2025/1/11(土)*SMC*

Word of the Day: SM Noro

Worksheet: Understanding and Using the Word “Fake”

Part 1: Understanding the Word “Fake” 

[Definition]

• Fake (adjective): Not genuine or real; counterfeit.

Ex: She bought a fake designer bag.

• Fake (noun): A person or thing that is not genuine.

Ex: The signature on the document was a fake.

• Fake (verb): To make something appear real in order to deceive.

Ex: He tried to fake an illness to skip school.

[Synonyms] False, counterfeit, fraudulent, imitation, phony.

[Antonyms] Real, authentic, genuine.

Part 2: Identifying “Fake” in Context 

Instructions: Read the sentences below and underline the word “fake.” Then identify whether it is used as a noun, verb, or adjective.

1. The police discovered that the painting was a fake.

2. She gave a fake smile to hide her disappointment.

3. He tried to fake his signature on the contract.

4. Be careful! That website might sell fake products.

5. The magician’s tricks were fake, but they were entertaining.

Part 3: Fill in the Blank 

Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word “fake.”

1. The company was fined for selling ________ jewelry.

2. He decided to ________ being sick so he could stay home.

3. That passport is obviously a ________.

4. Her laughter sounded ________; she wasn’t really amused.

5. Don’t be a ________; just be yourself.

Part 4: Rewrite the Sentence 

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences to use the word “fake” in a different form.

1. The money is counterfeit.

Rewritten: ____________________________________

2. She pretended to like the gift.

Rewritten: ____________________________________

3. This isn’t a real diamond.

Rewritten: ____________________________________

Part 5: Creative Writing

Instructions: Write 3-5 sentences using the word “fake” in different forms (noun, verb, and adjective).

Part 6: Discussion Questions 

1. Why do you think people create fake items or pretend to be something they’re not?

2. Have you ever been tricked by something fake? What happened?

Lecture: SM Eda

色々な否定表現

A. 否定の慣用表現

1 I can't falling in love with you = I can't but fall in love with you.

君を愛さずにはいられない

2 You can't study hard when you attend SMC.

SMCに参加するのに勉強し過ぎることはない

3 It was not I was 41 that I began working.

私が働き始めたのは41歳の時だったのです

4 I had met him before he ran = had I met him before he ran.

彼に会うや否や、彼は逃げた

5 I want nothing love.

私は愛だけあればよい

6 He is no strong.

　彼はもはや強くない

B. 否定語を使わない否定表現

7 I am speely to prepare for SMC.

私は眠すぎてSMCの準備ができない

8 He is the 　　 person to make a public speech.

彼は人前でスピーチするような人ではない

9 The TV personalities never to sing.

そのTVタレントは必ず歌う

10 My talk is but boring.

俺の話は決してつまらなくはない

11 500 yen for attending many SMC meetings is from expense.

500円で何回もSMCに出れるのは決して高くない

12 No animal can live from danger.

どんな動物も危険を免れずに生きている

Answer

1 help 2 too 3 until 4 hardly 5 but 6 longer 7 too 8 last 9 fails 10 anything 11 far 12 free

Table Topic Speech

(1) Happy puppies make humans happy.

(2) Funny holidays in other countries.

(3) Tips for buying gifts everybody want.

(4) Things to do in the traffic jam.

(5) Funniest Childhood Memory.

(6) Answers on the meaning of life.

(7) Ways to remember birthdays.

(8) My Most Embarrassing Moment.

(9) The best jokes ever.

Prepared Speech

(1) Harassment: SM Kei Narisawa

At Christmas and New Year’s, people often talk about family, kindness, and peace. But today, I want to 

discuss workplace harassment—something inspired by Manga Ichi, which I often read. These stories touch on struggles like single, 

parenting, finding love, and workplace bullying. Are these themes purely fictional, or do they reflect 

reality?

In one story, Ichi was sabotaged by a superior and unfairly labeled incompetent, leading to a demotion. 

Could such things really happen due to jealousy or dislike? Reflecting on this, I remembered witnessing 

workplace harassment early in my teaching career. One teacher dumped documents onto a colleague’s 

desk while speaking harshly, an act that led to legal action. Another teacher bullied both students and 

staff, including me. When a student failed to retake a test, he publicly accused me of negligence. Despite 

his threats, my calm response made him back off, revealing his true intent was bullying, not resolving the 

issue.

This made me wonder: does such behavior occur often in offices? I’d love to hear from those with 

corporate experience.

Finally, on a lighter note, I experienced “harassment” at home when I ate most of a box of chocolates gifted to my wife. She snatched the rest, saying they were bad for my health. Harassment or care? You decide!

(2) Why Learning English is So Important: SM Ishimura

 I would like to discuss why learning English is so important and how it can make a significant difference in your life.

English is the global language. It is spoken in many countries and used in the news, business, travel, and education. When you speak English fluently, many doors can open for you. You can get better job opportunities, travel with confidence, and even make friends from all over the world. No matter what your goals are, learning English can help you achieve them.

English is not just about studying—it's about building a skill that lasts a lifetime. Here are some key reasons why learning English is worth your time and effort:

A Global Language

English is the global language, spoken in many countries. It is the official language in over 50 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is also used as a common language in international business, travel, and politics. When you speak English, you can connect with people from all over the world. For example, if you travel to a country where the local language is different, English often helps you communicate. Imagine being in a hotel in Japan or at an airport in France—you can still find people who speak English.

