【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. ordinance / ˈɔr dn əns / (n.) – a rule or regulation written and imposed by a local government such as a city or a town
Example: The new ordinance bans the use of plastic bags anywhere in the city.
2. maximum / ˈmæk sə məm / (n.) – the highest possible amount or number of something
Example: My bag can only hold a maximum of two kilograms.
3. cost / kɔst / (v.) – to result in the loss of something
Example: The repeated violations cost the employee her job.
4. stationary / ˈsteɪ ʃəˌnɛr I / (adj.) – referring to something that does not move
Example: The bus remained stationary for 10 minutes before moving to the next stop.
5. petition / pəˈtɪʃ ən / (v.) – to make a request to an authority about something that is desired
Example: The students petitioned for the creation of new classrooms to replace the damaged ones.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Ice cream truck operators in the city of Worcestershire [WOO S-ter-sheer] are enraged by a new ordinance that would cut their selling time in an area to only 15 minutes.
Previously, trucks could remain in an area for 20 minutes and stay longer for queues. The ordinance would force ice cream trucks to drive away after 15 minutes, or after a maximum of 30 minutes if there is a queue. Staying longer could cost an ice cream truck its license to operate.
The city council imposed the time limit as a response to complaints from vendors running stationary shops in the area. Council Vice-Chairman Paul Denham believes that the ordinance has to be established to ensure fairness to shop owners, who pay more than ice cream truck vendors to operate. Shop owners are worried that ice cream trucks stay too long in one place despite not having the license to do so.
Like the truck operators, some locals are also upset, especially because the ordinance was established at the beginning of the summer season. In a survey conducted by the council, 66 out of 77 respondents expressed their disagreement about the ordinance. In addition, more than 60 residents petitioned the council not to impose the rule.
Many of those who petitioned are elderly people who complained that they may not be able to make it to the truck on time because they move slowly. However, the council reportedly said that it did not believe that the elderly would have any problems. Despite oppositions, the council has decided to continue imposing the ordinance.
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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
· If you were a local resident, would you agree to the ordinance? Why or why not?
· If you were a stationary shop owner, what would you do to effectively compete with ice cream truck vendors?
Discussion B
· What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning food trucks?
· If you could operate a mobile business like an ice cream truck, what would you sell? Why?
