2026/5/23(Sat.)*SMC*
- 2 日前
- 読了時間: 12分
Lecture (1): SM Kei Narisawa
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”— Benjamin Franklin
*Test your vocabulary.
1.loathe 2.inadvertent 3.clandestine 4.affluent 5.elicit 6.corroborate 7.controversial 8.gullible 9.legion 10.universal 11.contemptuous 12.retrospect 13.homogeneous 14.capricious 15.deflect 16.canny 17.eventuality 18.down-time 19.ration 20.moderation
Manual
1 loathe
Meaning: to hate strongly
Example Sentence:I absolutely loathe waking up early on Sundays.
2 inadvertent
Meaning: unintentional; accidental
Example Sentence:She made an inadvertent mistake during the presentation.
3 clandestine
Meaning: secret; hidden from others
Example Sentence:The reporters uncovered a clandestine operation.
4 affluent
Meaning: wealthy; rich
Example Sentence:They lived in an affluent area near the coast.
5 elicit
Meaning: to draw out a response or reaction
Example Sentence:The teacher asked questions to elicit discussion.
6 corroborate
Meaning: to confirm or support with evidence
Example Sentence:Several witnesses corroborated his story.
7 controversial
Meaning: causing disagreement or debate
Example Sentence:The politician made a controversial statement online.
8 gullible
Meaning: easily fooled or deceived
Example Sentence:Gullible consumers often fall for online scams.
9 legion
Meaning: very large in number
Example Sentence:The singer has legion fans around the world.
10 universal
Meaning: common to everyone or everything
Example Sentence:Music is considered a universal language.
11 contemptuous
Meaning: showing strong dislike or disrespect
Example Sentence:He gave a contemptuous look at the rude customer.
12 retrospect
Meaning: reflection on the past
Example Sentence:In retrospect, I should have studied harder.
13 homogeneous
Meaning: made up of similar parts or people
Example Sentence:The population of the village was fairly homogeneous.
14 capricious
Meaning: changing suddenly and unpredictably
Example Sentence:The weather in spring can be capricious.
15 deflect
Meaning: to cause something to change direction
Example Sentence:The shield helped deflect the attack.
16 canny
Meaning: clever and careful in business or judgment
Example Sentence:She made a canny investment in technology stocks.
17 eventuality
Meaning: a possible future event or situation
Example Sentence:We prepared for every eventuality before the trip.
18 down-time
Meaning: time spent resting or not working
Example Sentence:I enjoy reading books during my down-time.
19 ration
Meaning: to limit the amount of something
Example Sentence:During the drought, the town had to ration water.
20 moderation
Meaning: avoiding excess; balance
Example Sentence:It is important to enjoy sweets in moderation.
Lecture (2): SM Takahata
(1) You 1 played (h ) from work yesterday, didn’t you? If you say you were ill, I’ll 2 give you the (b ) of the doubt, but how come you’ve been reeking of booze since this morning?
*1:= to stay away from work without permission
*2: = to believe something good about someone, rather than something bad, when you have the possibility of doing either
(昨日は無断欠勤したね？ 具合が悪かったと言うなら、まぁ信じることにしよう。でも、どうして朝から酒臭いんだ？)
(2) I 1 smelled a (r ) when my husband brought home flowers for me for no reason last night. I 2 have an (in ) that he has been hiding something these days.
*1: = to guess that something wrong or dishonest is happening
*2: = to have a slight idea about something
(昨晩、夫が何の理由もなく花を買ってきたので怪しいと感じました。彼が最近、何か隠し事をしていることにうすうす気づいています。)
(3) That business consultant seems to 1 have something up his (s ), but I’ve decided to 2 put my (c ) on the table. Our company *3 is (h ) up, as a matter of fact.
