Good Social Relationship Leads to Good Sleep, Study Reveals

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. get into /gɛt ˈɪntu/ (v. phrase) – to get involved in something

Example: Parents never want their children to get into trouble.

2.  keep an eye on /kip ən aɪ ɒn/ (idiom) – to watch or monitor closely

Example: Parents must keep an eye on their children to protect them from bad influences.

3. adequate /ˈædɪkwɪt/ (adj.) – enough to meet a requirement or a need

Example: I feel so sleepy because I did not get adequate sleep last night.

4. positive /ˈpɒzɪtɪv/ (adj.) – has good behavior; good-natured

Example: Positive people can influence others to become well-mannered.

5. look into /lʊk ˈɪntu/ (v. phrase) – to study or investigate something carefully

Example: The research looks into the effects of good sleep on children’s behavior.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study revealed that adolescents with good social relationship often get regular and good sleep. David Maume, a sociology professor at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, conducted the said study. He analyzed the social ties and sleep patterns of almost one thousand teenagers from when they were 12 to 15 years old. Results of the study showed that when the adolescents turned 15, their amount of sleep decreased from more than nine hours to less than eight. The study also found that the adolescents’ healthy habits are greatly affected by their parent’s involvement in their lives. Parents often prevent their teenage children from getting into drugs and alcohol by monitoring their kids’ actions. Similarly, teenagers develop healthy sleeping habits when parents keep an eye on their children’s behavior, the study further revealed. When teenagers have healthy sleeping habits, they gain adequate rest that leads to a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, teenagers who have positive friends are also more likely to get better sleep. With well-mannered friends, teenagers tend to behave well and have better health, which helps them get enough sleep. Maume noted that when teenagers have sleeping problems, doctors simply recommend prescription drugs to deal with the problem. However, according to Maume, this problem may not be solved with drugs alone. It is also important to look into parent-child relationship. The parents’ greater involvement in their children’s lives may be more responsible for having better sleep than doctor-prescribed medical solutions.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree that teenagers can have better sleep if parents monitor their children’s behavior? Explain.

·         How else can we help teenagers get better and enough sleep?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the advantages of having adequate sleep? Please discuss briefly.

·         Why do you think some people often get inadequate sleep?

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First Feature Film in Saudi Arabia Gets Oscars Nomination

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. taboo /təˈbu, tæ-/ (adj.) – unacceptable in a society; cannot be used or talked about

Example: In some traditional cultures, modern practices are often considered taboo.

2. patriarchal /ˌpeɪtriˈɑrkəl/ (adj.) – dominated or ruled by men

Example: Women are often discriminated in patriarchal societies. 

3. move /muv/ (v.) – to touch a person’s emotions

Example: The story about a young boy’s struggle for his dreams moved the lady into tears.

4. plight /plaɪt/ (n.) – a sad or unfortunate condition

Example: I feel sorry for the plight of women in strict patriarchal societies.

5. disguise /dɪsˈgaɪz, dɪˈskaɪz/ (v.) – to change one’s appearance to avoid being recognized

Example: The girls disguised themselves as boys so they can join the team exclusive only for boys.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Wadjda [WAJ-da], the very first film that was shot in Saudi Arabia, became the kingdom’s first film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. The movie centers on a girl’s dream to ride a bike, which is taboo in Saudi Arabia. In the country, only boys are socially accepted to ride a bike. The film also revolves around the girl’s relationship with her mom as they both find their place in Saudi’s patriarchal society. Director Al Mansour fell in love with film during her childhood. She has since wanted to make films with characters that would move people and themes that would reach an audience. In her first film, Al Mansour wanted to portray the life of women in Saudi Arabia. To do this, she studied some films from countries where women have the same plight as the women in Saudi Arabia. One of these films is Iran’s Offside, which tells the story of Iranian girls who disguised themselves as boys just to be able to watch a World Cup qualifying match. Al Mansour was also inspired by Italian films that were made after World War II. These films motivated her to make movies that document the interesting reality that she was living in. The reality Al Mansour mentioned is how women in Saudi Arabia are deprived of many things that the women in other countries enjoy. Some are as simple as riding a bike, but some are as complicated as travelling abroad and choosing a husband.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you be interested to watch this film? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think some directors focus their films on social issues like gender discrimination?

Discussion B

·         How do you think discrimination of women can be avoided?

·         How can women be empowered?

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Dennis Rodman Visits North Korea for the Third Time

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. legend /ˈlɛdʒənd/ (n.) – a person who is one of the greatest in a specific field

Example: Basketball legend Michael Jordan is admired by many people.

2. unlikely /ʌnˈlaɪkli/ (adj.) – rare or not possible to happen

Example: A careful leader is unlikely to fail.

3. label /ˈleɪbəl/ (v.) – to give another name to something

Example: The coach labeled Ken as the team’s “tower” because of his height.

4. execution /ˌɛksɪˈkyuʃən/ (n.) – the act of punishing someone with death

Example: The commander ordered the execution of the captured terrorists.

