F2F Class Notes (Raph)[R]

Vocabulary

Loneliness (n): 1-  the state of being lonely.
E.g.: Loneliness was one of the causes of his depression.

Isolation (n): 1- the condition of being alone, especially when this makes you feel unhappy. 2- the fact that something is separate and not connected to other things.
E.g.: The prisoner had been kept in isolation for three days.
E.g.: ​I can’t think about it in isolation (= separately) – I need some examples of the problem.

Occur (v): 1- to happen.
E.g.: An accident involving over ten vehicles has occurred on the elevated road last night.

Vehicle (n): 1- a machine, usually with wheels and an engine, used for transporting people or goods on land, especially on roads.
E.g.: A truck driver died last night when his vehicle overturned.
E.g.: Road vehicles include cars, buses, and trucks.

Premature (adj): 1- happening or done too soon, especially before the natural or suitable time:
E.g.: Her baby had a premature birth.
E.g.: Their criticisms seem premature considering that the results aren’t yet known.

Obesity (n): 1- the fact of being extremely fat, in a way that is dangerous for health. (adj: Obese)
The National Institute of Health is discussing ways of tackling the problem of childhood obesity.
A diet that is high in fat and sugar can lead to obesity.
Being obese is a great danger for health.

Epidemic (n): 1- the appearance of a particular disease in a large number of people at the same time. 2- a particular problem that seriously affects many people at the same time.
E.g.:There’s a flu (流感) epidemic happening in Shanghai.
E.g.: The crime epidemic is worrying the government.

Pension (n): 1- 养老金

Financial (adj): 1- 金融

Loneliness is Becoming a Big Danger to Health
(Source: breakingnewsenglish.com/1708/170808-loneliness.html)

New research suggests that loneliness and social isolation may increase the risk of dying early by 50 per cent. The research is from Brigham Young University in the USA. Researchers tried to find out how loneliness affected the risk of early death. They said loneliness can occur even if people are surrounded by family and friends. Researchers also looked at the dangers to health of social isolation. This is when people have little or no contact with others. The research showed that the risk of premature death was 50 per cent lower for adults who mixed with friends and family. Researchers found that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone were all associated with an increased risk of early death.

The researchers added that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone could be more dangerous than obesity. Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad said the results of her research are worrying because the population is aging. She said: “Many nations around the world now suggest we are facing a ‘loneliness epidemic’. The challenge we face now is what can be done about it.” She suggested that one way to help with this problem is to teach social skills to children in schools. She also said doctors should talk more about loneliness to their patients. In addition, she said people should prepare for their old age social life like they take out pensions to prepare for their financial future.

Grammar

People can’t communication with somebody. – People who can’t communicate with others.

Pronunciation

Elbow: /ˈel.boʊ/

Loneliness:  /ˈloʊn.li.nəs/

Suggest: /səˈdʒest/

Isolation: /ˌaɪ.səlˈeɪ.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/

Vehicle: /ˈviː.ə.kəl/

Premature: /ˌpriː.məˈtʃʊr/

Obesity: /oʊˈbiː.sə.t̬i/

Epidemic: /ˌep.əˈdem.ɪk/