Japanese Fish Market’s Relocation Causes Controversy

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. iconic / aɪˈkɒn ɪk / (adj.) – classic and widely-known; considered important

Example: Egypt’s iconic pyramids are known all over the world.

2. plant / plænt / (n.) – any establishment used for industrial purposes

Example: The city engineers visited the power plant for maintenance.

3. elevate / ˈɛl əˌveɪt / (v.) – to raise something to a higher level

Example: The engineer elevated the building’s ground floor because the area is prone to flooding.

4. acceptable / ækˈsɛp tə bəl / (adj.) – within safe levels

Example: The chemicals are found to be at acceptable levels, so there is nothing to worry about.

5. groundwater / ˈgraʊndˈwɔ tər / (n.) – water found underground where water from wells come from

Example: Chemicals seeping into the ground may contaminate groundwater.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The relocation plan of Japan’s iconic fish market has caused controversy after the government disregarded expert advice. The 80-year old Tsukiji Fish Market is the world’s largest fish market and handles more than 700,000 tons of seafood daily. Upon hearing the news of the market’s relocation, many people flocked to the market’s restaurants to dine in them for the last time. The market will be transferred to a new site to make way for the construction of a highway. The government intends to connect two Olympic villages to the stadium through a new road, which will pass through Tsukiji’s original location. However, the relocation site is being scrutinized because it used to house a gas plant. The plant converted coal into gas, thus igniting fear that some harmful chemicals may have remained there. Experts recommended replacing the relocation site’s soil with new soil, and elevating the structures above by 4.5 meters. However, instead of replacing the soil and elevating the structures, a 4.5-meter concrete space was built under the site. The space contains the water pipes and electrical wires for the new Tsukiji Market, which will have a modern refrigeration system. Upon investigation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government identified eight officials who disregarded the advice of the experts. The officials are facing disciplinary action from the metropolitan government. In response to the controversy, experts said that chemical levels in the site have been reduced to acceptable levels. However, the city governor said that final groundwater testing needs to be conducted, postponing the relocation’s completion to 2017. Originally, the relocation was supposed to be completed by November this year. Officials worry that the postponed relocation would also delay the construction of the highway for the Olympics.

【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 initiatives for the 2020 Olympics should be prioritized over the 80-year-old Tsukiji Fish Market?

·         What alternative steps can be taken so that the fish market can be retained in its original location?

Discussion B

·         Do you think that the Tsukiji Fish Market will maintain its appeal once it is relocated? Why or why not?

·         Which is more important: modernization or preservation? Explain.

Japanese Carmaker Releases Self-Driving Chair

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1.  semiautonomous / ˌsɛm i ɔˈtɒn ə məs / (adj.) – not fully independent

Example: Scientists developed a semiautonomous robot.

2. predetermined / ˌpri dɪˈtɜr mɪn d / (adj.) – decided beforehand

Example: Trains follow a predetermined path set by the tracks.

3. prompt / prɒmpt / (v.) – to signal someone or something to start an action

Example: Pressing the button prompted the robot to walk.

4. roll out / ˈroʊlˌaʊt / (phrasal v.) – to release or introduce a new product

Example: The famous brand just rolled out a new line of running shoes.

5. publicity / pʌˈblɪs ɪ ti / (n.) – public attention for a celebrity, product, etc.

Example: The press release generated a lot of good publicity for the gadget.

【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Japanese carmaker Nissan has built self-driving chairs to promote its semiautonomous cars. The chairs, called ProPilot chairs, were unveiled in September. The goal of the product is to make waiting in long queues / kyuz / more comfortable. The company believes that the chairs will be most useful in restaurants where many people need to wait in line for a long time to go in. In fact, restaurants across Japan can tweet Nissan until December for a chance to use the ProPilot chairs.    To create the chairs, the company used the ProPilot system, which is the same technology used in the company’s semiautonomous cars. The battery-operated chairs can detect and automatically follow the seat ahead of it while maintaining a fixed distance. The chairs follow a predetermined path. Once a customer leaves the chair in front of the queue, the chair will return to the end of the line and the one behind it will take its place. Aside from the ProPilot Chair, Nissan also unveiled the Intelligent Parking Chairs earlier this year. These are office chairs that use the company’s self-parking technology. The chair is programmed to respond to a clap, which prompts it to move on its own and park itself at a certain location. Nissan revealed, however, that the Intelligent Parking Chair will not be commercially available. According to Nissan, the ProPilot Chair and the Intelligent Parking Chair were rolled out to boost publicity for their newest line of semiautonomous minivans. These promotional tools are aimed at making drivers comfortable with letting technology take control of the vehicle.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from those mentioned in the article, in what other situations can self-driving chairs be used?

·         What are some disadvantages of self-driving technology?

