【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. edition /ɪˈdɪʃ ən/ (n.) – a form or version of something
Example: He loves to buy and collect special edition coins.
2. share /ʃɛər/ (n.) – (Economics) a particular amount of money divided between people or group
Example: The board members are entitled to a share of the company’s earnings.
3. denomination /dɪˌnɒm əˈneɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the value or worth of money
Example: Philippine coins are available in seven denominations.
4. premier /prɪˈmɪər/ (n.) – a state’s leader or head of government
Example: The country elected a new premier.
5. association /əˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃən/ (n.) – relationship or connection with people or group
Example: A country’s association with other states is important.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Collectors are buying up coins with images of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. These coins are considered as real cash in the island country Niue [nee-OO-ey].
In an effort to promote tourism and raise funds, Niue made a deal with New Zealand Mint to make collectors’ edition of Niue’s currency in 2008. The coin features Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a Disney character on the other. Niue gets a share for every coin sold by the New Zealand Mint.
The coins vary in designs and denominations. So far, the Disney characters that are available are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. Future releases will include Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel [AIR-ee-uh l] from The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas. A silver coin has the denomination of two New Zealand dollars while a gold coin is equivalent to 25 New Zealand dollars.
Despite the coin’s denomination, its collector’s price is much higher. A gold coin costs $632 while the silver coin costs $89 each. According to New Zealand Mint chief executive Simon Harding, a batch of Disney edition coins made of one kilogram of gold will be released soon. The current ones are made of only 7.1 grams of gold.
Although Niue is a self-governing state, it is in free association with New Zealand. Thus, both countries use New Zealand dollar. However, Niue has issued special edition coins for economic and tourism purposes. Niue released Star Wars coins in 2011 and Doctor Who coins in 2013.
Niue’s premier Toke [tohk] Talagi hopes the coins will help draw tourists, particularly coin collectors. Talagi believes that the coins can raise people’s awareness of Niue’s existence.
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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 agree that the special edition coins can help boost Niue’s tourism? Why or why not?
· What coin edition would you like Niue to have? Kindly discuss.
Discussion B
· What are the unique ways to promote a country’s tourism? Share some details with your tutor.
· What makes collecting items interesting? Share your thoughts with your tutor.