Intermediate Reading Lesson11-20

Read the article and have a discussion based on the following questions.

記事を読んで次の質問に応えてください。

Lesson 11: Does Reading Aloud Help You Learn Better?

 Does Reading Aloud Help You Learn Better?

 Many students study hard for tests. They try to remember facts and understand difficult ideas. There are many ways to study. Some students read quietly, others read aloud. Some write notes, and others ask someone to help quiz them.

In the past, scientists found that reading aloud helps people remember words better than reading silently. But now, a group of researchers wanted to know something new: does reading aloud also help people understand better?

 To find out, they did four experiments. They gave people short reading passages. Some people read the passages aloud. Others read them silently. After reading, the participants answered questions. Some questions asked about small details. Others asked about the meaning or big ideas in the text.

The results were interesting. People who read aloud remembered more facts. However, they did not understand the texts better than people who read silently. This means that reading aloud helps with memory but not with deep understanding.

One researcher said, “Reading your shopping list out loud can help you remember it. But reading a textbook aloud may not help you understand it.”

This study shows that reading aloud is good for memorizing facts. But it is not the best way to learn complicated ideas. So, students should choose different study methods depending on their goal. If you want to remember small facts, read aloud. If you want to really understand something, try other ways like taking notes, asking questions, or talking with others.

In the end, everyone learns differently. Try different methods and see what works best for you.

Questions

1.What was the main purpose of the new research study mentioned in the article?
  a)To see if reading silently helps people fall asleep
  b) To compare memory and understanding when reading aloud vs. silently
  c)To find the best way to write notes while studying
  d) To prove that reading aloud is always better

2.According to the research, what did reading aloud help participants do?
  a) Understand complicated ideas better
  b) Answer deep questions more accurately
  c) Memorize facts more effectively
  d) Read longer texts more quickly

3.What study method is recommended for understanding big ideas?
  a) Reading aloud
  b) Reading silently only
  c) Using a dictionary
  d) Taking notes and asking questions

4. What study method works best for you when you need to remember facts?
(事実を覚えたいとき、あなたにとって一番効果的な勉強方法は何ですか？)

5. Have you ever tried reading aloud while studying? Did it help you?
(勉強中に声に出して読むことを試したことがありますか？それは役に立ちましたか)

6. Do you prefer understanding ideas deeply or just memorizing facts? Why?
(あなたは、事実を暗記するよりも内容を深く理解するほうが好きですか？なぜですか？)

7. 次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

　Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences.

a)彼女は期末試験に合格するために一生懸命勉強しました。
  She (    ) to pass the final exam.

b)彼は鍵をどこに置いたか思い出せませんでした。
  He couldn’t (    ) where he left his keys.

c)地球が太陽の周りを回っているのは事実です。
  It is a (    ) that the Earth orbits the sun.

d)もう一度勉強した後、彼女はその数学の問題をやっと理解しました。
  She finally (    ) the math problem after studying it again.

e)誰にも気づかれないように、彼は静かにドアを閉めました。
  He closed the door (    ) so nobody would hear him.

f)先生は生徒にその文を声に出して読むように頼みました。
  The teacher asked the student to read the sentence (    ).

g)彼女はいつも会議中にメモを取ります。
  She always (    ) during meetings.

h)先生は生徒に昨日の授業内容についてクイズを出しました。
  The teacher (    ) the students on yesterday’s lesson.

i)その科学者は新種の昆虫を発見しました。
  The (    ) discovered a new kind of insect.

j)今日は理科の授業で楽しい実験をしました。
  They did a fun (    ) in science class today.

k)彼女は三番目の文章の一節に答えを見つけました。
  She found the answer in the third (    ).

l)彼はその計画の詳細をすべて説明しました。
  He explained every (    ) of the plan.

m)この単語の意味はとても重要です。
  The (    ) of this word is very important.

n)彼女はコンテストの結果に満足していました。
  She was happy with the (    ) of the contest.

o)彼の記憶力はすごいです。すべての誕生日を覚えています。
  His (    ) is amazing—he remembers every birthday.

p)彼女はその物語に対する深い理解を示しました。
  She showed a (    ) of the story.

q)買い物リストに卵を追加するのを忘れました。
  We forgot to add eggs to the (    ).

r)彼は教科書の45ページを開きました。
  He opened his (    ) to page 45.

s)彼女はテストのためにすべての単語を暗記しなければなりませんでした。
  She had to (    ) all the vocabulary words for the test.

t)この科学のプロジェクトは思っていたよりも複雑です。
  This science project is more (    ) than I thought.

u)交通状況によっては正午に出発します。
  We’ll leave at noon (    ) the traffic.

