his/her partner, who left a lot of things in his/her apartment. Read the blog post below about some unique services in Japan. Then, tell your friend about what you read.
Today's Expressions
- be geared toward something
- a rent-a-something service
- have someone do something
Japan is known as the Land of the Rising Sun, but did you know it’s also home to some of the world’s most unique businesses? Here are a few examples I’ve encountered in my time here:
Make your dream wedding come true!
A popular start-up in Tokyo is geared toward people who want to experience a wedding without actually getting married. Customers can pick their own dress/tuxedo, bouquet, and venue for a beautiful photo shoot. People willing to spend even more money can have a full fake wedding ceremony complete with a band, fake guests, and even a fake groom/bride!
Hang out with a friend!
Who says you can’t buy your friends? Believe it or not, there are actually several companies that offer a rent-a-friend service! Your “friend” will go shopping with you, hang out at a coffee shop with you, or even go to karaoke with you. Basically, whatever you want! You can even rent a “friend” to take photos to post on your social media page.
No more drama!
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of your ex’s things, there are some companies who will do the job for you. You can even choose between throwing away all of the stuff or having it delivered to your ex. Say goodbye to breakup drama! Now, moving on can be a lot easier!
Interested in any of these unique services? Check out the links below!
Challenge 2
Discuss your ideas.
If TimeAllows
1 UNIQUE BUSINESSES |
2 APOLOGIES |
3 RENTAL SERVICES |
|---|---|---|
|
1 UNIQUE BUSINESSES
|
2APOLOGIES
|
3RENTAL SERVICES
|
FEEDBACK
I can read and understand a text about unique businesses.
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
