Japan Wants 10,000 Self-Driving Vehicles by 2030
5
Intermediate
Vocabulary
Repeat each word, definition, and example sentence after your tutor.
backupNounˈbækʌp
a person or thing that can be used if necessary
We need a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
shortageNounˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ
a state in which there is not enough of something
California is facing a serious water shortage because of climate change.
targetNounˈtɑːrgɪt
a goal or result that efforts are directed towards
Japan has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2050.
progressNounˈprɑːgrɛs
the process of developing, improving, etc.
We've made significant progress on the project over the last few days.
produceVerbprəˈduːs
to make or manufacture something
The factory produces engines for the aviation industry.
boostNounbuːst
something that helps increase or improve something; an increase or improvement
The expansion of the airport brought a much needed boost to the local economy.
Article
Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.Japan Wants 10,000 Self-Driving Vehicles by 2030Japan wants to have 10,000 self-driving buses, taxis and trucks on its roads by 2030.
That's according to a new government plan.
The plan is for these vehicles to be able to drive without any human at the wheel, even as a backup.
Japan has a shortage of workers, especially outside its larger towns and cities. This means there aren't always enough people to drive buses, taxis and trucks. Self-driving vehicles could help with this.
This is the first time the country has set a target for the number of self-driving vehicles it wants on the road.
It said that progress may be slow until 2027. But between 2027 and 2030 it wants to see big changes.
Smaller towns may be given extra help by the government to make sure they have enough buses in their area.
The government also hopes this plan will help encourage the country's vehicle makers to create more self-driving cars.
Japan has been one of the world's top vehicle makers for a long time, but China has been working fast to produce a large number of electric and self-driving vehicles.
It would be a big boost for Japan if many of these new vehicles could be made in the country and not brought in from other places.
Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.- Why does Japan want self-driving vehicles? A. To make the roads safer B. Because of the shortage of workers
- To make the roads safer
- Because of the shortage of workers
- When does Japan want to see major progress on self-driving vehicles? A. Between 2027 and 2030 B. Between 2030 and 2035
- Between 2027 and 2030
- Between 2030 and 2035
- What does the Japanese government hope the plan will encourage? A. Japanese vehicle makers to create more self-driving cars B. Foreign car companies to open more factories in Japan
- Japanese vehicle makers to create more self-driving cars
- Foreign car companies to open more factories in Japan
Further Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.- What are your thoughts on Japan's self-driving vehicle plan?
- Would you feel comfortable riding in a self-driving vehicle?
- What do you imagine are the hardest things about working as a driver?
- When do you think self-driving cars will be commonplace?
- Would you like to own a self-driving car someday?