Real English Eleven-off the charts

Who is that masked man?

In one class the other day, all three students were wearing masks.  It wasn't Halloween!!!  So, I asked them all, "Why are you wearing a mask?"

Their answers were as follows, and I quote:

Student A)  "I have a cold and I don't want to give it to anyone.  In other words, I am wearing a mask because I don't want to spread my germs."

Student B)  "The reason I am wearing a mask is because I don't want to get another person's cold!!  Plus, I want to protect myself from the PM2.5 and the "yellow sand" from China."

Student C)  "I have hay fever and the if you watch the news you should know...the pollen count this year is off the charts!"

The above quotes are verbatim.  I didn't edit, or touch them up in any way.  And since their replies were are all grammatically perfect, and natural, I said to them, "I am impressed.  Your English is off the charts today!  Great job! "  

In Japan, a lot of people wear masks for various reasons.  On the other hand, in America, even though of course there is pollen and hay fever, and also many germs, I have not seen many people wearing masks.  

However, according to my mother, my grandfather wore a mask whenever someone around him was sick.  I think it was unusual in those days, and even now. (But my grandfather was a piece of work sometimes...)  

In my case, I have only worn a mask once in my life.  It was at my mother-in-law's house about 5 years ago.  I didn't have much of a choice.  I had a cold and my sister-in-law was pregnant.  So I was quarantined in a "side room" for 3 days and told  "Wear a mask or else you can't come out of quarantine to receive your meals."  I am just joking!!!  Kimiko (that's my mother-in-law's name) is very kind to me always!!!

Thanks for the beautiful photos Ms. K!!