【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. commend /kəˈmɛnd/ (v.) – to give praise or to congratulate someone
Example: The manager commended the employee for his punctuality.
2. landslide /ˈlændˌslaɪd/ (n.) – a condition in which a person or a group gains a greater score than another group
Example: The Japanese football team had a landslide victory over the US.
3. speak highly of /spik
ˈhaɪ
li ʌv/ (v. phrase) – to say something good about someone or something
li ʌv/ (v. phrase) – to say something good about someone or something
Example: People speak highly of the new product released by the company.
4. fare /fɛər/ (v.) – to say how a person performs a particular situation or task
Example: He fared well during the presentation.
5. state-of-the-art /steɪt
ʌv ðə ɑrt/ (adj.) – referring to the newest and the most modern technology or equipment
Example: The stadium uses state-of-the-art sports equipment from Japan.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The International Olympic Committee (or IOC) commended Pyeongchang, South Korea for doing an excellent job in the preparations for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics.
It will be the first time that South Korea will host the Winter Olympics after getting a landslide win over Munich.
After three days of meetings and inspection, the IOC chair Gunilla Lindberg [gu-nee-lah LIND-behrg] spoke highly of the progress Pyeongchang is making since her last visit in June 2013. The places that were inspected include the Olympic villages, the sliding center, the speed and figure skating venues, and the ice hockey and curl track at the mountain resort. President Kim of Pyeongchang Organizing Committee (or POCOG) and his team were highly praised for the impressive work.
Although much work still lies ahead, the IOC is confident that POCOG can provide excellent games for the athletes. The four areas that needed most attention are marketing, venue construction, test events, and service. The IOC will come back in November to see how Pyeongchang is faring in these four areas.
Pyeongchang currently has state-of-the-art infrastructure like its improved roads and trains. These developments, according to the IOC, would be a great legacy for South Korea. With four years before the Winter Olympics, it is safe to say that Pyeongchang is ready for the Games.
Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro [REE-oh dey zhuh-NAIR-oh], the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, received criticisms for its delayed preparations. According to IOC Vice President John Coates, Rio de Janeiro’s mediocre preparation is the worst he had ever encountered.
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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 can South Korea’s hosting the Winter Olympics affect Asia’s popularity in the Olympic Games?
· Do you think holding the Winter Games in Asia can increase the chance of Asian athletes winning gold medals? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· Why is it important to prepare for big events such as the Winter Olympic Games?
· Do you think preparedness depends on how rich or poor a country is? Explain.