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Marine Day · Worksheet C1

Fixed Date or Long Weekend?

Read the passage and answer the questions. (CEFR B1–B2)

ClassNo.Name
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1Marine Day captures a recurring tension in Japan's holiday system: should a holiday stay on the date that gives it meaning, or move to create a long weekend? The holiday began on July 20 in 1996, the anniversary of the Meiji Maru's arrival in Yokohama. From 2003, however, the so-called Happy Monday system moved it to the third Monday of July to give people more three-day weekends. The original date was chosen to honor a specific voyage, not simply a season.

2Supporters of the change point to tourism and family time, since a Monday holiday encourages short trips. Critics, including maritime organizations, argue that a moving date weakens the link to the historical event, and some local assemblies have adopted petitions asking for a return to July 20. The debate became even more visible in 2020 and 2021, when the holiday was moved twice to fit the Olympic schedule.

3There is no single correct answer. Fixed dates protect memory, whereas movable dates make rest easier to plan. Yet the question forces us to ask what a holiday is really for: remembering, resting, or both.

Comprehension

  1. What is the main topic of the passage?

    A How the Meiji Maru was built in BritainB Why Japan has more beaches than other countriesC The debate over whether Marine Day should stay on a meaningful date or move to create a long weekendD How to plan a family trip to the sea

  2. Why was July 20 chosen as the original date of Marine Day?

    A It was the anniversary of the Meiji Maru's arrival in Yokohama.B It was the first day of the summer vacation.C It was the hottest day of the year.D It was the day the Olympics started.

  3. According to the passage, who have argued for a return to July 20?

    A The organizers of the OlympicsB Tourism companiesC Families who want short tripsD Maritime organizations and some local assemblies

  4. What can we infer from the fact that the holiday was moved twice in 2020 and 2021?

    A The date of Marine Day is fixed by the Meiji Maru's schedule.B The holiday's date can be changed for practical reasons, which made the debate about its meaning more noticeable.C People stopped celebrating Marine Day after the Olympics.D Marine Day will always be on a Thursday from now on.

  5. In paragraph 1, the word "recurring" in "a recurring tension" is closest in meaning to

    A happening again and againB very newC easy to solveD hidden

  6. What is the writer's position in the last paragraph?

    A The writer strongly supports July 20.B The writer thinks holidays are not important.C The writer does not choose a side but asks readers to think about what holidays are for.D The writer wants all holidays to be on Mondays.
© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Marine Day · C1
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Marine Day · Worksheet C2

Vocabulary, Paraphrase & Summary

Match the words with the definitions. Then rewrite and summarize.

ClassNo.Name
  1. capture
  2. tension
  3. anniversary
  4. voyage
  5. maritime
  6. petition
  7. visible
  8. whereas
  1. a long trip, especially by ship
  2. connected with the sea or with ships
  3. a written request signed by many people and sent to people in power
  4. easy to see or notice
  5. used to compare two facts and show that they are different
  6. to show or express something clearly
  7. a situation in which two ideas or needs do not easily fit together
  8. a day that is exactly one or more years after an important event

Paraphrase — say it in your own words

1. “The original date was chosen to honor a specific voyage, not simply a season.”

Hint: Start with "July 20 was picked because" and use "not just because".

2. “Supporters of the change point to tourism and family time, since a Monday holiday encourages short trips.”

Hint: Use "People who like the Monday holiday say" and "because".

3. “Fixed dates protect memory, whereas movable dates make rest easier to plan.”

Hint: Make two sentences. Use "help us remember" and "On the other hand".

Summary

Summarize the passage in about 50 words.

© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Marine Day · C2
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Marine Day · Worksheet C3

Debate & Opinion Essay

Prepare for a debate. Then write your opinion (100–150 words).

ClassNo.Name
Motion: Holidays should stay on the dates that give them meaning, even if this means fewer long weekends.
FOR 賛成
  • A fixed date like July 20 reminds people of the real event, the Meiji Maru's voyage, so the holiday keeps its meaning.
  • When the date moves every year, many people forget why the holiday exists and see it only as a day off.
  • Maritime organizations and some local assemblies have asked for a return to July 20, which shows that the meaning matters to many people.

Add your own reason:

AGAINST 反対
  • A Monday holiday creates a three-day weekend, which encourages short trips and gives families more time together.
  • People can still learn the history of a holiday through schools, museums, and events, even if the date moves.
  • The 2020 and 2021 changes show that dates can be moved for practical needs without losing the holiday itself.

Add your own reason:

OpinionI believe / I think that …
Reason 1First, … For example, …
Reason 2Second, … In fact, …
CounterSome people say … However, …
ConclusionIn conclusion, …
© 原田英語 ｜ 世界の行事・祝日ナビ ｜ haradaeigo.com/holiday/Marine Day · C3