【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. highlight /ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/ (n.) – something that is emphasized or focused on
Example: The highlight of yesterday’s event was the beautiful costumes of the participants.
2. sneak peek /snik pik/ (n.) – a part of something shown before its official public launch
Example: Manufacturers will show sneak peeks of new car models on the next event.
3. autonomous /ɔˈtɒn ə məs/ (adj.) – independent or having the power to control itself
Example: The autonomous robot helps hotel employees do simple tasks.
4. conventional /kənˈvɛn ʃə nl/ (adj.) – common; accepted by many
Example: Conventional materials were used to build the car since they were already tried and tested.
5. debut /ˈdeɪ byu/ (v.) – to show to the public for the first time
Example: The company will debut a new car model next year.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
This year’s Tokyo Motor Show saw the rise of technologically advanced cars.
Environment-friendly and entertainment-packed self-driving cars were the highlights of the 44th Tokyo Motor Show, which was held from October 29 to November 8, 2015. The show took place at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center commonly known as Tokyo Big Sight.
Several car manufacturers provided a sneak peek of their own self-activating automobiles. Nissan Motor Company, one of the manufacturers, exhibited what it calls the “intelligent driving system” (IDS). This electric automobile is a concept vehicle that has laser scanners, an installed 360-degree camera, a radar, and computer chips enabling the car to drive on its own. With this car, Nissan hopes to make autonomous vehicles available in the market by 2020.
Honda Motor Company also showcased its Wander Walker and Wander Stand. Unlike Nissan’s IDS, Honda’s new electric vehicles do not look like conventional cars. Wander Walker looks more like a scooter while Wander Stand resembles a golf cart. Because of their small size, they can easily move even in a very crowded area.
Aside from the cars mentioned, other modern cars debuted at the show. The Mercedes Vision Tokyo, for instance, displayed a lounge-seating car interior that will make a passenger feel like he or she is in a regular living room.
Internet-enabled vehicles that allow users to connect to social media were also exhibited during the show. One of which is the Teatro for Dayz, which Nissan claims to be the first car with such ability.
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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 think people can immediately adjust to self-driving cars? Why or why not?
· How do you think cars today can become more convenient without making them autonomous?
Discussion B
· How important is owning a car nowadays?
· Given the chance, what product would you invent to encourage people not to own cars?
