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2025年1月18日「モバイル英語学習」第862号 (英語のエッセイ): University Entrance Exams in Japan, China, and Korea

Notes
University Admissions -大学入試
critical – 重要な
ensure – 確実にする
paused – 一時停止した
surveillance camera – 監視カメラ
fairness – 公平性
shaping – 形成する
honk – クラクションを鳴らす
Incredible – 信じられない

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The Common Test for University Admissions starts today in Japan. In 2025, 495,171 students registered for this critical exam. On this day, trains run on special schedules, and taxi drivers offer discounted rides to ensure students reach their testing centers without stress. Construction near test sites is paused, and signs remind everyone to stay quiet. Even at home, families prepare quiet meals, creating an atmosphere of support.

In China, the National College Entrance Examination” also called Gaokao is a national event. In 2024, 13.42 million students took the exam. Roads near test centers are cleared by police, honking is banned, and surveillance cameras are installed in every exam room to ensure fairness.

Korea holds the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) each November. In 2024, 504,600 students participated. During the 40-minute English listening section, planes across the country stop landing or taking off, and flying aircraft must stay above 3,000 meters to reduce noise.

These exams are different, but the incredible effort each country puts into supporting students shows how important they are for shaping futures.
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 (Image from https://www.lcxw.cn/)

2025年1月11日「モバイル英語学習」第861号 (英語のエッセイ): Traffic Lights Around the World


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Traffic lights are different in each country, and it’s really interesting.

In Japan, for example, the green light is often called “blue.” This surprised many foreigners at first, but it’s because of how colors are named in Japanese. Also, pedestrian lights in Japan make bird sounds to help blind people cross the street.

In China, traffic lights have countdown timers. These timers tell you how many seconds are left before the light changes. I think this makes it easier for people to know what to do.

In the United States, pedestrian lights say “WALK” or “DON’T WALK.” Sometimes, they use pictures instead. The yellow light means “slow down,” but some drivers try to hurry instead.

In England and Australia, some crossings have buttons you can press to stop cars. Drivers wait patiently until everyone crosses.

It’s amazing how traffic lights meet different needs!
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Here is an easy quiz about traffic lights for you (^_^)