Study Shows Women Now Drink Nearly as Much Alcohol as Men

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. consumption / kənˈsʌmp ʃən / (n.) – the amount used

Example: This car’s gas consumption is too high.

2. zoom in (on something) / zum ɪn / (phrasal v.) – to give special attention to something

Example: We were supposed to discuss world history, but we zoomed in on the history of Asian civilizations.

3. prevalence / ˈprɛv ə ləns / (n.) – the condition of being widespread

Example: The prevalence of underage drinking is alarming.

4. workforce / ˈwɜrk fɔrs / (n.) – the total number of people who are working or who can work

Example: Every year, millions of young professionals enter the workforce.

5. dominate / ˈdɒm əˌneɪt / (v.) – to control the majority of something

Example: Men dominate the IT industry.


【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study shows that women are now drinking as much alcohol as men—and are increasing their health risks as a result. A study from Australia’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Center examined the changes in the ratio of male to female alcohol consumption over the years. The research zoomed in on how the drinking habits of men and women have become similar over the last three centuries. They found that among people born between 1991 and 2000, the number of males and females who drink alcohol is almost equal. The research showed that historically, more men drank alcohol than women. For example, men born between 1891 and 1910 were twice as likely as their female peers to drink. However, the number of female drinkers became almost equal to the number of male drinkers among those born between 1991 and 2000. Among the reasons for the increased prevalence of drinking among women is the change in women’s roles in society. The number of women in the workforce increased after World War II, and as women began entering industries that were once dominated by men, they also began adopting drinking habits such as after-work drinking. In relation to this finding, the US National Statistics also found that women who hold management or professional positions drink more than other women. However, with the increase of women’s alcohol intake comes the increase of drinking-related health problems among them. According to the US National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol-related problems affect women more easily than men because of biological differences. Excessive drinking raises risks for liver inflammation, heart disease, and breast cancer in women.

【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 women drink as much as men nowadays? Why or why not?

·         Aside from work culture, what do you think are other reasons why women drink more nowadays?

Discussion B

·         Describe the drinking culture in your country (i.e., on what occasions, with whom, etc.).

·         In your opinion, should an individual give up alcohol entirely to take care of his/her health? Discuss.

Man Returns Fifty-Year-Old Message in a Bottle

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. pursuit / pərˈsut / (n.) – an effort to find something or someone

Example: His pursuit of the perfect gift led us to several stores.

2. eventually / ɪˈvɛn tʃu ə li / (adv.) – after some time
Example: It was a long and difficult hike, but they eventually reached the top. 

3. pass away / pɑs əˈweɪ / (phrasal v.) – to die

Example: His grandmother passed away when he was six years old.

4. locate / ˈloʊ keɪt / (v.) – to find the location of someone or something

Example: He tried to locate the owner of the lost wallet.

5. fulfill / fʊlˈfɪl / (v.) – to carry out or do something

Example: She fulfilled her promise to her parents to graduate with honors.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A man returned a 50-year-old message in a bottle that he found to its original owner. In 2011, Clint Buffington discovered an old glass Coke bottle while having a vacation in Turks and Caicos Islands. Upon opening, he discovered a message that read: “Return to 419 Ocean Boulevard and receive a reward of $150 from Tina, the owner of Beachcomber / ˈbitʃˌkoʊ mər /.” Buffington, who has been collecting bottles since 2007, began his pursuit of the bottle’s owner by writing about it on his blog. Through the help of some people who responded to his blog, he eventually found the address mentioned in the letter. In October this year, Buffington’s search finally led him to the Beachcomber Motel in New Hampshire / ˈhæmp ʃɪər /. However, he discovered that the motel’s original owners had already passed away. Buffington tried to locate other family members, and eventually found Paula Pierce, the owners’ daughter. Pierce was very happy to receive the letter, which was originally from her mother. She also fulfilled her mother’s wish and gave Buffington his $150 reward. At present, Buffington still continues collecting messages and posts about them in his blog. Meanwhile, another collector of bottled messages has also made it a habit to post about her discoveries online. Nicola White, who is from England, started collecting bottles in 2011. She responds to some of the letter senders and tries to find them through the Internet. Once, White discovered a letter from a boy who wanted to be the Red Power Ranger. She found the child through Twitter and fulfilled his wish by sending him a Power Ranger costume.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         If you were Clint Buffington, would you return the message in a bottle? Why or why not?

·         How would you react if a letter you wrote a long time ago comes back to you?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think do people send messages in bottles?

·         Do you think that collecting messages in bottles is worth one’s time?

