レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
WHO pushes countries to raise prices on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50%
The World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years through taxation to help tackle chronic public health problems.
The United Nations health agency said the move would help cut consumption of the products, which contribute to diseases like diabetes and some cancers, as well as raising money at a time when development aid is shrinking and public debt rising.
“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general of health promotion and disease prevention and control. “It’s time to act.”
The WHO launched the push, which it called “3 by 35” at the U.N. Finance for Development conference in Seville, Spain.
The organization said that its tax initiative could raise $1 trillion (¥147 trillion) by 2035 based on evidence from health taxes in countries such as Colombia and South Africa.
(Reuters)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
taxation
課税
The system by which a government collects money from people and businesses through taxes
Taxation is an important issue in every election.
課税はすべての選挙で重要な問題です。
tackle
〜の解決に取り組む
To make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation
The city is trying to tackle the problem of traffic jams.
その都市は交通渋滞の問題に取り組もうとしている。
chronic
慢性的な
Lasting for a long time; difficult to cure
Lack of sleep became a chronic problem for her during exam season.
試験期間中、睡眠不足が彼女にとって慢性的な問題になった。
contribute
〜の原因となる
To be one of the causes of something
Poor diet can contribute to serious health problems.
不健康な食生活は深刻な健康問題の原因になり得ます。
initiative
新たな取り組み
A new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose
The local government launched an initiative to plant more trees in public parks.
地方自治体は公園により多くの木を植えるための新しい取り組みを開始した。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What is the main goal of the WHO’s push to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco?
What does Jeremy Farrar describe as one of the most efficient tools to improve public health?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
How would you feel if these products became 50% more expensive in your country?
Do you think raising prices on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco will change people's habits? Please support your answer.
Do you consider yourself a health-conscious person? Why or why not?
If you were in charge, what other ideas would you suggest to improve people’s health?
How should the government use the extra money collected from these health taxes?