【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. fad / fæd / (n.) – something that is very popular for a short time
Example: Several people bought selfie sticks at the height of the selfie fad.
2. in the wake of (something) / ɪn ðə ˈweɪk ʌv / (idiom) – as a result of an event
Example: Warning signs have been put up by the river in the wake of accidents happening there.
3. succumb / səˈkʌm / (v.) – to die, especially from a disease or an injury
Example: The patient finally succumbed to his illness after several years.
4. fatal / ˈfeɪt l / (adj.) – can cause death
Example: Some injuries may be fatal if not treated right away.
5. advisory / ædˈvaɪ zə ri / (n.) – an announcement or material that gives information or warns about something
Example: We should always pay attention to advisories.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Authorities in Mumbai, India, have marked 16 accident-prone areas as “no-selfie zones.”
People would be restricted from taking selfies in these areas to prevent deaths indirectly caused by the fad. Those who enter no-selfie zones would be fined 1,200 rupees, or around $18, even if they do not take photos. Mumbai’s no-selfie zones have been established in the wake of several selfie-related deaths recorded in the past few months.
In January, an 18-year old woman died after she slipped into the water while taking selfies by the sea at Bandra Fort. A passerby who tried to save her unfortunately drowned as well. In another incident late last year, a tourist succumbed to head injuries after reportedly slipping down the stairs of the Taj Mahal while taking a selfie.
India currently holds the record for having the most number of selfie-related deaths. About half of recorded selfie-related deaths happened in India in 2015. This is according to the data compiled by Priceonomics, a San Francisco-based research firm.
According to Priceonomics’ data, there have been a total of 49 selfie-related deaths documented around the world since 2014. Among the causes of fatal selfie accidents include falling from heights, drowning, and accidentally triggering firearms. Most of these accidents involve the youth.
Because of the growing number of unfortunate selfie accidents, other countries have also released their own advisories against risky selfies.
In 2015, a wildlife park in Colorado in the United States warned against snapping selfies while standing dangerously close to bears. The park temporarily closed down after tourists ignored the warnings. In the same year, Russian authorities released brochures warning against unsafe selfies after several incidents of selfie-related deaths.
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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
· Which places in your country are great for taking selfies? Please enumerate.
· Which places in your country may possibly be marked as “No-Selfie Zones?”
Discussion B
· Why do you think taking selfies is popular?
· Aside from taking photos, what do you think people can do to document great moments?
