Learning Objective: This is a reading and comprehension, vocabulary and discussion class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to improve all said skills.


Story Proper

A small but growing number of Japanese people are suffering from ‘Paris Syndrome’. This is the shock they feel when their experience of Paris is not what they thought it would be. Many Japanese have a romantic image of the French capital. They think they will have the perfect holiday if they visit it. However, things like a language barrier and perhaps a rude taxi driver can turn the fantasy holiday into a disaster. This shocks some people and causes them to have a mental breakdown.

Paris Syndrome was first discovered in 1986 by Japanese psychiatrist Professor Hiroaki Ota. He said a number of negative experiences happening at the same time creates stress in the Japanese tourist. These include language and cultural difficulties, sudden changes in mood in Paris, and jet lag. Many Japanese spend just five days flying to and from Paris and trying to see and do everything in the few days between the long-haul flights. The Japanese embassy in Paris helps around a dozen people a year with Paris Syndrome.


Activity Proper





Activity 3. Make your own questions about the article. (Paris)


Activity 4. Think of words that has any connection to the word Paris. Share it to the group.



"Online activities, the mp3 and printable handouts are available for this lesson at http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com"