*1: = to have a secret plan or idea that you are going to use later
*2: = to tell people what your plans and intentions are in a clear, honest way
*3: =not having enough money to buy the things you need, especially for a short period of time
(あのビジネスコンサルタントは、腹に一物あるようだけど、僕は素直に手の内を明かすことにしたよ。実のところ、我が社は火の車なんだ。)
(4) A: The rumors that the account manager had been *1 (p ing) the company’s funds were true.
B:*2 Where there’s (s ), there’s (f ), as they say. He’s now under police investigation.
*1: = to steal money, especially money that you’re responsible for
*2: = used to say that if something bad is being said about someone, it is probably partly true
(経理部長が会社の金を着服していたのは本当だったんだ。火のないところに煙は立たないということだ。今、警察の取り調べを受けているよ。)
(5) A: I heard that our company is bought out by a *1 (b -c ) construction firm and that our salaries will be doubled.
B: It sounds like *2 a (t ) story to me. When pigs fly!
*1:= profitable and safe
*2: = a story that is difficult to believe, because it makes events seem more exciting, dangerous etc. than they really were
(我が社が一流の建設会社に買収されて、僕らの給料が倍になるらしいね。ほら話に聞こえるよ。そんなことあるわけないだろう。)
(6) A: Mieko told me she is planning to spend her vacation in a super-plush hotel in Hawaii.
B: She is such a 1 (s -o ). Her story sounds 2 too good to be (t ).
*1: = someone who always tries to show how clever or skilled they are so that other people will admire them
*2: = so good that is hard to believe, or seeming very good but not real
(ミエコがハワイの超豪華ホテルで休暇を過ごすんだって。彼女は見栄っ張りなのよ。彼女の話は眉唾ものだわ。)
(7) A: Our business is in a difficult situation and I’m not sure if we can *1 keep our (h ) above (w ).
B: Is that right? No wonder pay raise are 2 few and far (be ).
*1:= to avoid getting into difficulties; used especially to talk about business
*2: = to be very rare or do not happen very often
(我が社は今、厳しい状況にある。持ちこたえられるかどうかわからないんだ。そうなんですか？どおりでめったに昇給がないと思っていました。)
(8) Mr. Yoshida may not stand out on the job, but he 1 is in his (e ) in a karaoke bar. His only
2 (c ) to fame is that he is good at singing.
*1: = to be in a situation he enjoys
*2: = something to brag about
(ヨシダさんは仕事はぱっとしないけど、カラオケ店では水を得た魚のようだね。彼の唯一の取柄は歌がうまいことだ。)
Answer
(1) 1 hooky 2 benefit (2) 1 rat 2 inkling (3) 1 sleeve 2 cards 3 hard (4) 1 pocketing 2 smoke, fire
(5) 1 blue-chip 2 tall (6) 1 show-off 2 true (7) 1 heads, water 2 between (8) 1 element 2 claim
Table Topic Speech
(1) If today is the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?
(2) What do you understand today about your life that you did not understand a year ago?
(3) What makes you uncomfortable?
(4) What do you have that cannot live without?
(5) What have you done in the last year that makes you proud?
(6) What is the greatest peer pressure you've ever felt?
(7) Whe you think of 'home', what, specifically, do you think of?
(8) If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?
Prepared Speech
(1) Is the American Dream Still Alive?: SM Noro
For many years, people around the world believed in the American Dream. America was seen as a special country - a place where ordinary people could build a better life through hard work, courage, and hope. Many immigrants crossed oceans believing this dream.
Even outside the United States, the American Dream inspired millions of people. The message was simple: “If you work hard enough, your future can become better.”
However, today, many people are beginning to question this dream.
Recently, I watched a young American crying on YouTube because he could no longer afford to live. He seemed less like a lazy person and more like a diligent worker who put in a lot of effort every day. According to him, as rent was too expensive, food prices were rising, and medical costs were frightening, he could never continue to stay there.
Some middle-class Americans now work two or even three jobs just to survive. At the same time, wealth inequality continues to grow.
Rich families become richer through investments and assets, while many ordinary workers struggle to maintain stability.
