Delta Air Lines to Offer More Private Business Class Suites

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. debut / deɪˈbyu / (v.) – to launch or show for the first time

Example: The company will debut its new plane at a press conference tomorrow.

2. long-haul / ˈlɔŋˌhɔl / [ (adj.) – over a long distance 

Example: My fear of flying has kept me from traveling on long-haul flights.

3. top-notch / ˈtɒpˈnɒtʃ / (adj.) – of the highest quality

Example: Their in-flight menu is top-notch because a famous chef prepares it.

4. draw / drɔ / (v.) – to do something to attract someone

Example: The 50% discount on flights drew a large crowd outside the airline’s ticketing office.

5. upgrade / ˈʌpˌgreɪd / (n.) – an improved condition or state

Example: They offered the honeymooners a free upgrade from economy class to business class. 

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

American airline company Delta Air Lines will debut new suites for its long-haul business class flights. According to Delta chief marketing officer Tim Maples, Delta aims to give passengers the feel of traveling via a private jet. To fulfill its promise of more privacy, each suite will feature something not normally seen on regular cabins—a sliding door. The suites will also have a seat that can be converted into a flatbed, as well as several compartments where passengers can store their shoes, gadgets, and headphones. In addition to the premium quality suites, in-flight dining and hygiene services in the new business class will also be top-notch. Passengers will be able to enjoy indulgent meals made by renowned chefs and amenity kits from luxury luggage brand, Tumi. The suites will be the highlight of Delta’s very first Airbus A350 plane. Considered by aviation experts as the most technologically advanced plane in 2015, the A350 is lightweight, fast, and eco-friendly. The company is targeting a September 2017 release for its all-suite business class. The initiative hopes to address some passengers request for more privacy during flights. While Delta is drawing customers in by offering them more privacy, British Airways is using a different approach. The British airline company is offering its business class passengers a free upgrade to first class until December 23 this year. The company has also teamed up with other airlines, such as American Airlines and Finnair, so passengers can still avail of the upgrade for connecting flights when they book through British Airways.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you prefer Delta’s private suites to regular cabins? Why or why not?

·         In what situations would you like to have more privacy while traveling?

Discussion B

·         In what other ways can airline companies improve a passenger’s flying experience?

·         Which is more important for you—fast travel time or luxurious in-flight amenities? Why? 

Taxi Fares Lowered to Increase Riders

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. avail oneself of /əˈveɪl wʌnˈsɛlf ʌv/ (idiom) – to use or take advantage of an available resource

Example: We availed ourselves of the discount for first-time customers in the restaurant.

2. optimistic /ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk/ (adj.) – being hopeful about something that will happen

Example: Henry is optimistic that he will get a high score.

3. commuter /kəˈmyu tər/ (n.) – someone who travels to work by car, bus, train, or taxi regularly

Example: The commuters were annoyed because the train was delayed.

4. eye /aɪ/ (v.) – to closely observe or look at something

Example: The company is eyeing business students who have experience working overseas.

5. undergo /ˌʌn dərˈgoʊ/ (v.) – to experience something that is required

Example: The new employees will undergo training next week.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Taxi companies lowered fares in four locations in Tokyo, namely Shimbashi Station, Asakusa Station, Shinjuku Station, and University of Tokyo Hospital, to boost the number of taxi riders. Taxi companies have been working on initiatives intended to encourage Japanese passengers to avail themselves of taxi services. The taxi service industry in Japan has been facing a decline for several years, but they are hoping that the new fares would give the industry the boost it needs. A survey done by the Tokyo Taxi-Hire Association (THTA) found that 27 percent of their customers traveled an average distance of only 1.41 kilometers. The new minimum fare will be 410 yen for the first 1.059 kilometers, while the original minimum fare was 730 yen for the first two kilometers. Since there are many short-distance riders, companies are optimistic that this will appeal to their target customers. Tokyo has been known for having a higher minimum fare compared to New York and London. At the same time, Tokyo is famed for its efficient mass transportation system. Because of this, commuters opt to use other means of transport. Aside from commuters, companies are also eyeing other customers such as tourists and parents who have to bring their children to cram schools. For instance, the THTA has launched a special service for tourists called the Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi. The fare starts at 13,090 yen plus a guiding fee of 1,860 yen. Drivers undergo a certification system wherein they learn how to guide passengers around Tokyo and provide assistance to elderly and disabled customers. Other initiatives for tourists also include drivers who can speak multiple languages and flat-rate 1,000-yen taxis.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree that lower fares will attract more customers? Why or why not?

·         If you were the head of the Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association, what initiatives would you propose to boost the taxi service industry?

