英検1級の英文要約では、重要情報を選ぶ力に加えて、必要な内容を限られた語数へ収める編集力が必要です。短すぎる答案は情報不足、長すぎる答案は冗長になりやすいため、「削る」「足す」の優先順位を決めて調整します。
語数調整の基本
- 長すぎる：具体例→固有名詞→重複表現の順で削る
- 短すぎる：中心主張→主要理由→重要な対立・結果の順で足す
- 最後に：主語・動詞・因果関係が自然か確認
独自24問
- Researchers found that regular exercise improves concentration, especially among adults who work long hours in offices.
- Governments are moving services online because digital applications can reduce waiting times and administrative costs for residents.
- Tourism supports local economies, but excessive visitor numbers can damage infrastructure and place pressure on residents.
- Companies are adopting flexible work arrangements because they can improve employee satisfaction and reduce commuting burdens.
- Public libraries are expanding digital collections so that residents who live far away can access educational resources.
- Urban green spaces can reduce heat, provide recreational opportunities, and improve the quality of life for nearby residents.
- Some critics oppose remote work because they believe it can weaken communication, although companies can address this problem through regular meetings.
- The city introduced congestion pricing to reduce traffic, but the policy was later adjusted after concerns about fairness emerged.
- Universities are expanding internships because practical experience can help students connect academic knowledge with future careers.
- Governments support preventive healthcare because early treatment can reduce serious illness and long-term medical costs.
- Public data can support scientific research, but access must be balanced with protection of personal information.
- Historic preservation can protect cultural identity, although maintaining old buildings may require substantial funding.
- Schools are introducing financial education to help students make informed decisions about saving, borrowing, and spending.
- Companies are reducing unnecessary meetings so employees can spend more time on focused work and complex tasks.
- Digital public services can improve convenience, but people without reliable Internet access may still need physical support.
- Tourist restrictions can protect fragile environments, but local economies may suffer if visitor numbers fall too sharply.
- Renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported fuels, although large infrastructure projects require careful planning.
- Project-based learning can develop communication and problem-solving skills, but it may require teachers to redesign assessment methods.
- Cycling infrastructure can reduce car use in some cities, especially when safe routes connect major residential and commercial areas.
- Career counseling can help university students understand employment options, but practical work experience can provide different benefits.
- Online education offers flexibility, but its effectiveness may depend on students’ self-management and access to reliable technology.
- Museums can reach wider audiences through digital exhibitions, while physical spaces can provide experiences that online access cannot fully reproduce.
- Disaster preparedness can reduce damage, but communities must also maintain effective response systems for unexpected events.
- Consumer protection can reduce unfair practices, although excessive regulation may increase compliance costs for small businesses.
長すぎる答案の削り方
まず具体例を削り、次に同じ意味を繰り返す表現を一つにまとめます。「because it is useful and beneficial」なら一方を削れます。ただし、主張を支える主要理由まで削ってはいけません。
短すぎる答案の足し方
最初に中心主張を明確にし、次に主要理由を一つ追加します。それでも足りなければ、重要な反対意見または結果を追加します。固有名詞や細かい数字を足して語数だけ増やすのは避けます。
模範3題
- Governments are moving public services online to reduce costs and waiting times, but physical support remains necessary for people who lack reliable Internet access.
- Tourism can support local economies, although excessive visitor numbers may damage infrastructure and the environment. Effective management is therefore necessary.
- Flexible work arrangements can improve employee satisfaction and reduce commuting burdens, but their effectiveness depends on the nature of each job and communication systems.
最終的には、語数を合わせるために文章を無理に難しくするのではなく、重要情報の取捨選択で調整してください。
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「各級の審査基準」