Overview

Every time I read books which deal with relation between Japanese and English, it’s very famous that Japanese are weak at English written in every book. When I read it, I feel that right. I’m poor at English too. But, then I have a question. Why Japanese weak at English? I don’t understand the reason why Japanese weak at English. Where are answers of this sad problem? I want to know that as Japanese. So, I research this problem and write this essay. In this essay, I deal with this problem from three different views. The first view is linguistic and cultural differences between Japanese and English. The second view is differences about English teaching between Japan and other Asian country. In this section, I pick up Korea as a comparative country. Why I choose Korea as a comparative country is that Korea is the same Asian country and the way of Korean English Teaching differs from Japanese one. The third view is Japanese original culture or attitudes.

Thesis statements

* Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is one or two sentences in your essay's first paragraph that state your central idea/argument. Its function in an essay/research paper is similar to that of the topic sentence in a paragraph. It should:
- assert one main idea on the topic
- be clearly stated, using simple and direct language
- be grounded in a clearly established context (ie your ideas must be given in terms of clear real-life examples and events, and not remain abstract).
- assert a position and challenge the reader (ie state a clear argument and make the reader want to continue reading)

For a very good guide on how to write a strong thesis statement, including good examples of weak and strong statements see here.
Also see Handout p.293 and Diana Hacker, p.113.

Review the examples of strong Thesis statements on the University of Indiana website and in Diana Hacker, pp 113-4. How do your sentences compare? How can you improve them.

Remember, the Thesis Statement will give your reader the key to your essay. It should also challenge them and get them interested in reading on. The thesis statement you write this week is likely to change as you research your topic more deeply. Having a good idea now of your thesis will help guide your research.

Introduction

*As you get started on the first draft of your essay, here are some points to remember:
-have a clear plan for your essay before you start writing. Your essay will probably change as you write and research more, but having a paragraph-by-paragraph plan will help you get started, will make the essay seem manageable and will guide you as your thoughts develop. Think about how you will organise your essay. Ann Hogue offers a range of Patterns of Organisation in essay writing that you will be familiar with from first semester. You are free to develop your essay around one single Pattern of Organisation or a combination. Before you start, think about what will be the best way to discuss your topic and develop your argument (narrative, logical division of ideas, comparison, cause-effect). See Ann Hogue pages 298-309.
-use complete paragraphs throughout the essay. Remember, each paragraph develops one idea (perhaps a subtopic) and uses examples, quotes, statistics to support and substantiate your argument. Keep the reader interested by using a variety of patterns of organisation (description, sequence, cause-effect, comparison). Go over your notes from last semester if you've forgotten what a paragraph is. NOTE: Last semester, your paragraphs were limited to around seven sentences. This semester you are free to write longer paragraphs where necessary. Remember one topic per paragraph, and each paragraph must have a TOPIC SENTENCE.
-try to use quotes and paraphrasing throughout your essay. Refer to your research material to support your argument.
-keep returning to your thesis statement and be sure that each paragraph supports and develops the thesis of your essay.

*Introductory Paragraph
In class this week, you will think about, plan and draft your introductory paragraph for your essay.

Your introductory paragraph has three main functions:
-gets the reader's attention and interest
-introduces the topic
-introduces your thesis statement

There are various ways to write an introductory paragraph. Ann Hogue (p291-293) explains the 'Funnel' introduction, where you begin with a general statement of the topic and then gradually become more and more focussed until the last two sentences which contain your thesis statement. Hogue suggests four ways to approach an introductory paragraph (see Hogue for example paragraphs):

-Describe a dramatic event
-Present surprising statistics, facts, or examples
-Give historical background
-Tell an entertaining story

These are good ways to start an essay, but you may want to attempt a more sophisticated and academic approach to the introduction. If so, In the introductory paragraph to an academic article it is a good idea to:
-refer to two or three of the main arguments around your topic, citing their sources and quoting from research material where appropriate. This shows you have a knowledge of the field and that your essay contributes to a larger discussion.
-define your key terms where appropriate. If you're talking about 'human environment' or 'discrimination' or 'national profit' or some other broad term, offer a brief definition so your basic topic is very clear to the reader from the start.
-clearly state your argument in the context of the current academic/political debate.

Hints
-Try to find an interesting quote to engage your reader's interest and lend your writing authority.
-If you're working on a topical social issue or events and have access to interviews of people with first-hand experience in the issue or event, you might want to start with a quote or story from one of those people.

