Cargo Ships to Get 2,500-dollar Incentives If They Slow Down for Blue Whales

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. incentive /ɪnˈsɛn tɪv/ (n.) – something that is given to make someone do something

Example: The cleanest community will receive a huge incentive.

2. prime /praɪm/ (adj.) – most important

Example: The prime focus of the local government is to protect the coral reefs in the area.

3. wash ashore /ˈwɒʃˌəˈʃɔr, ˈwɔʃ-/ (v.) – to be brought onto the shore by waves

Example: Two dead turtles were washed ashore during the storm.

4. collision /kəˈlɪʒ ən/ (n.) – an incident in which a vehicle or a person bumps into something

Example: The collision of two passenger ships killed 500 people.

5. endangered /ɛnˈdeɪn dʒərd/ (adj.) – referring to an animal or plant that is at risk of being extinct

Example: An endangered shark was caught in the net of a fisherman.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new program will grant a $2,500 incentive to massive cargo ships that will slow down while passing through the Santa Barbara Channel off the Southern California coast.  This new initiative, which was launched in July by an environmental group, is backed by federal and local officials. The program will run for only four months during the prime whale feeding season in the area. The measure aims to address two environmental concerns: air pollution and blue whale safety. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) policy analyst Sean Hastings, the estimated population of blue whales in the Santa Barbara Channel is around 2,500. Whales are usually found washed ashore because of blunt force trauma from ship collisions. Just recently, one dead fin whale was found on the shore of Port Hueneme [wahy-NEE-mee]. The six participating shipping companies will have to reduce their normal cruising speed from 14-18 knots [nots] to just 12 knots. Per trip, they will be paid $2,500. While this amount is not enough to cover the time the companies will lose, the environmental group hopes that the shipping companies would appreciate this bonus while helping conserve the blue whales. Marine conservation analyst Kristi Birney [BER-nee] said that slowing down ships can be good in lessening air pollution, protecting endangered species, and promoting human health. The speed reduction incentive program is expected to lower the collisions of whales with approaching ships and therefore provide a more protected environment for whales and cleaner air for humans.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What can be the possible impact of the speed reduction initiative to the participating shipping companies? Kindly discuss with your tutor.

·         How can the organizers encourage other shipping companies to participate in this program?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think it is necessary to preserve endangered species? Please explain your answer.

·         As an individual, how can you help preserve endangered animals?

British Citizens Spend Too Much Time Using Smartphones during Vacation

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. respite /ˈrɛs pɪt/ (n.) – a temporary period of relief

Example: I’m taking the day off today to seek respite from last week’s awful deadlines.

2. confess /kənˈfɛs/ (v.) – to say something embarrassing or awkward

Example:  Andrea confessed her feelings to her coworker when she was drunk.

3. overseas /oʊ vərˈsiz/ (adv.) – in another country across an ocean or sea

Example: It’s hard to live overseas, especially because you’re miles away from your family.

4. getaway /ˈgɛt əˌweɪ/ (n.) – a short trip or vacation

Example:  We will be having a getaway at the beach this weekend.

5. exaggerate /ɪgˈzædʒ əˌreɪt/ (v.) – to overstate or to describe something as greater than it really is

Example: She exaggerates even the simplest news.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

One in three British citizens admits spending too much time on their mobile devices while on vacation, a survey reveals. The survey conducted by Hotels.com focused on the vacation habits of almost 2,500 people from 28 countries. From the sampled population of Britain, 83% declared to use their vacation as respite from work. According to a poll, half of the British population confessed to checking their work emails during vacations, recognizing the need to connect to social media when overseas. The poll also ranked 28 countries in terms of people’s dependence to their mobile devices when traveling. The United Kingdom landed on the fifteenth place in a tie with Germany. On another note, Thai people ranked first, with 85% unable to travel without mobile devices. Asian technology giants South Korea (78%) and Japan (69%) came in second and third place, respectively. The poll also determined which countries tend to make stories about their getaway experiences. China topped the list; Germany ranked second, and the United Kingdom came in thirteenth. Travelers from the said countries tend to exaggerate stories to their friends and family upon coming back. In addition, the poll ranked things that travelers make sure to bring during vacation. Based on the level of importance, participants ranked smartphones in fifth place, behind passport, sunscreen, travel insurance, and sunglasses. Alison Couper from Hotels.com stated that going on vacations should be reserved for relaxing. Smartphones are reliable companions while taking time off from work, but travelers could have more work-life balance by switching it off.

【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 are the other reasons why people rely too much on their mobile devices? Explain briefly.

·         How can the overuse of mobile devices affect one’s vacation?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, is taking vacations important to one’s lifestyle? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think some people lie about their traveling experiences?

