Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. convenience store (n.) [kuhn-veen-yuhns] [stawr, stohr] – a small store that is open for
many hours of the day
Example: Mini Stop and 7-Eleven
are common convenience stores in the Philippines.
Additional question:
What are the most common convenience stores in your country?
2. cut down (v.
phrase) [kuht] [doun] – to lessen or decrease (usually usage of something)
Example: He needs to cut down
fatty food in his diet to avoid heart problems.
Additional definition:
This phrase could also mean ‘to alter by removing extra or additional fittings’
(e.g., They had to cut down the car for the race.).
3. periodic (adj.) [peer-ee-od-ik] – occurring at regular time intervals
Example: There are
periodic outbreaks of disease every summer.
Additional definition:
You can also use the words ‘recurrent, regular, repeated, occasional,
seasonal’.
4. intensify (v.) [in-ten-suh-fahy] – to become stronger or more extreme
Example: The search for flood
survivors intensified as night approached.
Additional definition: You can also
use the words ‘heighten, deepen, increase’.
5. measure (n.) [mezh-er] – an action planned or done to achieve a
desired result
Example: Placing
traffic signs on roads is a safety measure to prevent accidents.
Additional question:
What other measures do you think prevent accidents?
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
Japanese
graphic designers have made posters encouraging people to save energy, also
known as setsuden.
These
posters appear in many places across Tokyo—from convenience stores to
temples. People have responded positively to the message in the posters.
Vending machine lights have been turned off, and operations of escalators have
been reduced. At home, people use uchiwa
or round paper fans instead of air-conditioners to battle the summer heat.
For
years, Japan has been cutting down electricity use during
summer. However, after the Fukushima nuclear crisis that caused periodic blackouts,
the measures to save energy have intensified.
Recently,
the Japanese government ordered a 15% cut in electricity use in Tokyo and
Tohoku to avoid blackouts and power shortages. According to Environment
Minister Ryu Matsumoto, the reduction will be permanent to encourage a change
in people's lifestyles.
Big
companies also adopted energy saving measures. In Casio, the
weekend day offs have been exchanged to Wednesdays and Sundays to ease up the
power load during the working week. Meanwhile, Hitachi and Kyocera grew
curtains of plants in their factory walls and encouraged their employees to do
the same at home.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Do you agree with the government
policy on cutting back energy use by 15%? Please explain your answer.
·
What other policies can be made to
reduce power usage?
Discussion B
·
Do you find public information
posters appealing? Please explain your answer.
·
What are other ways to encourage
people to save electricity?