Foreign Representatives Attend Hiroshima’s 70th Memorial Ceremony

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. representative /ˌrɛp rɪˈzɛn tə tɪv/ (n.) – someone who represents a group or institution

Example: He was the country’s representative in the international peace forum.

2. ceremony /ˈsɛr əˌmoʊ ni/ (n.) – formal activities done during an important occasion

Example: There will be a ceremony to honor war heroes.

3. abolition /ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ən/ (n.) – the act or process of getting rid of something

Example: The president called for the abolition of war in the country.

4. commemorate /kəˈmɛm əˌreɪt/ (v.) – to honor the memory of something

Example: The shrine was built to commemorate the victims of the disaster.

5. abide /əˈbaɪd/ (v.) – to accept or tolerate

Example: We must abide by their rules while we are on their property.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Representatives from various nations, including those from the European Union, attended this year’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial. This year’s ceremony had around 100 foreign representatives in attendance. First-time attendees include ambassadors from Afghanistan, Monaco [MON-uh-koh], Sri Lanka, [sree LAHNG-kuh] and the Philippines. Representatives from four out of the five countries with the most number of nuclear weapons, namely Britain, France, Russia, and the United States, were also present. The fifth nation, China, did not send any representative to the event. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was first held in 1947, but it was only in 1998 that representatives from the five major nuclear powers were first invited. In 2010, the participants increased to 74 after US President Barack Obama called for the abolition of nuclear weapons in a speech held in Prague [prahg] the year before. Another highlight from the 2010 ceremony is the attendance of officials from Britain, France, and the US for the very first time. A few days after the ceremony, Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. To mark the anniversary, the prime minister renewed his pledge to keep Japan free from the use of nuclear weapons. During the event held at Nagasaki Peace Park, Prime Minister Abe also promised to abide by Japan’s non-nuclear policy. Composed of three principles, the policy states that Japan will not own, create, or even allow the presence of nuclear weapons in the country.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What other methods can Japan use to promote a world free from nuclear weapons?

·         Would you agree with the total removal of nuclear weapons from the world? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are some reasons why some nations still possess nuclear weapons?

·         Do you believe that a nation needs other nations’ help to achieve a certain goal? Why or why not?

Small Sensor Checks Effectiveness of Cancer Treatment

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. critical /ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl/ (adj.) – in a crucial or serious state

Example: He was in critical condition after the accident.

2. shrink /ʃrɪŋk/ (v.) – to decrease in size

Example: The medicine made the tumor shrink.  

3. real-time /ˈri əl taɪm/ (adj.) – happening at the same time as something

Example: Through real-time video chat, I was able to talk to my friend in the United Kingdom.

4. precise /prɪˈsaɪs/ (adj.) – exact

Example: Calculators are more precise than humans in computing.

5. locate /loʊˈkeɪt/ (v.) – to identify the place of something

Example: It took some time to locate her missing cellphone.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Researchers have developed a small sensor that can monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. A team of researchers from the Koch [koch] Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Massachusetts [mas-uh-CHOO-sits] Institute of Technology has developed a sensor that allows doctors to identify critical changes in a tumor during treatment. The sensor, which is about the same size as a piece of Tic Tac candy, can be implanted in the patient’s cancerous tissue during initial examination. The journal Lab on a Chip reported that the sensor can do an earlier reading compared to other devices that are currently being used. Michael Cima [SEE-muh], the team’s head, said that other devices can take months to determine if a tumor is shrinking. In contrast, the sensor can give real-time reading to determine the condition of a tumor. The sensor works by wirelessly sending data to an external device for reading and analysis. Based on the readings, doctors can determine if there is a need to adjust the medicine’s dosage or to change the treatment. With this, the treatment can be more precise and focused, thus reducing the patient’s risk of suffering from severe side effects. So far, the sensor has only been tested on rodents. Additional research is needed to ensure that it is safe for human testing.  Aside from the sensor, another innovation in cancer treatment is a robot called Da Vinci [duh VIN-chee], which is used by some doctors in England to treat lung cancer. The robot can locate and remove tumors without having to press on the patient’s ribs, which causes pain. With this device, a patient can experience faster recovery and less post-surgery pain.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are your thoughts about the sensor? Discuss your answer.

·         Do you think cancer treatments in your country are good? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         How do you think the government can improve healthcare in your country?

·         In what other ways can robots be positively used in medicine? Enumerate as many ways as you can.

