英検1級の長文では、段落をすべて同じ重さで読むより、「この段落で最も重要な一文はどれか」を判断すると、文章の骨格が見えやすくなります。本記事では、topic sentence、supporting detail、example、conclusionの役割を分け、独自30問で練習します。
トピックセンテンスは「段落の主題」ではなく「段落が言いたいこと」
単なる話題提示と、その段落の中心的な主張は同じとは限りません。例えば「Many cities are redesigning public spaces.」は話題提示で、その後の「This shift can improve both safety and accessibility.」が段落の中心になることがあります。
4つの役割
- Topic sentence：段落の中心となる内容
- Supporting detail：主張を具体化する情報
- Example：具体例
- Concluding sentence：段落をまとめる、または次へつなぐ文
独自30問
- Many public libraries are changing their role in local communities.
- For example, some now provide digital equipment and job-search assistance.
- These changes suggest that libraries can serve functions beyond lending books.
- One city introduced the program after a rise in unemployment.
- The main challenge is ensuring that older residents can use the new services.
- Researchers have recently questioned a common assumption about urban heat.
- A study in three cities found that tree placement mattered as much as tree coverage.
- This finding may influence future cooling strategies.
- The company first expanded overseas in response to domestic competition.
- However, overseas growth later created unexpected management problems.
- As a result, the company now emphasizes regional partnerships.
- Online services are convenient, but they do not benefit every resident equally.
- People without reliable Internet access may still need physical support.
- Therefore, effective digitalization requires multiple forms of access.
- Public transportation can reduce dependence on private cars.
- A city may also reduce congestion by improving walking and cycling routes.
- These measures are most effective when they are planned together.
- The researchers repeated the experiment to test the original result.
- The second trial produced a similar pattern.
- This consistency strengthened confidence in the finding.
- Historic preservation can protect cultural identity.
- Yet maintenance costs can be substantial.
- Successful preservation therefore requires long-term financial planning.
- Universities are expanding career counseling services.
- Such services can help students understand unfamiliar industries.
- Practical work experience, however, can provide information that counseling alone cannot.
- The two approaches are therefore complementary.
- Preventive healthcare may reduce long-term costs.
- Its effectiveness depends partly on whether people participate early.
- Public education can increase awareness of available services.
選択肢に応用する
内容一致問題では、段落の中心文ではなく細部だけを言い換えた選択肢が出ることがあります。まず段落の中心を一文で言えるようにして、その後に詳細が合っているか確認してください。
英検1級では長文内容一致選択が7問あります。段落ごとの中心を取る練習は、本文全体の要旨把握と選択肢の消去の両方に役立ちます。
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」