【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. all the rage /ɔl ðə reɪdʒ/ (idiom) – to become popular at a particular time
Example: The colored hairdo became all the rage among the younger generation.
2. in-crowd /ˈɪnˌkraʊd/ (n.) – a group of people considered popular or fashionable
Example: He brought expensive clothes to be like the in-crowd.
3. cosmetic /kɒzˈmɛt
ɪk/ (adj.) – refers to something that restores or improves someone’s looks
ɪk/ (adj.) – refers to something that restores or improves someone’s looks
Example: The doctor recommended some cosmetic products to her client.
4. self-esteem /ˈsɛlfɪˈstim/ (n.) – a favorable impression of one’s own worth; confidence in oneself
ɪˈstim/ (n.) – a favorable impression of one’s own worth; confidence in oneself
Example: Most celebrities have a high self-esteem.
5. legitimate /lɪˈdʒɪtəmɪt/ (adj.) – referring to something that is accepted; real or authorized
əmɪt/ (adj.) – referring to something that is accepted; real or authorized
Example: The lawyer argued that the evidence is legitimate.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Because of all the rage over selfies, the demand for plastic surgeries has overwhelmingly increased.
One third of the total members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reported that operations increased last year because of pictures posted on social media. The institution found that nose jobs, hair transplants, and eyelid surgery significantly rose by 10 per cent, seven per cent, and six per cent respectively.
According to Dr. Edward Farrior, image-based social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Selfie.im urge people to change the way they look. They tend to compare themselves with the in-crowd, causing them to look at themselves critically. He said that people should lessen or completely stop taking selfies to avoid having low self-esteem.
Face lifts, nose jobs, and Botox were the most popular selfie-inspired cosmetic procedures for women, Dr. Farrior said. Men, on the other hand, commonly asked for Botox and hair transplant. A huge percentage of people who undergo plastic surgery are 30 years old and below.
Selfie continues to be at the height of social networking and pop culture. As a matter of fact, dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary already consider it a legitimate word.
People from different walks of life become more and more involved in this trend. According to a survey, British people take 35 million selfies a month. This includes older people who are 65 years old and above.
Popular personalities also openly participate in this mania. Actor Bradley Cooper took one of the most talked about celebrity selfies at the Oscars.
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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
· Should plastic surgery be done for cosmetic purposes? Why or why not?
· Why do you think people take selfies?
Discussion B
· What can be the bad effects of social media?
· What should people avoid when using social media? Explain.