Remember, you have to catch the reader's interest from the first sentence. Make them want to read on.

my topic

Spent nuclear reprocessing plant in Rokkasho

Japan has many nuclear power plants and in these plants we can see radiation leak
every moments. We can not use nuclear power without radiation leak even at our best
techniques. Spent nuclear reprocessing plants in rokkasho also has radiation leak
problem. There are many ways radiation leak in using spent nuclear reprocessing plants and there is no way to block them perfectory. Actually, nuclear plants, leak low level radioactivity and most of the scientists insist that low level radioactivity is not but for human beings. However, studies proved that even trace radioactivity, our body stock them so quantity is not the matter. People live near the nuclear plants are likely susceptible to cancer. In this situation, Ryuichi Sakamoto start the project with some musicians against the spent nuclear reprocessing plant in rokkasho. The project name is “Stop Rokkasho”. This paper will explain you the fears of nuclear plants from the view of “stop rokkasho”.

My overview

My topic is "Sustainable Development of Japan" Japanese food self-efficiency is much lower than other developed countries. So I think that Japan should conduct a policy to improve self-efficiency in food products and energy supply. Firstly, I suggest you that the present situation of Japnese self-efficiency in food products and energy supply. Secondly, I will compare them with other countries' self-efficiency in food products and energy supply. Finally, I will think of the Japanese sustainbility.
Now, I'm researching about "susutainblity" and "japanese self-efficiency in food products and energy supply" from the internet and books.

Yuumi's over view!

Literacy rate in Afghanistan is the worst in the world, and I focus on women’s status and education. Firstly, I will review women’s historical and religious problems in Afghanistan. Then compare Afghanistan to other Islamic countries. Secondly in case studies, I will interview a couple of acquaintances whose works are/were related to women’s literacy rate in Afghanistan. Then bring out how it goes/done, and compare the each case study in points of many side. Finally, through the summery, clear up education problems in Afghanistan and then declare my thesis statement for it.

Patterns of essay organization

Pages 296-310 of your hand-out 'Writing in English' give you detailed examples of different ways to organise your essay.

Your essay is divided into:
1) Introduction - first paragraph containing the thesis statement.
2) Body of essay - three or more paragraphs where you develop your ideas and examples in support of your thesis statement.
3) Conclusion - final paragraph where you summarise the reader of your main points/argument.

You need to think about how you will organise the body of your essay. You can use:
*Time order (p.296) for process essays (how to do something) or narrative essays (writing a history).
*Logical division of ideas (p.301) - like the point paragraph, you divide your topic into points (subtopics) which you then develop paragraph by paragraph in a logical order (least important to most important for example).
*Comparison and contrast (p.302) - discuss similarities and differences between two policies, issues, ideas, countries, forms of media etc. Note there are two ways to structure your essay when using comparison/contrast: Block organisation and point-by-point organisation.
*Cause and Effect(p.306)- use this pattern if you are writing an essay that discusses the causes for a problem or event.
*Argumentation (p.307) - many of you are writing essays that argue a particular point of view. Use this pattern to persuade your reader to accept your opinion on the problem/issue you are discussing. Hogue makes a good point: state the opposite opinion first and then respond to it, clearly showing how it is wrong and how your view is more exact. Have with this one.

Remember every paragraph you write must follow the basic rules of paragraph writing:

One paragraph, one topic, one block of text.
Topic sentence (topic+main idea/s) - support sentences - concluding sentence
Pattern of organisation and signal words
Remember: brainstorm and plan each paragraph.

Please spend this week writing a plan for your essay. Look at the example essays I have you last week and consider how the writers have planned them: what happens in each paragraph, how does it support and develop the argument/thesis presented in the first paragraph.

On a blank piece of paper, make a paragraph-by-paragraph plan of your essay using one, or a combination, of the patterns noted above and in your handout. Remember you also have to plan each paragraph with a topic sentence, your ideas and the examples that support your ideas.

Remember good examples will make your argument stronger, inlcuding details will make it more interesting for the reader.

Often college essays follow the five paragraph essay structure. You can use that if you like (as with the examples from last week) or you are free to use more paragraphs as you need them. Remember to make the topic of each paragraph clear in the topic sentence, and be sure that it supports and develops your overall argument.

Good luck! Try to enjoy your essay writing!

imitate ssssshin's style

1. Topic-Title
New generation of Hip hop music is what it is like. There are too many styles of hip hop music that I can’t know every thing about hip hop.

2. Research Question
Everyone who like hip hop music say “the game is changed from old school” .So I research the change of hip hop music history. At first, I will research the old school hip hop. In the next place, I research current hip hop. For the last time, I think why the hip hop is changed.