Discussion B

·         Suggest other ways to reinvent the self-driving chair.

·         Do you think people should continue reinventing things? Why or why not?

Repairs Done on China’s Great Wall Cause Outrage

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. preservationist / ˌprɛz ərˈveɪ ʃə nɪst / (n.) – a person who helps protect places, such as historical sites or wildlife areas, from damage

Example: Preservationists are planning to repair the historical landmark.

2. heritage / ˈhɛr ɪ tɪdʒ / (adj.) – relating to something that has been passed down from generation to generation

Example: The country named the 400-year-old university as a national heritage site.

3. come to light / kʌm tu laɪt / (idiom) – to become known

Example: The thief’s identity came to light after the investigation.

                                                             

4. well-preserved / ˈwɛl prɪˈzɜrvd / (adj.) – in good condition

Example: The 50-year-old book is well-preserved.

5. crowdfunding / ˈkraʊdˌfʌn dɪŋ / (n.) – the process of raising funds for a cause by asking several people through the Internet

Example: She turned to crowdfunding to raise money for the charity.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Chinese preservationists and several others are dismayed over badly done repairs to the Great Wall. The widely criticized restoration project involves the repair of a 700-year-old section of the world heritage site. The Great Wall, which was originally made from stone, brick, and wood, was reportedly repaired using sand and concrete, making it look like a sidewalk. The repairs were done in 2014, but only came to light after photos of the work surfaced on Weibo, a Chinese social networking site. Chinese officials insisted that the urgent renovation was an effort to fix broken gaps and add an extra layer of protection to the walls. They said that the 8-kilometer stretch of the ancient structure was in danger of collapsing due to erosion and centuries of use. Being a famous landmark, over four million tourists visit the heritage site each year. According to a survey by the China Great Wall Society, a non-governmental organization that protects the landmark, only around 8.2% of the Great Wall is well-preserved. This prompted the China Foundation for Culture Heritage Conservation to turn to crowdfunding in the hopes of raising $1.6 million for the restoration of the Great Wall. According to the deputy director of China Great Wall Society, the failed restoration attempt took away part of China’s history. Dating back to 220 B.C., the Great Wall of China is a national symbol for security of the country and its people. It is the world’s largest military structure that was built to protect the territory against invasion. Meanwhile, China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage promised to investigate the restoration project to prevent similar incidents in the future.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What should have been done to preserve parts of the Great Wall?

·         Who do you think should take responsibility for the failed repairs? Why?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, what should be the criteria for choosing heritage sites? Give an example.

·         Why should heritage sites be preserved? Discuss.

Roller Coaster Rides Help Pass Kidney Stones

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. remedy / ˈrɛm ɪ di / (n.) – a form of medical treatment

Example: Gargling hot water with salt is a popular home remedy for sore throat.

2. manifestation / ˌmæn ə fəˈsteɪ ʃən / (n.) – a sign or indication

Example: Having fever and muscle pain may be manifestations of a flu.

3.  thrill ride / ˈθrɪl raɪd / (n.) – a fast-paced and very exciting amusement park ride

Example: The park unveiled new thrill rides, including its tallest roller coaster.

4. enthusiast / ɛnˈθu ziˌæst / (n.) – someone who shows great interest in something

Example: You can see that he is a book enthusiast from the number of novels he has.

5. enhance / ɛnˈhæns / (v.) – to make something better

Example: Exercise enhances a person’s immune system.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Roller coaster rides have been found to be an alternative remedy to kidney stones. Some people in the United States reported that riding a roller coaster caused their kidney stones to come out. They described feeling a sudden force in their lower abdomen, sharp back pain, and pressure in the bladder, which are manifestations of passing a stone. One visitor reportedly passed stones thrice after three consecutive rides at Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. After hearing such claims from several amusement park goers, Michigan State University professor David Wartinger collaborated with urologist Marc Mitchell to conduct a study. For the study, the researchers constructed a 3D-printed silicone model of a kidney with urine and some stones. Then, the researchers rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 60 times while holding the model near their kidneys. They found that sitting at the back of the roller coaster resulted to a 64% success rate in passing a kidney stone. The researchers also tested their theory on two other roller coasters, which are both faster than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – the Space Mountain and Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. However, the experiment revealed that the speed of the two rides did not facilitate the passage of kidney stones. Thus, in conclusion, they found that rollercoasters with average speed worked best in passing stones. Further research suggests that going on thrill rides like roller coasters entail other health benefits. A different study found that thrill rides can also burn calories. According to the study, a single roller coaster ride can burn around 70 calories. Writer and roller coaster enthusiast Pete Trabucco also claimed that these rides enhance mental health and relieve stress.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you believe that riding the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can help pass kidney stones? Why or why not?

