Chin Implants Become More Popular in US

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

1. implant (n.) [im-plant, -plahnt] – something placed inside or attached to a body part through an operation

Example: Doctors used plastic implants in his heart to keep him alive.

2. cosmetic (adj.) [koz-met-ik] – refers to something that improves someone’s physical appearance

Example: She cannot leave home without putting on cosmetic products on her face.

3. youthful (adj.)  [yooth-fuhl] –having a young quality

Example: Eating healthy foods helps make someone look youthful.

4. facelift (n.) [feys-lift] – an operation to remove facial signs of aging, such as wrinkles

Example: She looks 10 years younger because of her facelift.

5. procedure (n.) [pruh-see-jer] –  (in medicine) an operation or treatment

Example: My mother needs medical procedure to improve her health.

Article
Read the text below.

Chin implants are the fastest growing form of cosmetic surgery in the US, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS recently reported that a total of 20,680 chin operations were done in 2011, an increase of 71% since 2010. The numbers of men and women undergoing the operation were also almost the same. Malcolm Roth, president of ASPS, said that people think about getting chin implants for the same reason they would get facelifts—to bring back their youthful looks.   On the other hand, some patients have their jawlines changed not just to look younger. One patient said her double chin was very obvious in pictures and video chats, so she wanted it fixed. However, British plastic surgeon James McDiarmid says that a chin implant is rarely done as a single procedure. Chin implants are usually part of a package of other cosmetic procedures, such as reducing the size of one’s nose.  In such case, the chin is made bigger to make the nose look smaller. Liposuction still remained the most common type of cosmetic procedure in the US, with 325,332 operations last year. The next most popular were breast implants, with 316,848 operations.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         What do you think are the positive effects of cosmetic surgery? What are its negative effects?

·         Apart from getting cosmetic procedures, what else can someone do to feel better about their appearance?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think people want to change their appearance?

·         Do you think good looks are necessary to achieve success in life? Why or why not?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

UK Government Plans to Spend on Faster Broadband Speed

Unlocking Word Meanings (5 minutes)
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. broadband (adj.) [brawd-band] – relating to a communications network that allows a lot of messages and data to be sent at the same time

Example: We can quickly download large files using a broadbandconnection.

2. connectivity (n.)  [kon-ek-tiv-i-tee, kuh-nek‐] – the ability to keep connections in a telecommunications system

Example: He cannot use the Internet because of bad connectivityin their area.

3. shortchange (v.) [shawrt-cheynj] – to give less than what should be given

Example: The store shortchanges its customers by selling products with poor quality.

4. parallel (adj.) [par-uh-lel, -luhl] – similar or comparable to something

Example: Laptops and personal computers have parallel structures.

5. invest (v.) [in-vest] – to spend (something) for a future advantage or benefit

Example: He is saving money to invest in a top quality computer.

Article
Read the text below.

According to UK finance minister George Osborne, the UK government will use £50 million for the improvement of broadband speed around smaller cities in the country. The scheme is part of the government’s goal to improve the UK’s broadband connectivity. Aside from the £50 million for smaller cities, another £100 million will be shared by 10 larger cities, including London, for the improvement of Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity. Osborne said that the UK had the slowest broadband speed in Europe two years ago. In addition, a report from the Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) Council showed that the UK was still absent from the ranking of countries with the fastest internet connection This list is currently topped by the United Arab Emirates and Japan. But with the government’s plan, fast broadband speed will be delivered to almost 90% of the UK population by 2015. However, Morag Lucey of networking company Convergys says the funds are not enough, and the small budget only shortchanges the British economy and society. According to a study conducted by Convergys with the London School of Economics, a £1.1 billion budget is needed for the UK to reach broadband quality parallel to the rest of Europe and the world. Lucey believes that it is better to invest £1.1 billion to improve broadband systems and equipment. Although it may seem like a huge amount of money, it is still cheaper than the funds for other government plans. She also says that with superfast connectivity, UK businesses will easily gain back the government’s investment.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Should governments invest in faster and better connectivity? Why or why not?

·         How is a country’s progress affected by poor Internet, Wi-Fi and mobile connection?

Discussion B

·         How does fast broadband connection benefit you?

·         What do you think people’s lives would be like without access to Internet, mobile phones or other fast ways of communication? 

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Report Questions Skills of Nursery Teachers in UK

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

1. nursery (n.)  [nur-suh-ree] – a place where very young children go to learn and play

Example: My five-year-old son learned how to read in nurseryschool.

2. competent (adj.) [kom-pi-tuhnt] – skilled or knowledgeable about something

Example: Schools need teachers who are competent in using the computer.

3. doubt (n.) [dout] – feeling that one cannot believe or trust in something

Example: Unprepared teachers have doubts about their skills.

4. qualification (n.) [kwol-uh-fi-key-shuhn] – a special skill or knowledge required in a certain job

Example: Teachers must meet qualifications before they can teach.

5. recommendation (n.) [rek-uh-men-dey-shuhn, -muhn-] – a suggestion on the best course of action

Example:  According to the government recommendation, teachers should be trained to improve student performance.

Article
Read the text below.

