New Solar Panel Road Opens in France

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. ample / ˈæm pəl / (adj.) – sufficient or more than enough

Example: The new irrigation system gave the farms an ample supply of water.

2. cost-efficient / ˈkɔst ɪˈfɪʃ ənt / (adj.) – giving satisfying results without costing too much resources

Example: Our department’s projects are very cost-efficient.

3. hail / heɪl / (v.) – to praise or commend

Example: Because of her excellent performance, she was hailed as the next big star of her generation.

4. harness / ˈhɑr nɪs / (v.) – to control something to make use of it effectively

Example: They harnessed the wind’s power through turbines to produce electricity.

5. eco-friendly / ˈi koʊ ˈfrɛnd li / (adj.) – not harmful to the environment

Example: Retail companies should use eco-friendly packaging.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Normandy has become the site of a new solar technology innovation. A solar panel road, aptly named Wattway, was inaugurated by the country’s Ecology Minister last December. The road stretches for one kilometer and is covered with 2,800 square meters of electricity-producing solar panels. Wattway will be monitored during a test period of two years. During this period, authorities will observe if it can produce ample energy to light the streets of a village with 3,400 residents. Critics, however, are skeptical about whether the move was cost-efficient. Some people have pointed out that despite being hailed an innovation, the solar panel road was still a very costly project. Maintaining a solar panel road costs a lot of money, considering that it is not very efficient in producing electricity. According to experts, solar panel roads can produce less electricity than panels installed on roofs and other structures tilted toward the sun. Concerns about the road’s safety and its ability to accommodate heavy vehicles have also been raised. Despite numerous issues concerning solar panel roads, France is not the first country to experiment with the idea. Prior to Wattway, a solar bicycle lane was already introduced in the Netherlands. The lane is expected to produce electricity that can sustain three households. Scientists are constantly innovating ways to harness solar power in an attempt to generate electricity in a more eco-friendly way. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy comes from a renewable source, which means that it can be used repeatedly without worry that it will run out. Solar panels would best benefit places with no access to electricity, and they have been used in remote places and even in outer space.

【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 the solar panel road was a good idea? Why or why not?

·         Aside from roads and roofs, in what other places or structures can solar panels be installed?

Discussion B

·         What other sources of energy would you like scientists to explore in the future?

·         Would you like your government to try alternative energy sources even if they are expensive? Why or why not?

Doctor Criticizes World Rugby’s Injury-Related Policies

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. authority / əˈθɔr ɪ ti / (n.) – someone who has knowledge and expertise in a certain field

Example: Many seek his advice on game strategies because he is an authority in basketball.

2. weigh in /ˈweɪˌɪn / (idiom) – to give an opinion or advice

Example: Many experts weighed in on the argument before a conclusion was reached.

3. step down /ˈstɛpˌdaʊn / (phrasal v.) – to give up one’s position

Example: Following the scandal, the chairman stepped down from his position.

4. discard / dɪˈskɑrd / (v.) – to remove

Example: The team had to discard their old, damaged equipment.

5. momentarily /ˌmoʊ mənˈtɛər ə li / (adv.) – for a very short time

Example: The crowd was momentarily silenced by the athlete’s actions.

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A doctor from England criticized the World Rugby Organization for its policies regarding head injuries. Dr. Barry O'Driscoll [OH-DRIH-skuhl], a concussion specialist and authority on rugby safety, questioned the rugby governing body after an incident last December. During a match between Northampton /nɔrˈθæmp tən/ Saints and Leicester /ˈlɛs tər/ Tigers, Northampton’s George North suffered a head injury that left him unconscious. Surprisingly, North was allowed to continue the game after Northampton’s medical team examined him. The team later acknowledged that he should not have been allowed to return to the game. The incident sparked controversy, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. O’Driscoll was among those who weighed in on the issue. Three years ago, he stepped down from his position as the organization’s medical adviser to protest its medical policies. Since then, he has constantly demanded that the governing body discard its system for assessing head injury, saying that the current method is unsuitable for its intended purpose. O’Driscoll reported that, like North, other players have been allowed to play despite being momentarily knocked unconscious. In response, World Rugby raised questions regarding the accuracy of the doctor's claims. In defense, the organization said that the Northampton medical team did not strictly follow the sport's protocols for head injuries. The organization's CEO added that they put the safety of their athletes ahead of anything else.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think professional athletes should be forced to retire if their health is at risk? Why or why not?

·         Aside from health concerns, what are other reasons why professional athletes quit?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think some athletes like playing dangerous sports?

·         Give some ways that athletes can stay safe while doing dangerous sports.

London to Light Up River Thames

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. installation / ˌɪn stəˈleɪ ʃən / (n.) – a huge artwork with multiple components (e.g. lights, structures, sounds, etc.)