Coca-Cola Japan and Kirin Plan Partnership

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. iron out / ˈaɪ ərn aʊt / (phrasal v.) – to fix something by resolving difficulties and finalizing details

Example: Let me iron out the details of our trip.

2. procure / proʊˈkyʊər / (v.) – to obtain or get something

Example: We will start procuring the materials next week.

3. operational /ˌɒp əˈreɪ ʃə nl / (adj.) – related to the operations of a business or machine

Example: The company’s energy-saving technology reduced operational costs.

4. rivalry / ˈraɪ vəl ri / (n.) – the state of being in competition or opposition with another

Example: The two companies’ strong rivalry ended through a business partnership.

5. discipline / ˈdɪs ə plɪn / (v.) – to train oneself to do something by regulating his or her own behavior

Example: The employee disciplines himself by not using social media during work.

【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Coca-Cola group in Japan and beverage company Kirin Holdings are planning to enter into a partnership. If successful, the partnership will be the first of its kind for Coca-Cola and a Japanese competitor. Details about the joint venture could be ironed out soon, and the contract may be signed before the year ends. Coca-Cola Japan is looking into having cross-holding shares with Kirin Beverage, a unit of Kirin Holdings. Cross-holding happens when two companies listed on the same stock exchange buy stocks from one another. Under the partnership, the two companies will jointly deliver and distribute their products in stores and vending machines. The companies will also procure raw materials such as juices and coffee beans together. The tie-up is predicted to increase the profits of both companies because it is expected to save both companies billions of yen. But while participating in an operational partnership, the two companies are still expected to maintain their competition in product development and marketing. The Coca-Cola and Kirin partnership is just one of nearly 2,000 partnerships made between companies in Japan recently. Like Coca-Cola and Kirin, other companies that have a long history of rivalry have teamed up. One example involves the country’s biggest shipping companies Mitsui OSK, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. The competition between the three companies was so fierce that executives reportedly disciplined themselves not to say the names of the other companies. However, due to problems that rocked the industry, such as low demand for cargo services, the companies put their rivalry aside and decided to merge in order to survive.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from reducing expenses, what do you think are other advantages of the Coca-Cola and Kirin partnership? Enumerate.

·         What do you think is the advantage of tight competitions among companies?

Discussion B

·         If you were a business owner, would you also consider tying up with a rival company? Why or why not?

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of business partnerships? Discuss.

Bicycle Lock Uses Unpleasant Gas against Thieves

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. deter / dɪˈtɜr / (v.) – to prevent or stop someone from doing something

Example: The bad weather deterred him from taking a trip.

2. emit / ɪˈmɪt / (v.) – to give out

Example: Cell phones emit radiation.

3. penetrate / ˈpɛn ɪˌtreɪt / (v.) – to pass through something, especially something closed

Example: Light penetrated through the windows.

4. fiddle / ˈfɪd l / (v.) – to touch or operate something

Example: The boy started fiddling with the puzzle when he got bored.

5. notification / ˌnoʊ tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a message or announcement that alerts a person about something

Example: We received a notification this morning that classes will be suspended.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new kind of bike lock that uses unpleasant gas to deter thieves has been unveiled. Two friends from California have recently introduced the Skunklock, a U-shaped bicycle lock that emits a foul-smelling gas when a bike thief tries to saw it off. The gas inside the lock can cause vomiting, shortness of breathing, and even impaired eyesight to any person exposed to it. It can also penetrate high-end gas masks, while its odor can remain on clothes or any protective gear for a long time. Nevertheless, the inventors claimed that the gas is not poisonous. Currently, the inventors are raising money for the production of Skunklocks through the crowdfunding website Indiegogo. The lock will be sold for $99, and will be available for shipping in 2017. The inventors came up with the Skunklock because bike thefts are common in San Francisco. In 2014, there were 4,085 reported bicycle thefts in the area. The duo also plans to offer the Skunklock to other countries with high rates of bike theft, which include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, France, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Belgium. Because of the high frequency of bike theft all over the world, many other lock innovations have been introduced in the market in recent years. Two years ago, Velo Labs, a technology startup also based in San Francisco, introduced the Skylock, a solar-powered “smart” bike lock that connects to the owner’s phone via Bluetooth. Skylock alerts the owner if someone fiddles with the lock by sending a notification to the owner’s phone. The lock, which is sold at $199 each, received favorable reviews from biking enthusiasts because of its security features.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think Skunklock will sell in your country? Why or why not?

·         If you were given the chance to improve Skunklock, how would you improve it?

Discussion B

·         If you were to invent a new bicycle lock, what would it look like?

