【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. firsthand /ˈfɜrstˈhænd/ (adj.) – obtained from original source or from a direct experience
Example: The mayor went to the stadium to get a first-hand experience of the event.
2. productive /prəˈdʌk
tɪv/ (adj.) – resulting in a desirable way or producing good results
tɪv/ (adj.) – resulting in a desirable way or producing good results
Example: The meeting was productive; they were able to fix major issues.
3. tie /taɪ/ (n.) – relationship and connection with another
Example: The state has built ties with neighboring countries.
4. uninhabited /ʌnɪnˈhæbɪtɪd/ (adj.) – having no residents or people
ɪtɪd/ (adj.) – having no residents or people
Example: The uninhabited islands are located far south of the country.
5. tiff /tɪf/ (n.) – a minor argument and conflict
Example: The tiff between the players and the coach was evident in the team’s performance.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe visited China to gain first-hand knowledge on how to host the Summer Olympics. Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympic games, while Tokyo was chosen to host the 2020 Olympics.
Despite the political tension between the two nations, Masuzoe had a productive meeting with Beijing Mayor Wang Ashun and other officials. In fact, Governor Masuzoe was the first Tokyo chief to be invited by the Beijing municipal government.
On the other hand, Mayor Wang has agreed to visit Tokyo next year and cooperate with the planning of the event. Meanwhile, Masuzoe promised to help Beijing overcome urban problems like massive air pollution and heavy traffic jams.
During his three-day trip, Masuzoe visited Bejing’s National Stadium, where the Olympics’ main events were held. He also went to see the National Aquatic Center. He asked the officials about the current purpose of these venues, which were created specifically for the Beijing Olympics.
Also, Masuzoe met with Li Xiaolin [lee shyahw-lin], the head of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign countries, to discuss the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges. The Tokyo governor then had dinner and meeting with China-Japan Friendship Association head Tang Jiaxuan [tahng jah-shwahn]. Tang told him that the invitation signifies that the Chinese government wants to improve the ties between the two countries.
Masuzoe hopes that the cooperation between Beijing and Tokyo will also help fix the relationship issues between China and Japan. Territorial and historical argument over the uninhabited Senkaku Islands caused the tiff between the two countries.
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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 approve of Masuzoe asking help from China for the Olympics? Why or why not?
· Do you think this meeting can really ease the tension between the two countries? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
· What is the importance of maintaining good relationship with other countries? Kindly discuss.
· How do you think countries can solve conflicts with other nations?