Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- develop / dɪˈvɛl əp / (v.) – to print photos using chemicals through a special process
Example:I’ll have my vacation photos developed tomorrow.
- endeavor / ɛnˈdɛv ər / (n.) – a serious attempt to do something
Example:My brother’s involved in many musical endeavors.
- get over (something) / gɛt ˈoʊ vər / (phrasal v.) – to stop being sad or bothered by a negative situation or problem
Example:It took my friend a long time to get over the sudden end of his relationship.
- misplace / mɪsˈpleɪs / (v.) – to put something in the wrong place and forget about it afterward
Example:I keep my keys in a special bowl by my door so I won’t misplace them.
- if only / ɪf ˈoʊn li / (idiom) – used to say that one wishes for something to be true
Example:I might have to work over the holidays next week. If only somebody would help me with my tasks!
Article
Read the text below.
Continued from Part 1…
We take so many photos in our day-to-day lives that it’s easy to forget how valuable each picture used to be. A century ago, getting a single portrait was an event. Even as recently as the 1990s, photos came at a premium, with film rolls limiting you to a couple dozen pictures that took time and money to have developed. Now, I can take 24 pictures and upload them to the web before I’ve even had breakfast.
Recently I was reminded that photos still hold a lot of value. With our first baby due in less than two months, my wife and I decided it was the right time to have maternity photos taken at a professional studio. No selfie sticks required!
As one might expect, this was not a cheap endeavor. I think my jaw dropped when the final bill was presented to us. But once I got over the price tag — and saw the quality of the images compared to the ones taken on our smartphones — I was incredibly happy we spent the money.
Of course, the first thing we did when we got home was upload the images onto the cloud to make sure they can’t be misplaced or damaged.
If only I could do the same for my snowboard! (Joel Tansey)
This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- According to the author, we take so many photos in our day-to-day lives that it’s easy to forget how valuable each picture used to be. Do you know anyone who takes photos of everything? What do you think of this practice (ex. fun, a bit strange)? Why? Discuss.
- In recent years, some younger people have started to use film cameras again. What do you think was the reason for this trend? Do you personally prefer film cameras or digital cameras? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The author and his wife had maternity photos taken at a professional studio. In your country, when is it common for people to have professional photos taken (ex. when they graduate, when they get married)? Do you enjoy having your photo taken? Why or why not? Discuss.
- The author says that his jaw dropped when the final bill for the professional photos was presented. Do you think it’s worth it to pay a lot of money for professional photos? Why or why not? Discuss.