African Economy Remains Vulnerable Despite Continuous Growth

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. stagnation [stag-NEY-shuh n] (n.) – the state of not growing, progressing, or improving

Example: Many businesses are not showing profit improvement because of the country’s reported stagnation.

2. get hammered [get HAM-erd] (idiom)  – to repeatedly suffer defeats and damages

 Example: The local economy has been getting hammered by its international competitors.

3. rebound [RI-bound, REE-BOUND] (v.) – to recover from a bad situation

Example: With higher GDP, the country’s economy rebounded from last year’s recession.

4. roadblock [ROHD-blok] (n.) – anything that stops progress

Example: The lack of skilled workers might become a roadblock to the country’s future development.

5. transparency [trans-PAIR-uh n-see] (n.) – the state of being open and clear

Example: Good governance requires transparency in all state operations.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

An economic report predicts that Africa will continuously grow in the next couple of years; however, it warns unsure sustainability. The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) recently presented the said report. The report shows that after two decades of stagnation, the region has been experiencing significant economic growth. After getting hammered by the global financial crisis and the rising costs of food and fuel towards the end of the last decade, Africa recovered with an impressive growth rate of 4.6% in 2010. The growth went down in 2011 because of political conflicts in North Africa but quickly rebounded to 5% in 2012. According to Joseph Barichaco of the UNECA, the growth comes from a strong domestic demand for commodities, rising incomes and public spending, urbanization, and foreign investment. However, the study warns that despite economic growth, the continent's dependence on exports could eventually become a roadblock. African nations also need to resolve the increasing unequal distribution of wealth and the corrupt system. According to Barichaco, corruption and the huge gap between the rich and the poor have caused unequal wealth distribution in the continent. One official suggested that the industry needs transparency so people can know what they can get from their own land resources. This way, the Africans can benefit equally from the economic growth in the region. Baricacho also believes that the region needs to invest in factories and refineries to create new products from its abundant raw materials. In turn, these measures can result in a more stable growth.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think that Africa can become as successful as the rest of the world? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, can the rest of the world benefit from a successful African economy? Discuss with your tutor.

Discussion B

·         Do you think that successful and prosperous countries have a responsibility to help the less successful ones? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, what are the reasons behind the success of the world’s richest nations? Please explain your answer.

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Tightrope Walker Crosses Gorge near the Grand Canyon

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. daredevil [DAIR-dev-uh l] (n.) – a person who likes doing dangerous things

Example: Daredevils enjoy exciting activities like bungee jumping and sky diving.  

2. gorge [gawrj] (n.) – a deep and narrow space between two hills or mountains

Example: We saw the gorge between high mountains as the airplane flew over the land of Arizona.

3. tightrope [TAHYT-rohp] (n.)  – a stretched wire hanging above the ground in which a performer walks on

 Example: The circus performer fell from the tightrope after losing his balance.

4. stunt [stuhnt] (n.) – a difficult and often dangerous performance that displays a person’s special skill

Example: My father enjoys watching action movies with a lot of special effects and scary stunts.

5. pan [pan] (v.) to criticize heavily

Example: The critics panned the circus management for giving low quality performances.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Well-known daredevil Nik Wallenda has successfully crossed the Little Colorado River Gorge in Arizona on a steel cable without any form of safety devices. Wallenda, now 34, is famous for his dangerous tightrope walks. In fact, he holds seven Guinness world records. In 2012, he also became the first person to ever complete a similar stunt over the Niagara [nahy-AG-ruh, -AG-er-uh] Falls in New York. His most recent achievement was broadcasted on television last month. For almost 23 minutes, Wallenda walked over a two-inch tightrope that was a quarter of a mile long. The tightrope was also suspended 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River. Wallenda has always dreamed of walking above the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Prior to the event, Wallenda expressed confidence that he could safely perform the stunt. Having a family has also become one of his inspirations in finishing the tightrope walk. Although Wallenda’s attempt was a success, critics are still panning on how the event was misleading. Wallenda claims that he has crossed the Grand Canyon, when in fact; he crossed only the gorge above the Navajo Nation near the said canyon. Some members of the Navajo Nation have also become worried that the dangerous event may just be a publicity stunt. Nonetheless, a spokesperson from the tribe took the event positively, believing that broadcasting the event can actually tell the world that the Novajo culture and tradition still remain.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think such stunts exciting or dangerous? Why do you say so?

·         Why do you think daredevils enjoy such dangerous stunts?

Discussion B

·         Do you think conquering one’s fears is important? Why or why not?

·         How can people best conquer their fears?

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Protecting Personal Information from Hackers

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. surveillance [ser-VEY-luh ns, -VEYL-yuh ns] (n.) – the act of observing a person or group, usually by police authority

Example: The government agency used hidden cameras to monitor people under surveillance.

2. content [KON-tent] (n.) – the subject matter of a message, conversation, or discussion

Example: The investigators looked into the contents of the email for possible evidence.

3. hacker [HAK-er] (n.) – the person who accesses data in a system or computer without permission

Example: The hackers secretly accessed the bank’s computer to get some confidential information.

4. means [meen] (n.) – a method in which something is done

Example: The Internet has provided people different means of communication.

