GATHER DATA:
Visit two or more of the following websites (You may use additional websites with instructor approval.)
Remember, you are looking for data related to jyuku for students entering high school or college. This data
should support your advice for or against a policy from MEXT that formally recommends jyuku for these
students.
MEXT Statistics Essay #1 by a Japanese university student
Essay #2 by a Japanese university student Ask Asia essay on Japanese HS students
National Institute for Research Advancement paper
Japan Times "Juku Boom" Japan Times "Dangers of Overbooking"
Web-Japan Statistics #1 Web-Japan Statistics #2
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: As you collect your data, remember to note your sources. Mr. Kosaka has
requested that each consultant submit a list of sources consulted in MLA format. In addition, he has asked
that each consultant reference at least three of sources (a relevant quote or piece of data) in your letter to
him with proper citation.
ORGANIZE INFORMATION:
Based on the information you have gathered, develop two or three main points that support your
recommendation for or against a MEXT policy that encourages jyuku for students entering high school or
college. Organize your data so that each piece of information supports one of your main points. If a piece of
data does not support a main point, do not use it - it will not strengthen your advice to Mr. Kosaka or
encourage him to accept your recommendation..
DRAFT A LETTER:
Write a letter to Mr. Kosaka advising MEXT to adopt or abandon a policy that encourages students applying
to high schools and colleges to attend jyuku.
Your letter should have three parts.
Part 1 - The Introduction:
The letter should start with the date on the first line in the upper left hand corner. The next line should
begin on the left and start, "Dear Mr. Kosaka," with a comma at the end of the line. The body of the
introduction should start on the next line. Begin by introducing yourself and thanking the Minister for the
opportunity to learn about jyuku and to make a recommendation to MEXT. Follow this introduction with
your recommendation for or against a jyuku policy along with your two or three main reasons.
Part 2 - The Body:
The next paragraph should be one of your two or three main points. Begin the paragraph by restating
your first main point (in new words so you don't sound repetitive and unable to make a sound
recommendation!) Then, using quotes and data you have collected, support this main idea. Remember
to cite your sources - you don't want Mr. Kosaka to think your recommendation is based upon imaginary
data.
The next paragraph (or two) should be similar to the first and address your additional main point(s).
Hint: Using transition words between paragraphs will strengthen your letter and your recommendation.
Try some of the following words: first, second, third, in addition to, furthermore, related to, additionally.
If you can think of others that are more appropriate to your letter, feel free to use those.
Part 3 - The Conclusion:
The last paragraph should include a summary of your recommendation and main points. Thank Mr.
Kosaka again for affording you the opportunity to learn more about jyuku and conclude your letter with a
closing line and your name (For example: Respectfully, Sarah Antoncich.)
PROOFREAD AND REVISE YOUR LETTER:
Does your letter make a recommendation? Does your letter include relevant data and/or quotes? Are the
data and quotes cited? Are standard conventions for grammar, spelling, and punctuation followed? Have
you done your very best writing? Would you like to rewrite any sentences or phrases? Do you need to
re-organize your letter at all?
If you need help, feel free to ask another consultant or your instructor for assistance.
PREPARE YOUR LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED:
Prepare a list of all works consulted (this means even those you didn't use!) Use the standard MLA
format.
SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO MR. KOSAKA:
Mr. Kosaka would like a copy of your letter and works consulted to be delievered to your instructor by
February 21st.