Discussion B

·         What are the differences of public transportation in urban areas and in rural areas?

·         What is the role or impact of public transportation in a country’s tourism industry? 

Playing Golf Can Cause Hip Problem

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. excessive /ɪkˈsɛs ɪv/ (adj.) – more than the usual or normal

Example: Some studies claim that excessive exercise can cause health problems.

2. posture /ˈpɒs tʃər/ (n.) – the position of one’s body when standing or sitting

Example: Back pains are usually connected to bad posture.

3. suspect /səˈspɛkt/ (v.) – to think that something is the cause of something bad

Example: The doctor suspects that my brother has a broken hip, so he asked him to undergo some tests.

4. deformity /dɪˈfɔr mɪ ti/ (n.) – a condition in which a body part does not have a normal shape

Example: Fetal deformities may occur during the first three months of pregnancy.

5. enthusiast /ɛnˈθu ziˌæst, -ɪst/ (n.) – a person who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it

Example: Many golf enthusiasts attended the tournament.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A study from the University of Warwick /ˈwɔr ɪk/ reveals that excessive golf practice can cause hip joints to have odd shapes. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, several professional golfers who participated in the Scottish Hydro Open complained about hip pain. Following this report, researchers from the University of Warwick examined fifty-five professional golfers. The study established that most of the golfers have an unnaturally egg-shaped right hip, while their left hip is ball-shaped. According to lead researcher Damian Griffin, the mismatch in the shape of the golfers’ hips must be the result of their posture when playing. He noted that while practicing golf swings, both hips quickly move in two different directions. This repeated action causes one hip to be egg-shaped. He also suspects that this deformity causes the pain some European professional players complain about. Many sports enthusiasts are surprised by these findings since golf does not require players to be very aggressive, unlike in other sports like football and basketball. However, sports doctor Andrew Murray explained that golf puts too much stress on the hips when players swing the club. The research highlights that this problem is unique to golfers and is not observed in others. However, there is still the risk of developing an egg-shaped hip among non-golfers. Daily activities such as running and exercising, as well as long hours of sitting and incorrect sleeping posture, can damage the hips. Simple exercises can be done at home to strengthen the hips and avoid hip deformity. According to the website LIVESTRONG, the key to keeping the hips from having an unnatural shape is stretching.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from mismatched hip shapes, what are other health risks associated with golf?

·         In your opinion, what measures can golfers take to prevent injuries?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, what sport has the most health risks? Why do you say so?

·         What health benefits are associated with sports? 

iPads Used to Calm Kids before Surgery

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. sedative / ˈsɛd ə tɪv / (n.) – a drug used to calm or soothe someone

Example: They gave me a sedative before the surgery.  

2. anxiety / æŋˈzaɪ ɪ ti / (n.) – distress or uneasiness caused by fear

Example: Patients usually experience anxiety before surgery.

3. distraction / dɪˈstræk ʃən / (n.) – something that diverts one’s attention

Example: Gadgets provide children with easy distraction.

4. preliminary / prɪˈlɪm əˌnɛr i / (adj.) – introductory; leading up to the main part

Example: Preliminary results still need to be validated.

5. alternative / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv / (n.) – one of the things that can be chosen

Example: This method is a good alternative to the usual way of doing things.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A study claims that iPads and other tablet devices are as effective as sedatives in reducing the anxiety of pre-surgery kids. The study involved 112 kids, aged four to ten years old. Twenty minutes before receiving anesthesia, 54 kids were given a calming drug called midazolam. The remaining 58 were given iPads and were allowed to play age-appropriate games like Angry Birds and Monster Dash. Results showed that distracting children with an iPad before surgery is as effective as taking the midazolam. Both reduced the children’s anxiety levels prior to operation. The study’s lead author explained that the distraction caused by the iPad reduced anxiety. The gadget took the children’s minds away from the medical environment and the operation that was about to happen. Although still considered preliminary, the results prove that iPads and other tablet devices can be used to calm children before an operation without the usual side effects of medication, such as drowsiness and memory impairment. Previously, studies have found that computers, smartphones, and tablet devices can increase depression, anxiety, and aggression in children. Scientists who are looking into addiction have likened gadgets to illegal drugs, giving them the nicknames “digital heroin” /ˈhɛr oʊ ɪn/ and “electronic cocaine /koʊˈkeɪn/.” In contrast, the recent study showed that technology can be beneficial and helpful in reducing anxiety and calming children before surgery. It gives parents, doctors, and nurses affordable, approachable, and portable alternatives to drugs to soothe children.

【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 parent with a child about to undergo surgery, would you allow him/her to use an iPad to reduce stress? Why?

·         At what age is it appropriate for children to use and own gadgets? Why?

