B2 – Upper Intermediate
Every year, many people in Nagoya are injured on escalators—often because of walking or rushing. Despite the presence of signs and announcements, many commuters still move while riding, creating safety risks in crowded stations. To tackle this, the city introduced a new approach: the “Stop and Stand Squad.”
Let’s read the article and know more about this initiative.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to follow suit” mean? “Nagoya then followed suit two years later. Though it is non-binding and there are no penalties for defying the rules, the ordinance in Nagoya appears to have had a significant impact on how people ride escalators.” Use it in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of the phrase “to be met with“? “The initiative has been met with a mixed reaction on social media. “Let’s do it in Tokyo too,” posted one X user.” Use it in your own sentence.
- Define “nuisance“. “Disagreeing, a fellow X user described Nagoya’s standstill teams as “nothing but a nuisance,” adding, “Just like on the highway, the left side is for people who are not in a hurry and the right side is for people who are.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you feel about Nagoya’s initiative to promote escalator safety with the Standstill team?
- Why does standing on an escalator sometimes make the flow of people faster?
- On escalators, do you ride passively or hustle your way up? Why?
- Are people in your city more likely to stay put or keep moving on escalators?
- What factors usually make your commute feel rushed or relaxed?