【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. revolutionary [rev-uh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee] (adj.) – referring to something that will change the usual way of doing things
Example: There have been a lot of revolutionary inventions in the medicine industry for the past decade.
2. enclose [en-KLOHZ] (v.) – to surround or envelope something
Example:
3. as opposed to [az uh-POHZD tuh] (idiom) – different from what was mentioned before
Example: Using paper bags is environment-friendly as opposed to using plastic bags.
4. refine [ri-FAHYN] (v.) – to make minor changes to improve something
Example: The new product was refined to boost sales.
5. drawback [DRAW-bak] (n.) – a disadvantage or a weak point
Example: One drawback of organic products is their rare availability in major stores.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
There is a new way of drinking water without using a plastic bottle, and it’s through the revolutionary water blob called “ooho.” This new invention is 100% biodegradable, affordable, and edible.
Ooho designers, Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Pierre Paslier, and Guillaume Couche [GEE-yohm koo-SHEY] got their inspiration from egg yolks, which are enclosed within a thin membrane. Made up of calcium chloride and brown algae, the double membrane gelatinous container undergoes a process known in culinary arts as “spherification.” It is the process of turning liquid into spherical shape. In order to hold the water firmly, the membrane should be placed in frozen water. Once the ice melts, it becomes sturdy enough to be carried and drunk.
According to its creators, anyone can create an ooho at home since it is made up of simple ingredients. The process is not that complicated and does not require a lot of time and money. It only costs two US cents to make one membrane, as opposed to ten cents for a water bottle. After finishing ooho, one can either dispose or eat it.
However, this invention needs to be refined since it is still in its infancy. One drawback is it cannot be closed once a person starts drinking it. In addition, this product may not be very hygienic and convenient. Because of its jellyfish-like appearance, a person may also find it weird to drink from it.
Nearly 50% of disposed plastic is from plastic bottles. If ooho is sold in the mainstream market, it could be a good way to reduce plastic wastes.
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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
· Would you like to try the ooho water blob? Why or why not?
· How do you think the design of ooho can be improved?
Discussion B
· How does your government solve problems on waste materials such as plastic bottles?
· Do you find the solutions effective? Why or why not?