As a result, many people no longer believe that hard work guarantees security. And we have to be aware the greatest danger is not only economic hardship, but also the loss of belief.
When people lose trust in the future, society becomes emotionally unstable. People often become angry, divided, and exhausted.
In recent years, we have seen growing political polarization in the United States. Perhaps this is connected to a deeper feeling of insecurity. Of course, America is still an extraordinary country. It remains a global leader in AI technology, innovation, higher education, and creativity.
I know American Dream is not completely dead, but maybe it is changing. In the 20th century, the dream was often connected to material success: a large house, a luxary car, rising income.
But today, many people may want something different.
Perhaps they seek balance rather than endless competition.
Perhaps they seek stability rather than extreme wealth.
Perhaps they seek meaning, social connection, and time to breathe.
I think this question is not only about America.
Many developed countries now face similar challenges: rising living costs, aging societies, economic anxiety, and social fragmentation.
So maybe the real question today is not: “Is the American Dream still alive?” Maybe the deeper question is: “What kind of dream do we need now?” And what will you be dreaming about?
(2) Following 2 Rabbits: SM Eda
(3) My Way of Studying English: SM Ishimura
There are four important parts of studying English: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
First, speaking.I attend an English club twice a month, and I simply enjoy speaking English there.This is the most important part of my English training.
At home, I sometimes speak English with my wife.For example, in the afternoon I may ask,“What shall we eat tonight?”Sometimes my wife answers,“You always ask me what to eat! Please think by yourself sometimes.”Her answer makes me laugh, but it is good English practice for me.
Next is writing.Every day, I write a diary in English about the main events of the day.Writing can be difficult because I sometimes forget spelling or grammar.But nowadays, we have AI to help us.What a wonderful invention!
Next is listening.I use YouTube on my smartphone and television to listen to English.I especially enjoy watching English news programs about health because health is one of the most important subjects for me.They teach me many useful things, such as what to eat, how to exercise, how to sleep better, and how to communicate with people.
Finally, reading.I read the English version of Google News.There are many sections, such as Politics, Entertainment, Science, and Health.Recently, I have been learning about diseases spreading around the world and things elderly people should be careful about.For example: exercise more, eat vegetables, and sleep well.Reading English news also helps me understand what is happening in the world in real time.
However, I think there is one more very important thing in studying English.That is: enjoy it.
(4) My Monochrome Memories: SM Kaneko
Last time, our leading speech master Kei Narisawa gave a speech about snacks, occasionally at his wife’s expense. It was a very entertaining speech, and it reminded me that topics based on everyday life are often the most relatable and enjoyable.
Recently, we heard news that the snack maker Calbee may change the colorful packages of products such as potato chips and Kappa Ebisen into monochrome ones. The reason is said to be the shortage of naphtha and oil caused by conflicts in the Middle East. In that sense, it may be an unavoidable decision.
Still, black-and-white packages do not look very appetizing. Bright colors usually stimulate our appetite and give us cheerful feelings. Monochrome packages, on the other hand, somehow remind us of difficult times, shortages, or instability. In a way, they seem to symbolize the uncertain state of today’s world, and honestly, that makes me a little anxious about the future.
However, the main point of my speech today is this:
My monochrome memories are not depressing at all. In fact, they are deeply nostalgic and even warm-hearted.
Today, I would like to talk about two kinds of monochrome memories.
First, television.
As I was born in 1957, my childhood was in the 1960s. Around the time I entered elementary school, famous TV animations such as Astro Boy and Tetsujin 28-go were very popular among children.
I still remember their theme songs vividly.
♪ Sora wo koete, ralala, hoshi no kanata… ♪
And:
♪ Yoru no machi ni gaooo… ♪
Even now, hearing those melodies instantly takes me back to my childhood.
Of course, boys did not watch only action programs. We also enjoyed animations featuring girls, such as Himitsu no Akko-chan and Mahoutsukai Sally.
