Preparing for Eiken

I'm preparing for an English test, Eiken pre-1st grade. I've never taken the test, so I bought a workbook for the test that I will able to get used to the form of the test. 

Lack of vocabulary is a big problem for me. There are many words in the book I've never seen. 

Another problem is that I don't read articles carefully. I don't need to be hurry. There would be plenty of time for solving problems. 

Reading these articles for workbook's problem, I've found there are many interesting topics in the book. I didn't really like preparing for English tests, but not so bad. 

Ontake Volcano

The eruption of Mt. Ontake killed and injured many hikers. I'm really sorry for the victims. Unfortunately, no one predicted the eruption this time. I think it's hard to predict when and where there will be a eruption. 

According to the newspaper, there are about 100 active volcanos in Japan. Some volcanic mountains are popular sightseeing spots. To prevent another victims, authorities should announce the risk of visiting active volcano areas. 

TOEIC

I took TOEIC test today. I listened to radio in English and read English reading comprehension text book for preparing the test. 

For reading section, it worked well for me. I think I could get the best score for me this time. On the other hand, I don't think I could not get my own highest point for listening part. I was confused to choice suitable answers many times. I should listen wide range of listening materials more. 

Operation?

I went to see a doctor because I felt uncomfortable on my left ear. The doctor said I have to go to the major hospital to have specific examine. I had an operation several years ago. I think I've got the same illness again. I hope not, but possibly. 

Texting While Driving

Today's topic on the Diane Rhem Show was texting and driving. It's very dangerous to text while driving. About 1.2 million driving accidents in the States come from phone use and 280,000 come from texting. A study showed that 3,000 teens die a year for texting. 

During the show, they took a pole and that showed 35% say they read and respond to text messages while driving. And 42% of who experienced accident or close has not changed their behavior. 

Those who texting drivers are close to killers. If you have a habit to texting while driving, you have to change the behavior  immediately. 

The Bluest Eye

Today's topic on The DR Show was a book titled The Bluest Eye written by Toni Morrison. The book was published in 1970's and the author later won the Nobel literature prize. 

I'm not familiar with the book and the author. According to the show, the story is about a black girl who faces domestic violence, sex abuse, self hate and other tragedies. Some schools and libraries though about the book as a pornography so that they were not allowed to read it. Even now some schools ban it form their libraries. 

I've got interested in the story, so I think I'll read it someday. 

The Virgin Way

Today, The Dyane Rhem Show involved Sir. Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, as a guest. 

He talked with Diane a lot of topics during the one hour show. I was really excited to listen to the conversation. 

He talked about how he dropped out high school at age 16, and launched his own business. How he started the wonderful aviation company, or what he thinks about recent world problems such as huge conflict in Syria and the Ebora pandemic.

One of the most impressive things for me  in his idea was that listening to others is more important than speaking to others. He has 70,000 workers in his empire, and even though he's been busy, he is trying to listen to their thoughts as much as he can. Of course he listens to his customers' voice, too. I think that made him a successful business person.