3. Thesis Statement
In these days, everyone who loves hip hop say “Hip hop is changed from old age”, the old man who retired and is left behind by the new date sometimes say something like this, that is, it can be falderal of fossil, but I think this word contain two aspect, that is negative meaning and positive meaning. Negative meaning is hip hop business has became big, at the same time, hip hop culture lost good point of hip hop. Positive meaning is hip hop business has became big, thus it develop many styles, and evolutions of sound system make cooler sound. I like hip hop music and want it to change for the better. Therefore I compare current hip hop music to old school hip hop, and I want to know the difference between them, and the reason hip hop is changed.


Peace!!

My essay topic draft

1. Topic-Title
Where to for the young generation of Japan?
Social circumstances surrounding Japanese youth of today as can be seen through the social problems they face and and their view of their situation
2. Research Question
After World War Ⅱ, Japanese young generation have changed connected to transition of society (social paradigm shift) and that transition can be interpreted by applying the Maslow theory, as it were, young generation reflects social degree of maturity. That is to say, social structure has surely had decisive negative effects on the younger generation. I think the current (or contemporary) circumstances surrounding them are worse than ever, for example, social issues represented by working poor, NEET, Hikikomori, and so on. It is said that those social issues are to blame for the mentality of young generations, indeed this view cannot be completely denied, but it is also obvious that those social issues are (at least in part) due to the social structure. So, I will research why social structure arrived at (or developed into, or generated) the current system and especially how they have changed and they will change in real life and their view of life.
3. Thesis Statement
At present the younger generation in Japan face the negative impact of a range of social problems and issues that can be directly attributed to restructuring of Japanese economic policy under former Prime Minister Koizumi, wherein Japan moved from a big government to a little government approach to the economy. In Japan it is said that today is no longer the age of mass production and consumption but the age of searching after immaterial richness. In other words, spiritual richness is still more important than material richness. Then, why do say that now? In my opinion, there are two main reasons, first limitation of Maslow theory, (Maslow theory classify human desires into five stage, 1 physiology desire→2 desire of searching after safety→3 affiliation and love desire→4 desire for recognition→5 self-realization desire) and I mean a desire which can be fulfilled by material is already achieved. Second the contents of seiiki naki kouzou kaikaku (social restructuring without sanctuary) operated by ex-prime minister koizumi jyunichiro were in directly speaking, big government to little government policy, and that meant at the same time, increasing a presence of self-charge (jiko sekinin). Therefore～...

my future

I do not have a clear vision for my future, what is worth I do not want to take a job after graduate from school. I want to be traveler around the world and take photos. I do not want to be adult, but I am 20 years old, so now I struggle for not to have adult mind. I think Child mind is free from the world so we can do everything with this mind. I hope that even 40 years later I still have child mind.

My future

When I think about my future, near future and far future come into my mind, near future is very clear vision, in contrast, far future is very foggy one. My near future means my college life. In my college life, I’ll do many things, for example, studying English, History, and Journalism hard. Thus, my near future is so clear. Otherwise, my far future is very uncertain. My far future means about my career, when I imagine about my career, I don’t know what I want to do in the future. I’m very worried about it now, because of the foggy vision. Thus, near future and far future are very contrastive visions.

What is 'Amae'

I think ‘Amae’ is a lazy action or thinking which depending on others kindness and it’s a custom or notion peculiar to Japanese culture, at the same times. ‘Amae’ needs particular and good relationship between other. Sometimes I feel something bother, for examples, housework, homework, or something to do, so that I ask someone to do for me. I think this action is what I call ‘Amae’ depending on someone. When I say someone to depend on I always remind of my mother. When I was living with my family, I did not do much housework because I knew that my mother would do it even if I did not do that. Now, I’ m living by myself and realize that I was ‘Amaeru’ depending on my mother. As I said peculiar relationship I think that is my family or my close friends or my lover who I can depend on. So I think ‘Amae’ needs particular and good relationship with other likes a stranger, someone can not do ‘Amaeru’ even if someone feels something bother. So I think ‘Amae’ is a lazy action which depending on others kindness.

Amae

First time I think what is amae for us, I think it as the action to depend on someone or something like, for example when the girl date with nice boy, girls often say "please buy Ice cream. please buy something expensive", with cute voice. Girls use this term to show her cuteness and confirm her boy friend's mind or she just do not want to waste her money, so the term, amae is obtain for all over the world. However after I read Takeo Doi's " the anatomy of dependence", my idea of amae is chaneged. I can not grasp the meaning all his words, but I can realize that amae is seen in only in Japan and Japanese people has the unique heart.

