【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. perfect /pɜr fɪkt/ (adj.) – the best or the most ideal
Example: Many parents want a perfect life for their children.
2. likelihood /ˈlaɪk liˌhʊd/ (n.) – the probability that something will happen
Example: The weather forecast said there is a strong likelihood of heavy rainfall today.
3. compatible /kəmˈpæt ə bəl/ (adj.) – able to exist or live together well
Example: The two were not as compatible as they thought they were.
4. stable /ˈsteɪ bəl/ (adj.) – in good condition that is not likely to change
Example: I wish I could be financially stable when I reach my 40s.
5. set in one’s ways /sɛt ɪn wʌns weɪz/ (idiom) – having a fixed and unchangeable lifestyle
Example: After fifteen years of working in the university, the professor became set in her ways.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The perfect age to get married is between the ages of 28 and 32, a recent study revealed.
Nick Wolfinger, a sociologist from the University of Utah, conducted the said study. He came up with this conclusion by analyzing the 2006 to 201o and 2011 to 2013 data from the National Survey of Family Growth.
The study found that getting married between the ages of 28 and 32 makes it less likely for two people to get a divorce in their first five years of marriage. But when they marry in their late 30s and early 40s, the likelihood of getting a divorce increases. In fact, the probability of divorce increases to about 5% every year after one reaches 32.
According to Wolfinger, one possible reason why ages 28 to 32 are ideal for marriage is that people with these ages are old enough to understand if they are compatible with another person. He added that these people have already made important life decisions, are able to take responsibilities, and are most likely financially stable. At the same time, they are not too set in their ways so they can still make adjustments to make their marriage work.
While this study concluded that the perfect age for marriage is between 28 and 32 years, a previous study revealed that people who get married before their 30s are said to be very satisfied with their married lives. A 2013 report by the National Marriage Project showed that having a strong marriage is most apparent in couples who married at the ages of 20 to 28.
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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 with the results of Wolfinger’s study? Why or why not?
· Aside from age, what other factors can contribute to a happy marriage?
Discussion B
· Why do you think some people are interested in the ideal age to get married?
· Would you want researchers to focus more on this matter? Why or why not?
