Daily News Article 7/6
My unlocking word meanings
article abstract
Viewpoint Discussion
If you had the opportunity, would you apply as an “Instascout?” Why or why not?
What do you think are the possible challenges of being an “InstaScout?” Explain.
In your opinion, what makes a travel location picture-perfect or “Instagram-worthy?” Discuss.
Do you think that it is important for a travel location to be picture-perfect or “Instagram-worthy?” Why or why not?
Daily News Article 6/30
My unlocking word meanings
obstruction
- 閉塞・阻害
scarce
- 乏しい
reservoir
- 貯水池
comprehensively
- 総合的に
mitigate
- 軽減する
article abstract
Viewpoint Discussion
What do you think would happen if all rivers in the world become obstructed with man-made structures? Discuss.
If you were a policymaker, what would you suggest to ensure that the world’s remaining free-flowing rivers are protected (e.g. policies about building facilities in rivers)? Discuss.
Aside from obstructing rivers, in what other ways has economic development affected the environment? Discuss.
Do you think that building structures on natural landscapes (e.g. rivers, oceans, mountains) should be stopped completely? Why or why not?
Daily News Article 5/14
My unlocking word meanings
dissolve
- 溶かす
arid
- 乾燥
article abstract
Researchers found the world longest salt cave in Israel. Salt caves are changing because rainfall dissolves the salt, and produce new pathways after the water dries out. Researchers will still explore uncharted areas that are located at the cave's upper levels.
Viewpoint Discussion
- In your opinion, should the researchers publish their current findings while still exploring undiscovered parts of the cave? Why or why not?
If it includes something new like some animals in the cave or some special things, they should publish it. But if they find only a new pathway, no need. Because the pathway will change soon.
- How do you think the study of the Malham Cave can contribute to the study of other caves?
I'm not sure. But for example, if some measures did not work at this cave, we can research the reason why. THrough these researches, we can know well toward caves.
- In your opinion, is studying caves valuable? Explain.
Yes. Because before technologically advanced measures have come, we couldn't know the detail of inside of caves. So through this studying, perhaps we will find something new.
- Apart from the unavailability of some technology, what other problems do you think researchers studying caves might experience? Discuss.
The most dangerous issue is for researchers life, like a landslide or lack of oxygen.
Daily News Article 5/13
My unlocking word meanings
tilt
- 傾ける
extremities
- 末端
article abstract
NASA is going to research the relation between our body and gravity. For the study, NASA is paying volunteers a huge sum of money in exchange for lying in bed. Throughout the study, the participants will also undergo several tests to check their brain, heart, muscles as well as balance.
Viewpoint Discussion
- Would you be willing to volunteer in the AGBRESA study in exchange for money? Why or why not?
If I can read books during this study, I want to volunteer. But if not, it is too dull for me, so I don't want to do so.
- Other than money, what other benefits do you think participants can get from the study? Discuss.
Free time, and an opportunity to communicate with other people.
- What safety precautions should a person take note of before volunteering in this kind of study? Explain.
To think about how to spend this long period. Because if they didn't think that, they may feel too boring immediately.
- Aside from a bed rest study, what other studies do you find interesting (e.g. sleep study)? Discuss.
I think a study of muscles is interesting. There are some activity patterns and foods, and researching what will affect our muscles more.
Daily News Article 5/12
My unlocking word meanings
- wage
- 賃金
article abstract
Lyft, the ride-hailing service company went public. And on the same day, drivers staged a protest for low wages, pay cuts, the poor working conditions. According to these complaints, Lyft established programs meant to aid drivers.
Viewpoint Discussion
- How do you think the drivers’ protests will affect potential investors’ perception of Lyft? Discuss.
This protests may affect so much. Because at this ride-hailing service, drivers are an essential part of it. If they don't want to work as a Lyft driver, the business will be broken.
- If you were one of Lyft’s drivers, what would you do if the company fails to act on your concerns?
I have a right to change my job as I want. So I will seek the company that can act more about my concern.
- Do you think protests are an effective way to voice out employee concerns? Why or why not?
It depends on the case but I will not do so. Because gathering employees and go on strike will take a lot of costs. And sometimes the return is not enough. So if I were in this situation, I would change the company to a new one.
- Aside from protests, how else can employees effectively voice out their concerns? Discuss.
At the evaluation period. We can discuss our working environment based on our performance.
Daily News Article 5/11
My unlocking word meanings
at play
- 影響を与える
moderately
- 適度に
bear
- 負う・持つ
solely
- 単に
article abstract
A study claims that drinking wine moderately can increase the risk of cancer in the same way as cigarette smoking does. One of the researchers said it is important because the risk of drinking alcohol are not well communicated to the public. But some companies in the alcohol industry argued that increased cancer risk might not be solely due to drinking alcohol, other factors like genetics and lifestyle.
Viewpoint Discussion
- Do you think that the study can be effective in raising awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol? Why or why not?
Yes. As this article said, we don't communicate well about the risk of drinking alcohol, but we know the risk of cigarette smoking. So comparing them makes it easy to understand for us.
- In what other ways can the dangers of drinking alcohol be well communicated to the public? Discuss.
Especially in Japan, there are many drunk people at night. They sometimes make troubles like violence, traffic accident. So we should know that drunk will cause many problems.
- Aside from smoking and drinking alcohol, what other habits or practices do you think people should avoid doing to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Explain.
Not enough sleep. It will cause not only physical illness but also mental illness. And the second one is taking a lot of food addictive.
- How else can experts encourage people to have a healthier lifestyle?
To calculate how much cost will be taken through an unhealthier lifestyle. We often underestimate our health problem.
Daily News Article 5/10
My unlocking word meanings
- complement
- 補完する
article abstract
Viewpoint Discussion
Considering that the BBC and Discovery’s deal is expensive, do you think that this venture to create a subscription video services platform is good? Why or why not?
Would you subscribe to the BBC and Discovery’s platform? Why or why not?
Why do you think television companies are shifting to subscription video service platforms?
With the popularity of subscription video services, what do you think will be the future of broadcasting companies (e.g. TV, radio)? Discuss.
