©AP Photo/Federica Narancio, File
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- salient /SEY-lee-uhnt/
[adjective] – the most noticeable or important part of something
The most salient idea in her report helped everyone understand the problem quickly. - precipitate /pri-SIP-i-teyt/
[adjective] – happening suddenly or sooner than expected
The company faced a precipitate drop in sales after the sudden announcemen - untenable /uhn-TEN-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – cannot be supported or defended; impossible to continue
The plan became untenable because the team lacked enough time and tools. - ramification /ram-uh-fi-KEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a possible result of an action, especially one that is not obvious
The new rule had a serious ramification that affected many students unexpectedly. - rectify /REK-tuh-fahy/
[verb] – to correct something or make something right
The engineer tried to rectify the error before the system stopped working.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A new analysis reported that more than 74,000 volunteers were affected after funding for 383 clinical studies ended between late February and mid-August in the United States. These projects took place at medical institutions that depended on support from the National Institutes of Health, which had been testing treatments for cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions, and several infectious diseases. The studies lost support because of policy changes that redirected resources toward other priorities. The report stated that the disruption became a salient issue because it influenced trials that aimed to provide safer medical options and generate reliable scientific evidence. Researchers emphasized that the cuts created a precipitate interruption that may limit progress in developing new treatments and understanding major illnesses.
Experts explained that the loss of funding affected volunteers in many ways and raised questions about how research centers should manage similar problems in the future. Some participants may have entered trials that never started, while others may have lost access to needed monitoring or experimental medicine. Specialists added that the situation created an untenable burden on institutions that were expected to meet strict research responsibilities without enough resources. The analysis also warned that incomplete studies may reduce public trust, which could influence participation in future trials and create long-term ramifications for national health research. A spokesperson from the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the agency aimed to rectify concerns by realigning priorities, although many scientists expressed worry that the policy changes could delay discoveries that support communities in the United States and other parts of the world.
Experts explained that the loss of funding affected volunteers in many ways and raised questions about how research centers should manage similar problems in the future. Some participants may have entered trials that never started, while others may have lost access to needed monitoring or experimental medicine. Specialists added that the situation created an untenable burden on institutions that were expected to meet strict research responsibilities without enough resources. The analysis also warned that incomplete studies may reduce public trust, which could influence participation in future trials and create long-term ramifications for national health research. A spokesperson from the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the agency aimed to rectify concerns by realigning priorities, although many scientists expressed worry that the policy changes could delay discoveries that support communities in the United States and other parts of the world.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a medical checkup or study before? If so, what part of the process felt most important to you? If not, what health check would you consider joining in the future?
- Have you ever faced a delay in receiving important services, such as health support or school programs? If so, how did the delay affect your routine? If not, what delay would be difficult for you to handle?
- Do you agree that research centers should receive stable funding to protect volunteers and ensure reliable results?
- What could happen to national health progress if many clinical studies stop before completion?
- How might unanswered research questions affect future medical decisions for communities?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- analysis
- disease
- generate
- express
- volunteer