Lesson 12: Should Famous People Leave Reviews Without Their Names?

 Should Famous People Leave Reviews Without Their Names?

 Some famous people want to share their opinions online. For example, when they go to a restaurant or hotel, they may have a good or bad experience. Like many people, they also want to write a review online. But to keep their privacy, they sometimes use fake names. This way, people don’t know who wrote the review.

Some people think this is okay. They say that famous people are also customers, so they have the right to talk about their experience. If something is good, they can say it. If something is bad, they can also say it. Using a fake name helps them stay safe and private.

 But others think it’s a problem. If a famous person writes a bad review, it can really hurt a small business. And if the review is anonymous, the business cannot respond directly or try to fix the problem. Some people believe that famous people should use their real names because they have a big influence.

This idea brings up a big question: Should all online reviews show the real name of the person? Or is it okay to keep reviews anonymous? Many businesses like to get comments directly from customers so they can solve the problem. But some people feel too shy or nervous to complain in person.

Experts say it’s important to be kind and fair in reviews. We should write about the experience and not attack people. This way, reviews can stay helpful and not cause harm—even if they are anonymous.

Questions

1. Why do some famous people use fake names when writing online reviews?
  a) Because they want to make fun of businesses
  b)  Because they don’t like using social media
  c) Because they want to protect their privacy
  d) Because they are not allowed to write reviews

2. Why are some people worried about anonymous reviews from famous people?
  a)Because famous people never write honest reviews
  b) Because their reviews might hurt small businesses and cannot be addressed directly
  c) Because they always give 5-star ratings
  d) Because they don’t know how to use review websites

3. What do experts say is important when writing reviews?
  a) Always use real names
  b) Be funny and sarcastic
  c) Be kind and fair, and avoid personal attacks
  d) Only write reviews when angry

4. Do you read reviews before going to a restaurant?
　(レストランに行く前にレビューを読みますか？)

5. Have you ever written an online review?
　(オンラインレビューを書いたことがありますか？)

6. Do you think it’s okay to write a review without your name?
　(名前を出さずにレビューを書くのは大丈夫だと思いますか？)

7. 次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

　Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences.

a)有名人の中には匿名でレビューを書く人もいます。
  Some celebrities write (    ) reviews.

b)彼は料理についてレビューを書きました。
  He left a (    ) about the food.

c)プライバシーを守るために偽名を使いました。
  She used a fake name for (    ).

d)ホテルでの経験はとても良かったです。
  My (    ) at the hotel was great.

e)マネージャーはお客様のフィードバックを求めました。
  The manager asked for customer (    ).

f)有名人は大きな影響力を持っています。
  Famous people have a lot of (    ).

g)批判者たちは匿名のレビューは不公平だと言います。
  (    ) say anonymous reviews are unfair.

h)支持者たちは、誰でもフィードバックをすべきだと考えています。
  (    ) think everyone should give feedback.

i)悪いレビューは小さなビジネスにダメージを与えることがあります。
  Bad reviews can (    ) small businesses.

j)匿名の投稿には説明責任がありません。
  There is no (    ) in anonymous posts.

k)この話はレビューを書くことの倫理について語っています。
  The story talks about the (    ) of writing reviews.

l)オーナーは苦情に対応したいと考えています。
  The owner wants to (    ) to the complaint.

m)レビューでは正直であることが大切です。
  It’s important to be (    ) in reviews.

n)彼女は建設的なコメントをしました。
  She gave some (    ) comments.

o)彼は予約のために偽名を使いました。
  He used a (    ) to make a reservation.

p)彼らは意見を投稿するためにレビューのプラットフォームを使いました。
  They used a review (    ) to post their opinions.

q)有名人は過度な影響を与えることがあります。
  Famous people can have a (    ) effect.

r)レビューではスタッフを狙わないでください。
  Don’t (    ) staff in your review.

s)直接その場でフィードバックをするのが良いです。
  It’s better to give (    ) feedback in person.

t)誰もが苦情を言いやすいわけではありません。
  Not everyone feels (    ) complaining.

