Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. congestion (n.) [kuhn-jes-chuhn] – overcrowding in an
area making movement difficult and slow
Example:
I arrived late for the meeting because of traffic congestion along Rose Avenue.
2. epidemiology (n.) [ep-i-dee-mee-ol-uh-jee] – the scientific
study of the causes and process of transmitting diseases among people in a
certain population
Example:
We invited one representative from St. Ann Hospital Department of Epidemiology to give us a lecture on
influenza.
3. scheme (n.) [skeem] – a systematic plan of
action or arrangement usually applied to solve problems
Example:
The new incentive scheme implemented
by the company encourages employees to work better.
4. launch (v.) [lawnch] – to start something
new; to begin to carry out a carefully planned activity
Example:
Michelle is going to launch her new
hair product this Saturday in time for the town festival.
5. persuade (v.) [per-sweyd] – to make somebody
believe or do something by giving good reasons
Example:
My friend persuaded me to go to the
gym on weekends because she noticed that I have gained weight.
Article
Read
the text below.
Bicycling is becoming
popular in cities around the world. Studies show that it does not only solve
traffic congestion but
it also improves health.
Researchers from the
Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in
Barcelona found that Barcelona's biking scheme, known as “bicing,” has
reduced tons of carbon dioxide pollution and saved a number of lives each year.
Bicing, introduced in March 2007, lets people share
bicycles that they can use for short trips around the city. A similar scheme
called “Boris Bikes” was also launched
in London a year ago by its Mayor, Boris Johnson.
According to David Rojas- Rueda, who led the research team in Barcelona, bike sharing systems improve public health by promoting physical activity. Consequently, government expenses for health services are lessened.
Results from the research showed that a total of 12.28 deaths are avoided every year because of increased physical activity among people. There is also an estimated loss of over 9 million kg or 9,000 tons of carbon emission per year. This amount is equivalent to flying 1,800 individuals to Sydney back to London.
Based on the study, the researchers are hoping to persuade other cities to implement bike sharing systems to improve people’s health.
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that adults should exercise at least 150 minutes a week by cycling to work every day or walking five times a week and for at least 30 minutes each time.
According to David Rojas- Rueda, who led the research team in Barcelona, bike sharing systems improve public health by promoting physical activity. Consequently, government expenses for health services are lessened.
Results from the research showed that a total of 12.28 deaths are avoided every year because of increased physical activity among people. There is also an estimated loss of over 9 million kg or 9,000 tons of carbon emission per year. This amount is equivalent to flying 1,800 individuals to Sydney back to London.
Based on the study, the researchers are hoping to persuade other cities to implement bike sharing systems to improve people’s health.
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that adults should exercise at least 150 minutes a week by cycling to work every day or walking five times a week and for at least 30 minutes each time.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Is your country
experiencing traffic congestion? What do you think are the causes of these?
·
What are other
solutions to traffic problems?
Discussion B
·
Are there
community bicycle programs in your country where people could rent bicycles?
·
How should the
government encourage people to use bicycles more often?