Having been a teacher for 20 years now I think I know what it takes to learn a language. I have worked with over 2000 students and one thing becomes evident – the people who succeed in mastering a language all share similar qualities. Just what are they? Determination is a big one. It’s not something [...]
I first came to Japan back in 1994, it seems like a lifetime ago. I was a student back then and I chose to come here on a study abroad program. As it turned out, it was the best decision I ever made. This year is my 15th in Japan and I’m approaching my 11th [...]
When I first came to Japan I wasn’t sure what to expect. I came here looking to try something new and now I’ve spent close to half my life here. I have been blessed to have met so many wonderful people and had so many incredible experiences. Three years ago my wife and I welcomed [...]
Here’s another preposition challenge for all you eager beavers out there. Think you’ll find this one challenging. Good luck. of /on / for / over / in / with / to / beyond / at / X/ Sometimes _____talent comes _____ the most unlikely of places, and _____ the most unlikely of people. I mean [...]
I’m sure some of you have been eagerly awaiting my next preposition challenge. Enjoy. Over/ to / for / with / in / from / into / at / out / (x) (x) = blank It’s interesting how tough it is _____stick _____ goals that I had once set _____ myself. I was very strict [...]
Everyone seems to have trouble with “a / the”. I know it’s difficult, so I think in order to teach it I will just tell you a story and see if you can put “a” and “the” in the right place. I’m married, and my wife is ____ nice Japanese girl, so sometimes there is [...]
Here we go again…we’ve just finished the first decade of the 21st century and I for one am really excited about this year. Smith’s 英会話 Hirakata has quite a few surprises planned for 2011 so be sure to keep your eyes open. I’m the kind of guy who likes to keep things fresh which is why [...]
The new and improved Proposition article. Now with even more twists and turns. Please pay close attention to the new rules. NEW RULES: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions from the preposition list below. Please put an X when there is no preposition required. Also locate and circle the one really BAD sentence. [...]
For / of / at / in / to / about / into / under / upon / without / before / beyond / near The last time I wrote a missing proposition article _____ the Smith’s Hirakata 英会話 Soapbox blog it was because one _____ the students here _____ Smith’s Hirakata requested that I [...]
As many of you know I have had a long running history with my iPhone. First and foremost was just the arrival of the iPhone for sale in Japan, and even after that, it was just horrible timing, because I had already recently become locked into a contract with a phone that I had, at [...]
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