Madonna Helps Build 10 Schools in Malawi

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

1. generous [JEN-er-uhs] (adj.) – kind or charitable

Example: The generous organization donated money to help improve poor people’s lives.

2. rural [ROOR-uhl] (adj.) – refers to the countryside

Example: Unlike cities, rural areas sometimes lack schools and other facilities.

3. operational [op-uh-REY-shuh-nl] (adj.) – working, functional or being used

Example: The new building is operational from morning until evening.

4. curriculum [kuh-RIK-yuh-luhm] (n.) – the set of subjects offered in a school

Example: The school’s curriculum includes foreign language courses.

5. inspirational [in-spuh-REY-shuh-nl] (adj.) – influential or leading to do good things

Example: Fans consider charitable celebrities as inspirational.

Article
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Nearly 5000 children in Malawi are able to go to 10 new schools this January, thanks to the generous efforts of Madonna, her charity ‘Raising Malawi’, and its partner ‘buildOn’. The primary schools in Malawi’s rural villages might help address one of the country’s biggest problems—lack of education. According to UN’s Human Development Index, Malawi is one of the world’s 20 least developed countries. Raising Malawi has been supporting orphanage services, clinics, girls’ scholarship programs, and schools while buildOn has been focusing on its build-a-school programs. Raising Malawi announced this major project last year. The organizers planned to finish the project in 18 months, but were able to complete all ten schools in just a year. All ten schools are officially operational since January 2013. The organizers decided the location of each school based on a list of communities lacking infrastructures.  The Ministry of Education Office in Malawi’s Kasungu District also assigned the teachers and the curriculum in every completed school. Upon finishing the project, Madonna expressed that she was happy to help buildOn give opportunities for the children of Malawi. She was also glad that more than half of the students are girls, who have fewer educational opportunities in Malawi. buildOn praised Madonna’s deep concern for the Malawi children which they find very inspirational. With her and Raising Malawi’s help, buildOn believes more children will be educated.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Why do you think celebrities do charitable activities?

         Does a person need to be rich and famous to help others, especially the poor? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Do you think charitable works can really inspire people to help others, too? Why do you think so?

         In your own way, how can you help people who are in need?

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Parents Use Lies to Change Children’s Behavior

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

1. lie [lahy] (n.) – something said that is not true

Example: The woman told her son a lie about buying candy later to stop him from crying.

2. instrumental [in-struh-MEN-tl] (adj.) – needed or helpful in getting something

Example:  Love and care from people is instrumental in making a child grow up happy.

3. psychology [sahy-KOL-uh-jee] (n.) – the study of people’s behavior

Example: Psychology can explain why parents discipline their children.

4. tantrum [TAN-truhm] (n.) – bad temper in children

Example: The little girl throws tantrums whenever she does not get what she wants.

5. justify [JUHS-tuh-fahy] (v.) – to declare as right or reasonable

Example: Most parents justify lying as a way to make their children behave.

Article
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New research shows that majority of parents in China and the US tell lies to change their children’s behavior. Such tactic is called “instrumental lying.” According to researchers from the psychology departments in universities from the US, China and Canada, different kinds of lies are often used by parents. Instrumental lies include lies to prevent bad behavior and lies to protect a child’s feelings. The most common lie told by parents is that they would leave their child in public if the child would throw a tantrum. Another common lie parents make is promising to buy something the child wants in the future. To get out of a toy store, some parents would tell their child that they did not bring money, and that they would come back next time. Parents also tell fantasy lies. They say children will receive gifts from Santa if the children behave well. Many parents use lies so their child would not feel sad. When a pet dies, they tell a child that the pet only went to a relative’s farm, where it can have more space for playing. Some parents also praise their children’s bad skills to cheer them up. By telling a child “false” benefits of eating vegetables, such as saying each bite of broccoli makes a person taller, parents also encourage healthy eating habits. Although lying helps change children’s behavior, researchers wondered whether parental lying is justified. They said using the tactic may have some impact to the parent and child’s relationship in the future.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         In your opinion, is instrumental lying to children alright? Why or why not?

         Do you think lying to make people happy is a bad thing? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Do you think parents can discipline their children without using lies? Why or why not?

         What else can parents do to make their children behave?

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Google Presents More Detailed Map of North Korea

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

1. comprehensive [kom-pri-HEN-siv] (adj.) – detailed or complete

Example: A map is a comprehensive guide for directions.