·         Do you believe that people should take extreme measures just to secure their belongings? Why or why not?

Two-Thirds of Wild Animals to be Extinct by 2020

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. wildlife / ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf / (n.) – animals that live in their natural home (e.g. in forests, in the ocean)

Example: The government closed the forest to humans to protect its wildlife.

2. attribute / əˈtrɪb yut / (v.) – to relate something as the cause of an event, emotion, etc.

Example: Scientists attribute whale population decline to illegal hunting.

3. conservation / ˌkɒn sərˈveɪ ʃən / (n.) – protection of natural resources

Example: Children should be made aware of conservation projects at an early age.

4.  mass / mæs / (adj.) – relating to a huge number of people or animals

Example: Millions of birds flew south during the mass migration.

5. sensationalist / sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nə lɪst /  (adj.) – using attention-grabbing information to excite or shock people

Example: It is not good to write sensationalist articles.

【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of London reported that two-thirds of Earth's wild animals could be extinct by the year 2020. The alarming results were reported in a study called the Living Planet Index, which is a compilation of data on 3,706 species of animals gathered from 1970 to 2012. The data revealed that, since 1970, 58% of all animals monitored in the study have already disappeared. This is equivalent to 2% dying every year. If animals continue to disappear at this rate, we are in danger of losing 67% of wild animals by the year 2020. The researchers attributed the wildlife decline to habitat loss and pollution, all of which are the results of human activities.  Farming and logging have made majority of lands unlivable for wild animals. Improper disposal of industrial wastes are also contaminating the habitats and food sources of species such as whales and vultures. Moreover, another study has revealed that illegal hunting and human consumption is leading more than 300 mammal species to their extinction. The huge degree of damage that these human activities have on animal populations has led WWF conservation scientist Martin Taylor to call the population decline “the sixth mass extinction.” However, though scientists agree on the high impact of human activities on wildlife, some have raised criticisms against the study. For instance, a scientist not involved in the study said that the conclusions may be reported in a sensationalist way, saying that it is impossible to predict such a massive decline. He also pointed out that the study seems to disregard successful efforts to increase the populations of some endangered species.

【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 the study’s results are exaggerated (i.e., too unrealistic)? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, is it right for scientists to lie about the results of studies if it will bring about a greater good? Justify your answer.

Discussion B

·         Do you think humans can cause their own extinction? Discuss.

·         In what ways can humans reduce the negative impact of their activities on the environment?

Justin Bieber Walks Out Because of Fans

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
  今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. storm off / ˈstɔrm ɔf / (phrasal v.) – to angrily leave a place

Example: After the argument, he stormed off.

2. boo / bu / (v.) – to express dissatisfaction or disgust by shouting

Example: The audience booed the celebrity for arriving late at the event.

3. establish / ɪˈstæb lɪʃ / (v.) – to make or create

Example: He tried to establish a connection with her by looking into her eyes while they talked.

4. disappointment / ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt / (n.) – the feeling of being unhappy because something did not happen

Example: Fans expressed their disappointment when the show was canceled.

5. obnoxious / əbˈnɒk ʃəs / (adj.) – describing behavior that is unpleasant or causes offense

Example: Directors do not want to work with him because of his obnoxious behavior on set.

【Article】
  ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber stormed off the stage during his concert in the United Kingdom after his fans did not stop screaming at his request. The 22-year-old Grammy winner held a series of concerts in the United Kingdom as part of his Purpose World Tour. The incident happened during his concert on October 20, which was held at the Manchester Arena. Some of the audience started booing when the performer dropped his microphone and walked off the stage. During his concert, Bieber asked the screaming audience to keep quiet in between his songs. He said that he wanted to speak to them during breaks to establish a connection with them. However, when the audience started to cheer louder, the singer dropped his microphone and angrily marched off the stage. Despite what happened, he returned to the stage a few minutes later to continue his performance. After the incident, Bieber wrote a letter on Twitter to explain his side. In his letter, he said that he was not angry with his fans for screaming, but he just wanted them to hear him out. Afterward, he thanked his fans for watching his performance. The incident received mixed reactions from fans. Some defended the singer, while others expressed their disappointment toward his actions. The controversial concert is not the first incident that the singer got involved in throughout his career. Days before the Manchester show, a similar incident happened in a show in Birmingham. Bieber commented onstage that his fans’ screaming was obnoxious. In return, many of his fans called him rude on Twitter.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, who was at fault in this incident: Justin Bieber or the audience? Why?

·         How do you think will this incident affect his image?

Discussion B

·         In what ways can celebrities be good role models?

·         Name a celebrity that you consider a role model. Explain why.