The Brief but Explosive Lives of One-Shot Volcanoes

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. shed light  on [shed lahyt] (idiom) – to reveal new things about something

Example:  The scientists aim to shed light on the mysterious disappearance of salmons in the southern part of sea.

2. erupt [ih-RUHPT] (v.)  – to suddenly explode and release lava, rocks, and ash

 Example: The public had to evacuate the town when the volcano erupted.

3. intensity [in-TEN-si-tee] (n.) – the amount of strength or force

Example: The high tide and strong winds further increased the intensity of the tsunami.

4. innards [IN-erdz] (n.) – the inner parts of something

Example:  She studied the innards of the frog to prepare for her anatomy test.

5. contingency [kuh n-TIN-juh n-see] (n.) – a possible event that must be prepared for, such as a future emergency

Example:  The mayor allocated 10% of the town’s funds for contingency and disaster prevention.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study in Spain aims to shed light on the inner activities of volcanoes that erupt only once in their lifetime. Called monogenetic volcanoes, these volcanoes erupt once before becoming extinct. Most volcanoes on land are actually monogenetic, although most people thought majority of the volcanoes are polygenetic. Because people know less about these one-shot volcanoes, a team of researchers in Spain developed a new technique to understand them better. The technique, called electrical resistivity tomography, sends electrical current through the earth. By measuring the changes in intensity as the current travels through various rock layers, the researchers were able to develop a picture of the innards of several monogenetic volcanoes. This technique enables scientists to better understand how volcanoes are formed and predict future eruptions. It also unlocks a wealth of new information about monogenetic volcanoes, which until now have received relatively little attention from scientists. According to Stéphanie Barde-Cabusson, a volcanologist in Barcelona, monogenetic volcanoes need to be studied even though they may not be as active as polygenetic ones. She cautioned that the danger these volcanoes may cause should not be underestimated. Although they only erupt once, monogenetic volcanoes tend to explode strongly, lasting for days or even weeks. They are also very common on land.  For example, the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, sits on top of 53 monogenetic volcanoes which are expected to erupt hundreds or thousands of years from today. This discovery prompted the New Zealand government to create a volcanic contingency plan for the city.

【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 it is important to study specific kinds of volcanoes? Why or why not?

         Would you be willing to live in Auckland, New Zealand despite the fact that it sits atop 53 monogenetic volcanoes? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Do you think your country is prepared to handle most kinds of natural disasters? Discuss with your tutor.

         How can the government prepare for natural disasters such as volcanic eruption?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Reading Literary Fiction Improves 'Mind-Reading' Skills

What a cool headline.

I'll admit I don't read much literary fiction, usually the Booker Prize winner of the year, or books of like credential.  Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Jack London and similar writers are more my speed.

But I certainly understand the importance of this research to supporters of teaching reading as a leisure activity, as well as to the authors of literary works.

Here's the full press release:

*  *  *  *  *

Heated debates about the quantifiable value of arts and literature are a common feature of American social discourse. Now, two researchers from The New School for Social Research have published a paper in Science demonstrating that reading literary fiction enhances a set of skills and thought processes fundamental to complex social relationships -- and functional societies.

Ph.D. candidate David Comer Kidd and his advisor, professor of psychology Emanuele Castano performed five experiments to measure the effect of reading literary fiction on participants' Theory of Mind (ToM), the complex social skill of "mind-reading" to understand others' mental states. Their paper, which appears in the Oct. 3 issue of Science is entitled "Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind."

To choose texts for their study, Kidd and Castano relied on expert evaluations to define three types of writing: literary fiction, popular fiction, and nonfiction. Literary fiction works were represented by excerpts from recent National Book Award finalists or winners of the 2012 PEN/O. Henry Prize for short fiction; popular fiction works were drawn from Amazon bestsellers or an anthology of recent popular fiction; and non-fiction works were selected from Smithsonian Magazine.

After participants read texts from one of the three genres, Kidd and Castano tested their ToM capabilities using several well-established measures. One of these measures is the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test, which asks participants to look at black-and-white photographs of actors' eyes and indicate the emotion expressed by that actor. Another one is the Yoni test,
which includes both affective trials and cognitive ones. "We used several measures of ToM to make sure the effects were not specific to one type of measure, thus accumulating converging evidence for our hypothesis, " the researchers said.

Across the five experiments, Kidd and Castano found that participants who were assigned to read literary fiction performed significantly better on the ToM tests than did participants assigned to the other experimental groups, who did not differ from one another.

The study shows that not just any fiction is effective in fostering ToM, rather the literary quality of the fiction is the determining factor. The literary texts used in the experiments had vastly different content and subject matter, but all produced similarly high ToM results.

"Experiment One showed that reading literary fiction, relative to nonfiction improves performance on an affective ToM task. Experiments Two through Five showed that this effect is specific to literary fiction," the paper reports.
Kidd and Castano suggest that the reason for literary fiction's impact on ToM is a direct result of the ways in which it involves the reader. Unlike popular fiction, literary fiction requires intellectual engagement and creative thought from their readers. "Features of the modern literary novel set it apart from most bestselling thrillers or romances. Through the use of […] stylistic devices, literary fiction defamiliarizes its readers," Kidd and Castano write. "Just as in real life, the worlds of literary fiction are replete with complicated individuals whose inner lives are rarely easily discerned but warrant exploration."

