A difficult year, but one with plenty of successes to celebrate

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Unlocking Word Meanings

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

  1. surge / sɜrdʒ / (v.) – to suddenly increase
    Example:

    Prices of face masks surged at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic because of the sudden increase in demand.


  2. extravaganza / ɪkˌstræv əˈgæn zə / (n.) – a large and exciting event or performance
    Example:

    Over 200 artists were invited to perform at the three-day musical extravaganza.


  3. spectator / ˈspɛk teɪ tər / (n.) – someone who watches an activity, event, show, etc.
    Example:

    The championship game has over 250,000 spectators.


  4. mob / mɒb / (v.) – to attack as one big group
    Example:

    The angry crowd mobbed the office of the president to protest about the unfair law he approved.


  5. wrestle with (something) / ˈrɛsəl wɪθ / (phrasal v.) – to try to solve a difficult problem
    Example:

    The economy is wrestling with losses because of several businesses closing down.


Article

Read the text below.

[NOTE: This article was published in December 2021]


2021 saw the world head into the second full year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were signs of hope as vaccines became easier to get in rich countries. The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were a symbol of that hope.


The Games had been delayed a year over fears of surging coronavirus infections, but the sporting extravaganza went ahead even in the face of public disapproval.


The decision to hold the Games — under strict conditions and with almost no spectators — seems to have paid off for Japan. The host nation won a record 27 gold medals at the Olympics, including its first gold in men’s baseball. It also had one of its best Paralympics ever, winning 13 golds.


The year also saw democracy come under attack.


On Jan. 6, supporters of then-President Donald Trump mobbed the U.S. Capitol. They believed Trump’s repeated false claims that the presidential election a month earlier was stolen by the Democratic Party for Joe Biden.


In Myanmar, the military also used claims of election fraud as an excuse to take control of the government, while Hong Kong passed biased pro-China election rules.


As 2022 nears, the omicron variant is spreading quickly, sending some countries back into lockdown. Countries also are wrestling with vaccine resistance, and the desire to open economies up again. (The Japan Times)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The Games had been delayed a year over fears of surging coronavirus infections, but the sporting extravaganza went ahead even in the face of public disapproval. Do you agree with the decision to still push through with the event? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Vaccines are easier to get in rich countries. How do you think the lack of access to vaccines will affect poorer countries (ex. delayed immunity, longer recovery time for their economies)? Should rich countries be obligated to help these countries gain access? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The omicron variant is spreading quickly, sending some countries back into lockdown. Countries also are wrestling with vaccine resistance, and the desire to open economies up again. Are there a lot of people in your country who are hesitating to get vaccinated? Do you think vaccinations should be mandatory? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Supporters of then-President Donald Trump mobbed the US Capitol because they believed Trump’s repeated false claims that the presidential election a month earlier was stolen by the Democratic Party for Joe Biden. Why do you think some people easily believe false claims (ex. because of bias, the power of social media)? Discuss.