Wind Farms

Have you ever been to a farm? What did you see there? What did they grow there? Rice? Maybe some cows and chickens? How about electricty? Have you even seen a farm that produces electricity? Sound strange? Well, if you visit a wind farm you will see something amazing! On a windfarm there are huge windmills that generate electricity from the power of the wind. They are very popular in some places in America and are becoming more popular in Europe. Have you ever seen one in Japan? Do you think it is a good idea to use wind power to generate electricty? What problems would wind farms create?

In today's lesson we have a story about wind farms in the UK. The government wants to build more but many people dislike the idea. Why? Listen and see: Wind Farms

After listening be sure to try some of the exercises on the Breaking News English webpage!!!

Driver's License

How do you go to school? By train, by bus, by car? Did you know that many American students drive to school? It's true! Students can get their driver's license when they are 16. High schools have a special driver's course for students and have cars for them to practice with on a special course and on the regular roads with their teacher.
Getting a driver's license is easy. It takes about an hour to take a written test and then a driving test with a policeman. The cost is usually less than $30. Most people pass without any trouble.
Would you like to drive to school? Do you think it would be a good idea for high school students in Japan to drive cars? What problems would this cause? Think about these points while you listen to this conversation between a father and his daughter who has just gotten her driver's license

Secret City Beneath Tokyo

Have you ever wondered what may lie under your feet as you walk through the streets of Tokyo? Well, so have I! Many cities in Europe have miles and miles of underground tunnels. Some were built by the government and some were built in ancient times. Those built in ancient times are usually the remains of ancient cities that existed before the present cities were built. Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, and Istanbul to name a few are amazing because there are actually ancient cities underneath the modern cities! But what about Tokyo? Is there anything underneath the city? Well, read this.
After you read the article,(it may be difficult, but please try!), write a short summary and tell me what you think may lie underneath Tokyo. Is there some secret city?

Here are some other websites that document the underground worlds that exist beneath our feet:
Underground England
Underground Berlin
Underground Paris
Underground Istanbul