Production of 500-Euro Bills to be Stopped

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. banknote / ˈbæŋk noʊt / (n.) – paper money

Example: The suitcase contained several stacks of banknotes.

2. phase out / ˈfeɪzˈaʊt / (phrasal v.) – to slowly take out or reduce something until it is no longer available

Example: The company is phasing out its old mobile phone models.

3. discontinue / ˌdɪs kənˈtɪn yu / (v.) – to stop or end something

Example: The release of the magazine was discontinued after a case was filed against its publisher.

4. in circulation / ɪn ˌsɜr kyəˈleɪ ʃən / (idiom) – available for the use of the public

Example: The special edition coins have been in circulation since last month.

5. evasion / ɪˈveɪ ʒən / (n.) – the act of avoiding or escaping something

Example: Tax evasion is punishable by law.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The 500-euro banknotes are about to be phased out. On May 4, a meeting among the members of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) ended with the decision to discontinue the production of the said banknote. The 500-euro note, valued at approximately $550, is among the highest-valued notes currently in circulation. The council decided to phase out the said banknote because it believes that the note is being used in illegal activities. The decision was finalized in light of high terrorist activity in Europe recently. Months prior to the decision, ECB president Mario Draghi announced that the bank is considering making changes on the 500-euro banknote for fear that it may be used by terrorists or criminals. According to the EU, the banknote can be easily used to finance criminal activities. Due to its high value even in small numbers, criminals could easily hide great sums of money without having to put them in huge containers. While there is no actual proof that connects the banknote to criminal activity, it has been linked to crimes such as drug trade, money laundering, and tax evasion. Germany has criticized the ECB’s decision as a move towards abolishing cash altogether in favor of electronic transactions, such as credit or debit cards. Cash transactions are more favored than electronic payments in Germany. Because of this opposition, the ECB has decided to slowly decrease the banknote’s production until it stops fully by the end of 2018. The Central Bank emphasized, however, that 500-euro banknotes can still be used beyond this time. Thus, the bills may still be spent or exchanged at national central banks in countries that use the note.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think that ECB’s decision could really decrease the use of money in criminal activities?

·         Aside from large money transactions, what are other activities that banks should closely monitor?

Discussion B

·         Which do you think is better, cash or electronic payment? Why?

·         What are the possible dangers of paying through electronic means?

Futuristic Transportation System Named Hyperloop Now Becoming Real

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. futuristic /ˌfyu tʃəˈrɪs tɪk/ (adj.) – describing something that is very modern

Example: The architect proposed a futuristic design.

2. envision /ɛnˈvɪʒ ən/ (v.) – to think of something that can possibly happen or exist in the future

Example: The company envisions a transportation system that will eliminate traffic jams.

3. mechanism /ˈmɛk əˌnɪz əm/ (n.) – a piece of machinery that performs a specific function

Example: The bank’s door has an automatic locking mechanism.

4. extensive /ɪkˈstɛn sɪv/ (adj.) – covering a wide or great area

Example: The government donated extensive lands for the farmers.Additional info: Synonyms of this word include large and sizable.

5. full-scale /ˈfʊlˈskeɪl/ (adj.) – describing something that will be done thoroughly and systematically

Example: After three months of irregular operations, full-scale production will resume next month.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Tech startup Hyperloop One held the first-ever public demonstration of the futuristictransportation system named Hyperloop. The concept of a high-speed transportation system first came out when Tesla Motors and SpaceX founder Elon Musk put the idea forward in 2013. Musk envisioned incredibly fast vessels that will go through special tubes and will transport passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles in 30 minutes. Hyperloop One—formerly known as Hyperloop Transportation Technologies—is one of the companies that accepted the challenge of making the idea become real by conducting a test for the technology’s special mechanism on May 11. Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd said that the demonstration was an early trial in preparation for the extensive production of their electric motor. The company used a test vehicle called a sled and a linear track shorter than the 400-mile distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The sled, equipped with the motor, ran from 0 to 100 mph in about one second. The desert at the northern part of Las Vegas, where the test was conducted, will be the official location of the first version of the transportation system. According to Lloyd, the full-scale Hyperloop demonstration will be done by the end of this year and the project will be in progress by 2017. David Levinson, a civil engineering professor from the University of Minnesota, believes that the development of Hyperloop will take decades or more. According to him, the transportation system requires the creation of new vehicles and infrastructure.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think the initiative to make Hyperloop real is ambitious? Why or why not?

·         Would you like to try this transportation system in the future? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Do you think your country has an efficient transportation system? Why or why not?

