UK Pubs Continue to Shut Down

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. pub /pʌb/ (n.) – a place for drinking alcoholic beverages

Example: We went to the pub to drink beer.

2. shut down /ʃʌtdaʊn/ (v.) – to stop operating or to close a business

Example: The restaurant shut down after months of low sales.

3. settle for /ˈsɛt lfɔr/ (phrasal v.) – to do or to accept something less than what one prefers

Example: He wanted an expensive drink but he settled for the cheaper ones instead.

4. make matters worse /meɪk ˈmætərs wɜrs/ (idiom) – to worsen an already difficult situation

Example: The tax increase made matters worse for small business owners.

5. petition /pəˈtɪʃən/ (n.) – a formal request given to authorities and is signed by many people

Example: The group made a petition to reduce government taxes.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A study reveals that the British pub industry is at risk as more pubs in the United Kingdom continue to shut down, causing a drop in beer consumption. In the study “Closing Time” by the Institute of Economic Affairs, author Christopher Snowdon exposed how pub closures occurred more often in the recent years. Since 1980, about 21,000 pubs in the United Kingdom had closed. Notably, 10,000 or almost half of those pub closures happened only between 2006 and 2013. Snowdon cited the decreased beer consumption among Britons as a cause for the shutdowns. The report showed that alcohol consumers dropped by 18 percent since 2004. Pubs have also experienced a 54 percent drop in beer sales since 2003. Government taxes imposed on alcohol drinks caused beer prices in pubs to go up. The beer duty tax escalator—a tax that increased beer prices by two percent above inflation rate per year—was introduced in 2008 and will end this 2015. This trend caused many consumers to settle for beers at supermarkets and drink at home. In addition, the government’s 2007 policy that banned smoking in enclosed public places made matters worse. Though smoking was still allowed in particular pubs, the percentage of pub customers who smoked decreased from 54% to below 40% within two years. With a rate of 31 closures a week, more pubs are expected to close in the coming years. To help prevent this from happening, pub supporters from Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have called out the government to revise its laws on taxation through a signed petition. The organization successfully petitioned the scrapping of beer duty tax escalator.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Is it good news that the drinking population in the United Kingdom dropped? Why or why not?

·         How do you think the smoking ban policy affected British smokers?

Discussion B

·         How popular are beerhouses in Japan?

·         What are the effects of drinking alcoholic beverages?

Moms’ Phone Use during Mealtime is Bad, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. distraction /dɪˈstræk ʃən/ (n.) – something that prevents a person to pay full attention

Example: Cell phone use can be a distraction during mealtime.

2. mealtime /ˈmilˌtaɪm/ (n.) – refers to the time for eating a meal

Example: We have our family conversations during mealtime.

3. bonding /ˈbɒn dɪŋ/ (n.) – the act of developing a relationship

Example: They went on a vacation for their family bonding activity.

4. heighten /ˈhaɪt n/ (v.) – to increase the degree of something

Example: The study heightened our awareness on technology’s harmful effects to people.

5. caregiver /ˈkɛərˌgɪv ər/ (n.) – a person who looks after or takes care of someone

Example: The caregiver took the kids to school.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Parents might want to rethink about using their phones when dining with their kids. New studies suggest that parents who use smartphones during mealtime tend to ignore their kids at the dining table. The researchers said that the distraction caused by the device can harm parent-child relationship in a family. With mealtime conversations being an important part of family bonding, the researchers observed how parents behave with a phone at hand. In a study published in the Academic Pediatrics, researchers filmed the interaction of 225 mothers and their six-year-old children while having a meal. Unfamiliar food was provided for each mother-and-child pair. The researchers said the strangeness of the food worried the children, which heightened their need for interaction with their mothers. The results showed that the mothers who used their phones at the dining table had 26 percent fewer verbal interactions. They also had 48 percent fewer nonverbal interactions—which include eye contact, hand gestures, smiles, and head nods. In an earlier study led by the same author, the researchers observed 55 caregivers and parents with one or more children eating in a fast-food restaurant. The children included infants and those aging up to 10 years old. Findings revealed that 40 of the 55 adults used their mobile devices at least once during meal. Out of those 40 adults, 16 used their devices throughout the meal. The researchers concluded that the parents’ opportunities to connect with their children are lessened with the use of phones during mealtime. This is because these devices prevent parents from giving the attention needed by their children.

【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 mealtime conversation is important? Why or why not?

·         What can happen if children are often ignored?

Discussion B

·         Would you allow your children to use a device during mealtime? Why or why not?

·         How does technology help bring families closer together?

