Twin Mountain Gorillas Give Hope to Endangered Species

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

1. conservationist [kon-ser-VEY-shuh-nist] (n.) – a person who works to protect and preserve plants, animals and natural resources

Example: The conservationist shows an unusual love for nature and animals.
           

2. caress [kuh-RES] (v.) – to touch or stroke lightly or gently

Example: Studies revealed that some animals caress their partners to show affection.

3. nurse [nurs] (v.) – to breastfeed or give milk to a baby

Example: Mothers should nurse their babies because breast milk is healthier than milk formulas.

4. snare [snair] (n.) – a kind of trap used to catch animals, usually birds

Example: The poor animal eventually died after getting caught in the hunter’s snare.

5. extinct [ik-STINGKT] (n.) – wiped out or no longer present

Example: The population of the Hokuriku salamander is decreasing and is in great danger of being extinct.

Article
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The birth of a twin gorilla has given conservationists a new reason to be excited. Isango and Isangano, whose names respectively mean ‘Appointment’ and 'Crossroad,' were born in Rwanda in 2011. Mountain gorillas, which give birth only every four or five years, rarely produce twins. In fact, only five twins are recorded in Rwanda in 40 years. Isango and Isangano, twins of a mountain gorilla named Kabatwa, are the fifth. Baby gorillas get a lot of affection from their moms. From the baby’s birth until age three to four months, moms spend hours caressing, touching and kissing their babies. Mothers also nurse their babies until the age of two and sleep with them until the age of three. Mountain gorillas, which have 30 to 35-year life span, live in groups with 11 to 30 members. Other members of the group, especially the male leader, also protect baby gorillas from any harm. David Hewitt of the Gorilla Organization, a charity in the UK, said that for the first few months, baby gorillas are always under the watchful eyes of their mom. But as soon as the babies become active and start exploring the forest, they can be in great danger because of the snares that hunters put out.  Mountain gorillas are now at risk of being extinct. Bush meat hunting and forest destruction due to farming and gathering of firewood also threaten the gorillas’ chances to survive. To date, only less than 900 mountain gorillas are living in the wild.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         How would you describe the kind of relationship a mother gorilla has with her babies?

         Do you think mountain gorillas will overcome extinction? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         How do you think can people help conserve wildlife?

         Why is it important to protect and conserve animals in the wild?

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Man Drinks Nutrient Shake Instead of Eating Food

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

1. nutritional [noo-TRISH-uh-nl] (adj.) – relating to or having nutrients and substances that keep the body healthy

Example: He drinks a nutritional juice drink with plenty of vitamins to avoid getting sick.

2. fed up [fed uhp] (idiom) – bored or tired of something

Example: Jack quit his job because he was fed up with heavy workload.

3. concoction [kon-KOK-shuh n, kuh n-] (n.) – a mix of different ingredients to make a new drink

Example: The bartender’s new concoction consists of vodka and fruit flavors.

4. leisure [LEE-zher, LEZH-er] (adj.) – free from work or other responsibilities

Example: Having no work on weekends gives me more leisure time.

5. revolutionize [rev-uh-LOO-shuh-nahyz] (v.) – to make a big change

Example: Mobile phones revolutionized the way people communicate.

Article
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Rob Rhinehart, a 24-year-old software engineer in Georgia, has created his own nutritional drink after becoming fed up with buying, cooking and eating food. . Soylent, the concoction Rhinehart made, contains protein, carbohydrates [kahr-boh-HAHR-dreyt, -buh-], fat, minerals and vitamins. The shake also has fewer calories and has no cancer-causing chemicals. Soylent is named after a type of food from a Sci-Fi book called “Make Room! Make Room!” Rhinehart said he still enjoys the sweet taste of Soylent even after drinking it for more than a month. The shake also makes Rhinehart feel full.  He said that making the Soylent instead of preparing food helped lower his electric and water bills. According to Rhinehart, he made the drink because he wanted to spend less but stay healthy. He believed that normal food and powdered drinks had the same effect on the body. For Rhinehart, eating was a leisure activity, but he did not want to eat three times a day. However, some experts said that the idea is not original. Jay Mirtallo, a professor of pharmacy at Ohio State University, commented that Soylent is the same as medical food. Some companies even make drinks for patients with specific nutritional requirements. Given time and further research, a drink like Soylent may revolutionize people’s diets,   solve world hunger and stop obesity. But for now, researchers are still not sure whether nutritional drinks can really replace normal food.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Would you want to try Rhinehart’s nutritional drink? Please explain your answer.

         In your opinion, what could happen to people who take only health drinks instead of food?