"We see this research as a step towards better understanding the interplay between a specific cultural artifact, literary fiction, and affective and cognitive processes," Kidd and Castano say.

*  *  *  *  *

Writing Fiction: Creative and Critical Approaches (Approaches to Writing)
by Amanda Boulter

Story Source: David Comer Kidd And Emanuele Castano. Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind. Science, October 2013

International Community Reacts to Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. casualty [KAZH-oo-uh l-tee] (n.) – a person killed in a war, accident, disaster, etc.

Example: The number of casualties in the Syrian War has now reached 100,000.

2. look into [look IN-too] (phrasal v.) – to try to acquire information about something; to investigate

Example: The investigators came to the country to look into possible cases of war crimes.

3. humanitarian [hyoo-man-i-TAIR-ee-uh n or, often, yoo-] (adj.) – relating to the safety and welfare of human lives

Example: Organizations like Red Cross give humanitarian aid to people living in conflicted areas.

4. atrocity [uh-TROS-i-tee] (n.) – a very cruel act

Example:  The murder of hundreds of children was an atrocity committed by the terrorists.

5. mandate [MAN-deyt] (n.) – the official authority or power to do something

Example: Peacekeeping operations are included in the mandate of the United Nations.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The international community has reacted strongly to reports about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its citizens that killed thousands. The Syrian opposition claims that government forces launched an attack on several Damascus suburbs with weapons containing deadly chemicals. According to the opposition leader George Sabra, as many as 1,300 people died from the attack. The casualties had no visible signs of injuries. The Syrian government denies the allegation. The regime says that the opposition is trying to distract the United Nations investigators who are in the country looking into another incident. Following the reports of chemical weapon use, the UN Security Council held an urgent meeting. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said that the report represents the worsening of an already grave humanitarian crisis.  France and Turkey urge the nations of the world to use force if the allegations turn out to be true, while the Arab League and Western nations including the US are calling for an immediate investigation into the atrocity. On the other hand, Russia, which is a strong ally of Syria, accused the opposition of intentionally provoking in making such claims against the government. The White House says the Syrian government should allow the UN investigators to closely and freely examine the area. However, due to its limited mandate, UN can only determine whether toxic gases were used but cannot establish who used them.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you agree with some countries’ opinion that force should be used against the Syrian government? Why or why not?

         Why do you think people would resort to using chemical weapons? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         Should other countries interfere or be involved in a country’s internal conflict? Why do you say so?

         What could be the consequences if a country got involved in another country’s war or conflict? Please explain to your tutor.

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Drinking Soda Contributes to Children’s Bad Behavior, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. aggressive [uh-GRES-iv] (adj.) – violent or likely to attack

Example: The principal called the boy’s parents because of his aggressive behavior.

2. stimulant [STIM-yuh-luh nt] (n.) – something that increases activity, interest, or enthusiasm in something

Example: Caffeine is one of the stimulants that can increase a person’s blood pressure.

3. contribute [kuh n-TRIB-yoot] (v.) – to give something, especially to help make something happen

Example: Having no proper guidance contributed to the child’s bad behavior.

4. checklist [CHEK-list] (n.) – a list of things that must be done

Example: The checklist helped the child finish all the chores he needed to do today.

5. adolescent [ad-l-ES-uh nt] (n.) – a person who has just gone through puberty and is entering adulthood

Example: Some adolescents still act childish because they don’t feel mature yet.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study by the researchers from Columbia University, Harvard, and University of Vermont shows that soda may cause young children to become aggressive. The researchers studied around 3,000 children aged five and asked the mothers to report their child's soda consumption. Mothers also accomplished a checklist on their child’s behavior in the last two months to measure attention and aggression. The researchers also asked mothers how many servings of soda their children drank per day. Overall, 43% of the kids drank at least one soda per day and 4% drank four or more servings. Dr. Shakira Suglia, epidemiologist at the Mailman School of Public Health, also said that the more soda a child drinks per day, the more aggressive he or she becomes. Compared with children who did not consume any soda, those who had four or more soda a day were over twice as likely to be aggressive. Being aggressive involves destroying other people's belongings, physically attacking others, and engaging into fights. This research agrees with previous studies saying that adolescents were more aggressive toward others and more likely to hurt themselves the more soda they drank. Given the results, the researchers clarified that the relationship between drinking soda and aggression is yet to be proven.  Suglia also added that soda contains caffeine, a mild stimulant that may contribute to a child’s aggressive behavior.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Why do you think soda makes children more aggressive? Please explain your answer.

         Aside from soda, what other things can contribute to a child’s bad behavior? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         After reading the article, would you prevent yourself or your children from drinking soda? Why or why not?

