Welcome! Thinking Deeply in English

In this chapter, we explore Ideas about people, society and nature. This isn't just about memorizing new words; it's about learning how to express your own opinions, understand different perspectives, and discuss the big questions that affect us all. Whether you are talking about how we should live together or how we treat the planet, this chapter gives you the tools to share your "inner voice" in English.

Don't worry if these topics feel "heavy" or difficult at first. We will break down how to organize your thoughts step-by-step!


1. People and Society: Living Together

In our globalized world, we often encounter people with different backgrounds and values. This part of the curriculum focuses on diversity and social harmony.

Key Concepts to Understand

  • Diversity: The idea that society is made of many different types of people (culture, age, abilities).
  • Empathy: Trying to understand how another person feels. This is a key "idea" for a healthy society.
  • Social Responsibility: The idea that individuals have a duty to help their community.

Useful Phrases for Expressing Social Ideas

When talking about society, we often use Infinitives (a key grammar point from the syllabus) to express purpose or duty:

Example: "It is necessary to respect other cultures."

Example: "We have a responsibility to help those in need."

Quick Review: When discussing society, focus on why people behave in certain ways and how we can improve our communities.


2. Our Ideas about Nature

While the chapter "Natural Science" focuses on facts, this chapter focuses on our relationship with the environment. How do we view the world around us?

Common Themes

  • Harmony with Nature: The idea that humans should live as part of nature, not as masters of it.
  • Sustainability: The idea of using resources carefully so that future generations can survive.
  • Ethics: Asking questions like, "Is it right to change the environment for our convenience?"

Using the Subjunctive (Hypothetical Thinking)

To talk about nature, we often use the Subjunctive (仮定法) to imagine a different world:

Example: "If we protected the forests more, the air would be cleaner."

Example: "I wish people cared more about the oceans."

Key Takeaway: Use your imagination! The subjunctive helps you talk about "ideas" for a better planet that don't exist yet.


3. How to Structure Your Ideas Logically

The syllabus emphasizes Logic and Expression. It’s not just what you say, but how you organize it. For senior high school, you are expected to move from simple paragraphs to multiple paragraphs that flow logically.

The "PREP" Method for Sharing Ideas

This is a simple "cheat sheet" for organizing a speech or an essay:

  1. Point (P): State your main idea clearly. ("I believe that technology helps society.")
  2. Reason (R): Explain why you think that. ("This is because it allows us to communicate instantly.")
  3. Example (E): Give a real-life example. ("For instance, we can use video calls to talk to friends far away.")
  4. Point (P): Restate your main idea to finish. ("Therefore, technology makes our lives better.")

Transition Words (Conjunctions)

To make your ideas stick together, use Conjunctions and linking phrases:

  • To add information: In addition, Furthermore, Also.
  • To show contrast: However, On the other hand.
  • To show results: Therefore, As a result.

4. Grammar Toolbox: Tools for Communication

According to the syllabus, there are specific "linguistic materials" you should use to express complex ideas. Here are three big ones for this chapter:

A. Relative Pronouns and Adverbs (関係代名詞・関係副詞)

These help you give more detail about people or society without starting a new sentence.

Example: "People who volunteer in their community often feel happier."

Example: "We live in a society where technology is changing quickly."

B. Auxiliaries (助動詞)

Use these to show how certain you are about an idea.

Example: "We must protect nature." (Strong duty)

Example: "Education could solve many social problems." (Possibility)

C. Passive Voice (受け身)

Often used when talking about social issues where the action is more important than the person doing it.

Example: "Nature is often damaged by human activity."


5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-complicating: You don't need "big" words to have big ideas. Clear, simple sentences are better than long, confusing ones. Aim for the high school target of \(1,800\) to \(2,500\) cumulative new words, but use them naturally.

2. Forgetting the "Why": In the "Logic & Expression" section, examiners look for reasons. Never just give an opinion; always follow it with "Because..."

3. Direct Translation: Japanese "ideas" sometimes use "I think..." (と思います) at the end of every sentence. In English, try to vary your expression using phrases like "In my view," "From my perspective," or "It seems that."


Summary Checklist

• Topics: Can you talk about diversity, social duty, and our link to nature?
• Structure: Are you using the PREP method (Point, Reason, Example, Point)?
• Grammar: Are you using relatives (who/where), the subjunctive (if/wish), and logical conjunctions (however/therefore)?
• Goal: Can you summarize the "gist" or "main points" of a text about these social topics?

Note: For more on specific historical events or scientific facts, see the chapters on "Geography and history" or "Natural science."