Breeders Discover a Way to Increase Rice Yield

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. boost /bust/ (v.) – to increase or to heighten the amount of something

Example: Using fertilizers can boost the production of crops like rice and corn.

2. staple /ˈsteɪpəl/ (adj.) – used or consumed by majority of the people

Example: Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.

3. variety /vəˈraɪɪti/ (n.) – a specific kind or type of thing

Example: Akebono and Asahi are varieties of Japanese rice.

4. infuse /ɪnˈfyuz/ (v.) – to introduce or add something

Example: The researchers infused chemicals into the plant to speed up its growth.

5. stable /ˈsteɪbəl/ (adj.) – not easily changed

Example: The price of rice is stable as it does not increase or decrease in the past weeks.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Scientists from a research institute in the Philippines have recently discovered a gene that can boost the production of one of the world’s most popular staple food—the rice. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is a non-profit institute that researches mainly on different rice varieties. It has long been searching for genes that can multiply rice production. Finally, the institute’s breeders were able to find a wonder rice gene that improves rice yield. Breeders from the institute discovered that rice yield increases when the SPIKE gene is infused into the “indica” rice varieties, which are the most used types of rice. SPIKE gene is from an Indonesian rice variety called “japonica.” According to the findings of the preliminary tests, infusing “indica” rice varieties with SPIKE gene results in 13 to 36 percent increase in rice production. Increasing rice yield means more rice will be produced even with limited land resources. IRRI also stressed, however, that this method is not a form of genetic modification. Rice is not only a staple food in many countries; it is also the most important crop in the world, especially in Asian countries. Thus, IRRI’s discovery may be very beneficial in ensuring food security and making the price of rice more stable. However, IRRI is not yet sure when the SPIKE-infused rice can be distributed to farmers as further research may still be needed.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you be willing to try eating a SPIKE gene-infused rice? Why is that so?

         What can be the possible disadvantage of producing this type of rice?

Discussion B

         How do you feel about GMOs or genetically modified organisms?

         Why do you think many people oppose GMOs?

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New Gift Wrapper Can Grow Vegetables

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. sheet /ʃit/ (n.) – a flat, thin, rectangular material, especially of paper

Example: I need a wide sheet of paper to write on.

2. around /əˈraʊnd/ (prep.) – close to in number

Example: Around a thousand people visit the department store to buy presents daily.

3. keep in place /kip ɪn pleɪs/ (idiom) – to hold something in a steady position

Example: I taped the dedication card to the gift to keep it in place.

4. biodegradable /ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈgreɪdəbəl/ (adj) – can naturally decay or break down

Example: Using biodegradable paper bags instead of plastic bags can help the environment.  

5. within one’s means /wɪðˈɪn wʌns mins/ (idiom) – affordable; able to acquire

Example: Many customers visit the store because its products are within one’s means.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A design group in Gloucester [GLOS-ter, GLAW-ster], England has developed a brilliant way of reducing the gift wrap waste problem during the holiday season. The company, BEAF, created a gift wrapping paper that can be planted. This wrapping paper is called Eden’s Paper. After using it, the wrapping paper can be buried and become a vegetable patch as it is embedded with seeds. The seeds include onion, broccoli, chili, tomato, and carrots. The size of each sheet is 27 by 17 inches. It holds around 700 seeds between layers of tissue that keep them in place. The seeds are arranged in rows so that when planted, they would also create a row of vegetables. Eden’s Paper is also completely biodegradable. The makers did not use any glue in making the paper. Even the ink used for the designs is made from vegetables. The Eden’s Paper has several advantages. For one, it is a remarkable solution to the waste problem created by gift wrap materials during the holidays. Also, this environment-friendly wrapping paper is within one’s means at £5 per sheet, much cheaper compared to posh wrapping papers. According to Nikola Venios of BEAF, roughly 227,000 miles of gift wrap were wasted over Christmas last year in the UK alone. This huge amount is enough to wrap the world nine times. The “plantable” wrapping paper can be a wonderful way of giving another gift for loved ones in the form of vegetables. On another note, the company also looks forward to including herbs, flowers, and fruits in the gift wrap.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you like the idea behind the Eden’s Paper? Why or why not?

         After learning about this article, would you use Eden’s Paper for your gifts? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Why is saving the environment important?

