US is No.1 in Infrastructure and Building Projects

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

1. innovation (n.) [in-uh-vey-shuhn] – something new or different that has never been created before

Example: The mobile phone is one of the most important innovations in the 20^th century.

2. repercussion (n.) [ree-per-kuhsh-uhn, rep-er-] – an indirect effect that may last for a long time

Example: The advancement of technology has positive and negative repercussionson future generations.

3. urbanization (n.) [ur-buh-nuh-zey-shuhn] – changing and developing a place to be more like a city

Example: Building a good transportation system is required for urbanization.

4. eco-friendly (adj.) [ek-oh frend-lee] – not harmful to the environment

Example: The supermarket encourages people to bring eco-friendly bags for grocery shopping.

5. greenhouse gas (n.) [green-hous gas] – gas that contributes to the “greenhouse effect” or to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere

Example: Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas released by cars.

Article
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The US is the top country in the world with regard to infrastructures and building innovations, according to a list created by the professional service group KPMG. The list, titled ‘The Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition,” includes fourteen US projects, twenty projects from Asia-Pacific countries and seven from the UK. In selecting the infrastructures for the list, KPMG considered each project’s chance of success, social repercussions, technical advancements, innovation and finances. The restructured World Trade Center in the US and Singapore’s Gardens by The Bay were the top entries in the “Designed For Living” category. They were chosen because of their goal to rebuild peaceful living spaces on what were disorderly places. With urbanization quickly happening worldwide, new living space is in high demand. Nick Chism of KPMG adds that today’s buildings and infrastructures really need innovation to support the fast growing number of people moving to cities. Meanwhile, David O’Brien of KPMG’s Center of Excellence for Cities stressed that infrastructure should not only be practical, but environment-friendly as well. KPMG has also listed some Asian projects in the Top 100 that combine innovation and eco-friendly quality. Among the projects are the Tianjin Eco-city in Northern China and Fujisawa Smart Town in Japan. The Tianjin Eco-city, with a planned solar energy zone, hopes to offer a different choice from the polluted big cities in China. The Fujisawa Smart Town, on the other hand, will have 1000 eco-friendly homes that are largely solar-powered. The town’s power strategy is also expected to produce 70% less greenhouse gases than a regular Japanese town.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you believe your country’s towns or cities are well-designed? Please explain your answer.

·         How can buildings and infrastructures be used to protect the environment?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think many people move from rural areas to cities?

·         What are some positive effects of developing more cities? What are the negative effects?

Google Launches Website to Protect Endangered Languages

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

1. alliance (n.) [uh-lahy-uhns] – a cooperation, or a group united by similar goals

Example: The alliance of scholars and computer technicians aimed to study rare languages.

2. linguist (n.) [ling-gwist] – a person who studies language

Example: The linguist made a survey about the languages spoken in Africa.

3. preserve (v.) [pri-zurv] – to save or maintain something in order for it to last longer

Example:  Asian countries try to preserve local traditions while adopting Western customs.

4. implore (v.) [im-plawr, -plohr] – to ask someone for something in a serious or emotional way

Example: Elder people implore the youth to learn their local dialects.

5. arm (n.) [ahrm] – a section of an organization or company

Example: The legislative arm of the government writes laws.

Article
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Experts say about 3,000 of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world today may be forgotten in a hundred years. In order to prevent this loss, Google has started the Endangered Languages website. With the help of an alliance of scholars and linguists, the website allows people from all over the world to share and find data about endangered languages.  Such languages are in danger of disappearing completely because the few people who still use or know them may soon die out. Clara Rivera Rodriguez and Jason Rissman, leaders of the project, stress the important role of technology in preserving languages. They say high-quality recordings of elders, who are usually the last fluent speakers of a certain language, can be created and shared through social media to aid language study and awareness. Users simply have to create an account on the Endangered Languages website so they can upload text documents, audio, or video material of unique languages. The users can also make their profiles and give feedback on the site. Rodriguez and Rissman implore people to share the website with their respective communities. According to the two project managers, documenting endangered languages can promote acceptance and learning of different cultures. It can also give the youth the power to protect the legacy of earlier generations. A language institute in Eastern Michigan University will be in charge of the website, while Google.org, Google’s charitable arm, will continue supporting the project.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Why do you think some languages become lost while other languages are preserved?

·         What are the bad outcomes of losing a language forever?

Discussion B

·         Do you think endangered languages are worth saving? Why or why not?

·         Do you hope that your local language or dialect will still be used hundreds of years from now? Please explain your answer.

Social Sports Clubs Become More Popular in US

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

1. club (n.) [kluhb] – a building or facility where a group of people with a common interest meet

Example: The employees go to sports clubs daily after work.

2. prowess (n.) [prou-is] – an amazing skill or ability

Example: Because of his physical prowess, he wins in every sports contest he joins.

3. administrative (adj.) [ad-min-uh-strey-tiv, -struh-] – relating to the management of an activity, organization or business

Example: The administrative office of the sports club will provide players with proper equipment and uniforms.

4. colleague (n.) [kol-eeg] – a co-worker; a person who does similar work as the speaker or subject

Example: My colleagues and I celebrated the company’s success through a karaoke party.

5. entertainment (n.) [en-ter-teyn-muhnt] – something that amuses or pleases a person

Example: Magic shows provide much entertainment to children.

