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I went to the Jozankei View Hotel with my family. My room was great, and I had a lot of fun! I went to the hotel pool with my little brother, and we had a great time swimming and playing with a beach ball. Then we went to a restaurant. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet so I chose my favorite food: steak, French fries and sushi. After that, we went to the shops, took a big bath and went back to our rooms. I was full, so I went to bed early. The next day, we had a buffet-style breakfast, too. I ate so much that my belly almost burst! I want to stay there again on my next vacation. (by a reader)
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Many Japanese children study English for many years but never learn how to speak it. I have heard many English teachers say that this is because university entrance exams don’t test speaking. In 2006, the Center Test changed, and students were tested on their listening as well as their reading. In 2020, the Ministry of Education wants universities to start using special private English exams that include a speaking test. 72 of the 82 public universities in Japan have decided to start using these private exams. Now will students learn how to speak English? (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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