【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. gratitude [GRAT-i-tood, -tyood] (n.) – a feeling of being thankful
Example: The fire victims expressed their gratitude towards the firefighters.
2. adjacent [uh-JEY-suh nt] (adj.) – situated near or close to something
Example: She felt happy knowing that her new apartment is adjacent to the mall.
3. critical [KRIT-i-kuh l] (adj.) – very important because of the level of difficulty, trouble or danger involved
Example: Protecting the civilians while stopping the rebels from causing violence and trouble is critical for the military.
4. halt [hawlt] (v.) – to permanently or temporarily stop moving or operating
Example: Many stores halted operations for a few weeks because of the storm’s damage.
5. disaster [dih-ZAS-ter, -ZAH-ster] (n.) – an event that causes serious loss, destruction and hardship
Example: Terrorist attacks were one of the most threatening disasters faced by the US government.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Tourists in Boston help business establishments recover millions worth of losses just weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing last April 15. Visitors come to the area and spend their money in restaurants and in stores located in or adjacent to the bombing site.
Reports also say that many tourists surprisingly travel in Boston to walk along the Boylston Street, the area of the recent tragedy. People even visit the exact spot where the bomb exploded to pay their respects.
Unlike the 911 terrorist attacks in New York last 2001, the damages caused by the Boston Marathon bombing were not as critical. However, many businesses in the area still need to close and halt their operations to repair minor damages and give way to the investigations.
Despite the damages, Boston’s businessmen are still thankful for the sympathy of the people around their businesses.
Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports, expressed his gratitude for the support that his store has been getting from its customers. Marathon Sports, a running goods store near the Boston Marathon finish line, is the site of the first two explosions that killed three people and injured many.
Despite the increasing number of visitors in Boston, some businesses still cannot easily make up for the millions of losses caused by the bombing incident. Establishments such as doctor’s clinics, hair salons and service providers still cannot accommodate more clients and customers all at once.
To help the businesses recover, the U.S. Small Business Administration will also provide disaster loans to as much as $2 million with low interest rates.
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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
· Why do you think many people still want to go and travel to Boston despite the recent bombing incident?
· Aside from causing damage to the economy, how else can terrorism attacks affect a country?
Discussion B
· Would you still visit or travel to a famous tourist destination even if it is dangerous? Please explain your answer.
· Are there places in your country that are not safe for tourists? What makes those places unsafe?