Discussion B

         Do you think saving money is more important than eating delicious food? Why or why not?

         How can the type of food we eat affect our health?

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Surrogacy Industry Successful in India

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

1. thrive [thrahyv] (v.) – to succeed or to grow quickly

Example: The Chinese economy thrived even when other economies grew weaker.

2. medical tourism [MED-i-kuhl TOOR-iz-uhm] (n. phrase) – traveling abroad for a medical procedure to avoid higher costs in one’s home country

Example: Medical tourism in Asia is growing because of cheaper medical services in some Asian countries.

3. surrogate (n.) [SUR-uh-geyt] – a woman who is paid to carry another person’s or couple’s baby

Example: The childless couple hired a surrogate to carry their baby.

4. cost-effective [kost ih-FEK-tiv] (adj.) – producing good results without costing too much money

Example: Online schools provide a convenient and cost-effective way to learn English.

5. fertility clinic [fer-TIL-i-tee KLIN-ik] (n.) – a medical clinic that helps childless people have a baby

Example: She visited a fertility clinic to help her become pregnant.

Article
Read the text below.

More and more couples worldwide are turning to India’s thriving surrogacy industry to realize their dream of having their own children. Surrogacy is the process wherein a woman carries a child in her womb for another person or couple, in exchange for money. According to estimates, the surrogacy industry in India now generates more than two billion dollars per year, contributing much to the country’s medical tourism. Low-income women from the provinces see surrogacy as an opportunity to earn money. Surrogates earn as much as $6,000 per pregnancy. Foreign couples, on the other hand, see the surrogacy industry in India as a legal, cost-effective way to becoming parents. Critics, however, question if surrogacy in India is a good thing. They insist that India is becoming a “baby factory” for rich foreigners who take advantage of poor Indian women. Fertility clinic owners argue that surrogacy helps Indian surrogate mothers earn an income for their families while helping childless couples. They added that the clinics take excellent care of surrogates because the mother’s health is important for the baby’s health as well. Marcia, a Brazilian woman who came to India to find a surrogate, says she is very happy that there are women who are willing to help her make her dream of having a baby come true.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Do you approve of surrogacy? Why or why not?

         How can we support couples who have difficulty in having children?

Discussion B

         In your opinion, are medical services in your country expensive? Please explain your answer.

         Do you think foreigners would be interested in getting medical service in your country? What makes you say so?

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America’s Economy Becoming Like Japan’s

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

1. follow in one’s footsteps [FOL-oh in wuh ns FOOT-steps] (idiom) – to do something that someone else has done before

Example: He wants to build a company to follow in his father’s footsteps.

2. decline [dih-KLAYN] (n.) – a decrease in number, amount or quality

Example:  People are spending less money because of the economic decline.

3. expand [ik-SPAND] (v.) – to become bigger in size or greater in amount

Example: The Chinese economy has been expanding greatly because of its manufacturing industry.

4. prediction [pri-DIK-shuhn] (n.) – a comment that suggests the possible result of a future event

Example: Analysts issued a prediction that the Philippine economy will grow in the next three years.

5. backfire  [BAK-fahyuhr] (v.) – to produce an opposite result to what was expected 

Example:   His plan to save money backfired because he bought an expensive computer.

Article
Read the text below.

Analysts are predicting that the United States will follow in Japan’s footsteps towards economic decline. The prediction comes at a time when the US is struggling with massive debt [det], reduced consumer spending, and slow economic growth. Such problems are familiar in Japan, whose own economy has been on a great decline for the past several years. Toward the end of 2012, the US’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or earnings expanded only by 0.1%, which is much lower than the prediction of 0.5%. Similarly, Japan did not meet the expected 0.4% growth for the same time last year. Instead, Japan’s earnings fell by 0.4%. Both nations also have large debts to pay. The US government will limit its budget so it can pay off the country’s debt. The country will reduce $85 billion on its budget each year for the next ten years. The budget cuts are expected to result in the loss of 750,000 jobs, and in lesser funds for defense and healthcare. Analysts believe America’s GDP will reach 3% only by 2015, which means the country may take a few more years to recover from its economic problems. In contrast to US’ plan, newly elected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan plans to increase government spending to boost the economy. But analysts warn that the plan could backfire by further increasing Japan’s already large debt.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

         When your country’s economy is weak, how does it affect you?

         In what ways can ordinary people help improve the economy?

Discussion B

         Would you say you spend your money wisely? Why or why not?

         What can people do so that they can save more money?

