Lesson 5: A day trip to Hiroshima

ESL Course: The Johnsons Visit Japan

Practice your English with the Johnson family as they explore Japan. This is lesson 5 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: A day trip to Hiroshima

Warm-up

  1. Should the Johnson family visit Hiroshima? (Yes, I think so. They can…)
  2. What food do you recommend they eat in Hiroshima? (They really should try the…)
  3. What are some places in Hiroshima that tourists should visit? (There's…)

Vocabulary Match

devastating -   - significance
impact -   - disastrous
importance -   - result
memorial -   - remembrance

Vocabulary Match 2

atomic -   - tram
streetcar -   - nuclear
opportunity -   - thankful
grateful -   - chance

Story

The Johnson family took a day trip to Hiroshima, where they rode on a streetcar to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. They learned about the devastating impact of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace in Japanese culture. Later, they visited Hiroshima Castle and enjoyed some local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

As the day came to an end, Mr. Johnson couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn about the history of Hiroshima.

Quiz

  1. What did the family ride to get to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome?
  2. What did the Johnson family learn about during their visit to Hiroshima?

Conversation

Sam: Ugh! I can't do this! My paper crane looks really wonky!
Sarah: I don't know. Just follow the instructions. It's not that hard.
Sam: It's impossible! I can't believe you've made five of them already!
Sarah: Calm down. Do you know why we're making these cranes?
Sam: Erm.. because mom said we have to?
Sarah: No, you idiot. It's to honor Sadako. She made 644 of them.
Sam: Wow. Um, okay. Let me try again. Fold this bit, then this goes here, and…
Sarah: Then you blow into the bottom, and voilà! Your first paper crane!

Discussion

  1. Why is it important to remember historical events like the atomic bomb in Hiroshima?
  2. Can you make okonomiyaki? Do you have a secret recipe?
  3. Plan a day trip to Hiroshima. Where will you go first? What about lunch? And in the evening?

Vocabulary Answers 1

devastating → disastrous
impact → result
importance → significance
memorial → remembrance

Vocabulary Answers 2

atomic → nuclear
streetcar → tram
opportunity → chance
grateful → thankful

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. They rode on a streetcar.
  2. They learned about the devastating impact of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace in Japanese culture.

Next Lesson

The Johnsons Visit Japan - Lesson 6

Lesson List

  1. The family arrives in Japan
  2. First day in Tokyo
  3. The Johnsons head to Kyoto
  4. A day of exploration in Kyoto
  5. A day trip to Hiroshima
  6. Enjoying the sights in Kobe
  7. Osaka Castle and street food
  8. A relaxing day at the onsen
  9. Two exciting days in Tokyo
  10. The family's last day in Japan

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