Singer Susan Boyle Has Asperger’s

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. in the works /ɪn ðə wɜrks/ (idiom) – being planned or prepared

Example: Her new album is in the works and will be released next year.    

2. cope /koʊp/ (v.) – to deal with something new, especially in a calm way

Example: She is doing her best to cope with her new disease.

3. genuine /ˈdʒɛnyuɪn/ (adj.) – being real or sincere (used with people)

Example: I want my friend to be a genuine person. 

4. challenging /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/ (adj.) – difficult, demanding, requiring a lot of effort

Example: A shy person finds it challenging to sing in front of a crowd.  

5. frustrating /ˈfrʌstreɪtɪŋ/ (adj.) – causing a feeling of being upset or annoyed

Example: It is frustrating when people do not understand how you feel. 

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Famous singer Susan Boyle admitted in a newspaper that she was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome last year. The 52-year-old singer was discovered in the competition 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009. She has sold 14 million albums since then. She is also the first British female to have a number one album in both the UK and US simultaneously. Currently, a film about her life is also in the works. Some people previously thought that Boyle has a brain damage, which she said was an unfair label on her. She consulted with a Scottish specialist and discovered that her IQ was above average. She was then diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The singing sensation stressed that Asperger's does not define her. In fact, she said that she feels more relaxed about herself and that she feels more determined after her diagnosis. It is a condition that she will cope with, Boyle added. She also hopes that people will understand her more because of the diagnosis. Asperger's syndrome mainly affects people's social interaction and communication skills. This disorder may be the reason why Boyle finds it difficult to know if people are genuine. Connecting with people is also challenging for her, which can be frustrating since she has difficulties communicating and building relationships with others. To be able to cope with the disorder, Boyle says she needs the support and patience of others since she is not strong on her own. Boyle also feels that her mother is always with her spiritually, although her mother died right before she became famous.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think that Susan Boyle can be an inspiration to others? Why or why not?

         If you were in Susan Boyle’s shoes, how would you react upon discovering that you have Asperger’s syndrome? Please explain briefly.

Discussion B

         Why is it important to connect with people well?

         How can someone improve his/her communication skills? Please explain briefly.

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