The passage discusses the issue of…(この文章は〜の問題について述べています)
In this essay, I will discuss…(このエッセイでは、〜について論じます)
I completely agree/disagree with the statement that…(〜という意見に完全に賛成/反対します)
理由を述べる部分:
There are several reasons why I believe this.(私がこう考える理由はいくつかあります)
First and foremost,… Secondly,… Finally,…(まず第一に、…第二に、…最後に、…)
One of the main reasons is that…(主な理由の一つは…ということです)
結論部分:
In conclusion, it is clear that…(結論として、…は明らかです)
For these reasons, I strongly believe that…(これらの理由から、私は…と強く信じています)
Taking all these points into consideration, I am convinced that…(これらすべての点を考慮すると、私は…と確信しています)
テクニック2:アウトラインの作成を習慣化する
書き始める前に簡単なアウトラインを作ることで、迷いを減らし、スムーズに書き進めることができます。
効率的なアウトライン作成法
問題を読んだらすぐに自分の立場を決める
主張を支える理由を2~3点箇条書きでメモする
各理由に簡単な例や説明をつける
結論で述べることをメモする
必要な語彙や表現をメモしておく
テクニック3:時間を測って練習する
日頃から時間を意識して練習することで、本番での時間感覚が養われます。
時間測定練習のポイント
ストップウォッチを使って実際の制限時間内で練習する
最初は時間オーバーしても気にせず、徐々に速度を上げていく
各セクション(読む、メモ、書く、見直す)ごとに目標時間を設定する
完成度と速さのバランスを意識する
練習の度に、かかった時間を記録して進捗を確認する
テクニック4:書きながら語数をカウントする習慣をつける
書きながら大まかな語数を把握することで、後から大幅な修正をする手間が省けます。
語数カウントのコツ
一行あたりの平均語数を把握しておく(例:一行約10語)
5行書いたら約50語というように、目安を持つ
各段落ごとに語数の目標を設定する(例:導入部20語、本文60語、結論部20語)
語数が足りない/多い場合の対処法をあらかじめ考えておく
普段から自分の書いた文章の語数を意識する習慣をつける
テクニック5:簡潔な表現を心がける
複雑な表現よりも、シンプルで正確な表現を使うことで、書くスピードが上がり、ミスも減ります。
簡潔な表現のポイント
一つの文は20語以内を目安にする
長い関係詞節よりも、短い文を2つに分ける
難しい単語よりも、確実に使える単語を選ぶ
冗長な表現を避ける(例:「in spite of the fact that」→「although」)
必要最小限の情報で伝える工夫をする
時間切れを防ぐための対処法
時間が足りなくなりそうな場合の対処法も知っておくと安心です。
要約問題で時間が足りない場合
原文すべてを読もうとせず、最初と最後の段落、各段落の最初の文に集中する
詳細よりも大きなポイントを捉えることを優先する
語数が少なくても、主要な点をカバーすることを重視する
複雑な言い換えより、原文の重要な部分を使って簡潔にまとめる
意見文で時間が足りない場合
理由は1~2点に絞る
具体例は最小限にする
結論は短くても必ず書く
複雑な文構造を避け、シンプルな文を使う
時間がなければ見直しよりも書き終えることを優先する
本番で力を発揮するためのメンタル面のコツ
試験当日は緊張するものですが、メンタル面の準備も大切です。力を発揮するためのコツを紹介します。
メンタル面のコツ
前日の準備を万全に: 持ち物や会場の確認をして、不安要素を減らす
適度な緊張は味方: 適度な緊張は集中力を高めるので、ポジティブに捉える
「できる」という自己暗示: 「私はできる」と自分に言い聞かせる
ミスを引きずらない: ミスをしても次に進み、限られた時間を有効に使う
深呼吸でリラックス: 緊張したら深呼吸をして、心を落ち着ける
実際の試験問題で練習してみよう
以下は、英検2級の過去問を参考にした練習問題です。時間を計って解いてみましょう。
問題例(制限時間:25分)
要約問題(10分)
Read the passage and summarize it in 45-55 words.
Technology has changed the way students learn in many schools. Teachers now use computers and tablets in class, which allows for more interactive learning. Students can access information quickly and work at their own pace. However, this technology-based education has drawbacks. Some students get distracted easily and spend too much time on non-educational websites. Additionally, not all students have equal access to technology at home, which can create inequality. Despite these challenges, most educators agree that appropriate use of technology can enhance the learning experience when balanced with traditional teaching methods.
