Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. stranded
(adj.) [stran-did] – left behind in a difficult and helpless situation
Example: The movie was about a man who was
stranded on an island for several months.
2.
lodging (n.) [loj-ing] – a place where people can sleep or live (usually
temporary)
Example: Lodging is usually expensive in big
cities.
3. metropolis
(n.) [mi-trop-uh-lis] – a large city which is often the capital or a center of a country
Example: Accommodations in the metropolis are
often expensive.
4. ventilation
(n.) [ven-tl-ey-shuhn] – circulation of air; a means of supplying fresh air
Example: The college dormitory has good
ventilation system so I don’t have to turn on the air conditioner.
5. snooze
(v.) [snooz] – to take a nap or short sleep
Example: Employees in my company often snooze
right after taking their lunch.
Article
Read the text below.
A portable sleeping room for tired, stranded, or late-night travelers is
now being marketed in Moscow as a solution to lodging emergencies that occur in the metropolis
Russian architects Mikhail Krymov and Alexei
Goryainov created this invention called Sleepboxes. Both frequent travelers,
Mikhail and Alexei came up with this idea because they usually find it
difficult to find a good place to rest while waiting in airports.
A Sleepbox looks like a huge vending machine,
with a built-in two-meter-long bed, fold-up table, baggage space and a ventilation system. It also has LCD
TV, wi-fi and electric sockets. A model unit is currently on display at
Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport and it features a double-deck
bed.
Intended to be put mainly in airports and train
stations, Sleepboxes are meant to provide travelers a private, cheap and
comfortable place to snooze or to
spend the night, especially during unexpected situations. The inventors also
intend to introduce Sleepboxes in offices for tired workers, in shopping
malls for bored husbands or boyfriends, and even in streets or in warm
places.
According to the designers, one Sleepbox can be
sold at a starting price of US$10,000. They hope to see Sleepboxes in
different parts of the world. As of now, they are offering the Sleepbox in
Europe, Asia, Africa and USA where local companies can operate it.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Are
there resting places or rooms in airports, bus stations and train stations in
your country?
·
What
are the advantages of having resting places or rooms in these places? Are there
any disadvantages?
Discussion
B
·
Would
you consider staying in Sleepboxes? Why or why not?
·
What
do you think are the disadvantages of accommodations in public places (like
Sleepboxes)?