Day 9｜パラフレーズ（言い換え）を見抜く
【メイン課題】
以下の英文を 3分〜4分以内 に読みましょう。
英文：
Childhood obesity has become a major public health concern in many developed nations. In the United States, nearly one in five children between the ages of six and nineteen is considered obese. Japan has also seen a gradual increase in the number of overweight children, although the rates remain lower than in Western countries. The primary causes of childhood obesity include unhealthy eating habits, a lack of physical activity, and increased screen time.
The consequences of obesity in childhood extend far beyond physical health. Overweight children are at greater risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life. They may also face psychological challenges, including low self-confidence, social isolation, and bullying from peers. Research indicates that children who are obese are more likely to remain overweight as adults, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Schools can play a vital role in addressing this issue by promoting healthier lifestyles. Physical education classes should be made a priority rather than being cut to make room for more academic subjects. School cafeterias can offer nutritious meals that include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sugary drinks and processed foods. Educational programs that teach children about nutrition and the importance of regular exercise can help establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Parents also have a responsibility to create a healthy home environment. Preparing home-cooked meals instead of relying on fast food, encouraging outdoor play, and setting limits on screen time are practical steps that can make a significant difference. By working together, families, schools, and communities can help reverse the trend of rising childhood obesity and give children a healthier future.
設問：
（1）以下の選択肢は本文の内容を言い換えたものである。本文の内容と一致するものを全て選びなさい。
a. アメリカでは6〜19歳の子供の約20%が肥満とされている
b. 肥満の子供は大人になっても太り続ける可能性が高い
c. 学校は体育の授業を削減して学力向上に集中すべきだ
d. 家庭でファストフードではなく手作りの食事を提供することが推奨されている
（2）第3段落と第4段落の関係を説明しなさい。
（3）文章全体の主張を日本語1文でまとめなさい。
模範解答を見る ▼
【模範解答】
各段落の要点：
– 第1段落：子供の肥満が先進国で深刻な問題になっている。
– 第2段落：子供の肥満は身体的・心理的に長期的な悪影響を及ぼす。
– 第3段落：学校が果たすべき役割（体育・給食・教育プログラム）。
– 第4段落：家庭が果たすべき役割（食事・運動・スクリーン制限）。
設問の解答：
（1）正解：a、b、d
– a：本文 “nearly one in five”（5人に1人≒20%）→ 「約20%」は正しい言い換え → 正解
– b：本文 “children who are obese are more likely to remain overweight as adults” の言い換え → 正解
– c：本文は “Physical education classes should be made a priority rather than being cut” → 削減すべきでないと主張 → 不正解
– d：本文 “Preparing home-cooked meals instead of relying on fast food” の言い換え → 正解
（2）第3段落は「学校ができること」、第4段落は「親ができること」を述べている。つまり、子供の肥満対策を「学校」と「家庭」の2つの側面から提案する並列関係にある。
（3）子供の肥満は深刻な健康問題であり、学校と家庭が協力して健康的なライフスタイルを促進することが必要である。
ポイント（速読のコツ⑨）：
– 内容一致問題では パラフレーズ（言い換え） が頻出する。”nearly one in five” が選択肢では「約20%」になるように、表現が変わっても意味が同じかどうかを判断する力が必要。本文の表現と選択肢を照合するとき、「同じことを別の言い方で言っているか？」と考えよう。
【練習問題】以下の英文を3分〜4分以内に読み、設問に答えなさい。
英文：
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are playing an increasingly important role in the global effort to combat climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide when burned, renewable sources produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The cost of solar panels has dropped by nearly 90 percent over the past decade, making solar energy competitive with traditional power sources in many regions.
Wind energy has also experienced remarkable growth. Offshore wind farms, built in oceans and seas, can generate large amounts of electricity because winds over water tend to be stronger and more consistent than those over land. Denmark, a pioneer in wind energy, now generates approximately 50 percent of its electricity from wind turbines. Other European countries, as well as China and the United States, are rapidly expanding their wind energy capacity.
Despite these advances, the transition to renewable energy faces significant obstacles. Solar and wind power are intermittent, meaning they depend on weather conditions and cannot produce electricity around the clock. Energy storage technologies, particularly large-scale batteries, are still expensive and need further development. Additionally, building new renewable energy infrastructure requires substantial investment, and some communities oppose the construction of wind farms and solar installations near their homes.
設問：
（1）以下の各文が本文の内容と一致するかどうか判断しなさい。
a. 再生可能エネルギーは運用中に温室効果ガスをほとんど排出しない
b. 太陽光パネルの価格はこの10年で約9割下落した
c. デンマークは電力の約80%を風力で賄っている
d. 太陽光と風力は天候に左右されるという課題がある
練習問題の解答を見る ▼
【練習問題 解答】
設問の解答：
（1）
– a：一致する。本文 “produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation” → 正しい
– b：一致する。本文 “dropped by nearly 90 percent over the past decade” → 正しい
– c：一致しない。本文は “approximately 50 percent”（約50%）→ 80%ではない
– d：一致する。本文 “intermittent, meaning they depend on weather conditions” → 正しい