NBA Team Partners with Technology Giant to Design New Arena

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. count on / kaʊnt ɒn / (idiom) – to rely on someone or something

Example: You can count on her to finish her work on time.

2.  steadfast /ˈstɛdˌfæst / (adj.) – loyal

Example: He was a steadfast friend throughout high school.  

3.  show a lot of promise / ʃoʊ ə lɒt uhv prɒm ɪs / (idiom) – demonstrates the possibility of becoming something good

Example: The plans for their new project show a lot of promise.

4. forward /ˈfɔr wərd / (v.) – to submit

Example: I’ll forward your recommendation to the committee.

5. no stranger to / noʊ ˈstreɪn dʒər tə / (idiom) – familiar with something

Example: He grew up in the Philippines, so he is no stranger to warm weather.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s most popular teams, partnered with technology consultancy firm Accenture to build the team’s new arena. Chase Center, the team’s new home is slated to be completed by 2019. As the official technology innovation partner, Accenture will help in assembling the arena’s technological features. Although headquartered in Ireland, the tech company has facilities in Silicon Valley that will make it easy for them to improve the Chase Center in San Francisco. In addition, as an established company in its industry, the Warriors believe that Accenture can be counted on to remain steadfast in the partnership long after the Chase Center has opened. While the Chase Center is still under construction, the Warriors and Accenture will ask fans to suggest new ideas for the arena’s technological features. Those that show a lot of promise may be tested at the Oracle Arena, the Warriors' current home in Oakland. The best ideas may even make it to Chase Center. Some fan ideas have already been forwarded to the Warriors, which include suggestions on the fastest way to order food and drinks via smartphones. Others also suggested ways on how fans can easily move in and out of the parking lot. The Warriors are no stranger to using technology to give both fans and players a better experience. Since the team was acquired by Joe Lacob, a major investor in technology companies, the team relied heavily on technology to improve their chances of winning in the NBA. The Warriors were one of the first teams in the NBA to install SportVU in their home arena. The SportVU is a set of cameras that record important statistics of team members as they play. The data gathered by the SportVU helped the team improve its playing strategy and achieve its current success.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         For sports teams, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having corporate sponsors?

·         Which do you think is a greater motivation for athletes: fan support or corporate sponsors? Why?

Discussion B

·         What technological innovations would you like to see in places that hold live events (e.g. arenas, auditoriums)? Enumerate as many as you can.

·         In your opinion, where should sports teams invest in more: technological innovations or improving the performance of athletes? Defend your answer. 

Bats Found to Be Faster Than Birds in New Experiment

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. transmitter / trænsˈmɪt ər / (n.) – a tool or gadget that gives off television or radio signals

Example: Radio stations should have transmitters to be able to broadcast their programs.

2. technique / tɛkˈnik / (n.) – the means or manner in which something is done

Example: He uses a special technique when playing basketball.

3. moderate / ˈmɒd ər ɪt / (adj.) – average or just right

Example: Expect moderate traffic in that area.

4. probable / ˈprɒb ə bəl / (adj.) – likely or possible to be true

Example: The cold weather is a probable cause of your cough.

5. extensive / ɪkˈstɛn sɪv / (adj.) – covering a wide area

Example: The government should fund extensive studies about mental health.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study revealed that a species of bat may actually be faster in flight than birds. In an experiment done by researchers from the University of Tennessee [ten-uh-SEE], scientists tried to see how fast bats can actually fly. For the study, the researchers observed Brazilian free-tailed bats, which are known to fly as high as two miles above the ground. A radio transmitter was mounted on a bat while a researcher flying on a small plane tracked the bat’s speed. Results showed that its speed can reach up to 100 miles per hour, faster than swallows and swifts, which are some of the fastest known birds. On average, swifts can fly up to only 70 miles per hour.  The researchers also found that bats use flying techniques similar to those used by birds. The results came as a surprise to the researchers because bats are more commonly known to move at moderate speeds. Studies conducted in the past also claimed that birds are the faster flyers. However, this observation may be biased because there are fewer studies about the flight of bats than on birds. The researchers also admitted that very little is known about the flying abilities of bats, as previous studies only focused on their echolocation. Echolocation is the ability to find one’s way and hunt in the dark using the sense of hearing. Researchers say that the probable reason for the lack of extensive study on bats is because they only come out at night. Meanwhile, the study’s lead author encourages more studies on animal flight because findings from these studies can help engineers design machines for flying.

【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 scientists should continue to study the flying abilities of bats? Why or why not?

·         What machines can engineers design using information about animal flight?

Discussion B

·         Why is it important for humans to study the behavior of animals?

