Tatami and Tea Ceremony

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Directions: Practice saying the words with
your tutor.

0-1 traditional / trdnl/

0-2 twist / twst/
0-3 straw / str/
0-4 brighten / bratn/
0-5 unique / junik/
Audio Pronunciation Guide
The women are enjoying a chat over tea.

EXERCISE 1: Unlocking Word Meanings

Directions: Read and learn new words and expressions with your tutor.

1-1 traditional [adjective] passed down from an older time

[Example:] The kimono is Japans traditional dress.

1-2 ceremony [noun] actions done following a set of rules

[Example:] What was your favorite part of the wedding ceremony?

1-3 available [adjective] can easily be found or used

[Example:] There are many different fruits available at the market.

1-4 position [noun] the way something is placed

[Example:] Lets change the position of the dining table.

1-5 square [noun] a shape that has four equal sides

[Example:] Cut the paper into a square.

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EXERCISE 2: Article
Directions: Read the article per paragraph.
After each paragraph there is a statement, identify if this is TRUE/FALSE.

Tatami and Tea Ceremony

Japans traditional tea ceremony is getting a modern twist. A company in Kyushu is producing straw
mats with LED* bulbs. These straw mats are called Hikari Tatami and they can brighten up any tea ceremony.
Each mat is handmade from Japanese rush grass.
*LED light-emitting diode
2-1 TRUE/FALSE: The article states that Hikari Tatami is made by a company in Kanto.

Different colors of Hikari Tatami are available. You can choose from white, brown and purple. The
white mats can be set to a cool or warm light option. You can change the light bulbs position to create effects.
It can also pass as an ordinary straw mat once the LED bulb is turned off.
2-2 TRUE/FALSE: There are white, brown and purple versions of Hikari Tatami.

Each square of Hikari Tatami can cost around 150,000. However, it is stronger than ordinary straw
mats. It also uses less electricity and comes with a one-year warranty. Hikari Tatami is a unique addition to the
respected Japanese tea ceremony.
2-3 TRUE/FALSE: According to the article, Hikari Tatami includes a one-year warranty.

EXERCISE 3: What is the correct word?

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct word or expression.

tea

modern

respect

less

white

3-1 The new restaurant has a ____ design.

____

3-2 This cake takes ____ time to bake.

____

3-3 Hot ____ is good with sweets.

____

3-4 I ____ his decision to study cooking.

____

3-5 Chefs usually wear ____ uniforms.

____

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CHALLENGE ROUND
EXERCISE 4: Do you AGREE or DISAGREE?
Directions: Read the statements below.
Decide if you AGREE or DISAGREE and tell your tutor WHY.

4-1 Lighted tatami is a very useful innovation.

You can say

I agree because
I disagree because

4-2 Traditional ceremonies should not use modern technology.

You can say

I agree because
I disagree because

4-3 Quality is more important than price.

You can say

I agree because
I disagree because

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