Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. chaos (n.) [key-os] – the lack of order or peace
Example: The
government must control the chaos to
bring back peace.
2. serious blow (idiom) [seer-ee-uhs] [bloh] – a dangerous or severe damage
Example: The
soldiers made a serious blow on the
enemy’s camp.
3. incur (v.) [in-kur] – to bring to oneself something that is usually
unpleasant or undesirable
Example: She
incurred a failing grade because of her laziness.
4. underemployed (adj.) [uhn-der-em-ploid] – working for a job that does not fit
one’s skills
Example: Many educated people are underemployed because of the poor economy.
Article
Read the text below.
Fear
of the chaos that erupted in Egypt two months ago has turned
tourists away from visiting its famous pyramids.
Last
January 25, Egyptians staged the revolution in protest against their president,
Hosni Mubarak. More than 210,000 tourists have fled from the country during the
last week of January until early February since the revolution happened.
The
loss of tourists caused a serious blow on the country’s
economy which depends highly on tourism. More than half of the total $1.7
billion loss incurred during the revolution came from the drop
in the number of tourists.
As
a result, almost two million Egyptians lost their jobs. Many of them are now
either unemployed or underemployed.
Instead
of the usual trip to the pyramids, the few remaining tourists in Egypt choose
to see the historical Tharir Square where the revolution took place. Vendors
grab this opportunity to sell some souvenirs and earn a little money.
Many
of the Egyptians who feel a new sense of pride for their country visit their
own tourist spots. However, unlike foreigners, they do not have enough money to
support the businesses in these areas.
In
the hope to attract tourists, some young Egyptians dress up like Pharaohs by
the pyramids and Nile River. They want to encourage foreigners to visit the
pyramids by assuring them that their country remains to be a safe place.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
How does tourism help a country’s
economy?
·
What should the government do to
ensure that tourism is healthy?
Discussion B
·
What jobs are associated with
tourism?
·
Do you think a job related to
tourism is a good one? Why or why not?
