【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. hooked /hʊkt/ (adj.) – having so much interest on doing something
Example: He got hooked on the computer game after he first played it.
2. insight /ˈɪnˌsaɪt/ (n.) – a clear idea and understanding of something
Example: The book gave her insights on how the Internet began.
3. immense /ɪˈmɛns/ (adj.) – very big or having great amount
Example: The immense demand for the new phone model led to an early release.
4. reluctant /rɪˈlʌk
tənt/ (adj.) – not ready or does not want to do something
tənt/ (adj.) – not ready or does not want to do something
Example: Her parents were reluctant to apply for the expensive Internet subscription.
5. compliment /ˈkɒmpləˌmɛnt/ (v.) – to say good things or praise something
pləˌmɛnt/ (v.) – to say good things or praise something
Example: Many people complimented the user-friendly website.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
More Americans are now hooked on the Internet to the point that they would rather go online than watch television, survey says.
The survey came out as part of the 25th anniversary of the World Wide Web. Pew [pyu] Research Center conducted it to gain insight on the Internet’s importance for U.S. citizens.
Since its creation on March 12, 1989, Internet usage has kept on growing. The technology’s immense popularity is evident in Pew’s findings. According to the recent survey, 53% of Internet users in the U.S. would find it difficult to give up Internet access. In a 2006 survey, only 38% of the respondents were reluctant to give up Internet use.
On another note, fewer respondents showed loyalty to television. From 44% in 2006, only 35% of American adults cannot let go of their TV sets. Similar changes were also seen on telephone usage. The number of respondents who view landline phone as a necessity has dropped from 48% in 2006 to 28% today.
In addition, 49% of mobile phone users said cellphones are very important – a minor increase from 44% in 2006.
According to Pew, mobile device plays a huge role on the Internet’s growth. Results showed that 68% of Internet users go online through handheld gadgets like smartphones and tablets.
When asked about the World Wide Web’s effects, 90% of the respondents complimented the technology, although 6% personally think it has bad effects. Also, three out of four people think that the Internet is beneficial to the society, while 15% of them think otherwise.
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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 more people now prefer the Internet over the television?
· In your opinion, what will be the future of television?
Discussion B
· How influential is media in your country?
· How can media be used as a tool for progress?