【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. skyscraper / ˈskaɪˌskreɪ pər / (n.) – an exceptionally tall building
Example: Skyscrapers in our city usually have more than forty floors.
2. unrivaled / ʌnˈraɪ vəld / (adj.) – being the best among its kind
Example: The multi-awarded architect’s skills are unrivaled.
3. outperform / ˌaʊt pərˈfɔrm / (v.) – to surpass the ability of something or someone
Example: The new laptop model outperformed its competitors.
4. compromise / ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪz / (v.) – to give up something for the sake of another
Example: Safety should not be compromised for price.
5. remarkable / rɪˈmɑr kə bəl / (adj.) – receiving much attention or recognition
Example: The building’s design is remarkable.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
China’s Shanghai Tower has set a record for having the world’s fastest elevator.
Completed in 2014 after six years of construction, the Shanghai Tower is the world’s second tallest skyscraper. The 2,074-foot-tall structure is unrivaled in terms of elevator speed. At around 46 miles per hour, the elevator can reach the 119th floor from the second level basement in less than a minute. The Shanghai Tower elevator outperforms the elevator of Guangzhou’s tallest building, which runs at 44 miles per hour.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation developed the high-speed elevator. According to a representative from Mitsubishi, innovations such as an improved control panel helped enhance the elevator’s performance. The electronics company gave assurance that the safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of the elevator were not compromised for its added speed. To add, the elevator also does not produce noise as it moves.
Aside from being recognized for having the world’s fastest elevator, the Shanghai Tower also received top recognition from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a certification body that gives awards to environment-friendly architecture. The tower received a LEED Platinum certificate for several remarkable features.
For instance, it has technology for gathering rainwater and reusing waste water. It also has green spaces that include 24 sky gardens and power-saving technologies that dramatically lower its carbon dioxide emission. The tower’s LEED certification is treated with much significance by the Chinese government, as the country is known to be among those with the highest carbon dioxide emissions.
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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
· Would you be interested to visit the Shanghai Tower? Why or why not?
· What are the advantages and risks of having an extremely fast elevator?
Discussion B
· If you were to design a building, what special features would it have? Discuss.
· Which should be given more priority, safety or design? Why?
