New Rules for UK TV Shows Featuring Children

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

1. feature (v.) [fee-cher] – to include;  to  contain

Example: The movie features a new actor who plays the hero of the story.

2. obsolete (adj.) [ob-suh-leet, ob-suh-leet] –not efficient, practical or useful anymore

Example: Emperor Meiji formed a new army that made samurai warriors obsolete.

3. reality (n.) [ree-al-i-tee] – a situation that is real or factual

Example: Movies about fantasy are far from reality.

4. exploit (v.) [ek-sploit, ik-sploit] – to use someone or something in order to selfishly gain profit or benefit

Example: Many people believe zoos and circuses exploit animals for entertainment.

5.  producer (n.) [pruh-doo-ser, -dyoo-] –  someone who provides money and oversees the making of a movie, play, music album, or other such projects

Example:  Producers of the new TV show spent millions in making the project.

Article
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After 40 years of no changes, the guidelines for TV shows featuring children are undergoing major changes in the UK. Ministers have complained that the rules made back in 1968 are now obsolete and too complicated. The officials said the rules were made at a time when the UK had only three TV channels and reality TV shows did not exist. The old rules required producers of TV shows to get licenses if their show featured children less than 14 years of age doing activities such as dancing, singing, or acting. However, the rules are not clear when it comes to reality TV. Under the new proposed guidelines, licenses will also be required for reality TV programs in which children are shown in real life situations for entertainment or informational purposes. In addition, TV producers will be required to show they follow strict policies to protect the safety and well-being of the children. Parents will also be held responsible for their children’s activities. Ed Balls, the former schools secretary, had previously called attention to the need for   changes in the regulations regarding children appearing on reality TV. Mr. Balls feared that the rules no longer apply and that children were being exploited on reality TV shows.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         What positive and negative experiences can children get from performing on TV or in movies?

·         Do you think children are being exploited on television nowadays? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What is your favorite TV program? Kindly describe it. Why do you like this show?

·         Do you like watching reality TV shows (e.g., talent shows with judges, cooking contests, dating shows)? Why or why not?

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Syrian Athletes Allowed to Compete in 2012 Olympics

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

1. permit (v.) [per-mit] – to allow someone to do something

Example: The officials will permit the fans to get autographs from the athlete.

2. chaotic (adj.) [key-ot-ik] – having much confusion and disorder

Example: The chaotic fighting within the nation decreased tourism significantly.

3. disqualified (adj.) [dis-kwol-uh-fahy] – prohibited to join something because of failure to meet certain standards

Example: Athletes who have not won in any competition are disqualifiedfrom the Olympics.

4. regime (n.) [ruh-zheem, rey-, or, sometimes, -jeem] – a system of government or administration

Example: Many Syrians are not happy with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

5. atrocity (n.) [uh-tros-i-tee] – a very bad crime or action

Example: Syrians have witnessed a lot of atrocities, as civil war continues in their country.

Article
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At a press conference in London, UK’s prime minister David Cameron announced that Syrian athletes are permitted to compete in the London Olympics. However, Syrian government officials will not be allowed to attend the event. Cameron said it is only right to permit Syrian athletes to take part because they should not be punished for what is happening in their chaotic country. In an earlier interview, Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that six to eight athletes from Syria met the standards to participate in the Olympics, although Syrian athletes who are connected in any way to war crimes will be disqualified. In addition, Rogge said the IOC is cooperating with the UN to confirm who are involved in the Syrian atrocities. Syria has been experiencing a series of bloody conflicts between President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and rebels since March 2011. An estimated 9,000 people have been killed since then, according to a report by the United Nations (UN). The Syrian government also did not keep its promise to follow a peace plan, causing much disapproval from the international community. The UK prime minister added that Britain has been leading the European Union in setting up penalties against members of the Syrian government. One such penalty is that people connected to the Syrian government cannot travel to the UK and other countries.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you agree with the IOC decision to allow Syrian athletes to compete? Why or why not?

·         Should athletes be involved in government politics? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Why do you think people enjoy international sports competitions?

·         How do you think being part of international sports events can help a troubled country?

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Australia is Changing, says Census

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

1. landscape (n.) [land-skeyp] – the main appearance or feature of a  certain activity

Example: The arrival of people from overseas in recent years has changed the nation’s cultural landscape.

2. census (n.) [sen-suhs] – the counting of people in a country, city or specific area and the recording of information about them

Example: We learned that around 22 million people live in Australia because a census was done last year.

