【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. hashtag /ˈhæʃˌtæg/ (n.) – a word or phrase used in social networking sites to categorize interesting topics
Example: My friend’s hashtag for today is #summersale.
2. avail /əˈveɪl/ (v.) – to use something for one’s benefit
Example: He availed of the sale using his credit card.
3. as to /æz tə/ (prep. phrase) – regarding or concerning
Example: I am worried as to the security settings of my credit card.
4. dismiss /dɪsˈmɪs/ (v.) – to refuse or to not consider something
Example: He dismissed the idea of buying a new pair of shoes.
5. affiliate /əˈfɪl i ɪt, -ˌeɪt/ (n.) – a partner or branch of a company or organization
Example: His business affiliates helped him when he was bankrupt.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Shopping online has now become quick and easy, thanks to the partnership of Amazon and Twitter.
Through a tagline “Add it Now, Buy it Later,” Twitter users can now add Amazon products on their cart by simply replying with the hashtag #AmazonCart.
To avail of this new feature, a user’s Twitter account must be connected to his or her Amazon account. By replying to any Twitter posts linked to the Amazon products with the hashtag #AmazonCart, items will be automatically added to the user’s Amazon cart. Then, a confirmation email will be sent as to the status of the item. Users may opt to buy or dismiss the product anytime.
Julie Law, the spokeswoman for Amazon, said that the company has many consumers and affiliates who use Twitter. She mentioned that Amazon finds it logical to use Twitter in adding products in their Amazon cart.
With this feature, all purchased products will be shown to all their followers. This raises apprehensions about whether the partnership will work.
This service is set to be first launched in the US and the United Kingdom. UK users should use the hashtag #AmazonBasket. This type of shopping, however, does not include Amazing Lightning Deals.
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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
· What do you think about the partnership of Amazon and Twitter?
· Can you cite possible advantages and disadvantages of this new feature?
Discussion B
· What is more common in your country, online shopping or in-store shopping?
· How would you describe the shopping habits of most people in your country?