Discussion B

·         What are the advantages of exposing children to technology?

·         How can technology be utilized to improve the development of children?

Japan to Expand Overseas with New High-Speed Train

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. reminiscent / ˌrɛm əˈnɪs ənt / (adj.) – describing something that reminds someone of something

Example: The new train’s design is reminiscent of the first model released 50 years ago.

2. derive / dɪˈraɪv / (v.) – to come from a source

Example: The train derived its name from the city.

3. phase out / ˈfeɪzˌaʊt / (v.) – to be deleted or removed from production

Example: The company announced that it will phase out its SC10 motorbikes.

4. underway / ˈʌn dərˌweɪ / (adj.) – currently happening

Example: The production of new train models is underway.

5. subsidiary / səbˈsɪd iˌɛr i / (n.) – a company under another company

Example: Our company is a subsidiary of a large corporation.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Japanese company JR Tokai plans to expand overseas with its N700S bullet train model. The N700S will be used to connect Tokyo and Osaka. It is set to be released in 2020, the year when Tokyo will host the Olympics. The release will be reminiscent of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics when the very first Tokaido bullet trains became operational. The new train has several upgrades from the previous models. It is lighter and has lower energy consumption.  It will also have a standard design in all train cars, which will make it easier for the company to produce higher-quality trains at a lower cost. It also means that the train set can be shipped overseas more easily.  JR Tokai sees the N700S as the key to expanding in international markets. The company intends to sell the N700S to Taiwan to replace its current train, derived from an old JR Tokai train set that is about to be phased out. It will connect Taiwan’s capital in the north to a city in the south. The company is also looking into expanding its business beyond Asia. In the United States, a bullet train project by Texas Central Partners (TCP) connecting Dallas and Houston is currently underway. A JR Tokai subsidiary and the TCP are working on it and are planning to start service by 2021.  Research predicts that the demand for high-speed trains will increase over time due to its speed and reliability. In fact, other countries have also invested in high-speed trains. With almost 12,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, China is the world record holder for the most number of high-speed train lines. While in Europe, France boasts of high-speed trains connecting to other countries like Germany and Italy.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Discuss the possible impact of high-speed trains (e.g. economic).

·         Would you want your country to be connected to other countries by high-speed train? Why

Discussion B

·         What are the benefits of sharing a country’s technology internationally?

·         Do you think businesses should remain local or go international? Why?

Political Apps on the Rise Due to Upcoming Elections

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. emerge / ɪˈmɜrdʒ/ (v.) – to appear or become visible

Example:  Smartphone apps based on reality shows have emerged in app stores.

2. adept / əˈdɛpt/ (adj.) – able to do something very well

Example: He is adept at creating smartphone apps.

3. frustration / frʌˈstreɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the feeling of being troubled and angry at the same time

Example: I am frustrated by political candidates who are not aware of the needs of ordinary citizens.

4. campaign / kæmˈpeɪn/ (v.) – to make an effort to make something successful

Example: I will campaign for the candidate who values education above other issues.

5. solicit / səˈlɪs ɪt/ (v.) – to ask or request for something

Example: Presidential candidates solicit donations from their supporters so that they can pay for promotional materials.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Political apps have emerged due to the upcoming presidential elections in the United States.  The largest voting group in the United States is the 18 to 35-year-old demographic called millennials. Born from 1980 to 2000, they make up about 31% of voters in the United States, or around 83 million people. They are a technologically-adept generation, so several groups have created smartphone apps to encourage them to vote this year. Voter is an app that matches a user’s preferences with a candidate. It asks yes-or-no questions regarding issues and matches the user’s answers to a candidate with similar beliefs. Information from the app was gathered from the records and past speeches of the candidates. The app developer reveals that he created it due to the frustration he felt regarding the lack of reliable sources about candidates. He also claims that when people find a good match, they are more likely to participate in the elections. News outlet CNN also created a political app called CNN Politics. The app makes information about the elections available to its users as soon as news comes out. According to one of the developers, the app satisfies the public’s desire to know about the elections in one click. Apps campaigning for particular candidates have also emerged in app stores. Hillary 2016 is an app that gives updates and solicits donations for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, while America First is an app campaigning for Donald Trump. Both apps use a unique feature called gamification, or the use of game mechanics. The app rewards users with stars or points when they complete a certain task, like promoting a candidate via social networking sites like Twitter.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think political apps are effective in encouraging people to vote? Explain.

·         Why do you think candidates are starting to use apps to promote themselves?

Discussion B

·         What is the best source of information for voters in evaluating candidates? Explain.

·         If you were to run for the elections, how would you reach out to voters? Explain.