Example: The artist’s installation was displayed in the mall’s open area.

2. world-class / ˈwɜrldˈklæs / (adj.) – among the best in the world

Example: The concert featured world-class performers from all over the world.

3. narrow down /ˈnær oʊ daʊn / (v.) – to shorten a list of things by removing less important or suitable items

Example: They narrowed down the list of winning entries from 150 to 50.

4. dynamic / daɪˈnæm ɪk / (adj.) – very lively

Example: The crowd got very excited during the fire dancers’ dynamic performance.

5.  vary / ˈvɛər i / (v.) – to change or differ from one to another

Example: The rates of the hotel rooms vary depending on their sizes.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The city of London will light up River Thames / tɛmz / and its bridges in a huge art project called The Illuminated River. The project was designed to transform the river and its 17 bridges into a living piece of art using light installations. The project is aimed at making London a world-class city that teems with life even at night.     River Thames is known as London’s most iconic river. Throughout the city’s history, the river has played a significant role in the lives of Londoners. It has been the main source of water for Londoners for centuries and has also served as a venue for various recreational activities and celebrations. According to the website of The Illuminated River, one of the project’s goals is to celebrate the river’s history and to make it more accessible for nighttime activities and celebrations. Currently, the vicinity of the river becomes very dark at night.  To decide on the river’s design, the team behind the project held an international competition in which 20 countries participated. After narrowing down the 105 entries to six finalists, the jury declared the design scheme called “Current” as the winner. The design was a collaboration between British architects and American artist Leo Villareal, who was also behind the light installation on San Francisco’s Oakland Bay Bridge. Villareal’s proposal is to enhance the beauty of River Thames at night by installing dynamic lighting in different shades of pink, purple, and orange. The light exhibition will vary from one bridge to another to highlight each structure’s unique architectural qualities. In addition, the light display on the underbellies of the bridge will change when the tide changes. The first phase of the project will start this year and is expected to end in 2018. Once implemented, the Illuminated River will become the largest public art installation in the city’s history.

【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 resident of London, would you agree with the initiative? Why or why not?

·         What do you think is the impact of the project once it is implemented?

Discussion B

·         In what iconic places in your country would you like a similar project to happen? Why?

·         Would you rather keep natural landscapes as they are or enhance their beauty through technology? Explain your answer.

Study Finds Dogs Also Get Gray Hair from Stress

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. prematurely /ˌpri məˈtʃʊər li / (adv.) – too soon

Example: Nobody expected the announcement because it was done prematurely.

2. pigment / ˈpɪg mənt / (n.) – a substance that gives color to plants or animals

Example: People who have lighter skin have fewer brown pigments.

3. behavior / bɪˈheɪv yər / (n.) – the way someone or something acts

Example: The class was praised for their good behavior.  

4. impulsivity / ɪmˈpʌl sɪv ɪ ti / (n.) – the trait of doing things without thought

Example: Children are known for their impulsivity.

5. cope / koʊp / (v.) – to deal with something difficult in a calm manner

Example: Adults use different methods to cope with responsibilities.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study suggests that dogs, like humans, prematurely develop gray hair because of stress. For humans, gray hair results from the loss of a pigment called melanin in the hair. This loss happens naturally at different ages for men and women. Women usually start losing melanin at 35, while it usually happens to men at 30. However, melanin loss may start happening earlier, even as early as a person’s teenage years, because of stress. According to a new study, this phenomenon can also happen to dogs for the same reason. In the study, scientists from the Northern Illinois /ˌɪl əˈnɔɪ / University, with the help of a researcher and an animal behavior expert, examined over 400 dogs that were between one and four years old. The researchers wanted to find out what caused the dogs’ hair to turn gray. The team asked the dog’s owners 21 questions about the behavior of their pets. The questionnaire was about behavior showing anxiety, like barking, and impulsivity, such as jumping on people. The team also took pictures of the dogs and rated the grayness of each one on a scale of zero to three, with the former indicating no gray hair, while the latter describing a dog that has gray hair all over its body. The results revealed that dogs that were more impulsive and anxious had more gray hair than calmer dogs. According to one of the researchers, one common cause of stress for dogs is being left home alone. According to her, dogs are supposedly raised to be their owners' companions, yet these pets are left home alone most of the time. Therefore, she recommends dog owners to leave their pets with a friend when they go away. Another researcher recommends a special training program that helps dogs cope with stress as another possible solution to prevent graying.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are other possible causes of stress for dogs?

·         Why is it important to study about stress in animals?

Discussion B

·         In what ways can pet owners take good care of their pets?

·         Why do you think some people like having pets? Discuss. 

