難易度★★★「英文解体新書」p78It seems to me to require quite a low self-regard to think that, should belief in god suddenly vanish from the world we would all become callous and selfish hedonists, with no kindness, no charity, no generosity, nothing that would deserve the name of goodness.
英文読解の基礎となる、主語(S)・動詞(V)・目的語(O)・補語(C)の見分け方や、修飾語句の役割について解説しています。
特に、複雑な文構造の中でも、SVを正確に把握することが重要であることを強調しています。
例えば、「It is ~ that …」構文や「There is ~」構文といった、一見すると主語が分かりにくい構文についても、丁寧に解説しています。
The government made a new policy. It aimed to reduce traffic. It worked. (7語, 6語, 5語)
改善点: 文が短すぎて、内容が断片的になり、読みにくい。
【例2：1文あたりの語数が多い場合】
The government implemented a new policy to reduce traffic congestion, and it was very successful in achieving its goals of having fewer cars on the road and cleaner air, which made the city a much more pleasant place to live. (36語)
改善点: 文が長すぎて、情報量が多く、理解しにくい。
【例3：適切な語数で書かれた場合】
The government’s new policy, designed to reduce traffic congestion, proved to be highly effective and successful.
This resulted in fewer cars and, consequently, improved air quality and quality of life. (16 words, 15 words)
【ポイント】
1文あたりの語数を15～20語程度に収める。
接続詞 (and, but, so, becauseなど) や関係代名詞 (which, that, whoなど) を使って文と文を繋げる。
Recycling is one way to protect the environment, but it is not a perfect solution. Many recycled materials are downcycled, meaning they are turned into lower-quality products. Furthermore, the recycling process itself can be energy-intensive and produce pollution. Recently, reducing waste has been receiving a lot of attention as a more sustainable approach. By reducing consumption and reusing items, we can minimize the amount of waste that needs to be recycled or disposed of. This approach is gaining popularity as people become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices.
Smartphones offer many advantages, such as easy access to information and convenient communication. However, excessive smartphone use can have negative impacts on mental and physical health.
Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in combating climate change. For example, solar and wind power are now more affordable and accessible than ever before.
The rise of social media has had a profound impact on society. It has changed the way we communicate, consume information, and interact with the world around us.
第2段落：
Proponents of social media argue that it has democratized information and made it easier for people to connect with each other. They point to the role of social media in facilitating social movements and raising awareness of important issues.
第3段落：
However, critics argue that social media can be addictive and contribute to a decline in mental health. They also express concerns about the spread of misinformation and the erosion of privacy.
The world’s population is growing rapidly, and this is putting a strain on our ability to produce enough food for everyone. Food security is a major concern, as climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation threaten agricultural productivity.
第2段落（解決策）：
One potential solution to this problem is vertical farming. Vertical farms are multi-story buildings where crops are grown indoors under controlled conditions. This method uses less water and land than traditional agriculture, and it can be implemented in urban areas, closer to consumers.
第3段落（効果・影響）：
Vertical farming has the potential to revolutionize food production, making it more sustainable and efficient. By reducing transportation costs and food waste, vertical farms can also help to lower the environmental impact of agriculture. However, there are challenges to overcome, such as the high energy consumption of indoor growing systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work. With advances in technology, many employees are now able to perform their jobs effectively from home. This shift has led to a significant change in the traditional workplace.
第2段落（メリット）：
Remote work offers several benefits for both employees and employers. Employees can enjoy greater flexibility and work-life balance, while employers can reduce office space costs and access a wider pool of talent.
第3段落（デメリット）：
However, remote work also presents some challenges. Maintaining communication and collaboration among team members can be difficult, and some employees may struggle with isolation and loneliness.
Surveys show that young people are reading less than ever before. This trend is concerning, as reading has numerous benefits for cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional intelligence.
第2段落（原因）：
Several factors contribute to this decline in reading. The rise of social media and streaming services has created more competition for young people’s attention. Additionally, many young people find traditional books to be boring or irrelevant to their lives.
第3段落（結果）：
This decline in reading could have serious consequences. It could lead to a decline in literacy rates, critical thinking skills, and empathy. Furthermore, it could make it more difficult for young people to succeed in school and in their future careers.
Music education is essential for the holistic development of children. It not only fosters creativity and self-expression but also enhances cognitive skills and promotes social and emotional growth.
第2段落（根拠1）：
Studies have shown that learning music can improve children’s memory, attention, and language skills. Playing a musical instrument requires coordination and discipline, which can translate to other areas of life.
第3段落（根拠2）：
Furthermore, music education provides opportunities for children to collaborate and connect with others. Participating in a choir or orchestra fosters teamwork and communication skills.
In 2023, a team of scientists at Harvard University developed a new type of battery that can store twice as much energy as conventional batteries. The new battery is made from a combination of lithium and graphene, and it is expected to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.
In recent years, researchers have developed a new type of battery that can store twice as much energy as traditional batteries. This new battery, made from advanced materials, is expected to transform the industry.
In a recent survey, the majority of employees expressed satisfaction with their job, while a minority were dissatisfied, and a portion remained neutral.
このように、具体的な数値を言葉で表現することで、情報を簡潔に伝えることができます。
練習問題
以下の文を、具体的な数値を言葉で表現してみましょう。
In a survey of 500 college students, 75% reported feeling stressed about their academic workload.
The company’s revenue increased by 20% last quarter, while its profits rose by only 5%.
【解答例】
1. A survey of college students revealed that a significant majority reported feeling stressed about their academic workload.
2. The company’s revenue saw a substantial increase last quarter, while its profits grew only marginally.
Because the traffic was heavy, I was late for the meeting.
Many people are choosing to work from home because the cost of commuting has increased.
The concert was canceled because the lead singer got sick.
【解答例】
1. Due to the heavy traffic, I was late for the meeting. / Because of the heavy traffic, I was late for the meeting.
2. Many people are choosing to work from home due to the increased cost of commuting. / Many people are choosing to work from home because of the increased cost of commuting.
3. The concert was canceled due to the lead singer’s illness. / The concert was canceled because of the lead singer’s illness.
The use of smartphones has increased rapidly, and this is causing concern among educators.
The government invested heavily in renewable energy, and this resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Scientists conducted a thorough investigation, which led to a new discovery in the field of medicine.
The number of people working from home has risen dramatically, and this is changing the way companies operate.
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【解答例】
1. The rapid increase in smartphone use is causing concern among educators. → The rapid increase in smartphone use has led to concern among educators.
2. Due to heavy government investment in renewable energy, there was a significant reduction in carbon emissions. → Heavy government investment in renewable energy has resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
3. A thorough investigation by scientists led to a new discovery in the field of medicine.
4. The dramatic rise in the number of people working from home is bringing about changes in how companies operate.
