One Day in Shimane
Alex, a student in Australia, sends this short message to his Japanese friend Hana.
Hi Hana, I am coming to Shimane for one day next month. I want to see traditional Japanese culture and eat local food. I do not have much time. What should I do? Alex
Hana's English teacher gives the class this writing task:
Write a reply to Alex in 25-35 words. Your reply must include:
- one place in Shimane,
- one local food, and
- one reason for your choice.
Hana likes Matsue Castle and Izumo soba. She knows the castle is a national treasure and that soba is a local noodle dish. She starts: 'Hi Alex, I recommend Matsue Castle...' but stops because she is not sure how to include all three points without going over the word limit.
1. What three pieces of information must Hana include, and why does the 25-35 word limit matter for a one-day visitor?
Read the worked answer
She must include one place (for example, Matsue Castle), one local food (for example, Izumo soba), and one reason (for example, the castle is a national treasure or soba is local). The limit matters because Alex has only one day; a short, clear reply helps him plan without reading a long list. It also forces Hana to choose, not describe every sight.
2. Write Hana's reply in 25-35 words. Count the words and show that all three points are present.
Read the worked answer
Hi Alex, I recommend Matsue Castle. It is a national treasure and shows traditional culture. Then try Izumo soba, a local noodle dish. Have fun! (26 words; place = Matsue Castle, food = Izumo soba, reason = national treasure/traditional culture and local dish.)
3. Hana also wants to write 'You should go to Matsue Castle because it is old.' Would that meet the task? Explain using the required points.
Read the worked answer
It would not fully meet the task. It gives a place and a reason ('old'), but it does not name a local food, and 'old' is vaguer than 'national treasure' or 'traditional culture.' A complete answer needs all three points: place, food, and reason. The sentence could be part of the reply, but Hana must add the food and a clearer reason.