Lesson 13:Learning a Language Through Imagination and Play

Learning a Language Through Imagination and Play

 In a quiet classroom, students are sitting around a table, but they’re not reading from textbooks. Instead, they are pretending to be knights, wizards, or travelers on a magical journey. One student says, “Let’s take the map from the dragon’s cave!” Another replies, “Wait! We should talk to the dragon first.”

This is not just a game—it’s a creative way to learn a new language. Some schools now use tabletop role-playing games to help students improve their speaking and listening skills. These games are like group storytelling. Each student has a character and helps decide what happens in the story. To play, they must use the target language to explain their actions, solve problems, and work with their classmates.

 Unlike traditional lessons, this method encourages students to talk freely. They are not afraid of making mistakes because they are focused on the story. For example, they might need to ask a magical creature for help or explain how to fix a broken bridge. These moments help them use language naturally and build confidence.

Teachers say this method helps students become more active and creative. It also teaches teamwork and communication. Many scenarios are based on real-life situations, such as giving directions or making decisions together.

The games are especially popular with students from different cultures. Every week, they come together to play, speak, and laugh. They may not realize it, but they’re learning important language skills at the same time.

Through these fun adventures, students discover that learning a new language doesn’t have to be boring. It can be exciting, imaginative, and full of surprises.

Questions

1.What are students doing in the classroom instead of reading textbooks?
  a) Watching videos about dragons
  b) Playing board games for fun
  c) Pretending to be characters in a magical story
  d) Writing essays about fairy tales

2.Why does using tabletop role-playing games help students learn a new language?
  a) Because they don’t need to study grammar
  b) Because they must speak and listen naturally while playing
  c) Because they only speak in their native language
  d) Because they don’t have to work with classmates

3.What is one reason students feel comfortable speaking during the games?
  a) They are not graded on their speaking
  b) They are focused on the story, not on making perfect sentences
  c) They are always corrected immediately by the teacher
  d) They don’t need to talk to other students

4.Have you ever played a role-playing game before?
　( ロールプレイゲームをしたことがありますか？)

5.Do you like using your imagination when learning?
　(勉強するときに想像力を使うのは好きですか？)

6.Would you enjoy pretending to be a wizard or knight in class?
　(授業で魔法使いや騎士になりきるのは楽しいと思いますか？)

7. 次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

　Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences.

a)彼らはワクワクする言語学習の冒険に出かけました。
  They went on an exciting language learning (    ).

b)このゲームは生徒が想像力を使うのを助けます。
  This game helps students use their (    ).

c)物語に奇妙な生き物が現れました。
  A strange (    ) appeared in the story.

d)生徒たちはゲーム中に新しい課題に出会います。
  Students (    ) new challenges during the game.

e)そのゲームは生徒が英語を話す練習をするのに役立ちます。
  The game helps students (    ) speaking in English.

f)各グループはゲームのために異なるシナリオを作成しました。
  Each group created a different (    ) for the game.

g)プレイヤーは難しい課題をクリアしなければなりません。
  The players must complete a difficult (    ).

h)問題を解決するために彼らははっきりと意思疎通する必要があります。
  They must (    ) clearly to solve the problem.

i)ゲームで話すことが生徒の自信を高めます。
  Speaking in the game builds students’ (    ).

j)生徒たちは任務を達成するために協力します。
  Students (    ) to finish the mission.

k)先生は生徒に新しい単語を試すように励まします。
  The teacher (    ) students to try new words.

l)ロールプレイングゲームは自然に言語能力を高めます。
  Role-playing games improve (    ) naturally.

m)この活動は生徒をより創造的にします。
  This activity makes students more (    ).

n)そのゲームには現実的な場面が含まれています。
  The game includes (    ) situations.

o)問題解決はゲームの重要な部分です。
  (    ) is an important part of the game.

Lesson 14: The Problem of Food Waste

The Problem of Food Waste

In many countries, food waste is becoming a serious problem. A report said that in 2022, about 19% of all food made in the world was wasted. This is around 1.05 billion metric tons of food. Most of this waste comes from three places: homes, restaurants, and shops. Homes are the biggest source, causing 60% of the waste. Restaurants make up 28%, and shops are responsible for 12%.