3. prosper (v.) [pros-per] – to be successful, especially in the financial sense

Example: The country is prospering due to its booming mining industry.

4. migrate (v.) [mahy-greyt] – to move from one location and go to another

Example: He left the small town and migrated to the city to look for a good job.

5. multiculturalism (n.) [muhl-tee-kuhl-cher-uh-liz-uhm,muhl-tahy-] – the idea that the presence of different cultures in a society should be supported

Example: The Australian government, a supporter of multiculturalism, makes policies to protect citizens of different cultural backgrounds.

Article
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According to a census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s social and economic landscape is changing because of the large number of people migrating to the country.  The recent boom in the country’s mining industry has helped Australians prosper during a time of global economic crisis. The industry has also created plenty of mining jobs and has led to increased Australian exports to other countries, most of which go to countries in Asia. The census also showed that more people are migrating from India and China, Australia’s biggest trading partners. Instead of Italian, Mandarin Chinese is now the second most common language used at home. Meanwhile, religious views in the country are increasing in variety. Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion in the country because of migration from India. Furthermore, the number of Australians recognizing themselves to be Muslims has increased by 40%. More Australians than ever also claim to practice no religion of any kind. Victor Dominello, the New South Wales minister for citizenship and multiculturalism, says that Australia is really becoming a multicultural nation. In the state of New South Wales alone, he says, 40% of citizens have at least one parent who was born in another country. However, Dominello reminds that multiculturalism in the country means not just a greater presence of many cultures, but many cultures adapting to Australian values, laws and ways of life.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         In what ways do you think your country or culture has changed because of foreign peoples?

·         Can a country still keep its national identity even if a lot of foreigners move there, or would its national identity also change? Why do you say so?

Discussion B

·         Do you think there is an advantage to experiencing or learning about other cultures of the world? What makes you say so?

·         What about your culture would you like to share to people from other countries?

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China’s Dynamic Market Gives Opportunities to International App Makers

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

1. app (n.) [ap] – an informal term for application program or software

Example: He downloaded different game apps for his mobile phone on the Internet.

2. dynamic (adj.) [dahy-nam-ik] – always moving and changing

Example: Technology is dynamic.

3. firsthand (adv.) [furst-hand] – received from an original or the most important source

Example: News reporters were able to gather information firsthand about the crime from the witnesses.

4. entrepreneur (n.) [ahn-truh-pruh-nur, -noor] – a person who runs a business that may be financially risky

Example: The entrepreneur runs three different businesses at the same time.

5. copycat (n.) [kop-ee-kat] – one that copies another

Example: A local company was found to be a copycat of an expensive luxury brand.

Article
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China is becoming a favorite place for international mobile phone and Internet app makers because of its dynamic technology market. According to Ludovic Bodin, a Frenchman who relocated the headquarters of his Facebook games company from South Korea to Beijing, the Chinese market is probably the fastest developing market for online games. Foreign “startups” companies that are just starting business have been observed to grow fast in China, although there is no data to prove the growth. What experts are sure of, however, is that the number of startup relocations to Shanghai and Beijing is increasing. There is also a growing number of companies with mixed groups of Chinese and foreign staff. App makers have also found other advantages in working in China. App makers in China can know firsthand the changing interests of Chinese app users, who are said to be the leading app users in the world. Chinese technology consumers quickly move from product to product, and part of the challenge for app developers is to meet these consumers’ demands. Moreover, Chinese entrepreneurs have the willingness to work in small startup companies. Bertrand Schmitt, CEO of a mobile application analytics firm in Beijing said that inviting Chinese entrepreneurs to join a small company is much easier than inviting people from other countries. In addition, the operating cost in China is low compared to Europe and United States. Although often considered as copycat and low-cost nation, China is definitely a business potential for a lot of foreign app makers and developers.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think even more businesses will go to China in the future? Why or why not?

·         What do you think will happen if most of the businesses will be located in China in the future?

Discussion B

·         What are some difficulties businessmen may face if they start a business in a different country?

·         How do you think some foreign businesses become successful abroad?

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Los Angeles City Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags

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

1. ban (n.) [ban] – an official rule that stops people from doing or using something again

Example: The government has put a ban on the cutting of trees in the area to preserve the environment.

2. disposable (adj.) [dih-spoh-zuh-buhl] – designed to be thrown after use

Example: The convenience store is selling disposable utensils such as plastic spoons and forks.

3. litter (n.) [lit-er] – trash or waste materials

Example: The school teaches its students how to properly dispose litter.

