英検２級(TOEFL iBT 45～50, CEFR B1～B2, TOEIC 650～750点程度のレベル)の長文読解問題です。
A Pathway to Wellness
Gardening is more than just a hobby; it offers a variety of health benefits, both physical and mental. For one, the physical activity involved in gardening, such as digging, planting, and watering, can serve as a form of exercise. Research shows that this moderate-intensity physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity. Additionally, being surrounded by nature and engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress levels and promote mental well-being. It allows individuals to connect with nature, which has been proven to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Another advantage of gardening is its positive impact on nutrition. People who grow their own vegetables and fruits are more likely to consume fresh and nutritious food. This not only promotes a healthier diet but also helps individuals understand the importance of eating seasonal produce. Gardening can also be a great educational experience, especially for children, as they learn about where their food comes from and how to grow it. By cultivating their own plants, people can gain a deeper appreciation for natural food sources.
Gardening is also known to enhance mental health by providing a sense of accomplishment. When people see their plants grow and thrive, they feel proud of their efforts. This feeling of achievement can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Furthermore, spending time outdoors in a garden can increase levels of vitamin D from sunlight exposure, which is known to improve mood and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, gardening not only gives people a rewarding experience but also supports overall health.
Social interaction is another benefit of gardening, especially in community gardens. These shared spaces allow people to meet others who have similar interests, fostering a sense of belonging. It can also be a great way for people of different generations to interact and share gardening tips, building a supportive community. This social connection helps reduce feelings of loneliness, which is essential for mental health. Community gardening projects can even bring about positive changes in neighborhoods by creating green spaces and improving the environment.
Gardening also promotes environmental awareness. By growing plants, people become more aware of how ecosystems work and the importance of biodiversity. Gardeners often learn about the different insects and animals that play a role in maintaining plant health, such as bees, butterflies, and worms. This knowledge helps people make environmentally-friendly choices, like avoiding harmful pesticides. In turn, gardening contributes to the overall health of the environment and encourages people to protect nature.
Lastly, gardening is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Even small-scale gardening on balconies or windowsills can provide many of the same benefits. This inclusivity makes gardening an ideal activity for those who may have limited mobility or space. It is an activity that can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences, making it a sustainable and enjoyable hobby for anyone interested in improving their health and well-being.
Question 1:
What is one physical benefit of gardening mentioned in the first paragraph?
A) It helps people sleep better.
B) It reduces the risk of heart disease.
C) It encourages people to eat healthier food.
D) It improves people's memory skills.
Question 2:
According to the second paragraph, what is an educational benefit of gardening?
A) It teaches people how to cook meals.
B) It shows the importance of organic farming.
C) It helps children learn where their food comes from.
D) It improves cooking skills among children.
Question 3:
What mental benefit does gardening provide, according to the third paragraph?
A) It makes people more creative.
B) It helps people focus better.
C) It boosts self-esteem.
D) It increases memory capacity.
Question 4:
What is one social benefit of community gardens mentioned in the fourth paragraph?
A) They help people find new jobs.
B) They offer cooking classes.
C) They reduce feelings of loneliness.
D) They increase the value of properties.
Question 5:
What is one way gardening promotes environmental awareness, as stated in the fifth paragraph?
A) It teaches people how to use chemicals efficiently.
B) It shows how to reduce water consumption.
C) It helps people understand the role of insects in ecosystems.
D) It encourages people to keep pets.
Question 6:
What makes gardening an accessible activity for people, as explained in the sixth paragraph?
A) It requires a lot of space and equipment.
B) It is only suitable for young people.
C) It can be done on a small scale, like on balconies.
D) It demands high physical fitness.
