Autumn is in full swing in most of our students' countries. What does autumn mean for them?

Below you’ll find some questions you can ask to spark conversation as well as related words (in bold) and Daily News articles you can introduce should you choose to discuss this topic.

Autumn colors

In many parts of the world, trees burst into color in autumn. In many of our students' countries, people travel great distances to see these autumn colors.

Are there any famous spots for seeing autumn leaves in your country?
Do you like seeing the autumn leaves?
What’s your favorite part of autumn?
What’s your favorite season?

In Japan, the city of Kyoto becomes very busy this time of year as tourists flock to see the city’s historic monuments surrounded by vibrant colors.

A Japanese temple surrounded by red and orange trees in autumn

The red maple leaves you see in the foreground of the picture above are considered the most representative of autumn, so Japanese people refer to autumn/fall foliage as “red leaves” or “maple leaves.”

What’s the first type of tree that you think of when you hear the word “autumn”?

South Korea’s historic sites also become more magnificent in the autumn, but the mountains are perhaps the best place to feast your eyes.

A natural area with trees in autumn colors

A poetic phrase Koreans use when talking about this season is “the sky is high and the horses are plump.” You can ask your students what this phrase means to them!

I hear there’s a popular expression in Korean about autumn. It has to do with the sky being high and horses being plump. Can you tell me what it means?

In Taiwan, leaves don’t change color in places of lower elevation, so fall foliage isn't a big part of people’s everyday lives. As a result, many people head to national parks on higher ground in order to enjoy the scenery.

And in Thailand, autumn colors aren’t a part of the landscape. However, by the end of October, the rainy season ends and the dry season starts, bringing cooler weather and (usually) lots of tourists.

Autumn foods

We can’t talk about a season without mentioning foods that are in season. In East Asia, the persimmon is commonly associated with autumn.

And lucky for us, persimmons are also a great conversation starter. Some people love them, while others love to hate them. For those who eat them, some like the soft, squishy kind, while others prefer them firm and crunchy. There are also those who like their persimmons dried.

Do you like persimmons? Why? Why not?
Do you like hard persimmons or soft persimmons? Can you tell me the difference? (It’s more than just the texture!)
Where can you buy persimmons?
How do you eat persimmons: by themselves, dried or in dessert?

Another autumn fruit is the Asian pear. Asian pears, also known as “apple pears,” are larger and juicier than the kind found in Europe. They’re usually served cut and peeled.

Because of how difficult they are to grow, Asian pears are usually pricier than the average fruit and are sometimes given as gifts.

Is it common for people in your country to eat Asian pears during this season?
Do you prefer Asian pears over European pears? Why? Why not?
In your country, is it common for people to give each other gifts of fruit?
What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable?

Another food that’s in season in the autumn is the Pacific saury, also known as the mackerel pike. In Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, this fish is often grilled so the skin is crispy but the insides remain juicy. An interesting fact about this fish is the bones are small enough that they can be eaten.

What fish are in season during the autumn?
What’s your favorite type of fish?
What’s your favorite way to eat or prepare fish?
Do you ever eat fish bones?

And don’t forget that you can ask more general questions about seasonal food.

What other foods are in season in the autumn?
What are your favorite autumn foods?
Are autumn foods nutritious?
Are there any foods you eat in the autumn to prepare for the winter?
Which season has your favorite foods?

Last but not least, here are some Daily News articles on this season: