2020-2021学年度第 17 期总第816期

Addressing issue of aging nations (P2)

北京中学  李萍

Lead-in
AI has become an essential part of our life; can you list how you use AI in your life?
Have you ever heard of AI being used in matchmaking?

Predict
How do you understand the title?
What do you think the text will mainly talk about?

Read for gist
Read the text and: 
check whether your predictions are right;
write a short summary of the main idea.

The text mainly introduces why Japan uses AI matchmaking services, how the aging population is affecting Japan and the world, and what measures are being taken to address the problem.
 

Read for structure
Read the text and draw a mind map to show how it is organized.
 
  

Read for detailed information
Read the text again and finish the table according to the structure below.

Read for detailed information
 

Think and share
1. What writing methods does the writer use in this text? Why?

2. Apart from those mentioned in the text, what other problems may an aging population cause?

3. Do you think the use of AI matchmaking services will address the issue of an aging population? Why or why not?

4. Can you come up with more suggestions on how to address the issue of an aging population?

Think and share
1. What writing methods does the writer use in this text? Why?
     Using data, examples and quotes.

2. Apart from those mentioned in the text, what other problems may an aging population cause?
   It may also lead to an increased cost of the senior citizens' mental care, which will cause economic and ethical issues.

Think and share
3. Do you think the use of AI matchmaking services will address the issue of an aging population? Why or why not?
Honestly speaking, I don’t think so. Definitely, these services will improve the possibility of helping young singles find their dream partners. However, there are some other factors that decide whether they can get married or not. Furthermore, due to the heavy life burden, some young couples still choose not to have babies. Thus, I don't think the use of these services will solve the problem.

4. Can you come up with more suggestions on how to address the issue of an aging population?
  Boosting the economy and reforming the healthcare system, etc.

Creative writing
Suppose you are the president of your school’s student union. Your city is asking for proposals to address the issue of the aging population. Please write a letter to the city office, including the following content:

 1. A brief introduction of the aging population in your city;
 2. how the aging population has affected or can affect your city;
 3. what suggestions you want to put forward.

Language study
1. Boosting the use of AI tech is one of its latest efforts.
     boost: (1) If one thing boosts another, it causes it to increase, improve or be more successful.  使增长；推动；改进；使兴旺 
e.g. They want the government to take action to boost the economy...  
     The move is designed to boost sales during the peak booking months of January and February. 

    (2) If something boosts your confidence or morale, it improves it.
e.g. to boost sb's confidence/morale

Getting that job did a lot to boost his confidence (= made him feel more confident).

Language study
2. Roughly two working adults will need to support one senior citizen.
roughly: (1) approximately, but not exactly 大约；大致；差不多

e.g. We live roughly halfway between here and the coast.
Roughly speaking, we receive about 50 letters a week on the subject. 

(2) using force or not being careful and gentle 粗暴地；粗鲁地
e.g. He pushed her roughly out of the way.

(3) in a way that does not leave a smooth surface 粗糙地；凹凸不平地
e.g. roughly plastered walls