【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. exhibitor /ɪgˈzɪbɪtər/ (n.) – a person or a group that organizes exhibits to publicly display certain items
Example: The exhibitor gathered a lot of antique items for the upcoming exhibit.
2. multiply /ˌmʌltiˈplaɪ,
ˌmʌltaɪ-/ (v.) – to greatly increase in quantity
Example: The company’s income multiplied after the expansion.
3. luxurious /lʌgˈʒʊəriəs,
lʌkˈʃʊər-/ (adj.) – very expensive
Example: Wearing suit and tie, Mike attended the wine exhibit in a luxurious hotel.
4. slump /slʌmp/ (v.) – to suddenly fall or decrease
Example: Our sales slumped after our company got involved in an issue.
5. liquor /ˈlɪkər/ (n.) – an alcoholic drink different from beer and wine
Example: My brother prefers liquor to beer because the former has stronger taste.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A recent study revealed that Chinese citizens have consumed the most amount of red wine in the world in 2013.
Wine exhibitor Vinexpo [VIN-ex-poh] reported that China and Hong Kong consumed 155 million cases of red wine. France, famous for its wine production, came only second with 150 million cases. Italians drank 141 million cases, the United States with 134 million, and Germany with 112 million. But for all types of wine the U.S. has been the world’s top consumer ever since 2011.
According to Vinexpo director general Guillaume Deglise [gee-YOHM de-GLIZ], Chinese citizens have changed their attitude toward wine consumption. Deglise noticed how vineyards [VIN-yerds] and wine distribution networks have multiplied in the country.
Being the world’s second richest country, China continues to have an increased demand for foreign and luxurious products such as wine. Also, China has the biggest population in the world with 1.3 billion citizens.
For some European countries, demand for wine has slumped over the past years. Since 2007, the French’s consumption has dropped by 18% while Italy had a 5.8% decline.
Although the demand for wine is decreasing in Europe, Vinexpo still sees larger wine demand in the future. The red wine consumption in the U.S. is expected to increase by 14% in the next five years. The global wine consumption has also grown by 3.23% between 2008 and 2012 and is expected to have an almost 5% increase by 2017.
Additionally, the study revealed that China’s Baijiu [bye-joh] is the world’s most consumed liquor. On the other hand, the demand for Russia’s vodka has dropped by six percent in the last five years.
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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
· How do you think this study will affect wine makers/producers?
· In your opinion, why did wine consumption drop in France and Italy?
Discussion B
· What do you think are the effects of drinking wine and other liquors?
· How can people be encouraged to drink alcoholic drinks in moderation?