Their songs were unforgettable too.
♪ Sore wa nani? Sore wa nani? ♪
Or:
♪ Mahariiku Mahariita Yambarayanyanyan… Sally Sally Sally-chan! ♪
At that time, however, many households still had black-and-white televisions. Color TV was something special. Only some programs were broadcast in color, and only wealthy families could afford color television sets.
I still remember one particular day. A group of neighborhood children gathered at a friend’s house just to watch the colorful NHK puppet show Hyokkori Hyotanjima. We were amazed by the vivid colors on the screen. To us, it felt almost magical.
At the same time, we accepted that ordinary families like ours mainly watched monochrome TV programs. That was simply normal life in those days.
My second monochrome memory is photographs.
My father loved photography. Taking pictures was one of his hobbies, and he often photographed our family during ordinary moments of daily life. Most of those photographs were monochrome.
When I look at them today, I sometimes feel that black-and-white photographs capture something unique. Without colors, we pay more attention to people’s expressions, gestures, and atmosphere. Somehow, monochrome pictures feel quieter, gentler, and more emotional.
Those old television programs and family photographs now fill me with nostalgia rather than sadness. They remind me of simpler times, childhood innocence, and warm family memories.
So perhaps monochrome snack packages may have an unexpected effect after all.
Instead of merely looking gloomy, they might even awaken nostalgic feelings in some people like me.
Thank you.
(5) Money is not always true wealth: SM Yoko Narisawa
When people become rich, they tend to want to buy expensive things. This is just my personal opinion, but I feel this trend is especially strong among professional baseball players. I sometimes see them appear on TV shows proudly talking about the expensive watches or cars they’ve bought. Of course, they have the financial means to buy luxury items, but I can’t help thinking that they might be wasting their money. There must be better, more meaningful ways to use it. After all, true wealth isn’t measured by material belongings.
There is a quote that says, “ Do not educate your child to be rich. Educate him to be happy. So when he grows up, he’ll know the value of things, not the price.”
Let me tell you a story about what it really means to be rich.
There was once a boy who was growing up in a very wealthy family. One day, his father decided to take him on a trip to show him how people who were less fortunate lived. His hope was simple : he wanted his son appreciate everything that he had been given.
The boy and his father visited a farm where a very poor family lived.They spent several days on the farm, helping the family work for their food and take care of their land. It was completely different world from the one the boy knew.
When they left the farm, the father asked his son whether he had enjoyed the trip and what he had learned.
The boy q:uickly replied, “ It was wonderful, that family is so lucky!”
Surprised, the father asked what he meant.
The boy said, “ Well, we only have one dog, but that family has four - and they even have chickens! We have just four people in our home, but they have twelve, so they always have someone to play with! We have a pool but they have a river that never ends. We use lanterns to see at night, but they have the wide open sky and beautiful stars. We have a patio, but they have the entire horizon - endless fields to run around in and play. We have to go to the grocery store, but they can grow their own food. Our high fence protects us, but they don’t need one because their friends protect them.”
The father was speechless.
Finally, the boy said, “ Thank you for showing me how rich people live. They’re truly lucky.”
A rich life can mean different things to different people. But being surrounded by the people you love, enjoying the beauty of nature and living with freedom - these are treasures far more valuable than anything money can buy. SMC is one of those treasures.
This year on Mother’s Day, my son sent me an email with a picture of potted carnations and a LINE video of my grandchildren. The carnations on my smartphone were very beautiful. To be honest, I wished I could have received real flowers. But more than that, I felt deep gratitude that he remembered to send me a message. And the vedio of my grandchildren made me feel very happy.
There is an old saying that says riches have wings. They can disappear at any moment. Once again I realized that money is not always true wealth.
Meeting Schedule
In-person: 9:30 AM on Jun 13 at Oyama Community Center (cooking practice room)
(Coordinator: SM Takahata)
コメント