·         Would you be interested to personally study how animals live and behave? Why or why not?

Retired Widower Seeks Work to Fight Boredom

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. put out / ˈpʊtˌaʊt / (phrasal v.) – to publish something

Example: They put out a magazine monthly.

2. resolve / rɪˈzɒlv / (v.) – to earnestly decide to do something

Example: I have resolved to go back to Japan during my vacation.

3. make money / meɪkˈmʌn i / (idiom) – to earn profit

Example: He made money from selling books.

4. unemployment /ˌʌn ɛmˈplɔɪ mənt / (n.) – the number of people having no job or work

Example: High unemployment is a serious issue that the country must address.

5. make the most of / meɪk ðə moʊst ʌv / (idiom) – to enjoy something as much as possible

Example: You should make the most of your vacation and travel.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A widower has put out a newspaper ad to find a job, asking someone to “save him from dying of boredom.” Joe Bartley, 89, resolved to work again after the death of his wife two years ago. He decided to place an advertisement in the local newspaper to ask for work because he was tired of being alone and doing nothing. In the ad, he mentioned that he is willing to work for around 20 hours in a week. He also listed the services that he can offer, which include cleaning, gardening, and doing DIYs or do-it-yourself repairs. He was once a soldier who served in the army, and despite his old age, Bartley says that he is still very much active. After the ad had been published, a nearby café called Bartley to offer him some work opportunities. Bartley is not the only senior in the United States who still chooses to work beyond retirement age. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that almost 20% of people aged 65 and older are still employed. But unlike Bartley who is looking for a job to prevent boredom, most of these retirees still continue to work to make money and earn benefits, a survey found. On the other hand, in Japan where the unemployment rate is very low, most people still choose to work past their retirement because it allows them to stay mentally and physically fit. The country offers plenty of opportunities for seniors who still want to work. Japan established Silver Human Resources Centers to help provide work opportunities to senior citizens who want to make the most of their retirement. Several companies and employers coordinate with the Centers in order to provide work to job-seeking seniors.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you still choose to work as a senior citizen? Why or why not?

·         What are the possible effects of working beyond retirement age?

Discussion B

·         In your country, what do senior citizens usually do to pass time?

What are examples of possible work opportunities for seniors in your country?

Online Dictionary Reveals Its 2016 Word of the Year

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. custom / ˈkʌs təm / (n.) – a practice or activity that has been passed from generation to generation

Example: It is their custom to make offerings to the shrine every month.

2. lookup / ˈlʊkˌʌp / (n.) – the act of looking for information from a database or reference

Example: Lookups about the topic increased when the teacher gave it as a homework.

3. bring about / brɪŋ əˈbaʊt / (phrasal v.) – to cause something

Example: The new law will surely bring about great change.

4. prominent /ˈprɒm ə nənt / (adj.) – well-known and very important

Example: He is one of the most prominent personalities in the industry.

5. spike / spaɪk / (n.) – a huge increase in a short period of time

Example: The spike in the price of butter was caused by a shortage of milk.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Online dictionary site Dictionary.com has chosen “xenophobia” / ˌzɛn əˈfoʊ bi ə, / as the 2016 Word of the Year. “Xenophobia” is the combination of two Greek words: “xenos,” which means “stranger” or “guest” and “phobos,” which means “fear” or “panic.” The word is defined by Dictionary.com as the “fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers.” Jane Solomon, a writer and editor of the online dictionary, said that the word can also refer to the fear or dislike of the customs, dress, and cultures of people from a different background. According to Solomon, the sudden increase in lookups of the word was brought about by several prominent world events, such as Britain’s Brexit vote.  The biggest spike in lookups of “xenophobia” occurred on June 24, a day after UK’s Brexit referendum. The event prompted hundreds of searches for the word every hour. Lookups were also prompted by other significant events such as the US presidential race and the Syria crisis. Issues such as gender inequality and racial discrimination also contributed to the increase. In a statement, the online dictionary said that it aims to choose a word that reflects a major theme found in discussions over the last 12 months. For 2016, the site’s data revealed that searches for the word “xenophobia” increased all over the world, as the word became a subject that reappeared in several global issues.  The site ended its statement by saying that people should not celebrate the victory of “xenophobia” as Word of the Year. Instead, Dictionary.com called upon everyone to reflect on the word and the events that caused its popularity.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What do you think the selection of “xenophobia” as Word of the Year indicate?

·         In your opinion, how should the word of the year be chosen?

Discussion B

·         If you were to choose the word of the year in the English language, what would it be? Why?

Which word in your native language should be declared as word of the year? Why?