5. insist /ɪnˈsɪst/ (v.) – to keep saying something forcefully

Example: Charles keeps insisting that his team should have won the game.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Basketball legend Dennis Rodman recently visited North Korea for the third time. Rodman stayed in North Korea for four days to help train the country’s national basketball players. Also, he helped in preparing a friendly game between the North Koreans and his team composed of other former NBA players. The event was scheduled on the birthday of Kim Jong-Un, North Korea’s supreme leader. In February 2013, Rodman had his first trip to the country for a basketball exhibition game. He developed an unlikely friendship with the leader, who is a big fan of basketball. He even labeled Kim Jong-Un as a lifetime friend. Despite the country’s human rights violations, Rodman describes the leader as a very good guy. They talked and ate together for the first two meetings. However, Rodman and Kim were not able to meet during the athlete’s third visit. A week before Rodman’s third visit, North Korea announced the execution of Kim’s own uncle for reasons of planned rebellion. Kim’s uncle was considered as North Korea’s second leader. Rodman said the lack of meeting with the leader during his third stay in North Korea did not worry him. The visit was just about the training and preparation for the game. In the first week of January, he again returned to the country to personally greet Kim Jong-Un on his birthday. The international community criticized Rodman’s series of trips in North Korea, which began during the nation’s nuclear missile tests. However, Rodman refused to comment on the political issues involving the nation and insisted that his visit is only about basketball and about having fun.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you approve of Kim Jong-Un and Dennis Rodman’s friendship? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think the international community criticizes Rodman’s visit to North Korea?

Discussion B

·         Why is it important to protect one’s human rights?

·         In your opinion, how can the violation of human rights be prevented?

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Japanese Invents Device That Transmits Force

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. distant /ˈdɪstənt/ (adj.) – something that happens with a far distance

Example: Going from Japan to America is a distant travel.

2. force /fɔrs, foʊrs/ (n.) – strength or energy that can be applied

Example: Leo used great force to push the car.

3. unit /ˈyunɪt/ (n.) – single device or machine that is usually part of something bigger

Example: My computer needs repair because the sound unit is not working.

4. lever /ˈlɛvər, ˈlivər/ (n.) – bar that helps something to be moved by force

Example: Seesaw is a simple way to show how lever works.

5. instantaneously /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/ (adv.) – happening quickly

Example: The chemical reaction happened instantaneously.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Transmitting physical force can now be possible through the invention of a Japanese scientist. System design engineer Kouhei Ohnishi [ko-hey oh-ni-shi] of Keio University calls this device “force transceiver.” His creation consists of two units that work together through wireless Internet connection or Wi-Fi. The first unit is where the operator puts the pressure. The other receives the force and applies it on a subject. Force transceiver requires a Wi-Fi connection that is many times faster than the Internet connections available for homes. It also needs a more advanced computing technology than ordinary computers. During a demonstration of his invention, Ohnishi placed a fork and an apple on the second box and then asked a news reporter to operate the first box. When the operator moved the lever on the first unit, the lever on the second box pushed the fork instantaneously into the apple as if the two units were connected together. The device also allows the operator to increase or decrease the amount of force being applied. This is possible through a feedback system, in which the second unit sends to the first unit the information on the hardness or softness of the subject. This invention can be helpful in working in dangerous areas like those with high temperatures or levels of radiation. In addition, difficult operations in distant areas can be done through a robot that has force transceiver. Construction workers can also use the device for challenging tasks. Medical practice can also benefit from this technology. Patients need not travel anymore as long as the device is operated well. Physical therapists can remotely treat their patients who have injuries.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What can be the disadvantages of this device?

·         In your opinion, how else can this device be useful?

Discussion B

·         How can scientists be encouraged to develop more inventions?

·         If you can invent a device, what would that be? Why?

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Pay with Your Talent in ‘The Merit Shop’

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. upload /ˈʌpˌloʊd/ (v.) – to transfer files to a computer or a network, often on the Internet

Example: I uploaded my recent photos on Facebook.

2. duo /ˈduoʊ, ˈdyuoʊ/ (n.) – two people; pair or partners

Example: Designer duos with different fortes create unique fashion products.

3. priceless /ˈpraɪslɪs/ (adj.) – of high value; cannot be matched with any price

Example: The talents showcased in the event were priceless.

4. disparity /dɪˈspærɪti/ (n.) – an obvious difference or gap

Example: The contestants are diverse because of age disparity.

5. gesture /ˈdʒɛstʃər/ (n.) – movement of one’s hands or other body parts

Example: His unusual hand gestures are distracting the audience.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Creative designers launched an online store that sells goods in exchange for talents instead of money. Daniel Soares [SWAH-Ruh sh] and Pedro Sampaio [sam-PAH-yoh] founded “The Merit Shop,” a store where money is worthless. In this shop, customers can record their special skills through videos and upload them in YouTube or Instagram. The shop owners then choose the winners based on creativity. The Merit Shop sells varied products, such as gadgets, video games, outfits, foods, and many more. However, they have a first-come first-served policy. To date, all items are already sold out. The duo’s project was inspired by the gap between the rich and the poor in San Francisco, where they both live. Soares said the huge income disparity among the citizens almost divides their city into two, so they created this shop to sell priceless items without the use of money. As art professionals, the founders wanted to reward people who can do awesome things. One can sing, dance, say a joke, or do anything creative to be able to get an item. The chosen videos are posted in The Merit Shop’s Facebook page. One of the uploaders flew a toy helicopter using only his laptop and hand gestures. Because of his genius act, he earned an iPod as a reward. Another uploader did an easier video. It was a tutorial on how to do a honk sound. The video lasted for only 28 seconds and did not really teach the skill. However, the founders consider it a unique talent, so they rewarded the uploader with a pair of shoes.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you approve of the payment system that 'The Merit Shop' uses? Why or why not?

·         With no profit, what do you think Soares and Sampaio can gain from this store?

Discussion B

·         How can having a talent be useful to a person? Please discuss.

·         How can one’s talent be improved? Kindly explain briefly.

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