【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. rumor [ROO-mer] (n.) – a widespread story or information that is not yet confirmed to be true
Example: She still bought the cellphone despite rumors that it is prone to system failure.
2. capitalize [KAP-i-tl-ahyz] (v.) – to make something an advantage
Example: The businessman capitalized on his fame by opening new shops.
3. radical [RAD-i-kuh l] (adj.) – very different from the original or the ordinary
Example: The employee got confused with his computer after the IT department made radical changes.
4. interface [IN-ter-feys] (n.) – a system that controls how information appears in a computer or how a computer interacts with its user
Example: Many people find the interface of Windows easy to operate.
5. contemplate [KON-tuh m-pleyt, -tem-] (v.) – to carefully think about doing an activity
Example: The programmer contemplated on changing his tiring job.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Recent report confirms the rumor that traditional computers are experiencing a fast death in the market due to very low sales.
According to the report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) last April, PC sales are decreasing by 14% year after year. But, not only Windows is affected; even Apple's Mac computers are showing no sales improvement with almost 0% increase every year.
Many theories about the PC's low sales exist nowadays. However, all theories seem to agree that the PC is becoming out of the market because of the makers' inability to capitalize on the growing mobile technology.
The report also claims that the introduction of Windows 8 in the market is not strategic for PCs because of the radical changes, such as the new user interface with no start button and its costly package. Only some appreciated these changes, while most people find Window 8 less attractive than the cheaper tablets and alternatives.
However, Microsoft lovers may still have hope. According to reports, Microsoft is planning to release another version of Windows by the end of this year. Codenamed Windows Blue, the new version will give users the option to bring back the traditional or default desktop.
The company is also contemplating on the idea of releasing smaller and less expensive tablets, which are proven to be the market's favorite. As a start, Microsoft issued a statement that its latest operating system Windows 8 will now support screens as small as seven inches.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think tablets and other mobile devices will entirely replace PCs in the future? Why or why not?
· What do you think are other reasons behind the decrease in PC sales?
Discussion B
· Do you think people can no longer live without technology? Please explain your answer.
· How did improvements in technology affect your life?