2. activist [AK-tuh-vist] (n.) – person who strongly supports social or political change

Example: Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist who fought for racial equality in the U.S.

3. defector [dih-FEK-ter] (n.) – person who has left his own country or group

Example: The Chinese defector told the U.S. government about illegal activities in his country.

4. landmark [LAND-mahrk] (n.) – a building or object that can be easily recognized or seen

Example: Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo tower are famous landmarks of Japan.

5. reveal [ri-VEEL] (v.) – to show something that is hidden and unknown

Example: The newspaper revealed the president’s plan to steal the people’s money.

Article
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Google Earth, a famous online mapping system, now shows more comprehensive details of the North Korean territory, especially its prison camp or ‘gulag’ systems. Human rights activists can now identify the prison camps in North Korea through this application. According to some rights groups, North Korea has about 250,000 prisoners in its prison camps. According to Google, the details were taken from North Korean map-makers who helped Google identify and label important landmarks and roads. Google Earth’s satellite pictures have been helpful to internet bloggers like Joshua Stanton and Curtis Melvin who are closely monitoring activities in North Korea. With the support of experts and North Korean defectors, both bloggers were able to identify prison camps in North Korea. Stanton’s blog shows images and analysis of six North Korean prison camps. With the use of Google Earth, Stanton’s blog even identified small details such as the camp’s guard houses and burial grounds. Melvin’s blog also used Google Earth to point out North Korean train stations, schools, and factories, apart from prison camps. The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea acknowledged Stanton, Melvin, and Google’s efforts to provide proof of prison camps in North Korea. This committee even revealed the existence of the prison camps in the first and second edition of the book “The Hidden Gulag.” The North Korean government has been denying the existence of prison camps, but the images from Google Earth make this denial unbelievable.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         How would satellite images of North Korea be useful for human rights activists?

         Do you think the images and information provided by Google maps are reliable? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         What are the advantages of Internet Mapping Services like Google Earth?

         What could be possible disadvantages or dangers of Internet Mapping Services?

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Cricket Improves Lives of Sierra Leone’s Youth

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

1. cricket [KRIK-it] (n.) – a sport that involves bats and balls and is played by two teams of 11 players

Example: Yuko Sasaki is one of the well-known Japanese cricket players.

2. fund [fuhnd] (v.) – to sponsor or to financially support another person

Example: Many charities fund the education of poor children.

3. back (someone) up [bak-SUHM-wuhn, -wuhn-uhp] (v. phrase) – to support someone

Example: The government backed the athletes up by funding the expenses for the Olympics.

4. historical [hi-STAWR-i-kuhl, -STOR-] (adj.) – referring to past events

Example: To relive historical events, the school organized a field trip to the museum.

5. colony [KOL-uh-nee] (n.) – an area that is under the rule of another country

Example: The Philippines was Spain’s colony for about three centuries.

Article
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Cricket is becoming popular among young people in Sierra once again. But nowadays, this sport is not only played for pleasure, but also as motivation for players to continue studying. Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA) and the government have been encouraging young people to play sports and also to go to school. SLCA CEO, Francis Samura, stressed that supporting youth’s education ensures future employment. According to the World Bank, 70% of Sierra Leone's youth are unemployed. SLCA funds some of the cricketers’ education. One of the association’s scholars is 18-year old Osman Koroma who started playing cricket when he was nine. Koroma’s parents were against cricket, saying that it would get in the way of his studies. Because of his love for cricket, Koroma left home to continue playing with the team. Since then, SLCA has been backing Koroma up by paying for his education. As from the game itself, Koroma learned how to concentrate more and to be disciplined. Another scholar is 17-year old Usman Thomas Sankoh who plays the bowler and batman positions. Sankoh said he is very grateful that SLCA helped him improve his life. In addition to promoting cricket among the youth, Samura also wanted people to realize the historical significance of the game. Cricket was introduced in 1898 when Sierra Leone was a British colony. Back then, local and British players teamed up in playing the game, which taught the locals how to be a gentleman. However, people stopped playing this sport for a decade because of the civil war in the 1990s. Many cricket fields were destroyed that time. Currently, there is only one cricket ground in Freetown, the country’s capital. Despite the lack of facilities, more than 4,000 youths play cricket. Sierra Leone cricketers hope to qualify for the International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup next year.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Can playing sports really help shape one’s character? Why do you think so?

         How else can people benefit from playing sports?

Discussion B

         Why is it important to learn a sport’s history?

         What sports have historical significance in your country? Please briefly explain your answer.

