Comfort Food May Not Be Real, Study Claims

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. disappointment /dɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt/ (n.) – a feeling that occurs after one’s expectation is not met

Example: Disappointment may lead to emotional stress.

2. do the trick /du ðə trɪk/ (idiom) – to do something that helps in achieving a goal

Example: Putting damp cloth on the head can do the trick of bringing fever down.

3. trace back /treɪs bæk / (v. phrase) – to find the origin

Example: Experts trace back where the virus started to spread.

4. induce /ɪnˈdus, -ˈdyus/ (v.) – to cause something to happen

Example: Stress induces sickness.

5. antidote /ˈæn tɪˌdoʊt/ (n.) – a substance that stops the bad effect of a disease

Example: Experts have yet to find the antidote for the virus.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Eating certain food to make one feel better may have no scientific basis. Comfort food—like ice cream, fast food, or cakes—are usually bad for the health.  But for most people, these types of food relieve them of emotional stress caused by anger, loneliness, or disappointment. Nutritionist David Levitsky of Cornell University thinks, however, that experts have yet to find how exactly comfort food helps people feel better. In his analysis, it’s the memory associated to food that does the trick and not the food itself. According to Levitsky, what people usually consider as comfort food can be traced back to what they ate while growing up or during celebrations. For instance, some people would find chicken soup comforting because it was usually served by their mother when they were sick as a child.   A study done in the University of Minnesota confirms Levitsky’s analysis. Professor of psychology Traci Mann and her colleagues tested 100 students’ response to comfort food. In the experiment, the students were asked to watch sad movies to induce sadness. Half of them were then given food that makes them feel better, while the other half had just ordinary food. When asked about how they feel after eating, both groups of students said they felt better. This result may mean that food had nothing to do with the students’ moods. Levitsky says that eating comfort food poses no danger, unless people overeat or turn to food to escape emotional problems. However, people should understand that food in itself cannot be an antidote to feeling down or frustrated.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What is your “comfort food” and what situations do you usually eat it/them?

·         What are some ways to cope with emotional stress? Please discuss briefly.

Discussion B

·         How do you think people can avoid emotional eating?

·         Would you say that you have good eating habits? Why or why not?

Online Harassment Now Prevalent in the United States

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. harassment /həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt/ (n.) – the act of annoying or troubling someone, to the point of physical or emotional damage

Example: The secretary accused her manager of sexual harassment.

2. bother /ˈbɒð ər/ (v.) – to make a person feel troubled or annoyed

Example: I got mad when he bothered me during my break.

3. get back at (someone/somebody) /gɛt bæk ət/ (idiom) – to get revenge or to punish someone who did something wrong

Example: She wants to get back at him for bullying her when they were kids.

4. humiliate /hyuˈmɪl iˌeɪt/ (v.) – to cause embarrassment

Example: The school bully always tries to humiliate other students.

5. repercussion /ˌri pərˈkʌʃ ən, ˌrɛp ər-/ (n.) – a bad result or outcome caused by an action, statement, or event

Example: Taking revenge may have serious repercussions.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent research revealed that online harassment has become common in the United States nowadays. Online harassment is the behavior in which an online user bothers another person through words or actions, resulting in emotional pain or suffering. According to a research by the Pew Research Center, about 40% of adults in the United States have been harassed on the Internet. Most of them are young adults aged 18 to 29 years old. The research looked into six different types of online harassment. These are offensive name-calling, intentionally embarrassing other people, consistent harassment over long periods of time, physical threats, stalking, and sexual harassment. Most of these instances happen on social networking sites. There are various reasons why people do cyberbullying. One of which is because of anger or for revenge. This is when a person uses the Internet in order to get back at someone who had done him or her wrong. Another reason is for entertainment; a person thinks humiliating another person on the Internet is amusing. Some people also do cyberbullying in order to show or prove that they have more power than others. Online harassment may have serious repercussions, especially to a person’s emotional and psychological health. For instance, it may cause fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It may also result in depression, which sometimes causes suicidal thoughts. In order to stop online harassment and prevent its effects, different states in the US are implementing anti-cyberbullying policies and laws. In fact, about 46 states now have both policies and laws addressed to stop cyberbullying.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, why is online harassment becoming more common in the United States?

·         Aside from those mentioned in the article, what can be the other reasons why people cyberbully or commit online harassment?

Discussion B

·         How do you think cyberbullying affects a person?

·         How else can cyberbullying be avoided?

Car Voice Systems Distract Drivers, Study Finds

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. distract /dɪˈstrækt/ (v.) – to affect someone’s focus

Example: Noisy passengers can distract a driver.

2. hands-free /ˈhændzˌfri/ (adj.) – works without the need for human hands

Example: You can make calls in a hands-free phone without picking it up.

