英検対策講座【2級】大問2: 長文の語句空所補充問題

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大問2　長文の語句空所補充問題

 

「大問2　長文の語句空所補充問題」について学習します。

問題を解いたら、次ページの解答・解説を読み、きちんと理解するようにしましょう。

 

 

 

Questions ～問題～

 

次の英文を読み、その文意にそって(1)から(3)までの（　　　）に入れるのに最も適切なものを1, 2, 3, 4の中から一つ選びなさい。

[英検 2020年度 第3回検定問題より]

 

 

Cycles of Change

 

　The bicycle is an efficient means of transportation. It was invented in the 19th century, and since then, it has been improved many times. Recently, electric bicycles, or “e-bikes,” have become widely used. Unlike a regular bicycle, an ebike has a motor, which allows the rider to go up hills more easily. Some cycling fans think that it is “cheating” to use a bike with a motor. Nevertheless, e-bikes are quickly (　1　). In fact, ebike sales in the United States were eight times greater in 2018 than in 2014 according to one survey.

　Researchers say this is good news. They claim that e-bikes may have a positive effect on people's health and the environment. One major advantage of e-bikes is that older people and those who do not exercise regularly can cycle. This makes it easier for them to commute to work by bike, which is better for the environment than traveling by car. (　2　), e-bikes allow more people to cycle as a hobby. People who could not ride along rough roads or up mountains, for example, can now do so.

　Some cycling experts, however, point out problems with the increased use of e-bikes. For one, riders of e-bikes are more likely to be involved in accidents. In response, some people want speed limits to be lowered and other measures to increase safety, such as bike paths. Most importantly, experts say riders of both e-bikes and regular bikes should be careful. It does not matter if a bike has a motor or not. The important thing is to enjoy cycling (　3　).

 

 

（1）

 

1. reducing electricity use
2. causing new problems
3. growing in popularity
4. improving the environment

 

 

（2）

 

1. What is more
2. Therefore
3. By contrast
4. Despite this

 

 

（3）

 

1. during the warm months
2. together with friends
3. in order to keep fit
4. while staying safe

 

 

学習アドバイス

 

対策として、まずヒントとなる接続表現（文と文、段落と段落をつなぎ、前後関係を示す言葉）を覚えましょう。順序(First of all)、対比 (on the other hand)、具体化 (for example)、理由 (because)、結果 (as a result)、列挙 (in addition)、順接 (therefore)、逆接 (however)、言い換え (in other words) など、英文の流れを明確にするヒントとなる表現を覚えておくと、効率的にしかも正確に解くことができます。

 

また、長文の語句空所補充問題はたいてい空所の前後にヒントがありますが、2級レベルになると、直前直後の文ではなく空所のある段落全体、もしくは英文全体にヒントがあることもあります。空所の前後だけではなく、問題文のはじめから正確に内容を捉えながら読んだ方が正解につながります。一度解いた過去問題集の英文を、内容を理解できるペースで読み切る練習をしましょう。声を出して何度も読むことをお勧めします。

 

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