         In your opinion, how do you think parents can stop their children’s bad behavior?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Chinese Online Game Lets Players Fight Japan over Disputed Islands

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. disputed [dih-SPYOOT-ed] (adj.) – strongly argued about 

Example:  Claire filed a case against her neighbor over the disputed property.

2. pit against [pit uh-GENST, uh-GEYNST] (v. phrase) – to make someone or something fight against another person or thing

Example:  The commanding officer pitted Nathan against Matt in the training.

3. sovereignty [SOV-rin-tee, SUHV-] (n.) – power and authority over a country or territory

Example:  The US has sovereignty over its territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico.

4. misinterpret [mis-in-TUR-prit] (v.) – to understand something incorrectly

Example:  Peter lost the game because he misinterpreted the directions. 

5. nationalistic [nash-uh-nl-IS-tik] (adj.) – having strong feelings of love and pride for one's own country

Example:  The nationalistic youth joined the army to defend his country against enemies.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A Chinese online game, in which players have to defend a disputed island group against Japan, is gaining attention throughout China. The game, called "Glorious Mission Online," was co-developed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Giant Interactive Group, Inc. It was originally a training and recruitment tool until it has been released to the public. Players control the Chinese military forces to fight against American soldiers. In one level, however, the game asks the players to defend the Diaoyu Islands. The Chinese soldiers are then pitted against Japanese forces. Both China and Japan claim sovereignty over the island chain, known in Japan as Senkaku Islands and is located in the East China Sea. The level, officially dubbed "Defending the Diaoyu Islands," has fuelled public interest, especially among the youth. Young Chinese players describe the particular game mission as “fun” and “cool.” However, according to Gu Kai, one of the developers of Glorious Mission Online, people have slightly misinterpreted the game. He says the company did not originally specify the location of the level as the disputed territory. The label was only given later, due to people's growing interest on the issue. Gu says the game aims to get nationalistic youths interested in joining the army. He adds that the game enables young people to learn about the PLA and its military operations. In a press release on the game, Giant Interactive Group calls on the youth to defend the country and strengthen the "Chinese Dream."

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What do you think are the effects of having a game like “Glorious Mission Online”? (On the players, on people depicted as “opponents” in the game, etc.)

         Do you think such game can be an effective tool in encouraging young people to join the army? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Should games have a political message? Why do you say so?

         Do you think people who play violent games become violent in real life too? Why is that so?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Study Shows Mealtime Chats Boost Confidence

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. boost [boost] (v.) – to raise or increase

Example: The father’s constant praise boosts the child’s self-confidence.

           

2. mealtime chat [MEEL-tahym chat] (phrase.) – light or small talk when everybody is eating together (during meals)

Example: My father considers our evening mealtime chats as a break from his stressful work.

3. recite [ri-SAHYT] (v.) – to state or describe a series of things

Example: The little girl felt more confident to recite about the issue because their family talked about it during mealtime.

4. set-up [SET-uhp] (n.) – the way something is done

Example: The new mealtime set-up allows the boy to ask questions during dinner.

5. fortunate [FAWR-chuh-nit] (adv.) – with good fortune or lucky

Example: The child was very fortunate to have a loving family who supports him.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent poll made by the National Literacy Trust found that talking during mealtime boosts a child's confidence. The study conducted last year involved 35,000 children aged eight to sixteen from the UK. Researchers gave the children questionnaires in the classroom.  The data showed that about one in every four children does not get to sit down and have a chat with his or her family during mealtime. The results suggest that 62% of the respondents who have mealtime chats with their families feel more confident to speak in front of a group compared to those who eat in silence or do not have mealtime chats with families. Also, about 75% of those who have mealtime chats feel more confident to recite or talk in class. Furthermore, the study discovered that children who eat together in silence with their families are worse than those who do not eat together at all because children feel less confident in the former set-up. On another note, the study fortunately shows that 74% of the families who sit together at mealtimes have a talk and only 7% eat in silence. Jonathan Douglas, Trust's director, says the research proves just how important conversation is in boosting a child's confidence and helping him or her succeed in life. Thus, the National Literacy Trust's Words for Life campaign encourages families to improve their children's speaking and listening skills by having mealtime chats every day.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think talking during mealtime really improves a child’s self-confidence? Why or why not?

         What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a meal together with the family? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         How else can we help a child gain confidence? Please explain your answer.

         How can confidence help a child succeed in life? Please briefly explain.

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Salinger ~ A New Biography

If you haven't heard, there's a new biography out on J.D. Salinger, my generation's anti-anti-hero and author of an ultimate-coming-of-age book, Catcher in the Rye.  J.D. Salinger is reported to have deeply regretted publishing it, yet still spent the money the sales of 65 million copies generated.

According to a review in The Economist, this biography is, "Full of color and intrigue, “Salinger” can be gripping. It is also exactly the kind of messy, unsubtle, intrusive and speculative work the man himself understandably shunned."

Salinger, by David Shields and Shane Salerno. Simon & Schuster; 698 pages; $37.50.  Available through Powell's Books.  Click on the image below:

Salinger
by David Shields and Shane Salerno