【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. bottleneck /ˈbɒt
lˌnɛk/ (n.) – a road or path where the traffic flow is too slow
Example: The cars are not moving because of the bottleneck in the next street.
2. ascend /əˈsɛnd/ (v.) – to go or climb up
Example: It takes more than two hours to ascend the mountain.
3. congestion /kənˈdʒɛstʃən/ (n.) – the state of being too crowded or being full of people
tʃən/ (n.) – the state of being too crowded or being full of people
Example: Alternative roads were opened to ease the traffic congestion..
4. flock /flɒk/ (v.) – to gather or to go in a big group of people
Example: Tourists flock to the beach during summer.
5. rubbish /ˈrʌbɪʃ/ (n.) – waste, garbage
ɪʃ/ (n.) – waste, garbage
Example: Many tourists throw their rubbish on the ground.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
In order to ease the traffic flow in the bottleneck area of Mt. Everest called Hilary Step, Nepalese officials promised to put additional ropes.
With separate ascending and descending ropes, climbers need not experience a long and frustrating wait just to reach the peak.
Mount Everest is usually flocked by climbers all over the world. Therefore, congestion often occurs, which causes hours of delay and danger. It is well-fitting that the area is called “death zone” as it exposes climbers to exhaustion, lack of oxygen, and small chance of rescue.
The government made this move in response to recurring criticisms and complaints for not improving the safety and security of the mountain. Despite millions of income generated, the trail is still poorly managed.
A team composed of nine members will be stationed at the base camp of the mountain. The team will get reports of incidents concerning the mountaineers’ safety and will provide aid when necessary.
In addition, Nepalese officials have decided to require climbers to bring back their rubbish with them. Each climber must carry at least eight kilos or 17.5 pounds of garbage down to the base camp. Last year, about 50 tons of waste was collected during the peak season.
With these new rules and regulations, the Nepalese government hopes to preserve the beauty of the mountain’s highest peak. Mountain climbing is the number one tourist attraction and income source of Nepal. More than 800 climbers climbed Mt. Everest last year, and this number is still expected to increase.
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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 installing new ropes will be effective to ease the traffic flow in Mt. Everest? Why or why not?
· Why do you think tourists still climb Mt. Everest despite the dangers?
Discussion B
· How else can tourist spots be preserved?
· What do you think causes the destruction of some tourist destinations? Kindly discuss briefly.