Aside from speed, how else can a transportation system be considered efficient?

Scientists Invent Second Skin that Can Hide Skin Problems

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. artificial /ˌɑr təˈfɪʃ əl/ (adj.) – not natural

Example: The product contains no artificial ingredients.

2. cosmetic /kɒzˈmɛt ɪk/ (adj.) – involving the improvement of a person’s appearance

Example: Innovations in cosmetic surgery helped medical practitioners cure serious skin conditions.

3. adhesive /ædˈhi sɪv/ (adj.) – describing something that sticks

Example: The nurse used an adhesive bandage to cover the wound.

4. potential /pəˈtɛn ʃəl/ (adj.) – possible or capable of being something

Example: The new skin product is a potential cure for dry skin.

5. ailment /ˈeɪl mənt/ (n.) – a sickness or disease

Example: He wants to consult a dermatologist about his skin ailment.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Experts discover an artificial second skin that can be used to hide wrinkles, eye bags, and other skin problems. Scientists from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a skin-like film that they claim to be effective in protecting and enhancing human skin. Their study, which was published in the journal Nature Materials, involved 170 test subjects. According to the researchers, they used chemicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration to create the second skin. According to Robert Langer, a professor of biological engineering at MIT, their team created a library of hundreds of long chains of siloxane–a chemical widely used to create cosmetic products. Out of these chains, they found one that enabled them to achieve the properties they wanted: elastic, invisible, durable, moisturizing, and adhesive. The new product, which is being developed by a small, privately-owned Cambridge company called Olivo Laboratories, will also be used for medical purposes in the future, according to Langer. However, for the meantime, the second skin will be used only for cosmetic purposes while further improvements are being done. UCLA School of Medicine dermatology professor Greg Henderson believes that the product could be a big seller if it worked well. He thinks that the second skin will mostly attract consumers from the skincare or cosmetic market. On the other hand, R. Vincent Falanga, a dermatology professor at Boston University School of Medicine, is hopeful that the potential benefits will extend beyond cosmetic use. He believes that the product’s qualities can possibly enable it to cure serious skin ailments as well.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think Henderson believes that the second skin will be popular in the skincare or cosmetic market?

·         Would you like to try using the second skin? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think some people do not want to look old?

·         How can people take care of their skin without spending too much money? Explain your answer.

Chinese Police Officers Assigned in Italy to Protect Chinese Tourists

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. deploy /dɪˈplɔɪ/ (v.) – to send out someone or something for a particular purpose

Example: The government deployed soldiers to help the citizens affected by the typhoon.

2. initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ i ə tɪv/ (n.) – a plan or activity

Example: Officials proposed a new initiative to improve security in the city.

3. collaboration /kəˌlæb əˈreɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the work two or more people do to achieve something

Example: Police and schools formed a collaboration to protect students from any harm during school hours.

4. milestone /ˈmaɪlˌstoʊn/ (n.) – an important stage of progress

Example: The installation of surveillance cameras around the city is a major milestone for the police.

5. avenue /ˈæv əˌnyu/ (n.) – something that gives a way to achieve a goal

Example: Ensuring peace and order in the city can be a great avenue to strengthen tourism.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Chinese police officers were deployed to patrol the streets of Rome and Milan. As part of a two-week experiment, four Chinese police officers alongside their Italian counterparts made rounds in Rome and Milan to ensure the safety of Chinese tourists. The four tandems were deployed in famous Italian destinations such as the Colosseum in Rome and the Gothic cathedral in Milan. The Chinese officers wore the same uniforms that they wear in China so that Chinese nationals could immediately recognize them. Italy has become one of the most popular travel destinations for Chinese tourists, with nearly three million of them visiting the European country yearly. The initiative to assign Chinese officers in Rome and Milan aimed to help numerous Chinese visitors feel safe. In the past, Chinese tourists have been the target of criminals and gangs in Italy. According to Italian interior minister Angelino Alfano, the move was the first of its kind in Europe. He added that China and Italy might create other forms of collaboration in the future if the initiative worked well. Alessandro Pansa, Italy police chief, noted that the experiment was a significant milestone in fighting crime. He also mentioned that the cooperation between the two countries is an effective avenue to exchange information and share resources that can potentially fight terrorism. Liao Jinrong, head of the Chinese International Cooperation Bureau, commented that the move was a historic moment for both countries.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think it is a good move to deploy Chinese police officers to secure the safety of Chinese tourists in Italy? Why or why not?

·         Would you also like your country to do this kind of initiative? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Aside from the police, who else is responsible for ensuring peace and order in an area?

