Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- magnitude / ˈmæg nɪˌtud / (n.) – (in earth science) the strength or power of an earthquake
Example:A small earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 shook the town, but there was no damage.
- sympathize / ˈsɪm pəˌθaɪz / (v.) – to understand and care about someone’s feelings, especially when he/she is sad or having a problem
Example:Many people sympathized with the victims of the flood and sent them food and clothes.
- unease / ʌnˈiz / (n.) – the feeling of being worried, nervous, or uncomfortable
Example:There was unease in the classroom before the exam because the students were not sure what to expect.
- chatter / ˈtʃæt ər / (n.) – quick talk or messages shared by many people, sometimes about news, rumors, or things that may not be important
Example:Social media chatter about the storm made many people worry, even before any news report confirmed it.
- precaution / prɪˈkɔ ʃən / (n.) – an action taken to stay safe or to stop danger or problems before they happen
Example:People living near the volcano took precautions by preparing emergency bags and escape plans.
Article
Read the text below.
The head of Japan’s meteorological agency dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a “hoax,” urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami.
“At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,” Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. “Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation.”
Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities that a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan had led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism.
He said it was “unfortunate” that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible.
The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book “The Future I Saw,” which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong.
The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan.
Japan, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most quake-prone countries.
Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan’s Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints.
While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions.
“In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,” Nomura said. “So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The rumor about the earthquake came from a comic book. If the comic book was just a story, why do you think people started to take its content as a serious prediction? What factors might have affected the people’s belief in the rumors (ex. past experiences, fear)? Discuss.
- Do you believe in predictions about the future? Why or why not? If someone told you something terrible would happen soon, how would you respond to it (ex. ignore it, prepare)? How would you react if the prediction were favorable? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The government organized an awareness-raising week, but only triggered panic buying, beach closures, and other overreactions and complaints. Why do you think some people react with panic buying or overreactions instead of just being prepared? How do you think governments or officials can share important information in a way that encourages calm preparedness instead of fear or complaints? Discuss.
- The agency head sympathized with people’s “sense of unease” about something invisible, like an earthquake. What are some things that people naturally fear because they are invisible or unpredictable? How do you personally deal with feelings of worry or unease about things you cannot control? Discuss.