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IDIOMS!
"take a bath" = lose money

"His family business took a real wash when the giant superstore moved into town."

"doesn't/won't wash" = used to say that you don't believe someone's explanation or attitude about something

"Your excuse that your dog ate your homework won't wash with the teacher."

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[ Quiz Script | Text Completion Quiz ]

A Japanese Bath
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises

Level:Topic:Type:Speakers:Length:
mediumbathroomsconversation man - man01:38

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top
Name two customs or traditions visitors to your country may have difficulty adjusting to. As part of this discussion, talk about any points that visitors should be aware of when staying as a guest at a home in your country.

soap HELPFUL TIP: When visiting a home in another country, be sure to find out the expectations for using bathrooms. When and how you use the shower or bath can be different from culture to culture.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

I. Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play" button of the audio type you want to hear, and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz. This conversation deals with very traditional public baths in Japan, but these places have changed considerably over the years depending on location.

Media Player

1. What is the first thing you do when visiting a Japanese public bath?
A. pay the entrance fee
B. take off your shoes
C. put your clothes in a locker

2. What surprised Phil when he went to the bath?
A. The entrance fee was expensive.
B. People sit down when they bathe.
C. The attendant could see him undressing.

3. What do you wear when bathing?
A. a swimming suit
B. shorts
C. nothing

4. Traditionally, the bath was a place where people could:
A. socialize with their neighbors.
B. make informal business deals.
C. find marriage partners for their children.

5. What do people sometimes do after their bath?
A. watch videos
B. drink something, like tea
C. play Japanese chess with friends

Score =
Correct answers:

II. Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Do practice activities to review the vocabulary:

III. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Discuss the topics below with a partner:

  • three aspects of your culture that may require foreigners to get used to
  • an experience in visiting a foreign country where you had difficulty with the language or culture.

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