Each person wastes about 79 kilograms of food every year. That means over a billion meals are thrown away every day, while 783 million people around the world are hungry. This shows a big difference between people who waste food and people who don’t have enough.

Wasting food also hurts the environment. Making food uses a lot of water and land. It also causes pollution. Experts say food waste creates 8–10% of all greenhouse gases. If we waste less food, we can protect nature and use fewer resources.

Experts also say reducing food waste is important for sustainability. It helps save land, water, and energy. It can also help feed more people. One way to reduce waste is to give extra food from stores and restaurants to food banks. This helps people in need and stops good food from going to the trash.

Food waste is not only a problem in rich countries. Even in poorer countries, people waste food. That means it’s a global issue. Experts say everyone can help—starting at home. By wasting less, people can save money and help the planet.

Food waste affects everyone. If people, businesses, and governments work together, the world can have a better and more sustainable future.

Questions

1.According to the article, where does most of the world’s food waste come from?
  a) Farms
  b) Homes
  c) Factories
  d) Government buildings

2.What is one serious effect of food waste mentioned in the article?
  a) It causes traffic problems in cities
  b) It creates 8–10% of all greenhouse gases
  c) It makes food cheaper for everyone
  d) It helps farmers grow more food

3.What is one way to reduce food waste according to experts?
  a) Buying more food in bulk
  b) Throwing away food before it expires
  c) Giving extra food to food banks
  d) Stopping people from eating at restaurants

4. Do you often throw away leftover food? Why or why not?
　( 食べ残しをよく捨てますか？その理由は何ですか？)

5. What do you do to reduce food waste at home?
　( 家で食品ロスを減らすために何をしていますか？)

6. Have you ever donated food to others?
　(食べ物を人に寄付したことがありますか？)

7. 次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

　Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences.

a)毎年、一人あたり約79キロの食べ物を無駄にします。
  Each person (    ) about 79 kilograms of food every year.

b)2022年には、食べ物の約19％が無駄になったと報告されました。
  A (    ) said that in 2022, about 19% of all food was wasted.

c)家庭が食品ロスの最大の原因です。
  Homes are the biggest (    ) of food waste.

d)世界中で7億8300万人が飢えに苦しんでいます。
  783 million people around the world are suffering from (    ).

e)食品ロスは汚染を引き起こし、環境に悪影響を与えます。
  Food waste causes (    ) and harms the environment.

f)捨てられる代わりに、いくつかの食べ物は慈善団体に寄付されます。
  Some food is given to (    ) instead of being thrown away.

g)食べ物を作るには多くの自然資源が使われます。
  Producing food uses a lot of natural (    ).

h)お店は余った食べ物を困っている人に寄付できます。
  Stores can (    ) extra food to people in need.

i)食品ロスは世界的な問題です。
  Food waste is a (    ) problem.

j)地球を助けるために、食品ロスを減らさなければなりません。
  We must (    ) food waste to help the planet.

k)毎日10億以上の食事が無駄になっています。
  Over a billion (    ) are wasted every day.

l)小売業者は約12％の食べ物を無駄にしています。
  (    ) waste about 12% of the food.

m)レストランも大きな問題の一部です。
  (    ) are also a big part of the problem.

n)食品ロスは多くの温室効果ガスを生み出します。
  Food waste creates a lot of (    ).

o)食べ物を無駄にすると気候変動が悪化します。
  Wasting food makes (    ) worse.

p)多くの人が食べ残した食べ物を捨てます。
  Many people (    ) food they don’t finish.

q)食べ物を生産するには土地と水が必要です。
  (    ) food takes land and water.

r)食品ロスは世界の深刻な問題です。
  Food waste is a serious (    ) in the world.

s)食品ロスを減らすことは地球を守る助けになります。
  Reducing food waste helps protect the (    ).

t)持続可能な未来には、食品ロスの削減が必要です。
  A (    ) future needs less food waste.

Lesson 15: The Story of Gene-Edited Babies: Why People Are Worried

The Story of Gene-Edited Babies: Why People Are Worried

In 2018, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui surprised the world. He said he helped create the first gene-edited babies. He used a tool called CRISPR to change the DNA of two baby girls before they were born. He said he wanted to make them safe from HIV, a dangerous virus.

