Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- glitch / glɪtʃ / (n.) – an unexpected and usually minor issue or problem
Example:There are some glitches in the plan. Let’s address those before the project starts.
- erroneous / ɪˈroʊ ni əs / (adj.) – wrong
Example:Some social media posts contain erroneous news reports.
- outreach / ˈaʊtˌritʃ / (n.) – the process of giving information to someone
Example:Eric is in charge of the outreach to new members of our book club.
- admissions / ædˈmɪʃ ənz / (n.) – the process of accepting students into a school or university
Example:College admissions will start next month.
- unintended / ˌʌn ɪnˈtɛn dɪd / (adj.) – unplanned
Example:Some medicines have unintended side effects, like headache and vomiting.
Article
Read the text below.
A Massachusetts law school says it’s guilty of accidentally sending acceptance emails to thousands of former and current applicants.
The Northeastern University School of Law in a statement blamed a “technical error” for the glitch, saying the erroneous emails went to more than 200 people who applied for admission starting next fall, as well as to nearly 4,000 former applicants, some of whom are already enrolled.
“The School of Law quickly sent a clarifying email explaining the error. Individual outreach is also taking place to applicants with concerns,” the Boston school said.
Final admissions decisions will not be made until later in the academic year.
“The School of Law deeply regrets this unintended mistake and is taking steps to ensure that it will not happen in the future,” the school said.
Lakisha Papoutsakis, a single mother from Northborough, Massachusetts, who received the acceptance email, told NBC10 Boston that she has dreamed of going to law school since she was a child.
She shared the good news with her loved ones before noticing the follow-up email.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God this is so amazing,’ and then it was like, ‘Oh no, sorry, April Fool’s Day,’” she said.
This fall’s law school class has 234 members out of 3,877 applicants, according to Northeastern’s website.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The law school deeply regrets the unintended mistake. What should the law school do to make sure that this error does not happen again in the future? Discuss.
- If you were one of those who received the erroneous acceptance letter, how would you feel? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Have you ever dreamed of becoming a lawyer? Why or why not? Discuss.
- What do you think of law as a profession in your country (ex. stressful, rewarding)? Why? Discuss.