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Fifa Approves Goalline Technology for 2014 World Cup

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

1. give the nod to [giv thuh nod too] (idiom) – to approve of someone or something.

Example: The government will give the nod to a program that promotes sports and exercise among youth.

2. seal the deal [seel thuh deel] (v. phrase) – to finalize an agreement

Example: The two companies sealed the deal after agreeing on the terms of the partnership.

3. credible [KRED-uh-buhl] (adj.) – having qualities or abilities that gain other people’s confidence and trust

Example: The athlete established a credible name because he helped his team win the championship game.

4. high-profile [hahy-PROH-fahyl] (adj.) – attracting much attention and interest from the public

Example: Media reporters and paparazzi are always following the high-profile actress.

5. enthusiast [en-THOO-zee-ast] (n.) – someone who has great interest and involvement in a particular activity

Example: He is a football enthusiast who always watches his favorite team’s games.

Article 
Read the text below.

FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) gave the nod to use goal-line technology” (GLT) for the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil.  FIFA made the decision after the technology’s successful use at the Club World Cup in Japan last December 2012.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed his commitment to use goal-line technology in future football competitions. The system is designed to help referees and match officials in checking if a ball really crossed a goal line.

Currently, only two goal-line systems have earned licenses from FIFA–Hawk-Eye and GoalRef. Other GLT providers are still in the process of satisfying FIFA’s technical tests. FIFA is set to seal the deal with a GLT provider in April.

Among the GLT providers, Hawk-Eye has already built a credible reputation in professional cricket and international tennis. Hawk-Eye makes use of several high-speed cameras that are installed in both ends of the stadium. GoalRef, on the other hand, uses sensors and magnetic fields to detect if the ball has crossed the line or not.

In World Cup history, there have been several high-profile cases of sports officials not awarding a goal to a team.  One case happened during the 2010 World Cup match between England and Germany wherein England’s Frank Lampard shot a good goal, but the goal was not accepted by referees.

With the use of goal-line technology, many football athletes and enthusiasts hope that similar mistakes will not happen in the future.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Do you think using goal-line technology is needed in sports? Why or why not?

         In what other ways do you think technology helps people in sports?

Discussion B

         Do you think humans depend too much on technology? Please explain your answer.

         How would you say technology has helped you in your daily life?

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Australia Offers “Best Jobs in the World” to Young Tourists

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

1. agency [EY-juh n-see] (n.) – an institution that performs a particular task

Example: The employment agency helps people find jobs.

2. generate [JEN-uh-reyt] (v.) – to give rise to or to cause something

Example: Hannah’s campaign proposals generated much support during the meeting.

3. eligible [EL-i-juh-buh l] (adj.) – allowed or qualified to do something based on certain rules

Example:  In most countries, citizens who are 18 years old and above are eligible for employment.

4. integral [IN-ti-gruh l, in-TEG-ruh l] (adj.) – very important

Example: The youth is an integral part of any society.

5. alleviate [uh-LEE-vee-eyt] (v.) – to lessen or reduce; to make something easier to bear

Example: Taking a vacation can help alleviate stress.

Article 
Read the text below.

Australia's tourism agency recently launched its "Best Jobs in the World" campaign, a global online competition that offers dream jobs as the prizes. Six positions are available, including Outback Adventurer, Wildlife Caretaker and Lifestyle Photographer. Each winner will receive a six-month contract and a salary package of $100,000. Applicants must submit a 30-second video, along with their application, to the competition website. The agency, Tourism Australia, already received 75,000 applications only a day after the competition’s launch. The campaign aims to generate interest among young tourists and encourage them to work in Australia. The agency specifically targets people aged 18 to 30 who come from countries that are eligible for Australian working holiday visas. Among these countries are Canada, the U.S., France, South Korea and Japan.  According to Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia, youth travelers are integral in Australia's tourism industry because they make up more than a quarter of the country's total visitors. Young tourists with working holiday visas benefit Australia's economy since tourists help alleviate the nation's labor shortage, stay longer and spend more than other visitors. At the same time, working provides these young visitors a way to save up for their future travels. According to McEvoy, young tourists constitute more than 25% of Australia’s total tourists. Trent Zimmerman, CEO of Tourism and Transport Forum, said that his group is pushing for reforms on the working holiday policies to provide more benefits to the workers. His group also hopes to open the program to older travelers.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Will you be interested in joining the “Best Jobs in the World” competition? Why or why not?

         Do you think the campaign can effectively encourage young tourists to work in Australia? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of working in another country?

         What do you think are the most important factors to consider when deciding to work abroad? (e.g. the country, the job itself, salary, budget, etc.)

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