Panama Canal: A Century Old

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. canal /kəˈnæl/ (n.) – a passage filled with water in which ships travel or pass through

Example: The canal was declared off-limits after too many ships sank using it.

2. route /rut, raʊt/ (n.) – a path that can be traveled on

Example: A route through air is the fastest way to get to our next destination.

3. in the making /ɪn ðə ˈmeɪ kɪŋ/ (idiom) – still in the process of being developed or created

Example: The ships are now in the making and are expected to be finished in two years.

4. shortcut /ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt/ (n.) – a route that is shorter and quicker to travel on

Example: The driver used a shortcut to avoid the traffic and deliver the package on time.

5. treaty /ˈtri ti/ (n.) – a formal arrangement between two countries regarding a mutual agreement, alliance, or commerce

Example: The two newly-elected presidents signed a peace treaty in order to stop the decade-long war.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Known as one of the most legendary man-made structures ever built, the Panama [PAN-uh-mah] Canal turns a century old this August. An 80-kilometer stretch of waterway, the Panama Canal is a ship route serving as a shorter passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built across Panama, the canal is considered a celebrated landmark by both its country and its continent. It has established Panama as an independent country as well as a powerful economy. Before opening in 1914, the canal lasted more than three decades in the making. It was, in fact, first conceptualized in the 1500s, when the Holy Roman Empire intended to create a shortcut across Central America in order to avoid the long journey of going around the continent. However, it was only in 1880 that the concept was put into operation by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps [duh-LES-eps; French duh le-SEPS]. Despite his efforts, de Lesseps failed to complete the canal due to financial and technological limitations. Twenty-four years later, the United States signed a treaty with the newly-declared country of Panama to pursue the project. After a decade of speedy construction and over 27,000 fatalities from hard labor and diseases, the Panama Canal was completed. Today, the canal is used by five percent of the world’s shipping trade. However, it remains to face competition with other major canals such as the Suez [soo-EZ] Canal in Egypt. Despite this, officials currently plan to improve and prolong the canal’s structure in the hope of strengthening the canal to withstand another century.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think it is worth risking so many lives to build a great structure? Why or why not?

·         Do you think old structures should be kept as they are, or should they be replaced or renovated? Why?

Discussion B

·         What do you think is the greatest man-made structure that your country has built?

·         What great structure would you want to build in your country? Why?

Dining Out Means More Calories

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. dine out /daɪn aʊt/ (v.) – to eat away from home, especially in a food establishment

Example: They wanted to spend the day outside, so they dined out for lunch and dinner.

2. intake /ˈɪnˌteɪk/ (n.) – the quantity of food, drink, or nutrient that the body consumes

Example: She includes vegetables in all her meals to balance her vitamin intake.

3. in general /ɪn ˈdʒɛn ər əl/ (idiom) – in all ways or in all circumstances

Example: Junk food in general is unhealthy.

4. exception /ɪkˈsɛp ʃən/ (n.) – something that is usually prohibited by a rule but is allowable in some circumstances

Example: Cake was the exception in her diet since it was her birthday.

5. serving /ˈsɜr vɪŋ/ (n.) – an amount of food that is suitable for one person

Example: The boy had a stomachache after having five servings of ice cream.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A study suggests that people who dine out in restaurants, be it fast-food or full-service, gain more calories compared with those who eat at home.       The study investigated the calorie intake of adults who eat in restaurants. The data were based on a survey conducted on 12,000 American adults of different ethnicities and economic standings. Participants were asked to report their eating habits on two separate days using the survey.   Based on its results, the survey indicated that participants who dined out have excessive consumption of unhealthy food. Its findings reveal that dining out in general adds 200 calories as well as high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat in one’s daily consumption. The researchers also discovered other factors. For one, salt intake from dining in full-service establishments is higher than the intake from fast-food restaurants. Another is that African-Americans consume more calories compared with Caucasians. Also, participants who are high-income earners have the least calorie intake since they can purchase expensive meals that are healthier, researchers claim. The study emphasizes the message that dining out should be an exception and not a fixed replacement to eating at home. Researchers further stated that there are ways to avoid too much intake of calories when dining out, such as limiting the portions of one’s serving. Unhealthy diet can be considered one of the reasons behind the rise of obesity in the United States. According to recent statistics, over 79 million adults in the United States are obese.

【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 are the reasons why people prefer to dine out instead of eat at home? Please explain your answer.

·         Aside from limiting one’s serving portions, how else can people who eat out avoid too much intake of calories?

Discussion B

·         What would be a good way to encourage people to cook and eat at home? Please explain your answer.

·         Do you think your country is at risk of being an obese nation? Why or why not?