We have had a busy few weeks here in the Language Centre. In November there were 3 official EIKEN tests and 1 official TEAP test. Many of the high school students are working hard to pass the upper levels of these tests for their university entrance exams. Of course we are willing and able to do test simulations with them and offer feedback on their test taking skills, but it’s very important to remember that the best way to build their language abilities is to take advantage of the range of opportunities available at school. 　In 9th grade the students take a weekly English class in the style of Studio English. I teach the Energy Zone which is where the students do have more opportunities to work as a team and out their energy towards completing tasks or projects using English. One activity I like to do before EIKEN month is a basic picture dictation. This usually encourages the students to use a variety of grammar and vocabulary as well as communication skills such as elaborating on something, asking clarifying questions, and so on. While it’s fun to see how their pictures compare with the original picture at the end of the activity, it also allows them a visual representation of their communicative ability and pushes them to ask more questions or give more details when speaking. 中３英語の授業「Picture Dictation」