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Science Solves the Mystery of an Egyptian King’s Death

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

1. plot [plot] (n.) – a secret plan to do something evil

Example: The journalist uncovered a plot to kill the president.

2. murder [MUR-der] (v.) – to kill another person

Example:  To murder or even plan to murder somebody is a serious crime.

3. heir [air] (n.) – a person who will take over the title, properties, or responsibilities of another person

Example: Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth’s heir, will someday become the head of British royalty.

4. mummy [MUHM-ee] (n.) – a dead body that has been treated to prevent it from rotting or decaying

Example: The mummies of ancient Egyptian kings can still be seen in museums today.

5. intact [in-TAKT] (adj.) – complete, having no damage

Example: The pyramids of Egypt remained intact until treasure hunters broke into them.

Article
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Researchers have finally solved the mystery surrounding the death of King Ramses III, ruler of Egypt from 1187 to 1156 B.C. Ancient documents say that Tiye, one of the king’s wives, led the plot to murder the King Ramses III. Tiye wanted her son, Pentawere, to be the king even though he was not the chosen heir. Pentawere was also believed to be part of his mother’s plot. For years, researchers have been wondering whether or not the king was truly murdered. And if the king was murdered, how did he die? Thanks to developments in science, Dr. Alfred Zink and his team was able to study the mummies of King Ramses III and a man believed to be Pentawere. The researchers used CT scans and DNA tests to analyze both mummies. The CT scans of the king’s mummy revealed that the king had a deep throat wound, which was 2.7-inch wide. Dr. Zink said the damage to the throat must have happened before the king’s body was mummified because the mummy’s neck wrapping was still intact. Researchers also found an amulet or charm in the king’s wound, which might prove that the king already had the wound before being mummified. Through the DNA tests, researchers also confirmed that the other mummy was a relative of King Ramses III. However, the second mummy was wrapped in goatskin, which is unusual for royal families because goatskin is considered unclean. Researchers said this result strengthens the theory that the second mummy is Pentawere. The goatskin wrapping might be Pentawere’s punishment for participating in the plot to murder the king.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         In your opinion, why are people interested in finding answers to historical mysteries?

         What other ancient mysteries have you heard of?

Discussion B

         How important is history in the development of one’s country?

         What can you learn from studying ancient civilizations, like that of Egypt (e.g. Greek, Roman, Mayan, Vikings, Japanese, Chinese civilizations)?

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Beijing Records Worst Air Quality

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

1. hazardous [HAZ-er-duhs] (adj.) – dangerous or harmful

Example: Smoke and dust in the air are hazardous since both can cause lung diseases.

2. disperse [dih-SPURS] (v.) – to scatter or spread in different directions

Example: Dust blown in the air disperses quickly.

3. smog [smog, smawg] (n.) – a type of air pollution caused by the mixing of fog and smoke

Example:  Smog made it difficult to travel along the highway.

4. traffic [TRAF-ik] (n.) – the flow of vehicles through a specific path

Example: A car accident caused heavy traffic.

5. respiratory [RES-per-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, ri-SPAHYU R-uh-] (adj.) – refers to breathing and the whole respiratory system

Example:  Air pollution leads to respiratory diseases.

Article
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Beijing reached hazardous levels of air pollutants in January this year, the highest level recorded so far according to an environmentalist group. Other parts of China like Tianjin, Wuhan City, and the Hebei province also suffered from serious air pollution. The pollutant level in China reached higher than the acceptable amount of pollutants, said the World Health Organization. According to Beijing’s environmental office, most of the air pollutants in China came from the use of coal and smoke from cars. China has one of the biggest volumes of cars in the world. But Beijing’s weather condition also affected the critical level of pollutants. High moisture and low temperature prevented pollutants from dispersing. Low pressure trapped heavy pollutants in the atmosphere, making the situation last for about four to five days. As a result of the air pollution, thick smog covered the city and made the streets hardly visible, interrupting the traffic. Several highways were also closed, and some flights were delayed. Chinese authorities warned citizens, especially people with respiratory and heart problems, to stay in their houses and avoid doing stressful activities. According to the World Health Organization, being in contact with high level of air pollutants could cause asthma and other lung diseases. In addition, people were advised to take the public transportation to reduce pollution caused by vehicles.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Does development contribute to the worsening of air pollution? Please explain your answer

         How can a developing country keep the environment protected?

Discussion B

         Do you think air pollution can still be solved? Why or why not?

         How can you help reduce air pollution?

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