Many scientists were very upset. They said what He did was wrong and unsafe. They were afraid that in the future, people might change babies’ genes just to choose things like eye color or intelligence. This is called “designer babies,” and many people think it is a bad idea.

In many countries, changing genes in human babies is not allowed. In the U.S., it is illegal. In the U.K., it is only allowed for research and must follow strict rules.

Because of his actions, He Jiankui had to pay a $430,000 fine and went to prison for three years. After he left prison in 2022, he said he would not try to make more gene-edited babies. Now, he wants to study how gene editing can help cure serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. He says he will follow all the rules and use only embryos that are not going to be used for pregnancy.

In 2023, He shared new research ideas. Some people think he just wants to be famous. Others think his work might help sick people in the future.

But many questions are still not answered. Is it safe to change a baby’s genes? What might happen when the child grows up? Is it right to do this? These are big questions, and people around the world are still trying to decide what is best.

Questions

1.Why did many scientists become upset with He Jiankui’s work in 2018?
  a) Because he created twins without permission
  b) Because he used CRISPR to change baby girls’ genes
  c) Because he was trying to cure cancer
  d) Because he worked in the U.S. without a license

2.What is one of the main concerns about gene editing in babies?
  a) It costs too much money
  b) It might lead to choosing traits like eye color or intelligence
  c) It doesn’t work on any diseases
  d) It is allowed everywhere

3.What did He Jiankui say he wants to do after leaving prison?
  a) Leave science completely
  b) Create more designer babies
  c) Use gene editing to help cure serious illnesses
  d)  Move to the U.S. to avoid rules

4.Do you think gene editing is good or bad? Why?
　 (なたは遺伝子編集は良いことだと思いますか？悪いことだと思いますか？その理由は何ですか？)

5.Would you want to change genes if it could stop a disease?
　(病気を止めることができるなら、あなたは遺伝子を変えたいと思いますか？)

6.How would you feel if someone changed your DNA before you were born?
　(生まれる前に誰かがあなたのDNAを変えたとしたら、あなたはどう感じます)

7. 次の日本文に合うように空所に適語を入れましょう。

　Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to match the following Japanese sentences.

a)科学者は自然の仕組みを研究します。
  A (    ) studies how things work in nature.

b)多くの人がそのニュースに驚きました。
  Many people were (    ) by the news.

c)彼は最初の遺伝子編集された赤ちゃんを作るのを手伝いました。
  He helped (    ) the first gene-edited babies.

d)遺伝子は目の色などを決めます。
  (    ) decide things like eye color.

e)CRISPRは遺伝子を変えるために使われる道具です。
  CRISPR is a (    ) used to change genes.

f)彼は赤ちゃんが生まれる前に遺伝子を変えました。
  He (    ) the babies’ genes before birth.

g)DNAは私たちの細胞の中にある情報を運びます。
  (    ) carries information in our cells.

h)遺伝子は生まれる前に編集されました。
  The genes were edited (    ).

i)彼は赤ちゃんをウイルスから守りたかったのです。
  He wanted to protect the babies from a (    ).

j)遺伝子編集は危険だと考える人もいます。
  Some people think gene editing is (    ).

k)多くの科学者が彼の行動に動揺しました。
  Many scientists were (    ) about his work.

l)彼のしたことは間違っていると彼らは思いました。
  They believed what he did was (    ).

m)遺伝子編集は医療の未来を変えるかもしれません。
  Gene editing might change the (    ) of medicine.

n)遺伝子編集には厳しいルールがあります。
  There are strict (    ) about gene editing.

o)彼は病気を止めるために遺伝子編集を使いたいのです。
  He wants to use gene editing to stop (    ).

p)彼は健康な赤ちゃんを作る手助けをしたかったと言いました。
  He said he wanted to help make (    ) babies.

q)彼のしたことは法律に違反していました。
  What he did broke the (    ).

r)彼は3年間刑務所に入りました。
  He went to (    ) for three years.

s)遺伝子編集は医学の技術の一つです。
  Gene editing is a kind of (    ) technology.

t)彼は将来、人々が遺伝子編集を受け入れると思っています。
  He thinks people will (    ) gene editing in the future.