American Express Introduces Better Parental Benefits

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. step up / ˈstɛpˌʌp / (phrasal v.) – to improve something

Example: The company stepped up its compensation package offer to encourage more applicants.

2. revamp / riˈvæmp / (v.) – to revise something

Example: We revamped the program to accommodate the management’s request.

3. expectant / ɪkˈspɛk tənt / (adj.) – pregnant or expecting a child to be born

Example: Expectant mothers must go through a lot of checkups to ensure the health of their babies.  

4. concierge / ˌkɒn siˈɛərʒ / (n.) – a person whose job is to give information and guidance about something

Example: I ask the mall’s concierge for directions whenever I get lost.

5. labor market / ˈleɪ bər ˈmɑr kɪt / (n.) – the available workers that need to be employed and the companies that want to hire them

Example: The labor market competition is tight due to the high demand and the limited supply of workers.  

【Article】

ニュース記事

Read the text below.

American Express (Amex) steps up its efforts to compete for talent by revamping its parental benefits policy. As competition for manpower continues to be very tight, the financial services company introduced an improved parental benefits policy, which aims to keep current employees and attract new talents. After hearing the request of working parents for more help and support, the company responded with a more generous compensation package for employees who are also parents. Starting January 1, the new policy grants all employees 20 weeks of parental leave with full pay once they have a child through adoption, birth, or surrogacy. Expectant mothers also get an extra six to eight weeks of paid leave. The new policy also gives parents access to a round-the-clock lactation consultant and a parent concierge from whom they can get information about the company's family benefits. Aside from these, benefits worth as much as $35,000 are also offered to employees who seek to adopt or undergo surrogacy. Employees who wish to undergo infertility treatment through the company's health plan are also entitled to benefits of an equal amount. These benefits are available to all full-time and part-time employees who have worked for at least one year in the company.  Due to pressure from tough competition in the labor market, Amex is not the only company that offered employees better parental benefits. Other companies in the finance industry such as insurance firm AXA, the Bank of America Corporation, and financial services firm Fidelity also expanded parental leave policies. However, Netflix Inc. may have the most generous offer when it comes to parental leave. The company offers up to 12 months of parental leave to qualified employees, which means that new parents may take as much time off as they need during the first year after the birth or adoption of their child.

【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 20 weeks of parental leave is too long or too short? Explain your answer.

·         What other benefits would you like employees with families to have?

Discussion B

·         What are some difficulties that working parents encounter?

·         How can working parents ensure balance between family life and career?

Japanese-Style Spas Gain Popularity in China

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. top management / tɒp ˈmæn ɪdʒ mənt / (n.) – the staff with the highest positions in a company

Example: The top management gets to decide on which projects to continue.

2. selection / sɪˈlɛk ʃən / (n.) – a set of things that people may choose from

Example: Her library has a wide selection of novels.

3. stand out / stænd aʊt / (idiom) – to be very noticeable

Example: He stood out in the contest because of his unique talent.

4. analogous / əˈnæl ə gəs / (adj.) – similar in some aspects or parts

Example: The company’s situation is analogous to what we experienced before.

5. allegation / ˌæl ɪˈgeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a claim

Example: The government is investigating allegations of corruption about the mayor.

【Article】
　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Two companies that operate onsens, or Japanese-style hot spring resorts, are gaining popularity in China, but for very different reasons. Gokurakuyu, one of Japan’s largest spa operators, is now among the most successful in China’s spa industry. In 2010, the company announced plans to enter the Chinese market with the help of Chinese partners. It successfully opened its first Chinese facility in 2013. According to Gokurakuyu’s top management, one of the reasons why the company is successful in China is its high standards for customer service. In addition, the spa offers a wide selection of hot springs, open-air and bubble tubs, and saunas. It also has tanning facilities and restaurants. The promise of an authentic Japanese onsen experience makes Gokurakuyu stand out among its competitors. On the other hand, while Gokurakuyu is receiving a positive response from its customers in China, another spa operator in China is being criticized for alleged plagiarism. Tokyo-based spa operator Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari has accused a spa facility in Shanghai of copying its business. The China-based facility, also called Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari, has a similar appearance to the Tokyo-based spa and offers analogous services. An executive of the Chinese company denied the plagiarism allegations. He claimed that the Japanese company allowed the Shanghai facility to operate under the same name, saying that the Chinese spa has a contract that authorizes it to do so. Furthermore, the executive said that some of the Chinese company’s employees went to the Ooedo-Onsen in Tokyo to observe operations in the spa and receive proper training.

【Viewpoint Discussion】
　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think Japanese-style spas are booming in China? Discuss.

·         What do you think is the impact of this trend in Japan?

Discussion B

·         What kind of works or ideas are easy to plagiarize? Why?

·         How can businesses avoid committing plagiarism?