Flight Attendants of United Airlines to Get iPhone 6 Plus in 2015

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. flight attendant /flaɪt əˈtɛn dənt/ (n.) – an airline staff member who looks after passengers in a flight

Example: He asked for food from the flight attendant.

 

2. paperless /ˈpeɪpərlɛs/ (adj.) – using a computer or an electronic device instead of paper

Example: Some airline companies now accept paperless tickets.

3. manual /ˈmæn yu əl/ (n.) – a book with a set of instructions and information

Example: The manual shows how to update the phone’s operating system.

4. on-board /ˈɒnˈbɔrd/ (adj.) – included or available on a vehicle

Example: Ann rode an airplane with an on-board television.

5. cabin /ˈkæb ɪn/ (n.) – an area in an aircraft where passengers sit

Example: The aircraft’s cabin can fit 180 passengers.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The United Airlines will give Apple iPhone 6 Plus to its 23,000 flight attendants as the company moves toward having a paperless system in its aircrafts. The company chose Apple iPhone 6 Plus after an extensive research on different devices and consultation of its staff. The smartphone provides convenience and accessibility that will help flight attendants provide better service to its passengers. One advantage of using the phone is that it makes airline manuals more accessible. Digital copies of the safety and operations manuals will be stored in the smartphones. Thus, attendants can easily refer to these manuals for any flight concerns. They can also access the Internet during flights for work and personal use. Attendants can also easily sell on-board food items and seat upgrades to passengers using the smartphone. An app that functions as a credit card reader is installed on the phones, thereby lessening payment hassles. The United Airlines will also have more apps that will feature improved reporting and follow-up services on cabin issues. The distribution of the iPhone 6 Plus to its attendants will begin around the second quarter of 2015. The United Airlines started using gadgets on its flights in 2011 by giving Apple iPads to its pilots. In 2014, the company upgraded the gadgets to iPad Air 2. Other airlines have also equipped mobile technology in their flights. Delta Airlines gave Nokia Lumia 820 smartphones to its 19,000 flight attendants in 2013, while Alaska Airlines provided its pilots with iPads in 2011.

【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 the United Airlines’ decision to give iPhones to its flight attendants? Why or why not?

·         How do you think the device will affect the flight attendants’ performance?

Discussion B

·         Why is it important to have the latest technology in an airline?

·         How important is the airlines’ quality of customer service? Please explain to your tutor.

Animal Rights Group Fighting to Give Human Rights to Chimpanzees

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. contend /kənˈtɛnd/ (v.) – to struggle or fight against something or someone

Example: The mother contended with the teacher after her son got failing marks.

2. knee-deep /ˈniˈdip/ (adj.) – being deeply involved in something

Example: The company was knee-deep in debt after losing to several lawsuits.

3. captive /ˈkæp tɪv/ (adj.) – being held prisoner

Example: The research center has captive rabbits for their study.

4. accountability /əˌkaʊn təˈbɪl ɪ ti/ (n.) – the act of being aware and being responsible for something that one does

Example: The company laptop is under his accountability; therefore, he must be careful with it.

5. lobby /ˈlɒb i/ (v.) – to seek support from a politician or a governing authority on an issue

Example: The students are lobbying for a decrease in tuition fees.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

An animal rights group contends with New York State law in an effort to grant human rights to chimpanzees. Since 2013, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) has been knee-deep in legal battles to fight for the liberation of captive chimpanzees. The group petitioned chimpanzees to be recognized as legal persons by law. This would give the chimpanzees basic human rights—including the right to be protected from illegal imprisonment. Chimpanzees have the intellectual and emotional capacity to be given this right, the NhRP stated. The group cited several scientific studies and authorities to support their cases. They emphasized that chimpanzees are proven to share complex abilities in communication, memory, logic, and creativity with humans. Three separate cases were filed in New York State courts. All courts rejected the petitions on the basis that chimpanzees lacked social awareness and responsibility. According to one judge, part of the obligations of legal personhood is the capability to understand and follow legal contracts. Furthermore, legal persons should be able to bear the obligation and accountability for their actions if they break the law. All three courts decided that none of the chimpanzees could adhere to these obligations. However, one judge acknowledged the value of the group’s aims. He advised that the group should instead lobby for new laws that would establish better protection for intelligent animals. The NhRP represented four chimpanzees that are believed to be living in cruel conditions. Two chimpanzees are allegedly kept by their owners against their will, while two other chimpanzees are being kept in a research center that is notorious for animal abuse. The group’s goal is to transfer the chimpanzees in animal sanctuaries.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think the chimpanzees should have the right of legal personhood? Why or why not?

·         What do you think the NhRP should do to successfully achieve their goal? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the situations wherein animals are treated unfairly? Please explain your answer.

·         How important is it to fight for animal rights? Please explain your answer.