Learning English can boost your confidence and open your mind to new experiences. It’s not just about memorizing words or grammar; it’s about gaining a skill that makes you feel proud and capable. When you watch a movie in English without subtitles or write an email to someone in another country, you’ll feel a sense of achievement. Those small victories build self-esteem and motivate you to keep learning. English also helps you think differently. When you learn a new language, you start to see the world in a new way. You understand other cultures better, and this makes you more open-minded.

In conclusion, English is not just a language; it's a tool that can change your life in many ways. Learning English is a valuable investment in your future, offering countless opportunities and enriching your personal and professional life. Thank you.

(3) Journey of Learning: SM M.G

The journey of learning is unique for everyone. So I think that if we can find joy in the process or even just make practice a habit, that's what really matters.

(4) This year's challenge, Morse Code Communications: SM Kakisu

Late last year I heard Morse Code Communications on the radio. The program was an introduction to things that are going to disappear from this world, and Morse Code Communications was one of them.

At the moment I heard this Morse code, my memory took me back to my high school days 60 years ago. I was a member of my school's amateur radio club and enjoyed Morse Code communications with foreign countries every day during lunch break in the radio station room. Those happy memories came back to me. I know that Morse code sounds like a mere sound to most people, but to me it sounds like a pleasant rhythm. While listening to the radio, the pleasant stream of sound began to stimulate my brain. Then I decided to resume Morse Code communications for this year's challenge. After a few days, I realized big challenge that is if I send Morse Code messages to overseas, but no one is receiving them. It is as if I cannot play catch ball alone. But Morse Code communication is my hobby. I can enjoy my hobby by myself. I will continue Morse Code communications, but I will be probably the last Morse Code communications lover on earth.

(5)  Covers: SM Kaneko

The term cover has various meanings, but today I’d like to talk about song covers.

  The point of my speech is that I believe I’ve found my favorite singer. Her name is Emily Linge. She is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter, born and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her father is Norwegian, and her mother, Christine Linge, is British and a professional vocalist. Her background is quite different from mine, yet I’ve discovered some shared tastes in her music.

  I first heard her performance just a few months ago. Based on my viewing history, YouTube suggested a video titled Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John (Cover by Emily Linge). After listening to her rendition, I found it almost perfect for me. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road happens to be my favorite among Elton John’s many songs, so it was a delightful coincidence. Another example of her outstanding work is her cover of Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right. And there are many more.

  Discovering a musician like her brings me great comfort, especially as someone without children, which I occasionally feel a little regretful about.

  Although I admire her immensely, I understand that not everyone might feel the same way. After all, as the saying goes, “There is no accounting for taste” or simply, “Tastes differ.”

(6) First Dance this year: SM Koizumi

I’m grateful that we’ve been able to start this year peacefully without any major earthquakes.

This year, I began my dance journey on January 3rd. One of my New Year challenges was to enjoy a memorable experience at the iconic Shinseiki Dance Hall, a cherished venue for ballroom dance enthusiasts in Japan. This historic venue even served as a model for the 1996 Japanese movie Shall We Dance? and its 2004 Hollywood remake.

It was January 3rd when I arrived at Uguisudani Station, the nearest station to Shinseiki Dance Hall, and waited by the ticket gate. Near the gate, there was a station stamp featuring the kanji “鶯” (uguisu), which I decided to add to my new journal. However, a foreign family of four had already taken the spot. My turn came, and as I stamped my journal, I caught the mother’s eye. She smiled, and we struck up a conversation: "Where are you from?" "From England." and so on.

Soon, my companions arrived: two women who were my dance clients and a male friend of theirs.

Shinseiki has been a shining stage for ballroom dance for over half a century. The moment you step off the elevator onto the third floor, you enter a timeless world. Transforming from our everyday selves into dancers, we descended the stairs to the main hall—the very stage that inspired the iconic movie.

We enjoyed dancing for the first time of the year with 2 great bands, "Anon & Felistas," and "Sandra & The Berries," under the disco ball’s dazzling lights.

At the start of the year, I once used to stress over setting grand resolutions, following the old saying, "Well begun is half done." But recently, I’ve come to realize it’s okay not to have big, lofty goals. Setting small, achievable goals can make each day enjoyable and fulfilling. And that, I believe, is the key to a vibrant and meaningful year ahead.

Thank you, and let’s make this year a wonderful one together!

(7) Better safe than sorry (転ばぬ先の杖): SM Takahata

She talked about the passing of the father of a close friend of her by a fall accident. She introduced 30% of accidental deaths among people aged 80 and older are caused by falls.  In comparison, traffic accidents account for only 5%, which highlights how alarmingly high the number is. She provided the measures to prevent falls that are actually quite simple; exercise to maintain muscle strength, minimize steps and uneven surfaces in the house, and never run on stairs when outside.

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Jan. 25 at Oyama Community Center (tea room)

(Coordinator: SM Kei Narisawa, Word of the Day: SM Eda, Lecturer: SM Takahata)

Zoom: 7:30 PM on Jan. 13 and 20