5. sensitive [SEN-si-tiv] (adj.) – kept secret or private to avoid risking security dangers

Example: John was fired after revealing the company’s sensitive information online.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The US government stressed that it only monitors metadata [meta-DEY-tuh] as part of its extensive surveillance after many people wondered why it goes through countless of emails and phone call data. Metadata provide only limited details about email and phone transactions. This kind of data contains only the information about the receiver, sender, date, and size of the email. Metadata also give information about the time of the call, the location of the caller, and the cell tower used. With metadata defined, the government claimed that it did not access the content of the emails and phone calls it monitored. Police authorities and intelligence agencies use these metadata to easily track down criminals and terrorists. However, metadata can also be used negatively by hackers. These hackers can use metadata to get financial and personal information by matching the obtained details to other online sources. Because of such threat, Bill Supernor, CTO of an Internet security firm, suggested basic means to protect one’s personal information. He suggested that people use more random passwords that are different from the ones used in social media, such as names of pet, property, family, and address. Supernor also advised not to include confidential and very important information in emails and text messages. Lastly, Supernor wants everyone to know that privacy and confidentiality are not secured on the Internet.  Thus, everyone should protect sensitive information in any way possible, especially when communicating through the Internet.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, should people be concerned about metadata? Why or why not?

·         What risks can occur if the government continues to monitor people’s emails and phone calls? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Aside from password protection, how can we prevent hackers from getting into our personal information?

·         How do you think the government can help in preventing hacking activities? Please explain your answer.

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‘Perfect Pitch’ is Not Perfect, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. pitch [pich] (n.) – the degree of highness or lowness of a tone

Example: The performers tuned the guitars to get the right pitch.

2. accurate [AK-yer-it-ee] (adj.) – perfect or free from mistakes

Example: The accurate results of the research make its facts free from errors.

3. covertly [KOH-vert-lee, KUHV-ert-lee] (adv.) – done in a way that is not openly acknowledged or displayed

Example: John used to sing covertly until he was forced to sing on stage.

4. malleable [MAL-ee-uh-buh l] (adj.) – can be easily changed or influenced

Example: Human brain is malleable especially at a young age.

5. perception [per-SEP-shuh n] (n.) – how people understand what they see, hear, taste, feel, and smell

Example: One’s perception about life can change with different experiences.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study in the University of Chicago found that people who believe they have perfect pitch may not be as in tune as they think.  According to scientists, “perfect” or “absolute” pitch is the phenomenon in which one identifies a note accurately just by hearing it. People with such skill are very rare. In fact, only one in 10,000 people have perfect pitch. Researchers from the University of Chicago tested musicians with perfect pitch and found that people who were considered to have “perfect pitch” mistaken in-tune sounds to be sharp. The experiment involved 27 students with “perfect pitch” who were asked to listen to a music piece for 45 minutes. In this set-up, the researcher covertly changed the pitch, which gradually became flatter and flatter. After listening, the participants were not able to notice the changes in the pitch, thinking that it was still in tune. The study demonstrates the malleability of the brain in which even a brief exposure can still rearrange thoughts that were considered long-term and stable. Results also revealed that exposure to music influences how people identify notes from their sound, rather than having an absolute ability at an early age. The study thus supports the idea that brains can adapt and learn new things even at a later stage in life. Generally, this study revealed that our environment and perceptions can actually influence how we see the world we live in. Researchers still hope to examine further the possibilities of improving one’s ‘perfect’ pitch.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you think this study will affect musicians especially those who have perfect pitch?

·         In your opinion, how can having a perfect pitch be important to musicians?

Discussion B

·         Why is music important? Please explain your answer.

·         What do you think are the contributions of the music industry in our society today? Please explain your answer.

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Uncovering the Mysteries of 3,000-year-old Mummy

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. curator [kyoo-REY-ter] (n.) – the person who manages any place of exhibit, such as a museum or a zoo

Example: The museum’s curator selected some of the paintings for the exhibit next week.

2. horrific [ho-RIF-ik] (adj.)  – causing fear; scary

 Example: The tour guide’s horrific stories about the museum scared the tourists on trip.

3. amulet [AM-yuh-lit] (n.) – a small object, such as a necklace, worn to protect a person from harm or evil spirits

Example: Egyptians often wear amulets to protect them from danger.

4. afterlife [AF-ter-lahyf] (n.) – life after death

Example: Some cultures believe that burning the body of the dead ensures safety and happiness in the afterlife.

5. precedence [PRES-i-duh ns] (n.) – the state of being more important than others

Example: Our tour guide reminded us not to swim in deep waters because safety should always take precedence over enjoyment.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Researchers from Manchester University hope to uncover the mysteries of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy through the use of modern scanning technology. Curators at Perth Museum, Scotland are sending the mummy, believed to have been an Egyptian princess or a priestess, to Manchester Children’s Hospital. Researchers will then examine the mummy using CT scans and X-ray technology. They will be using the equipment at the children’s hospital because the scanners are not usually needed at night time. In the past, scientists have already performed similar scans on other mummies in Manchester’s own collection. The previous scans have revealed various details about the mummies, including the possible causes of death during early times. According to Dr. Lidija McKnight of Manchester University, most people always want to know the cause of death of ancient people. While researchers usually do not find anything horrific, they usually uncover little details about the mummy’s health, like signs of bone diseases, dental problems, or illnesses related to old age. Scientists also commonly find amulets and metal jewelry inside the mummy’s bandages, which the Egyptians may have believed to protect the dead in the afterlife. Since the research will be conducted in a children’s hospital, the researchers assure the public that the study will not affect patient care in any way. According to Dr. McKnight, the living should take precedence over the dead. So if an emergency arises, the research team will have to give way. Because of this situation, the investigation will probably take a relatively long time.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you believe that researchers should take time studying mummies? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think some people become very interested in Egyptian mummies?

Discussion B

·         Why is studying about a country’s history important?

·         How do you think people can be more interested in studying history?

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