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Discovering Japan

A complete A2 country lesson with reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking, Something New and writing.

A250–60 minutesCountries & culturePrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this country? Discuss with a partner and write two ideas. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher Answers
1 Lesson Goals
Mount Fuji reflected in a lake in Japan

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Discovering Japan.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • use the lesson language in speaking or writing.
Start here: What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this country? Discuss with a partner and write two ideas.

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It has four main islands and many smaller ones. Tokyo is the capital and one of the largest cities in the world. Japan is known for both old traditions and modern technology. Visitors may see historic temples, quiet gardens and traditional festivals, but they also experience fast trains, busy shopping districts and advanced electronics. Food is an important part of daily life. Rice, noodles, fish and vegetables are common, and dishes such as sushi and ramen are known internationally. Japan also has dramatic natural scenery. Mount Fuji is its highest mountain and a famous symbol of the country. Although Japan is highly urban, mountains and forests cover much of the land.
3 Vocabulary
Words: island · tradition · temple · advanced · scenery

Write a short meaning or example for each word.

island –

tradition –

temple –

advanced –

scenery –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Where is Japan?

2. What is the capital city?

3. Name one traditional feature visitors may see.

4. What is Japan’s highest mountain?

5. What contrast does the reading describe about Japan?

5 Language Focus

Complete the present simple sentences.

1. Japan (have) four main islands.

2. Tokyo (be) the capital.

3. Many visitors (try) Japanese food.

4. Mount Fuji (stand) as a famous symbol.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. Where is Japan?

2. What is the capital?

3. What does Japan combine?

4. What is the highest mountain?

Speak

Discuss with a partner.

• What would you most like to see in Japan?
• Which Japanese foods do you know?
• How can a country protect traditions while also changing?

Discovering Japan — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

In pairs, plan one day in Japan. Include one traditional place, one modern place and one food experience. Present your plan in 45 seconds.

Write

Write 80–100 words introducing Japan to a traveller who has never been there.

8 Puzzle or Game
Draw, Mime or Describe

Choose a useful word from this lesson. Do not say the word. Draw it, mime it, or describe it. Your partner has three guesses.

Swap roles and play again with a different word.

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main idea of the lesson.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can share an idea in spoken or written English.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
My final challenge: Discovering Japan

Plan: Write 5 useful words or ideas from the lesson, or make a quick labelled sketch.

Write: Write 5–7 sentences that show what you learned. Try to use at least 3 words from the Vocabulary panel.

Share: Explain your work to a partner for about 30 seconds.