Beijing to Host 2022 Winter Olympics

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. host /hoʊst/ (v.) – to give services and resources for an event

Example: Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2. hesitant /ˈhɛz ɪ tənt/ (adj.) – referring to the state of being undecided

Example: He was hesitant about leaving home to become a professional athlete.

3. propose /prəˈpoʊz/ (v.) – to present a plan of action

Example: The coach proposed a new training schedule.

4. competition /ˌkɒm pɪˈtɪʃ ən/ (n.) – a contest that promises an award or recognition

Example: Athletes are training for the competition.

5. mountainous /ˈmaʊn tn əs/ (adj.) – with many mountains

Example: The mountainous area near my village is perfect for winter sports.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen Beijing to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. After winning the bid against Kazakhstan’s Almaty [AL-muh-tee], Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The voting, held last July in Kuala Lumpur [KWAH-luh loo m-POO r], came down to 40-44 in favor of the Chinese city. Unlike Beijing, which hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, Almaty is a newcomer to hosting the event. Stockholm [STOK-hohm], Oslo [OZ-loh], and Munich [MYOO-nik] also expressed interest in hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, but they backed out. According to Norwegian Olympic Secretary General, Inge [ing-GEH] Anderson, Oslo backed out because of financial and political reasons. Since 2013, other European countries like Switzerland and Poland have also withdrawn their bid to host the event. Because only two cities competed, some think that hosting the Winter Olympics has become less appealing. In fact, many democratic countries, where citizens have a say in the government’s decisions, have become hesitant to propose a bid to host the event. This may be because hosting the event will entail huge expenses with no certainty of gaining profit. Despite Beijing’s victory, some critics questioned the city’s ability to host the Winter Olympics. Unlike Almaty’s cool weather, Beijing’s warmer climate may cause lack of snow during the event. In response, the Chinese Olympic Committee said that the city can overcome the shortage by using artificial snow. Beijing will host ice-based competitions. Snow-based events, on one hand, will be split between Zhangjiakou [JAHNG-JYAH-KOH], which is located 120 miles northwest of Beijing, and the mountainous region of Yanqing.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting the Olympics?

·          In what ways can hosting the Olympics be profitable for the host country?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the motivations of athletes for competing in the Olympics?

·         If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you play? Why?

Dubai to Build World’s Longest Ski Slope

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. under way / ˈʌn dərˈweɪ / (adv.) – currently happening

Example: Our plans to build an attic in our house are under way. 

2. residential / ˌrɛz ɪˈdɛn ʃəl / (adj.) – referring to an area where people live

Example: The building has both residential and office units.

3. year-round /  yɪər raʊnd / (adv.) – throughout the year

Example: The beach resort operates year-round. 

4. newcomer / ˈnuˌkʌm ər / (n.) – someone who is new at something

Example: My dad, a chef, is not a newcomer to the restaurant business.

5. feat / fiːt / (n.) – a great accomplishment in a specific industry

Example: Egypt is known for ancient architectural feats like pyramids.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Dubai will soon be home to the world’s longest indoor ski slope. Dubai’s current ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum [SHAYK muh-HAH-mehd bihn rah-SHEED al mahk-TOOM], announced that plans to build the world’s longest indoor ski slope are now under way. This ski slope is part of the 3.67-million-square-meter Meydan One project, whose first phase will be done by 2020. At present, Germany’s Alpicenter holds the title for the world’s longest indoor ski slope. Dubai’s planned 1.2-kilometer slope will be two times longer than that of the Alpicenter’s 640-meter slope and thrice the length of Ski Dubai’s 400-meter slope. Ski Dubai, which is located in the Mall of Emirates, is the Middle East’s first indoor ski and snowboarding center. This all-weather center is open year-round despite the hot desert weather in Dubai. Aside from the ski slope, the Meydan One project will also include other record-breaking infrastructures such as a dancing fountain and a residential tower. The project will also feature a luxury mall, a sky restaurant, a 360-degree observation deck, and a 100-dock harbor. Dubai is certainly not a newcomer when it comes to building architectural feats. In 2009, it completed the construction of the massive Burj Khalifa. With 160 stories of residential and office units to its name, the Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building. Aside from that, Dubai is also home to The World, a collection of man-made islands that resemble the world’s map. Luxury properties that can be found on these islands range from high-end resorts to private homes for the rich and famous.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you think Dubai’s new development will affect the country (UAE)?

·         Given the chance, would you like to visit Dubai’s indoor ski slope? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         If you could design an infrastructure that your country will be known for, what would it be and why?

·         Why is developing record-breaking infrastructures important?