Cherry blossom fun returns to Tokyo

Nick's ESL News Lessons

A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.

Date: 2023/03/17

Difficulty: Beginner A1

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Vocabulary Match

blossoms -   - flowering
blooming -   - actions
virus -   - person in charge
official -   - condition
measures -   - flowers
situation -   - sickness

Article

For the first time in four years, people in Tokyo can have picnics under cherry blossoms and enjoy spring events. However, there are still some rules to stop the virus.

Cherry blossoms started blooming on March 14th. In 2020, Tokyo said no eating and drinking in parks because of the virus, but now, parks like Ueno Park and Inokashira Park let people have picnics.

The virus situation in Japan is getting better and people can decide if they wear a mask. There are still some rules in parks, though.

An official said, "We would like people to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking basic measures."

Quiz

  1. When did cherry blossoms start blooming in Tokyo this year?
  2. What was the rule about eating and drinking in parks in 2020?

Conversation

A: Did you hear? We can have picnics under the cherry blossoms again!
B: Yeah, it's been four years! I'm excited.
A: Me too, but we need to follow some rules.
B: Right, like hand cleaning and not being too close to others.
A: Yeah. Let's go to Ueno Park and enjoy the blossoms!
B: Great idea! I'll bring sandwiches and drinks.

Discussion

  1. What is your favorite thing about spring?
  2. What other events happen in spring in your country?
  3. Where is the most beautiful place to see flowers in your country?
  4. Do you like to take photos of flowers? Why or why not?
  5. What kind of pictures do you like to see on social media?

Vocabulary Answers

blossoms → flowers
blooming → flowering
virus → sickness
official → person in charge
measures → actions
situation → condition

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. They started blooming on March 14th.
  2. In 2020, Tokyo said no eating and drinking in parks because of the virus.

Source Material

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14863529

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