解答
1 = B
2 = C
3 = C
4 = C
5 = C
6 = C
単語・表現リスト
-chronic diseases = 慢性疾患
-reduce = 減らす
-heart disease = 心疾患、心臓病
-obesity = 肥満
-engage in OO = OOに携わる、OOに従事する
-mental well-being = 精神的健康
-individual = 個人
-connect with nature = 自然とつながる
-anxiety = 不安
-nutrition = 栄養
-consume = 消費する
-diet = 食事
-seasonal produce = 季節の農産物
-educational experience = 教育的経験
-cultivate = 栽培する
-appreciation = 感謝
-food sources = 食品供給源
enhance = 高める
sense of accomplishment = 達成感
thrive = 成長する
boost = 向上させる
self-esteem = 自尊心
purpose = 目的
furthermore = 加えて、さらに、その上、その上さらに
sunlight exposure = 日光浴
strengthen = 強化する
immune system = 免疫システム
rewarding experience = 有意義な体験
-social interaction = 社会的交流
-community gardens = 共同菜園
-foster = 促進する
-sense of belonging = 所属感
-supportive = 支援的な
-loneliness = 孤独
-green spaces = 緑地
-value of properties = 不動産の値段、資産価値
-environmental awareness = 環境意識
-ecosystems = 生態系
-biodiversity = 生物多様性
-maintain = 維持する
-environmentally-friendly = 環境に優しい
-pesticides = 農薬
-accessible = 手に入りやすい
-small-scale = 小規模の
-balconies = バルコニー
-windowsills = 窓辺
-inclusivity = 包容力、受け入れる姿勢、包括性
-limited mobility = 制限された可動性
-sustainable = 持続可能な
慣用句と文法表現
1. more than just a hobby = 単なる趣味ではなく...
For many, learning English is not just a hobby; it's a part of their life.
(多くの人にとって英語学習とは単なる趣味ではなく、生活の一部です。)
Online shopping has become more than just a hobby for me; it's an addiction.
(私にとってオンラインショッピングは単なる趣味ではなく、依存症です。)
2. engage in = ...に従事する
She engages in secret missions.
(彼女は秘密のミッションに従事しています。)
Many police officers engage in activities that we cannot discuss here.
(多くの警察官がここでは話すことのできない活動に従事しています。)
3. OO have been proven to = ...が証明されている
Regular exercise has been proven to make you feel exhausted at the end of the day.
(定期的な運動は１日の終わりにあなたをへとへとにさせるということが証明されています。)
Vigorously shaking your head has been proven to enhance mental clarity.
(頭を激しく振ることは精神的な明瞭さを高るということが証明されています。)
4. is known to = ...で知られている
This region is known to produce the finest Gokabou in the country.
(この地域は国内で最も優れた五家宝を生産することで知られています。)
Natto is known to smell like stinky socks.
(納豆は臭い靴下の匂いがすることで知られています。)
5. to foster = を育む
This school aims to foster a love of learning English.
(この学校は英語学習への愛情を育むことを目指しています。)
We need to foster an environment where we can pay less in taxes.
(支払う税金の額がもっと少なくて良い環境を育む必要があります。)
6. bring about = ...をもたらす
Technological advances have brought about significant changes in the way we communicate.
(技術進歩は私たちのコミュニケーションの取り方に大きな変化をもたらしています。)
Effective leadership can bring about a positive atmosphere within an organization.
(効果的なリーダーシップは組織内でのポジティブな雰囲気をもたらすことができます。
7. contributes to = ...に貢献する
Your hard work contributes to my promotion.
(君の熱心な働きが私の昇進に貢献している。)
Our teamwork contributes to my higher salary.
(我々のチームワークが私の給料により良い結果をもたらす。)
8. accessible to people of all ages = 全ての年齢の人々にアクセス可能である
This prison is designed to be accessible to people of all ages.
(この刑務所は全ての年齢の人々にアクセス可能なように設計されています。)
Online chat makes dating accessible to all prisoners.
(チャットは、全ての囚人に出会いの機会を提供します。)
9. A suit 人=(人)に適している
This menial job suits your skills.
(この取るにくだらない仕事は君のスキルにあっているよ。)
These shabby shoes suit your style well.
(このボロボロの靴は君のスタイルにぴったり合っているよ。)
10. A play a role in OOing" = OOする上で役割を果たす、OOすることにおいて重要な役割を担う
War movies play an important role in shaping our accurate historical knowledge.
(戦争映画は、私たちの歴史に関する正しい知識を形成する上で重要な役割を果たしている。)
Social media plays a big role in building true friendships.
(SNSは真の友情を築く上で大きな役割を果たしている。)
あいさつ：
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私は italki というオンライン語学学習プラットフォームで、プロ認定講師として日本語と英語を教えています。これまでレッスン中に出てきた単語や表現、教材のまとめなどを生徒さんに直接お送りしていましたが、「他の方の学習にも役立てるのでは」と思い、このブログで一部を公開しています。皆さまの学習のヒントになれば嬉しいです。
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