【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. expensive / ɪkˈspɛn sɪv / (adj.) – referring to something that costs a lot of money
Example: The ticket for the theme park is expensive.
2. discontinue / ˌdɪs kənˈtɪn yu / (v.) – to stop something that is ongoing
Example: The workers discontinued building the ride.
3. favorable / ˈfeɪ vər ə bəl / (adj.) – having an advantage
Example: The theme park is beside the bus station, making it favorable to commuters.
4. attraction / əˈtræk ʃən / (n.) – something that people can enjoy
Example: My favorite attraction in the park is the roller coaster.
5. temporary / ˈtɛm pəˌrɛr I / (adj.) – pertaining to something that is not permanent
Example: The carnival’s summer shows are just temporary.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Annual passes to the “happiest place on earth" are more expensive than ever.
Last October, Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort's director of media relations, announced that the price for annual passes to Disneyland would be increased to more than $1,000. Brown says that it is normal for the international tourist attraction to increase their ticket prices once a year. She explains that this will help manage customer demands, give great service, and provide guests with more options.
Prior to raising the price of its annual passes, other tickets were discontinued and replaced with two more expensive options, much to the disappointment of fans. The first pass offers year-round access to the park with no blackout days, but at $1,049, it costs $270 more than the discontinued pass. In addition, it only contains limited extra benefits.
The second pass, at $849, is also valid for one year, but includes two weeks of blackout days during the winter holidays. Brown said this option is more favorable to their local customers from Southern California who comprise majority of their pass-holders and are able to regularly visit during Disneyland’s low season.
At $99, the price of individual tickets increased by $3. From an initial amount of $50, the ticket price has significantly grown in the past 10 years.
Even though Disney-goers will pay more for passes, they will not be able to enjoy the attractions that will be closed down in January for the construction of a Star Wars-themed section in the park. Among the rides that will be temporarily closed include the Fantasmic! show, the Disneyland Railroad, the Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, and the Sailing Ship Columbia.
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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 price increase of Disneyland? Why or why not?
· If you were a regular Disneyland customer, would you still go despite the price increase? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· What do you think Disneyland should do to make people feel better about the price increase? Why?
· If you had a say in the construction of Disneyland, what would you do and why?