4. counter-argument (n.) [koun-ter-ahr-gyuh-muhnt] – an argument or statement used to disagree with another argument

Example: Officials prepared counter-arguments on why the new law is good in case others say the new law is bad. 

5. resort (v.) [ree-sawrt] – to use another action or solution

Example: The council resorted to trying the second environmental plan, as the first plan was too expensive.

Article
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After a 13-versus-1 vote among city officials, the Los Angeles City Council approved a ban on single-use plastic bags at store checkout counters. Having 4 million people who use about 2.7 million plastic bags each year, Los Angeles became the largest US city to introduce a ban on disposable plastic bags. The plastic industry, however, argued that banning single-use plastic bags will affect local jobs and cause environmental and health hazards. According to Mark Daniels, chair of the American Progressive Bag Alliance, reusable bags collect disease-causing bacteria since people do not wash reusable bags often. He also said reusable bags cannot be recycled. Daniels added that LA’s new policy will not solve the current pollution problem as the plan only eliminates a small percentage of the city’s litter. The City Council responded with counter-arguments to these concerns. The council said it will create standards for the proper use and recycling of reusable bags. As for the local jobs, the council said the 750 jobs in the area’s plastic industry are not in the city but in nearby places.    Moreover, officials emphasized that the ban will help reduce pollution, as 43% of the trash in Los Angeles is plastic and 19% of plastic trash is composed of plastic bags. Large stores are required to slowly stop using disposable bags within six months while smaller stores must do so within a year. The council also planned a ban on paper bags, but resorted to allowing stores to charge 10 cents for paper bags in the hope that extra fees could push people to really use reusable bags.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think the ban for single-use plastic bags would benefit people who live in a large city? Why or why not?

·         Which do you think is better to use, single-use plastic bags or reusable bags? Why?

Discussion B

·         Would banning a few kinds of trash (such as single-use plastic bags) be enough to reduce pollution? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are other solutions to lessen trash?

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Homeless People Should Receive Better Treatment, Report Says

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

1. intensive (adj.) [in-ten-siv] – needing a lot of work, resources, or focus

Example: A heart attack patient receives intensive care at the hospital.

2. discharge (v.) [dis-chahrj] – to allow a patient to leave the hospital

Example: The doctor discharged the patient who was feeling much better after the treatment.

3. prejudice (n.) [prej-uh-dis] – an unfair opinion made about a person or thing

Example: Many people have a prejudice against homeless persons, who are thought of as useless and lazy.

4. complex (adj.) [kuhm-pleks] – made up of many different parts that are connected to each other

Example: Homeless people suffer from complex problems that involve physical, mental, social, and emotional issues.

5. urgent (adj.) [ur-juhnt] – very important and needing immediate attention or help

Example: The emergency department treats urgent cases like gunshot wounds or heart attack.

Article
Read the text below.

A government-commissioned report in the UK is putting pressure on National Health Service hospitals (NHS) to provide more intensive treatment to homeless patients. According to the report by charity groups Homeless Link and St. Mungo’s, NHS public hospital care for the homeless costs five times more than the care for regular patients. This is because homeless patients have multiple health problems and keep getting re-admitted to hospitals. The report advises NHS hospital staff to identify which patients are homeless and give them intensive medical care, instead of discharging them immediately. Hospital staffs are also advised to coordinate with organizations that provide housing options for the homeless. Homeless Link’s Matt Harrison says homeless people are the ones most in need of medical treatment, but they receive the worst treatment. In the report, 57 homeless people were interviewed about their hospital experiences. Some reported not being allowed to enter the hospital and being discharged onto the streets without shoes. Others said they avoid telling hospital staff about being homeless because they are afraid of prejudice. Dr. Nigel Hewitt from London’s University College Hospital (UCH) says hospital staffs also feel uneasy. Hospital staffs are afraid of violence and the complex problems brought by homeless patients. From experience, however, Dr. Hewitt learned hospital staffs can form relationships with homeless patients and better help these people when hospital staffs work as a team.  The UCH has already saved £100,000 by doing such method. As the economy weakens in the UK, medical treatment of the homeless is expected to become an even more urgent financial issue.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Why do you think homeless people face a lot of prejudice or dislike from others?

·         Can you give ways in which homeless people can be helped?

Discussion B

·         Do you think hospitals in your country are very careful and intensive when treating patients?  Why or why not?

·         Is the attitude of hospital staff important for patients in the hospital? Please explain your answer.

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