【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. periodic / ˌpɪər iˈɒd ɪk / (adj.) – happening regularly from time to time
Example: She saves money for her periodic trips.
2. barricade / ˈbær ɪˌkeɪd / (n.) – a fence or barrier meant to keep people from entering a certain area
Example: Several policemen were guarding the barricade.
3. flagship / ˈflægˌʃɪp / (n.) – the best, largest, or most important in a group
Example: The important event will be held at the hotel’s flagship branch.
4. adverse / ædˈvɜrs / (adj.) – negative, harmful, or unfavorable
4. adverse / ædˈvɜrs / (adj.) – negative, harmful, or unfavorable
Example: He did not like the adverse comments about his work.
5. hold up / hoʊld ʌp / (v.) – to delay or make someone late
Example: His trip was held up because of an emergency.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Businesses near the Trump Tower suffered toward the end of 2016 as periodic protests and heightened security in the area kept customers away.
The Trump Tower is a mixed-use building on Fifth Avenue in New York. Since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, the Trump Tower had become the scene of regular anti-Trump rallies. Because of this, the area had been kept under tight security. The police set up barricades around the building, and roads leading to the Tower were completely closed for some days.
The situation made a negative impact on nearby businesses such as Tiffany & Co., one of the world’s premier jewelry companies, and restaurant Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse. In a press release, Tiffany & Co. said that the protests and the tight security decreased the number of visitors at its flagship store, which is located next to Trump Tower. The company also reported lower sales compared to last year.
Meanwhile, in an interview, the owner of Uncle Jack’s, which is half a block from Trump Tower, also complained about the adverse effects of the situation. According to Willie Degel, his restaurant’s sales suddenly decreased by 25% as a result of the blocked roads and lesser people in the area. He also said that his employees are usually held up by the heavy security on their way to work. In addition, delayed garbage pickups and deliveries have also hounded the restaurant.
Degel further added that the affected businesses deserve to be compensated for the troubles they were experiencing. Meanwhile, a spokesman from the mayor’s office of New York City said that the New York Police Department would do its best to address the needs of the establishments.
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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
· How can businesses around Trump Tower encourage customers to visit their stores despite the situation?
· In your opinion, what should the local government do to help the affected businesses?
Discussion B
· What do you think is the impact of the location of a business on its success?
· Aside from location, what are other factors that affect the success of a business?