·         How can ordinary citizens help make tourists feel safe in their country?

Stealing Out of Hunger Not a Crime, Italian Court Rules

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. out of necessity / aʊt ʌv nəˈsɛs ɪ ti / (idiom) – because of great need

Example: She sold most of her possessions out of necessity when she became broke.

2. convict / kənˈvɪkt  / (v.) – to say that someone is guilty of doing a crime

Example: The court convicted the man of theft.

3. unlawful / ʌnˈlɔ fəl / (adj.) – not following the law

Example: Taking someone’s property by force is unlawful.

4. sneak / snik / (v.) – to take something in or out of a place secretly

Example: Alcohol was not allowed in the room, but the man sneaked in some beer.

5. nourish / ˈnɜr ɪʃ / (v.) – to give food and nutrition

Example: Parents have the responsibility to nourish their children.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Stealing food out of necessity is not a crime, according to a ruling by the highest court of Italy. Recently, the Supreme Court of Cassation has overturned a court ruling that convicted Roman Ostriakov of theft.  Ostriakov is a 36-year-old homeless man with Ukrainian roots. The Supreme Court of Cassation has the power to review decisions made by lower courts and to reverse those that it deems unlawful. In 2011, Ostriakov tried to sneak food worth around $4.50 out of a supermarket in Genoa, northwest Italy. Driven by hunger, he hid a small pack of sausages and two pieces of cheese in his pocket because he did not have enough money to buy them. In 2015, Ostriakov was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and a fine of €100, or around $113. After the decision on Ostriakov’s case was released, his lawyers appealed to a lower court to make his sentence lighter, but the appeal was rejected. However, when it reached the Supreme Court of Cassation, the court pronounced Ostriakov innocent because he only acted out of great need. According to the court, taking a small quantity of food to satisfy the need to be nourished and to survive is not a crime. The court’s decision received praise from many. An Italian newspaper reported that the decision showed that the judges valued the basic human right to survive more than the right to own property. On the other hand, a similar case in the United States ended differently. The case of Michael Riggs, a 25-year-old homeless man who took vitamins from a grocery store in California, was not heard in the US Supreme Court. Riggs was then convicted of theft.

【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 ruling of the Supreme Court of Cassation? Why or why not?

·         If you were a shopkeeper and a poor person stole from your store, what would you do? Why?

Discussion B

·         Do you think poverty and homelessness in your country are getting worse? Why or why not?

·         What programs can the government establish to help poor or homeless people? 

Stroke Hospitalization Decreases Significantly for the Aged in the United States

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. hospitalization /ˌhɒs pɪ tl əˈzeɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of being put in a hospital for medical care

Example: There were many hospitalizations in our city because of the flood.

2. long-term / ˈlɒŋ-ˌtɜrm, / (adj.) – for a long time

Example: His health declined because of his long-term smoking.

3. afflict / əˈflɪkt / (v.) – to have a disease

Example: He has been afflicted with asthma since he was a child.

4. dependent / dɪˈpɛn dənt / (adj.) – relying on others

Example: Children are very dependent on adults.  

5. fund / fʌnd / (n.) – a supply of money for a specific purpose

Example: I have an emergency fund that I can use if I get sick.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Hospitalization due to stroke is on rapid decline for the elderly in the United States. Ischemic stroke is a disease that strikes when a clot blocks the arteries that transport blood and oxygen to the brain. Body parts controlled by portions of the brain affected by stroke can suffer from long-term paralysis. A person suffering from stroke can end up mute, immobile, and dependent on other people. Although people continue to be afflicted with stroke, one study shows that the overall hospitalization rate attributed to stroke decreased in the United States by 18.4% from 2000 to 2010. Specifically, for those over 85 years of age, it decreased by 22.1%, while the decrease is 28.5% for those between 65 and 84 years of age. While stroke incidents decreased among the elderly, the same cannot be said for those between the ages of 25 and 44, as this age group saw a 43.8% increase. The researchers suggest that a possible factor for the decrease in stroke incidents in the elderly is prevention taken by older people against stroke, such as blood sugar control and high blood pressure reduction. While these measures can also be taken by younger people to avoid stroke, the researchers also recommend that more funds aimed at educating people of all ages about stroke prevention should be allocated.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from the reasons in the article, why do you think there is a higher incident rate of stroke in younger people than the elderly?

·         How are the elderly taken care of in your country?

Discussion B

·         Do you believe that people in the world are generally getting healthier? Why do you say so?

·         What are some healthy habits that can be done by both young and old people?