April 2022

GRAPEVINE

Testing Season is Here... – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 5High school in America – Katelyn Sondereker

As the season turns into spring, and the new school

In Japan, the new school year starts in April. But inyear starts in Japan, things are a little different backAmerica, the new school year starts much later, usuallyhome in America. Our school year starts in September,at the end of August or the beginning of September. Also,

but spring is still an especially busy time for American

the students at most public schools (公立学校) do notstudents! In addition to normal tests at school, there arehave to wear uniforms! There are many differences

many special exams for college that students can choose

between American and Japanese schools.

to take. This time I’ll talk about the SAT and ACT
exams!

First, everyone in America has to go to high school, so
it is free and there is no entrance exam（入学試験）to

First of all, what are the SAT and ACT? They are both

get into high school. Most people go to their high school

college admission exams, and though not as importantbecause it is close to where they live. In Japan, mostas the 共 通 テ ス ト in Japan, are used by American

students walk or ride their bike to school, but American

universities to determine if they want to accept a student

students ride the school bus to and from school until

or not (Universities also look at a lot of other things

they are able to drive a car. American high schools haveabout a student such as their grades, extracurriculars,

four grades (年生): 9th (freshmen), 10th (sophomores),and their admissions essay). These tests are usually held

11th (juniors), and 12th (seniors), so we start high schoola few times a year nationwide. Both tests are very similar,

around 14 or 15 years old and graduate at 17 or 18 years

having sections focused on Math, Reading, and Writing,old.

though there are a few differences in structure. Students
can choose which test to focus on and take.

Second, there is no teachers` room (教員室). Instead,each teacher has their own classroom, so the students

While these tests require general knowledge on Mathmove from room to room to go to each class. There isand English, they mostly test a student’s critical thinking

also one big lunch room (食堂) where all of the students

skills ( ク リ テ ィ カ ル シ ン キ ン グ ) instead of raw

eat together. Japanese students usually eat in theirknowledge (知識). For example, the science section ofclassrooms, but in America you can buy a school lunch

the ACT requires very little science knowledge; instead,and eat with lots of people from different classes.

it tests your ability to read graphs, find important
information, and make conclusions.

Third, schools in America do not have big events likethe sports festival, class match, and cultural festival. TheTimes are changing in that many colleges are now not

two biggest events that American students have are

requiring the test for admission. However, many otherdances: Homecoming in October and Prom in May. At

colleges still do, so most students will take one of these

these events, students wear very fancy dresses or suits

tests. I used to be an SAT and ACT tutor, so I’ve workedand dance with their friends all night long.

with these tests many times. While there are a few good

These are just a few differences between Japanese andthings about them, I personally think the ACT/SATAmerican schools. What do you want to know about highhave a lot of issues and aren’t a good measure of aschools in America? Come ask us about it!

student’s ability. If you’re curious to learn more aboutthem, or want to see what the test questions look like,feel free tocome talk tome! 😊

Kate and herfriends before
the high school
homecomingdance.

Spring Crossword!

Spring Phrases!
Spring Cleaning

As the weather becomes warmer in spring, many people in Western countries begin cleaning
their houses very thoroughly, scrubbing and dusting everything, as well as throwing out many
old things they no longer need.
Example: “I need to do some spring cleaning, I have so many old clothes I don’t wear
anymore!”April Showers Bring May Flowers
This saying is about how during April, there are often many rain showers (light rain) and badweather, but when May comes around, it is sunnier with many flowers blooming. Sometimes
people use this phrase to talk about how there is always happiness after difficult times.

Busy BeeThis phrase refers to someone who always looks busy. Usually it is more of a compliment and iswhen someone is doing work that they probably enjoy.
Example: “She is such a busy bee, always doing extra work around the house!”