[Practical Guide: The Path to Becoming a Hakodate English Guide] Challenging the TOEIC S&W! Part 1: Talking about the 'Magic Hour' on Mt. Hakodate in English
Thank you for always reading.
I am Hokuto no Ken-chan, a Hakodate city walking guide and cycling guide.
As I mentioned the other day, I have now started working toward taking the TOEIC S&W test.
Having achieved a score of 865 on the L&R, I have built a foundation for input, but I am keenly aware that I need different training to convey information 'logically and attractively' in actual guiding situations.
Starting today, I will be publishing training on 'speaking patterns (the OREO method)' using Hakodate tourist spots as the subject.
[Part 1 Topic: Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, when is the best time to ride?]
This is practice assuming the most difficult 'opinion expression question' in TOEIC Speaking.
■ Sample English Answer (aiming for the S&W 160-point level)
Opinion: I believe that the best time to take the Mt. Hakodate ropeway is during sunset for two main reasons.
Reason 1: First, you can enjoy the dramatic change of the scenery, known as the "Magic Hour."
Example 1: You can see the sky changing from orange to deep blue, and then the city lights begin to sparkle. This transition is truly breathtaking.
Reason 2: Second, it is much easier to see the unique shape of the Hakodate peninsula.
Example 2: In late at night, the surroundings are completely dark. However, at sunset, you can still recognize the coastline and the mountains, which makes the night view more impressive.
Conclusion: For these reasons, I highly recommend visiting the mountain top during the sunset.
■ Japanese Translation
Conclusion: I believe that sunset is the best time to ride the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. There are two main reasons.
Reason 1: First, you can enjoy the dramatic change in scenery known as the 'Magic Hour.'
Example 1: You can see the sky change from orange to deep blue, and the city lights begin to twinkle. This transition is truly breathtaking.
Reason 2: Second, the unique 'narrow' shape of the Hakodate peninsula is more clearly visible.
Example 2: Late at night, the surroundings become completely dark. However, at sunset, you can still recognize the coastline and the silhouettes of the mountains, which makes the night view even more impressive.
Conclusion: For the reasons above, I strongly recommend visiting the summit at sunset.
[Learning points for this time: The key to breaking 160 points]
1. Use the 'OREO' logical pattern: By speaking in the order of Opinion -> Reason -> Example -> Opinion, you will not confuse the listener.
2. Upgrade your vocabulary: By using expressions like 'Breathtaking'
and 'Transition' instead of just 'Beautiful,' you can demonstrate a high level of vocabulary.
3. Incorporating Contrast: By comparing 'late at night' with 'sunset,' I increased the persuasiveness of why sunset is better.
[Conclusion]
When you actually try saying it out loud, there is a frustration in that your mouth doesn't move as expected, even with words you already know.
However, I believe that once this 'pattern' becomes second nature, I will be able to convey the charm of Hakodate to the world more deeply.
First, let's read it aloud 10 times!
Next, I plan to practice with the 'Morning Market' as the theme. Thank you for your support!