A report published by the UK’s Department of Education shows that many nursery staff and child care providers are hired even though they are not competent in mathematics and reading. Professor Cathy Nutbrown, who conducted the research for the government, expresses doubt whether a year of training courses is enough time for people to understand child development. She even cites one academic who said more qualifications are asked of those taking care of animals than of those taking care of babies. According to Nutbrown’s report, nursery staff and care providers need to take learning courses that will help them develop the right skills and personal qualities. Nutbrown believes people with these qualifications will give the best care to children. Anne Longfield, CEO of the charity group 4Children, also suggests raising job qualifications. She says math and reading skills of nursery staff can lead to different learning experiences for children. As an example, she says, a person who can read aloud to children with confidence and energy is much more effective than someone who cannot even read properly. Pearson, a company that offers training to child care students, agrees with Nutbrown’s review. It believes the quality of care that young children receive can greatly affect their future. The company recently started offering new learning courses that hope to raise standards in child care. Meanwhile, Children’s Minister Sarah Teather says she appreciates the study and welcomes further recommendations from Professor Nutbrown. Teather says the early stages of children’s development are very important, so those who care for children must possess the proper skills and training.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         How important is it for employees to have the right qualifications?

·         Do you think there should be strict qualifications for child care providers? Please explain your answer

Discussion B

·         What are some of the things you learn from childhood that helped you grow as a person?

Can you cite some important lessons young children can learn from their teachers?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Air Pollution Causes Early Death in UK

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

1. emission (n.) [ih-mish-uhn] – the act of producing or releasing a substance

Example: Smoke emissions from cars pollute the air.

2. mortality rate (n.) [mawr-tal-i-tee][reyt] – the number of deaths in the population within a given time and place

Example: The mortality rate is increasing every year because of the people’s unhealthy lifestyle.

3. conform (v.) [kuhn-fawrm] – to be similar in some way

Example: Data from the research conformed to the government’s expectation.

4. pollutant (n.) [puh-loot-nt] – a substance that causes something to be polluted

Example:  Pollutants in the air usually come from smoke produced by vehicles.

5. sector (n.) [sek-ter] – a part or division

Example: Transportation is one sector of national development.

Article
Read the text below.

A new study in UK reveals that road pollution causes about 5,000 early deaths every year. Steve Yim and Steven Barrett, pollution researchers in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), claim that this number of deaths is a result of vehicle emissions. The new study conforms to a previous report by the UK government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP). Using different study methods, COMEAP estimated that 29,000 deaths in 2008 were due to air pollution in general. However, the MIT researchers gave a lesser figure of 19,000 deaths annually. Yim and Barrett arrived at more specific data by identifying the mortality rates attributed to three different sectors: transport, energy, and industry. The mortality rates were then compared with atmospheric data and medical reports. The analysis revealed that out of the three, the transport sector has the most impact on people’s health. Although factories in the industry sector and power stations in the energy sector add to air pollution, cars and other vehicles release dangerous gases in places where more people work and stay. Thus leading to more deaths. Yim and Barrett’s research also proposes different ways to help improve public health. These include reducing the use of older vehicles, which do not fully burn fuel and release unburned gas to the air. Other experts recommend setting up a good public transport system to eventually remove cars from the road and lessen pollution. But whether the UK spends money on less polluting systems or not, Barrett believes the deaths due to air pollution are already costing the UK between £6 billion to £60 billion.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         What are the short-term and long-term effects of pollution?

·         What can you do to help lessen pollution in the environment?

Discussion B

·         What are the good and bad things about living in a modern city?

·         How can a modern city be a clean city?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Kate Winslet and James Cameron Attend Titanic’s 3D Premiere

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

1. premiere (n.) [pri-meer, -myair] – first showing of a movie

Example: Many fans will see the movie for the first time on its premiere.

2. commemorate (v.) [kuh-mem-uh-reyt] – to remember; to keep alive the memory of someone or something

Example: The nation commemorated the deeds of their heroes on National Heroes’ Day.

3. blockbuster (adj.) [blok-buhs-ter] – a successful movie, play or novel because of widespread popularity and huge sales

Example: The blockbuster novel was read by millions of people.

4. socialite (n.) [soh-shuh-lahyt] – a person often seen in parties for rich people

Example: Only socialites were invited to the actor’s party.

5. delight (v.) [dih-lahyt] – to please someone greatly

Example: Getting high exam scores delighted the student.

Article
Read the text below.

Titanic’s lead star Kate Winslet and director James Cameron were in London to attend the premiere of the new 3D version of Titanic last March. The film was replayed in theaters to commemorate the historic ship “Titanic” that hit an iceberg and sank 100 years ago, killing 1,517 people. The blockbuster film Titanic, originally released in 1997, brought Kate Winslet and her co-star Leonardo DiCaprio into fame. Winslet played the role of an upper class socialite named Rose DeWitt Bukater, while DiCaprio acted as a third class passenger Jack Dawson. The movie also gained 11 Oscar awards. Winslet said the movie became an important part of her career. She added that even years after the movie, she would often be asked about it, so it just naturally became a part of her. Titanic, which took two years to film, was also director James Cameron’s and the world’s most successful movie ever, gaining $1.843 billion globally. Its top spot was later taken by Cameron’s 2009 movie “Avatar,” which earned $2.77 billion. The director said that a 3D version of Titanic gives people a better experience of the film. But more than just delighting audiences with a 3D version, Cameron believes bringing back the film  to the big screen will allow fans and viewers to feel the movie’s true emotional impact once again. Cameron said he may also consider turning his other films, such as The Terminator and Terminator 2, into 3D movies if there is enough interest.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Why do you think people like 3D versions of movies?

·         Is it possible for 3D movies to completely replace 2Ds? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What kind of movies do you think become blockbusters?

·         Are all blockbuster movies good? What for you makes a good movie? 

この記事が気に入りましたか？