·         Do you think that researchers should continue looking for alternative remedies to address health concerns? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think do a lot of people enjoy thrill rides? Discuss.

·         Do you think that the benefits of going on thrill rides are greater than the risks involved? Why or why not? 

Majority of the World Exposed to Polluted Air

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. take its toll / teɪk ɪts toʊl / (idiom) – to cause damage or harm

Example: Working on the night shift is taking its toll on the workers’ health.

2. repercussion / ˌri pərˈkʌʃ ən /  (n.) – effect or result

Example: The children were warned of the repercussions of not following rules.

3. incineration / ɪnˈsɪn əˌreɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of burning something

Example: The factory eliminates waste by incineration.

4. wildfire / ˈwaɪldˌfaɪər / (n.) – a large fire that spreads quickly

Example: The wildfire in the area consumed a huge part of the forest.

5. non-communicable / ˌnɒn kəˈmyu nɪ kə bəl / (adj.) – cannot be transferred from one person to another

Example: Cancer is a non-communicable disease.

【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that majority of the world’s population is exposed to air pollution. In its mission to reduce air pollution, which is taking its toll on the health of millions around the world, the organization conducted a study to assess global air quality. The study’s findings revealed that 92% of people reside in rural and urban areas that have dangerously high levels of air pollution. Most of these high-risk places are located in developing countries in Asia. The report also suggests that air pollution is largely a negative repercussion of human activities, which include incineration of household fuel and waste, use of inefficient methods of transportation, and various industrial operations. However, it is also partly due to natural causes, such as wildfires and dust storms, which are strong winds with small particles that cover huge areas of land for some time. Dr. Maria Neira [NAY-rah], director of the WHO Department of Public Health and Environment, stressed that excessive air pollution is a matter of urgency. Every year, over three million deaths in low- and middle-income countries are being attributed to toxins in the atmosphere. Ninety-four percent of these deaths are due to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and lung cancer. To improve global air quality, Neira is urging governments to create comprehensive regulations and to enforce them more strictly. She also suggested reducing the number of vehicles on the road, implementing an effective solid waste management plan, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you feel that only 8% of the world’s population enjoys clean air?

·         Do you think that air pollution levels will decrease over time? How?

Discussion B

·         How will high levels of air pollution affect people’s lifestyle in the long run?

·         What can you do to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution? Discuss.

UK University Ranks as Best in the World

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. relegate / ˈrɛl ɪˌgeɪt / (v.) – to cause someone or something to take a lower or inferior position

Example: The top student was relegated to second place after the exam results were released. 

2. pool / ˈpuːl / (n.) – a group of things or people that serve as a supply of something

Example: The university will hire new teachers from a pool of applicants.

3. reign supreme / reɪn səˈprim /  (idiom) – to do very well

Example: My classmate reigned supreme at the international writing competition. 

4. immense / ɪˈmɛns / (adj.) – describing something that is great in amount or value

Example: The student’s performance showed immense improvement after his tutorial sessions. 

5. boil down to / bɔɪl daʊn tu / (idiom) – to be condensed or summarized into core concepts

Example: The principal’s speech boiled down to three points: responsibility, trust, and courage.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

For the first time, a university from the United Kingdom has topped the list of the world’s best universities. The University of Oxford ranked first on this year’s Times Higher Education World Rankings list. The list is released annually by education magazine Times Higher Education. The magazine evaluates a university based on a set of criteria that includes teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. Oxford knocked California Institute of Technology off the top spot, relegating the five-time champion to the second place. According to the magazine, Oxford’s success can be attributed to a boost in its research influence, as well as the university’s growing pool of international talents. Aside from Oxford, the top 10 also featured two other universities from the United Kingdom, along with one school from Switzerland. Meanwhile, American universities reigned supreme in the top 10 with seven entries. Two American universities, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago, tied for the 10th spot. While Western universities claimed the top ten slots, Asian universities also showed immense ranking improvement. The number of Asian universities that made it to the elite top 200 list also rose to 19 from last year’s 15. In total, 289 Asian universities were included in the list. Rajika Bhandari, co-editor of the book Asia: The Next Education Superpower, believes that the improvement in Asian universities boils down to three factors: a rapid increase in population and demand for better higher education, ongoing government investments in universities, and internal improvements done by the universities. Bhandari predicts that cross-border partnerships between Asian and Western universities will improve, and the demand for partnerships within the Asia-Pacific region will increase.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, how will ranking as the best university in the world affect Oxford? Discuss.

·         Do you think that rank is the most important factor to consider when choosing a university? Why or why not?

Discussion B
 

·         Do you believe that having partnerships with universities abroad is good for a university? Why or why not?

·         What preparation should a university take before engaging in partnerships with foreign universities?