1st one is a sweater and the 2nd a sweatshirt[Image]

I am not from England but I believe that "jumper" is the British name for sweater. Sweaters in the US are usually a knitted material. They can be worn over other clothing or by themselves. When I asked google translate it said پلوور this was the Persian translation of sweater and gave some images. But the basic difference is as Sweatshirts are considered casual wear. Sweaters can be more situations and Jumpers are the British version

In this case "What is on the desk" is correct. You would need to connect a plural noun to are. For example; "What are those things on the desk" The books are on the desks. This is a real basic explanation between is and are... Use is with singular nouns: The hat is mine. Use are with plural: The dogs are running. hope this helps.

It means-- whatever motivates you or whatever makes you happy or do whatever makes you happy. Sometimes, there is a slight feeling of **this not something I would do.** for example your friend is puts bacon on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You might think that is a bit strange but if that is what he wants to do it's okay. You respond "whatever floats your boat" "I am going bungee jumping" "Dude whatever floats you boat" I hope this helps.

These are the recommendation I received from several Japanese instructors. Listen to podcast that are completely in Japanese.  You can watch You Tube videos made by Japanese you-tubers for Japanese people.  Listen to music or watch dramas or news, anything; as long as it is made for a Japanese audience.  You will not understand much but your brain will be taking in pronunciation, speech speed etc.  passively.   There are also websites like http://mykikitori.com/   which has short listening exercises.  I use the podcast and You Tube videos most.  

thanks for answering!