英検1級の長文で情報量が多すぎると感じるときは、段落ごとの役割を短くまとめる練習が有効です。この記事では、各段落を10～15語程度の英語に圧縮する「1段落1文要約」を使い、長文の構造をつかむ独自24問を用意しました。
なぜ段落要約が効くのか
長文読解で毎文を日本語に直すと、文章全体の論理関係を見失いやすくなります。段落ごとに「この段落は何をしているか」を短くまとめれば、主張・理由・具体例・反対意見・結論の位置が見えます。
10〜15語でまとめる
- 主語を大きくしすぎない
- 細かな数字や固有名詞は原則削る
- 段落の中心動詞を残す
- 「because」「but」「therefore」で論理関係を示す
独自24問
- Public transport reduces congestion but requires long-term investment.
- Scientists developed a cheaper method for monitoring coastal ecosystems.
- Critics worry that the new policy may increase costs for small firms.
- The city expanded parks to improve both health and climate resilience.
- Online services save time, although some residents lack digital access.
- Researchers found that sleep affects memory consolidation.
- The museum changed its admission system after visitor numbers fell.
- Governments are using incentives to encourage energy-efficient buildings.
- Farmers adopted new irrigation methods after repeated droughts.
- The university redesigned career support after surveying graduates.
- Some experts oppose the proposal because evidence remains limited.
- The project succeeded because local residents participated in planning.
- Companies are reducing meetings to give employees more time for focused work.
- Public data can improve research but may create privacy concerns.
- Schools introduced reading programs after students showed declining interest.
- Tourism supports local income but can damage fragile environments.
- The government revised the regulation after unintended consequences emerged.
- The research team compared three approaches before choosing one.
- Libraries expanded digital collections to reach people outside major cities.
- The policy initially failed because implementation was inconsistent.
- New safety standards were introduced after several accidents.
- Urban planners are integrating cycling with public transportation.
- Some communities preserve traditional practices by adapting them to modern needs.
- The final section argues that policy design determines long-term effectiveness.
答案例
- Public transportation can reduce congestion but needs sustained investment.
- Researchers developed a lower-cost way to monitor coastal ecosystems.
- Critics fear the policy could raise costs for small businesses.
- Expanded urban parks can improve health and climate resilience.
- Online services save time but may exclude digitally disconnected residents.
- Sleep plays an important role in consolidating memory.
- The museum changed admission policies after visitor numbers declined.
- Governments use incentives to promote energy-efficient buildings.
残りの問題も、同じ手順で「主張・原因・変化・対立・結論」のいずれかを中心に10～15語へ圧縮してください。
内容一致問題へつなげる
段落要約を作ったら、その要約だけを見て本文の流れを再現します。次に選択肢を読み、「どの段落のどの情報に対応するか」を探します。これにより、選択肢の主語変更、条件削除、因果逆転などを発見しやすくなります。
復習の4段階
- 1周目：日本語で段落の役割を確認
- 2周目：英語10～15語に圧縮
- 3周目：英文だけを見て本文を説明
- 4周目：根拠段落を示して選択肢を判定
長文の練習量を増やすだけでなく、「読み終わった後に構造を説明できるか」を基準にしてください。
参考にした主な公式情報
- 公益財団法人 日本英語検定協会「1級の試験内容」
- 公益財団法人 日本英語検定協会「各級の目安」