         How else can we help save and protect the environment? Explain.

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Healthy Diet Costs More

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. substantial /səbˈstænʃəl/ (adj.) – considerable in amount, especially information or money

Example: The substantial information provided by the newspaper helps people become aware of the deadly disease.

2. negligible /ˈnɛglɪdʒəbəl/ (adj.) – being very small that it can be disregarded

Example: The customer did not mind the negligible difference on the price of a fresh fish and a frozen fish.

3. course /kɔrs, koʊrs/ (n.) – a length of time

Example: He has earned more than a million dollars in the course of just one year.

4. cut back /kʌt bæk/ (idiom) – to decrease or reduce

Example: The farmers cut back the cost of fruits and vegetables due to low demand from the consumers.

5. efficient /ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (adj.) – able to function with the least waste

Example: Efficient machines improve the production of processed foods.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study showed that a healthy diet costs more than the least healthy diet. The study was conducted in eight countries with advanced economies—the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, and Japan—and in two middle-income countries—South Africa and Brazil.  The study conducted an overview of 27 researches that have substantial information on the composition of people’s diet and its cost. Diets that contained more fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts were ranked as healthier compared to diets that consisted of processed foods, meats, and refined grains.  The study found that on average, a person spends $1.50 more per day for the healthiest food than the least healthy ones. According to Darius Mozaffarian of Harvard Medical School, this cost difference is much smaller than expected. He added that this amount is negligible compared to the huge sum of money that people spend on hospitalization and medication for diet-related conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, Mozaffarian stressed that although $1.50 may be a small amount, it could accumulate to $550 per person in the course of one year. This accumulated amount may present a real burden to some families. Hence, policies are encouraged to cut back the prices of these healthy foods.   The efficient and high-profit system of farming, making, and selling of processed foods is the main cause of the gap in the costs of healthy and unhealthy food. The researchers are hoping that the difference in the costs may be eliminated if this inexpensive and efficient system is also applied to healthier foods.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         In your country, is there a small or a big difference in the cost of healthy and unhealthy foods? Why is that so?

         After reading this article, were you encouraged to have a healthy diet? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Why is having a healthy diet important?

         How else can people have a healthier lifestyle? Explain.

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Sydney Opera House’s Roof Tiles Now on Sale

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. renovation /ˈrɛnəˌveɪtʃən/ (n.) – the state of repairing to restore something to its normal condition

Example:  The very old house needs renovation.

2. interior /ɪnˈtɪəriər/ (n.) – the inner part or the inside of something

Example: The house’s interior is carpeted.

3. initially /ɪˈnɪʃəli/ (adv.) – only at first or in the beginning

Example: The plan was initially approved, before it was suddenly cancelled.

4. up for grabs /ʌp fɔr græbs/ (idiom) – available for anyone to get

Example: Anyone can buy the property since it is now up for grabs.

5. shoulder /ˈʃoʊldər/ (v.) – to consider something as one’s own responsibility

Example: The employer shouldered all expenses during the company trip.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The management of the Sydney Opera House has recently launched a website in which people can virtually buy a roof tile from the building. The roof tiles were put on sale in order to generate funds for the renovation of the Opera House. The collected fund will then be used to fix the building’s exterior and interior, including the concert acoustics. Among the millions of roof tiles, only 125,000 will initially be on sale. However, if the demand increases, more tiles will be up for grabs. People who are interested to buy the tiles can visit the website to choose which of the tiles they want to buy. The cost of the tiles varies, ranging from US$90 to US$357. The buyers will not be able to bring home the tile they purchased as it would remain on the building. However, they can at least share their purchases to family and friends through the social media. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most important tourist destinations in Australia because of its remarkable architecture. It was recognized by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage sites in 2007. In October last year, the building celebrated its 40th anniversary. Currently, the cultural value of the Opera House is about US$4.11 billion. The cost of the renovation is expected to reach over US$895 million. Because the Australian government cannot shoulder the said cost, the building’s management hopes that selling the roof tiles will make the renovation possible.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you buy one of the Opera house’s tiles? Why or why not?

         What similar structure in your country would you want to preserve or renovate? Why?

Discussion B

         Should the government spend on maintaining cultural buildings? Why or why not?

         How important are cultural buildings?

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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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