Article
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Social sports clubs—clubs that combine physical activity with social interaction—are growing businesses in the US. While physical activity is known to be good for a person’s health, new research shows that people who are also active socially are less likely to suffer from depression, colds, heart disease and cancer compared to those who are not socially active. In the US, one way to get the benefits of both social and physical activity is by joining a social sports club. Social sports clubs offer a wide selection of sports including traditional sports like basketball, football and softball.  Clubs also offer sports that do not require too much physical prowess, such as darts and arcade games. The clubs even allow other social activities such as drinking beer while playing games. Moreover, a club provides everything people would need to play a sport. This means a person does not have to worry about administrative tasks if he or she wants to organize a game with friends or colleagues. One club, the DC Social Sports Club, which was established by Jack Fan, organizes competitions so participants can focus on entertainment from games. From having five employees two years ago, DC Sports Club now has 20 employees. Currently, more than 8,000 people are members. Fan said the weak US economy has made people more interested in joining clubs, because through clubs people can gain new friend connections and job opportunities. Aside from being fun, social sports are also cheap, with a program costing a member around $25 to $65 for 2 months.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         If you have the opportunity, would you go to a social sports club? Why or why not?

·         Do you think social sports club will also be popular in your country? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Aside from being good for one’s health, why are social activities important?

·         Do you believe people who are not socially active with others can still have a good life? Why or why not?

Noise Level Influences Consumers’ Buying Choices

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

1. moderate (adj.) [mod-er-it, mod-rit] – average; being at a middle level

Example: People should listen to music at a moderate volume to avoid damaging their ears.

2. innovative (adj.) [in-uh-vey-tiv] – new or done in a creative way

Example: The salesman introduced the innovative features of the new iPhone.

3. frame of mind (idiom) [freym uhv mahynd] – a person’s mental condition, mood, or feeling

Example: He was in the frame of mind to get a new mobile phone, so he would not leave the store until he bought one.

4. come up with (phrasal v.) [kuhm uhp with] – to think of or produce something

Example: The supermarket will come up with new discount promotions to attract customers.

5. typical (adj.) [tip-i-kuhl] – usual or normal, just like all others of its kind

Example:  A typical TV is used just for watching shows, but a smart TV can be used almost like a computer.

Article
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A moderate level of noise makes consumers more likely to buy products that are innovative. According to a study led by Ravi Mehta, an associate professor at the University of Illinois, hearing moderate noise levels—about 70 decibels—distracts consumers from their normal way of thinking making them more creative in their choices. Once in this creative frame of mind, consumers are able to appreciate the value of innovative products. To test how noise affects consumer behavior, Mehta’s group conducted several experiments using noise recordings taken in a busy restaurant and near a highway. For the study, college students were divided into four different groups. Each group was assigned a noise level: high, moderate, low, and zero noise. In one experiment, 65 students were asked to answer a creativity test while being exposed to different levels of noise. The group that heard moderate noise had the best performance in the test. Meanwhile, students who heard low and zero noise came up with similarly average results. The group exposed to a high noise level performed the worst, as students could not focus on the test due to the loud noise. In another experiment, 68 students were asked in a survey to choose between a typical bicycle and a folding bicycle. Again, each group was made to hear a different noise level. Results showed that students who heard moderate noise were more likely to pick the folding bicycle. Mehta said the findings of the study could be helpful for store owners wishing to increase sales of innovative and unique products.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Would you say you are someone who gets easily interested in new and unique products? Why or why not?

·         What are some of the factors that affect the way you buy products?

Discussion B

·         Describe the sound level at your home/school/work or favorite shopping place. Are these places noisy or quiet?

·         Would you prefer to live in a peaceful and quiet place, or a busy and noisy place? Please give the reasons for your choice.

Israel Holds Beauty Pageant for Holocaust Victims

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

1. pageant (n.) [paj-uhnt] – a show or exhibition in which participants are presented or displayed one after another

Example: The contestants showed audiences their elegant gowns during the pageant.

2. screen (v.) [skreen] – to check or to test if something or someone has the right qualities for an activity

Example: One hundred people were screened but only five were chosen as contestants for the game show.

3. criterion (n.) [krahy-teer-ee-uhn] – a standard by which a judgment or score is based from

Example: The number of votes from TV viewers is one criterion in choosing the winner for the singing contest.

4. crown (v.) [kroun] –to award a title to someone as a champion or winner

Example: She was crowned as this year’s winner of the beauty pageant.

5. counter (v.) [koun-ter] – to speak in response to what someone has said, usually in defense of something

Example:  Movie critics said the film was bad, but the director counteredthat the movie received much praise from audiences.

Article
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As a part of this year’s Holocaust Day in Israel, a beauty pageant for holocaust survivors was organized in the country for the first time. Around 300 women registered for the competition, but only fourteen women, aged 74 to 97, were chosen to compete. They were screened according to their personal stories of living under Nazi rule during World War II, as well as their work and service to Israeli communities. Shimon Sabag, the pageant organizer, said that although the event was a beauty contest, physical appearance was only 10% of the criteria. The finalists were mainly judged on their survival stories by a panel of three former beauty queens and a geriatric psychiatrist. Among the finalists, 79-year-old Hava Hershkovitz, who was a prisoner in the Soviet camp for three years, was crowned the winner. Hershkovitz said it was not easy to join a pageant, but she and the other contestants still joined to show they are still alive. Many critics, on the other hand, said the pageant was offensive. Collete Avital, chairperson of Israel's Holocaust survivors' group, stated that the pageant is not what victims need in order to bring more meaning into their lives. Sabag, countered that the pageant was a good idea, as proven by the number of victims who wanted to join the pageant. Organizers also emphasized the event was a way of celebrating life. The yearly Holocaust Day is a day of remembrance of World War II, when around 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis. At present, 200,000 survivors live in Israel.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 


Discussion A

·         Do you think this pageant was helpful to the victims of the Holocaust in some way? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are good ways or activities to remember and honor people who survived difficult times in history?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think many people have negative opinions about beauty pageants?

·         In your opinion, what are the most important criteria in judging a person’s true beauty (e.g., physical beauty, intelligence, personality)? Please explain your answer.