Essay Topics #2

1) Think of the subject area you are most interested in. You are free to choose any area from popular culture to environmental policy to food shortages to the ethics of journalism to the impact of globalisation on minority cultures in Thailand. Choose something that you can spend the next semester reading and writing about.

2) Use the handout titled 'Exploring topics' to generate ideas by (a) working with a friend and asking questions about your chosen area of interest and possible topic (see page 21 of handout) (b)use the 'Free writing exercise' to brainstorm as many ideas about your area as you can. Remember to write quickly and freely. You can then choose the ideas about the topic that most interest you and develop them.

Another way to start developing a topic for your essay is to read through the research material you gather this week and if there is a statement, policy, opinion that you agree with or disagree with, that can become the starting point for your essay. Write down the statement or a basic summary of the policy and then start making notes about why you agree/disagree. Read further and see what other alternative opinions or policies there are available.

3)Use the formula at the end of the first entry on Essay Topics to refine your topic, your main ideas/purpose and your essay's significance.

4) Go to the library and go online and fine FIVE sources of information (articles, essays, reports, books, interview etc) on your topic. Photocopy them, print them or borrow them and bring them to class.

5) By the end of next week's class upload a one paragraph overview of your essay topic to your blog.

Remember to email me if you want me to set you an essay topic.

'Amae'

My concept of ‘amae’ is to depend on someone’s kindness for instance mothers and their children behavior. But after read Doi’s idea, though I agree with importance of ‘amae’, I do not think ‘amae’ is the best word what he wanted to mention. I do not think that is a word ‘amae’, but ‘modesty’, ‘humility’ or ‘humbleness’ because Japanese behave with those mentalities. Also, the word ‘amae’ includes minus images, for instance it can be a word which describes someone who cannot quit independent on others or someone who ‘everyday’s friend’; typically as for some girls or women. In the sentence, I cannot help thinking but he mentions that western ‘help your-self’ style is superior to Japanese behavior style because of his longing for western culture. Though ‘Amae’, I do not want to describe my thought with this word but, is important in Japanese culture he says, it has been changed since his book was published. It changed gradually to be like western style; ‘help your-self’ style. This tendency is some parts are good, and others are indecent because of contractions of Japanese and western lifestyles and their environment are completely different.

The definition of "Amae"

　　　　　I think that “Amae” is to give someone a hint how you feel to be liked by others. For instance, there are two persons- A and B. A is senior to B and they are intimate. A says “Today is very hot.” Then, B says “If you like, would you drink a cup of tea?” A says “Oh, thank you. You are considerate!” This conversation is an example of “Amae” that I had experienced. “Amae” is to imply how you feel and hope that someone does as you wish. In addition, when you are done “Amae” (“Amaerareru”), you may feel that you are liked by the person who does “Amae”. Like this, “Amae” creates the sensation of affection. Why Japanese need to do “Amae”. Because, I think that Japanese have strong group consciousness and live with helping each other. Therefore, “Amae” is to give intimate people a hint how you feel to be liked by others and needs for Japanese.
Thank you for your reading.

The Future of the Environment on the Earth

I think we should switch the social system from mass production and consumption to sustainable development. If we continue to live conventionally, the earth may be collapse. The more CO2 we emit, the worse the environment of the earth is. Global warming, the rising sea levels, the depletion of oil are examples of the environment problems. It is a firm fact that we, human beings, have a bad influence on the environment of the earth. So, I think we have an obligation to reduce a bad influence on it as human beings. Therefore we promote sustainable development.

Japanese indutries' future

When I think about the future of Japanese industries, actually, I have an optimistic and positive view on that matter. Nowadays, it is said that the economic dimension is plunged into global recession, mainly due to subprime loan problem, and the mass media say “Matters are taking a turn for the worse” or “things are coming to a crisis”. Certainly, that situation cannot be denied, it is the fact, and that claim has possibility. Circumstance of the industrial world will become worse and Japanese companies are not exception. But if depression breaks out, of course, that do not mean bankruptcy of all companies in the world. I maintain that Japanese companies can overcome depression, because Japanese companies’ skill is top class of the world in various types of industry and Japanese companies can change the structure of profits against severe circumstance. Precisely, globalization unities market worldwide. That is to say, from now on, international competitive ability is necessary and anyway company which does not have that ability goes out of business. I mean Japanese companies have an international competitive ability and capacity for surviving severe circumstance. Therefore, they triumph over adversity.