Asian Countries Top International Math and Science Assessment

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. dominate / ˈdɒm əˌneɪt / (v.) – to perform much better than one’s opponents in a competition

Example: My favorite team dominated the entire league.

2. large-scale / ˈlɑrdʒ skeɪl / (adj.) – involving a huge number of people, things, topics, etc.

Example: The government conducted a large-scale survey involving the entire country.

3. administer / ædˈmɪn ə stər / (v.) – to give

Example: The substitute teacher administered the test.

4. syllabus / ˈsɪl ə bəs / (n.) – an outline or a list of topics to be studied in a subject

Example: The syllabus did not include some important topics of the subject.

5. pronounced / prəˈnaʊnst / (adj.) – very obvious or noticeable

Example: The twins’ differences have become more pronounced through the years.

【Article】
ニュース記事

Read the text below.

East Asian countries topped the 2015 TIMSS, or Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, according to results released in November 2016. Singapore, along with Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, dominated the international assessment in 2015. The five countries have been in the assessment’s lead for 20 years now. TIMSS is a large-scale international assessment that evaluates trends in math and science education worldwide. It is administered every four years since it began in 1995. Assessments are done to fourth-grade students (around nine to ten years old) and eighth-grade students (around 13 to 14 years old) from public and private schools in participating countries. In the assessment, students take math and science tests and complete questionnaires about their learning experiences in both subjects. In 2015, more than 600,000 students from over 60 countries took part in the assessment. Singapore was recognized as the overall top performing country, after taking first place in the fourth- and eighth-grade categories in both science and math. This is the first time that Singapore took top spot in all categories since 2003, after making changes in their syllabus. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Education, the changes have allowed students to learn in a more active way. Other countries that made the top 10 are Northern Ireland, Russia, Norway, Ireland, and England. England has reportedly improved greatly in both science and math scores from the first assessment in 1995. However, the 2015 results showed a drop in the country’s rankings. Despite this result, England’s School Standards Minister hopes that changes implemented in the country’s curriculum in 2014 will have a more pronounced effect on England’s rankings in future assessments.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How can countries participating in the TIMSS improve their scores?

·         What do you think are the advantages of being among the top performing countries? Discuss.

Discussion B

·         Do you think that written tests can really measure a student’s ability? Why or why not?

·         What are other ways to measure a student’s ability?

Nintendo-themed Attractions to Open at Universal Studios

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. conglomerate / kənˈglɒm ər ɪt / (n.) – a large corporation that is made up of different kinds of companies

Example: Media conglomerates are a threat to the growth of small media companies.

2. attraction / əˈtræk ʃən / (n.) – something that serves as public entertainment

Example: The roller coaster remains the park’s most popular attraction.

3. expansive / ɪkˈspæn sɪv / (adj.) – large or wide

Example:  Everyone sat comfortably in the mansion’s expansive living room.

4. venture / ˈvɛn tʃər / (v.) – to do something new and risky

Example: She ventured into a clothing business.

5. keep up (with) / kip ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to match the progress of one’s competitors

Example: He was able to keep up with his competitors despite being new in the business.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

In the face of tough competition and declining sales, Nintendo has created new initiatives centered on some of its most popular video games. Last November, Nintendo officially announced its partnership with Comcast, the American media conglomerate that owns Universal Parks and Resorts. The two companies teamed up to build attractions based on Nintendo’s famous video games like Super Mario inside Universal Studios parks in Orlando, Hollywood, and Osaka. Nintendo and Comcast are working together to bring the company’s famous characters and adventures to life, with the aim of making guests feel as if they are inside the games. Expansive areas within the Universal Studios parks will be dedicated to Nintendo-featured rides, shops, and restaurants. According to reports, the attractions will be open to the public by 2020. The theme park project is just one of Nintendo’s initiatives to promote its brand and venture into new ways to increase revenues. The sales of the video game company have declined over the last five years due to the tough competition against other major video game companies such as Sony and Microsoft. Sales have also been affected by the rising popularity of smartphones as gaming devices. However, to keep up with the trend, Nintendo released Super Mario Run in December last year. It is the first-ever smartphone game that features the iconic hero, which was created by Nintendo 35 years ago for Super Mario Brothers. Super Mario Run was first released exclusively for iOS devices, but Nintendo is expected to launch an Android version at a later date.

【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 opening Nintendo-themed parks at Universal Studios will help increase Nintendo’s revenues? Why or why not?

·         Who do you think would most likely patronize the Nintendo-themed parks?

Discussion B

·         How do you see the evolution of video games a few years from now?

·         What can video game companies do to increase awareness of their brand?