3. manually /ˈmæn yu əli/ (adv.) – done with the use of human hands

Example: Answering phone calls manually while driving is dangerous.

4. laboratory / ˈlæb rəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/ (n.) – a place set up to create or do experiments

Example: The virtual car driving test was done in the laboratory.

5. complaint /kəmˈpleɪnt/ (n.) – statement or expression of disagreement

Example: His complaint is about the car’s faulty wiring.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Two studies reveal that the voice control systems of cars can distract drivers. Researchers from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah assessed how cars with virtual assistants affect people’s focus while driving. Voice-activated systems aim to lessen drivers’ tasks by making navigation of phone and car features hands-free. However, it turns out that using voice commands can be more distracting than doing the tasks manually. The researchers gathered 162 participants to undergo driving tests done in the laboratory and on the road. Seven voice control systems were used in the study, namely: Toyota’s Entune, Hyundai's Blue Link, Chrysler's [KRAHYS-ler] UConnect, Ford Sync with MyFord Touch, Mercedes' COMAND, Chevrolet's MyLink, and Apple’s Siri. Participants were asked to do some tasks aside from driving such as making a call, playing songs on the radio, and using a digital map. Participants graded the systems on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the lowest distraction rate. Toyota’s Entune got the best rating with 1.7 while Apple’s Siri got the worst with 4.14. While voice control systems can be helpful, it can also cause problems for the user. The main complaint of the drivers was the systems’ failure in following voice commands. Researchers highlighted the failure of Apple’s Siri to recognize simple requests like changing the radio station. In one instance, Siri called the 911 emergency when it misunderstood the driver’s request. In response, Apple said that the study did not use “Siri Eyes Free” and “CarPlay,” which are applications designed specifically for cars. But according to lead author David Strayer, the researchers provided details to Apple prior to the study and no applications were recommended.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think driving is easier with voice control systems? Why or why not?

·         How does Apple’s rating affect your opinion about its products?

Discussion B

·         How important is it to study the effect of technology to the consumers?

·         As a consumer, do you check published studies before buying a particular brand of technology? Why or why not?

Indonesia to Use Borrowed Funds to Protect Endangered Wildlife

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. endangered /ɛnˈdeɪn dʒərd/ (adj.) – at risk of being extinct

Example: We don’t see a lot of Sumatran rhinos anymore because they are endangered.

2. compromise /ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪz/ (n.) – an agreement settled between two parties considering each demands

Example: The organization agrees to financially support the zoo as a compromise to the zoo releasing its animals to the wild.

3. diverse / dɪˈvɜrs, daɪ-, ˈdaɪ vɜrs/ (adj.) – having different types

Example: Our country’s ecosystem is diverse because of the varied plants and animals in our forests.

4. trafficking /ˈtræf ɪkɪŋ/ (n.) – the act of selling something or someone illegally

Example: The government confiscated the farmer’s trucks that were used for wildlife trafficking.

5. illicit /ɪˈlɪs ɪt/ (adj.) – not allowed by law

Example: The villagers were arrested for illicit trading of pandas to the zoo.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Indonesian government will be allotting part of its borrowed funds to protect and preserve endangered animals and habitats in Sumatra. In a deal with the United States, Indonesia agreed to invest 12.7 million dollars on wildlife conservation efforts as a compromise to reduce its debts to the United States. In seven years, Indonesia will use funds initially owed to the United States to improve the protection and living conditions of the wildlife in Sumatra. Sumatra [soo-MAH-truh] is one of the world’s few remaining diverse ecosystems. Sumatra’s wildlife include animals and natural environments that exist nowhere else on Earth. It is home to the Sumatran tigers and the last one hundred of the Sumatran rhinos. It is also the natural habitat of endangered elephants and orangutans. These animals are nearly extinct because of the rampant practice of animal trafficking in the island. These animals are found only in Indonesia because of the unique ecosystem of the Sumatran rainforests. It provides drinkable water, which can also be used to cultivate agricultural lands to grow crops. Moreover, it helps maintain climate conditions that are good for both animals and humans. However, these rainforests are also threatened, particularly by illicit deforestation. Indonesia hopes to put a stop to these environmental threats. Conservation International (CI) is one of the organizations aiding the government’s efforts. Ketut Putra, vice president of CI Indonesia, said that part of the funds will employ and train security personnel who will look after the wildlife. An initiative to inspire awareness on the importance of protecting endangered animals and habitats in the Indonesian community will also be financed.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, how else can Indonesia protect and preserve its wildlife? Please discuss briefly.

·         Do you think the agreement of reducing Indonesia’s debt to improve its natural environment is a good move by the United States? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the reasons why more and more animals are becoming endangered nowadays? Please explain you answer.

·         How can these causes be prevented?