【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. aptly [apt-lee] (adv.) – in a very appropriate manner
Example: We played with his brown Labrador dog whom he aptly named “Brownie.”
2. tire [tahyuhr] (n.) – the circular rubber portion of the wheel of a car or motor vehicle
Example: The car cannot run because its tires are broken.
3. pest [pest] (n.) – an animal or insect that causes problems to people
Example: Mosquitoes causing Dengue and Malaria are some of the most troublesome pests known to man.
4. proliferation [pruh-lif-uh-REY-shuh n] (n.) – a rapid increase in number or population
Example: The fishermen welcomed the unexpected proliferation of fish in the river.
5. repellent [ri-PEL-uh nt] (n.) – any substance used to drive pests away
Example: Wearing insect repellent every day can help protect people from mosquitoes and bees.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A new kind of mosquito is now invading many towns in the US.
The aptly-named Asian tiger mosquito is distinct for the black and white stripes on its body. According to the Wall Street Journal, this kind of mosquito first reached Texas in the 1980s through a shipment of tires. Tires are notorious for carrying standing water which aids the breeding of mosquitoes. Since then, the Asian tiger mosquito has spread to 26 states.
People are worrying about this new pest for many reasons. Unlike other mosquitoes that only feed during the night, the Asian tiger mosquito bites from morning until night. It also feeds on blood not only from humans, but also from dogs, cats, birds, and many other animals.
According to an associate professor at Rutgers University, the Asian tiger is also notably aggressive. Once it bites a person, it will not let go even if he or she tries to kill it.
However, what worries the scientists the most is the risk for diseases that comes with the Asian tiger mosquito. The mosquito spreads more than 20 diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever, and the chikungunya [chi-kuh n-KUN-yuh] fever.
According to experts, the proliferation of the Asian tiger partly comes from the warming climate, which mosquitoes prefer. To make matters worse, the mosquito’s eggs can survive the winter as well.
People are thus advised to get rid of all sources of standing water, wear insect repellents, and wear long sleeves and pants to protect themselves from the insect.
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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 mosquitoes are always dangerous and harmful to people? Why or why not?
· How do you think we can lessen pests in the environment?
Discussion B
· Do you think that the widespread proliferation of pests is related to an area’s cleanliness? Why or why not?
· In your opinion, what can be the other causes of the increasing number of pests? Please explain your answer.