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。
Staple Foods Around the World and How They Are Changing
Staple foods are basic food items that people eat regularly and in large amounts. Different regions of the world rely on different staples, such as rice in Asia, wheat in Europe and North America, and maize (corn) in parts of Africa and Latin America. These foods are important because they provide most of the daily calories people need. Without access to staple foods, many people would struggle to meet their nutritional needs.
Over time, people’s diets have changed due to cultural exchange and globalization. For example, wheat-based bread is now popular in many parts of Asia, while rice dishes can be found in Europe and the Americas. This change means that many people are no longer limited to the traditional staples of their region. Instead, they enjoy a mix of foods from around the world.
However, global supply chains can affect the availability of staple foods. If one country has a poor harvest or decides to limit exports, it can impact food supplies in other countries. For example, if a major wheat-exporting country experiences a drought, bread prices may rise in many parts of the world. This shows how interconnected the food system has become.
Climate change is another factor influencing staple foods. Unusual weather patterns, such as heavy rain or extreme heat, can damage crops. In some areas, farmers are now growing different staples that can survive in new climate conditions. This shift shows how communities are adapting to a changing environment to secure their food supply.
In some developing countries, people face challenges in accessing enough staple foods. Poverty, conflict, and poor infrastructure can make it hard to grow or transport food. International aid organizations often help by providing emergency supplies or supporting local farming. Still, long-term solutions are needed to ensure food security for everyone.
In conclusion, staple foods remain a key part of daily life around the world. However, global trends, climate change, and economic conditions are all causing changes in what people eat. By understanding these changes, we can better prepare for future food challenges and help ensure that everyone has enough to eat.
Question 1:
According to the passage, why are staple foods important?
A) They are easy to grow anywhere.
B) They provide most of the daily calories for people.
C) They are expensive and luxurious.
D) They are only eaten during special holidays.
Question 2:
What is one effect of globalization on staple foods?
A) People have stopped eating traditional foods.
B) All countries now eat the same foods.
C) People have access to a wider variety of staple foods.
D) Foods are no longer important in culture.
Question 3:
What does the passage say about the global food supply system?
A) Local farming is more important than ever.
B) One country’s problems can affect other countries.
C) All countries grow their own staple foods.
D) Global trade is no longer necessary for food.
Question 4:
How are farmers responding to climate change?
A) They are changing the staples they grow.
B) They are growing the same crops as before.
C) They are stopping all farming activities.
D) They are moving to other countries.
Question 5:
What is one difficulty mentioned in developing countries?
A) There is too much food being produced.
B) People do not like eating staple foods.
C) All food is imported from other continents.
D) Infrastructure problems make food access difficult.
Question 6:
What is the main message of the final paragraph?
A) People should eat less food to protect the environment.
B) The world’s food challenges can be solved easily.
C) We must understand food changes to prepare for the future.
D) Staple foods will never change in any country.
解答
1 = B
📝 解説: 本文の第一段落に「These foods... provide most of the daily calories people need」とあり、Bが正解。A、C、Dは本文の内容と一致しない。
2 = C
📝 解説: 第二段落目の「they enjoy a mix of foods from around the world」という記述がCの内容に当たる。A、B、Dは本文に書かれていないか、逆の内容。
3 = B
📝 解説: 第二段落目の「it can impact food supplies in other countries」という部分がBの内容を示している。A、C、Dはいずれも本文の趣旨と異なる。
4 = A
📝 解説: 本文第四段落目に「farmers are now growing different staples...」とあるため、Aが正解。B、C、Dはいずれも本文と一致しない。
5 = D
📝 解説: 第五段落目の「poor infrastructure can make it hard to...」という記述がDの根拠。A、B、Cは本文の内容と一致しない。
6 = C
📝 解説: 本文第六段落目の「By understanding these changes, we can better prepare...」という記述がCを裏付けている。A、B、Dは極端または事実と異なる。
単語・表現リスト
staple food = 主食
basic food item = 基本的な食料品
rely on = ～に依存する
wheat = 小麦
maize = トウモロコシ
provide = 提供する
nutritional needs = 栄養的必要
luxurious = 豪華な
diet = 食生活
cultural exchange = 文化交流
globalization = グローバル化
wheat-based = 小麦を原料とした
supply chain = 供給網
availability = 利用可能性
harvest = 収穫
drought = 干ばつ
interconnected = 相互につながった
climate change = 気候変動
unusual weather = 異常気象
crop = 作物
survive = 生き残る
adapt = 適応する
secure = 確保する
developing country = 発展途上国
poverty = 貧困
conflict = 紛争
infrastructure = インフラ（道路・交通など）
food security = 食料安全保障
trend = 傾向
economic condition = 経済状況
prepare for = ～に備える
ensure = 確実にする
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