【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. project / prəˈdʒɛkt / (v.) – to calculate or predict
Example: The studies projected an increase in the number of students next year.
2. compound / kəmˈpaʊnd / (v.) – to increase or add to
Example: The stress of students at school is compounded by their stress at home.
3. notorious / noʊˈtɔr i əs / (adj.) – known for a bad reason
Example: Our professor is notorious for his difficult exams.
4. commendable / kəˈmɛn də bəl / (adj.) – deserving of praise
Example: She got good grades for her commendable research.
5. relinquish / rɪˈlɪŋ kwɪʃ / (v.) – to surrender or give up something
Example: The principal relinquished his position because of charges of dishonesty.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
China will end its one-child policy and implement a two-child version in response to its population problems.
Said problems include an aging population, a decreasing number of workers, and gender imbalance. It is estimated that by 2050, China will have about 440 million people over the age of 60. The part of the population that is able to work fell by 3.71 million in 2014, and it is projected to continue to fall. As for the gender imbalance, there are currently around 20 to 30 million more men than women in China.
These problems have two possible negative effects. An aging population compounded with a decreasing number of workers can mean less labor supply and less consumer spending. A high number of unmarried men at ages fit for military service can drive a country into seeking aggressive military policies.
In an attempt to solve these problems, the Communist Party has ended China's notorious one-child policy. This policy was implemented in 1979 to decrease the population growth rate and is said to be the direct cause of the three problems.
As commendable as ending the policy may seem, this action drew criticism from two different groups. First, human rights activists complain that China has still not relinquished control over family size because the limit has only changed from one child to two. Second, experts assert that the two-child policy is not enough to reverse the declining birth rate on time.
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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
· What are the advantages and disadvantages of a large population? Enumerate as many as you can.
· Do you think the government should control the population size? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· What are the pros and cons of having only one child?
· What are some things to consider when a couple plans to have a child?
