Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. hinder
(v.) [hin-der] – to cause delay, interruption or difficulty
Example: An unhealthy diet hinders a child’s proper growth.
2. forecast
(n.) [fawr-kast] – a prediction of what will happen in the future
Example: According to the weather forecast, there will be no rain
tomorrow.
3. quadruple
(v.) [kwo-droo-puhl] – to increase the number or amount four times
Example: The consistent increase in sales quadrupled the company's annual profit.
4. infrastructure
(n.) [in-fruh-struhk-cher] – the basic facilities, buildings, or systems serving a country,
area, or city
Example: Building high-standard infrastructures indicates
development.
5. integrate
(v.) [in-ti-greyt] – to combine or be part of something
Example: Integrating
in a foreign culture is hard in the beginning.
Article
Read the text below.
Despite being one of the global leaders in
information technology, India lacks the capability to provide Internet access
to its citizens. Experts say this can hinder
India's long-term growth.
Internet access in India’s rural areas is
expected to rise from 12.1 million to 24 million by the end of the year.
However, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI),
only 3% of Indians in rural areas will be able to enjoy its benefits.
India's overall Internet usage is also expected
to be left behind despite forecasts
that global Internet access will quadruple
by 2015.
Analysts say that the lack of infrastructure, like stable
electricity and landline networks, causes the shortage in Internet access. In
addition, the general public opposes technological advancements. Indians
generally believe that authorities need to focus on access to food and water
instead of computers and telephones. Politicians, mainly supported by the
poor, cannot help but prioritize the people's basic needs over technological
development.
According to technology consultant Ulrik
McKnight, prioritizing internet access will lead to several benefits,
especially for education. For example, accessing course materials online
would be much cheaper and convenient than building schools in villages.
Even though India is home to big software
companies like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, the country still needs
a technological revolution. IAMAI believes India may lose its competitive
advantage unless the Internet is integrated
into the daily lives of its people.
|
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
basic needs are more important than technological advancement?
·
Do
you think technological development is also important? Explain your answer.
Discussion
B
·
What
are the advantages of having Internet access?
·
Do
you think our lives have been improved by the Internet? Explain your answer.