意見文(15分)
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Schools should ban smartphones completely.” Write your opinion in 80-100 words.
時間配分を意識した解答例
要約問題解答例(52語)
The passage discusses how technology has transformed education. Many schools now use computers and tablets, enabling interactive learning and allowing students to work at their own pace. However, there are challenges such as student distraction and unequal access to technology. Most educators believe technology can enhance learning when properly balanced with traditional methods.
意見文解答例(93語)
I disagree with banning smartphones completely in schools. While smartphones can be distracting, they also have educational benefits when used properly.
First, smartphones can be valuable research tools, allowing students to quickly access information. Second, many educational apps can enhance learning in subjects like languages and mathematics. Additionally, learning to use technology responsibly is an essential skill for future careers.
However, clear guidelines are necessary. Students should only use phones for educational purposes during designated times. In conclusion, instead of complete bans, schools should teach responsible smartphone use while taking advantage of their educational potential.
例文: – Our sales in Q2 were 30% higher than in Q1. – The profit margin is as good as we projected. – This was the most profitable quarter in our company’s history. – The ROI for this project is significantly better than for previous initiatives. – The more we invest in R&D, the higher our market share becomes.
市場分析・競合比較
例文: – Our product is more reliable than any competing product on the market. – The customer satisfaction rate is as high as 95%. – We offer the most comprehensive service package in the industry. – Our company has grown faster than the industry average. – The market is becoming more and more competitive every year.
提案・推奨事項
例文: – This approach would be more cost-effective than our current method. – Implementing these changes sooner rather than later is the best course of action. – Option A is less risky but more expensive than Option B. – The sooner we adopt this strategy, the better positioned we will be. – This is by far the most promising opportunity we have seen this year.
5. TOEIC問題で見る比較表現の重要性
TOEIC Part 5の穴埋め問題やPart 7の読解問題では、比較表現の理解が直接得点に結びつきます。以下に、比較表現に関する典型的なTOEIC問題例を見てみましょう。
問題例1: The new office building is _____ the old one, making it more suitable for our expanding team. (A) as large as (B) larger than (C) the largest (D) as larger as
解説: 2つのもの(新しいオフィスと古いオフィス)を比較しているので比較級が適切です。よって正解は (B) larger than です。(D) は文法的に誤りです(as の後には原級が来るため)。
問題例2: Among all the candidates interviewed, Ms. Garcia has _____ experience in the industry. (A) more (B) most (C) the most (D) much
解説: 「すべての候補者の中で」という表現があるため、最上級が適切です。よって正解は (C) the most です。最上級の前には定冠詞 the が必要です。
問題例3: _____ we reduce our production costs, _____ our profit margin will be. (A) The more / the higher (B) More / higher (C) The most / the highest (D) Most / highest
解説: 「〜すればするほど」という相関比較の表現には「the + 比較級…, the + 比較級…」のパターンを使います。よって正解は (A) The more / the higher です。
6. プレゼンのための比較表現活用テクニック
ビジネスプレゼンテーションで比較表現を効果的に活用するためのテクニックをご紹介します。
データ比較を効果的に表現する
数値データを比較する際は、具体的な数字と適切な比較表現を組み合わせることで、より説得力が増します。
改善例: × Sales increased this quarter. ○ Sales increased by 15% this quarter, which is twice as high as the growth rate in the previous quarter.
改善例: × Our new product has good features. ○ Our new product is 30% more energy-efficient and significantly more durable than the previous model.
対比を明確にして印象付ける
対比を明確にすることで、プレゼンの内容がより印象に残りやすくなります。
テクニック: – Not only… but also… を使う: Our new service is not only more affordable but also more comprehensive than anything currently available. – While/Whereas を使う: While our competitors are raising their prices, we are offering the most competitive rates in the market. – Unlike を使う: Unlike other products, ours is the easiest to use and maintain.
視覚資料と連動させる
グラフやチャートなどの視覚資料と比較表現を連動させることで、情報がより伝わりやすくなります。
テクニック: – グラフを指し示しながら: “As you can see from this graph, our customer satisfaction rate is consistently higher than the industry average.” – 図表の数値を強調: “This chart shows that our solution is three times more effective than traditional methods.” – トレンドを説明: “The trend line indicates that our market share has been growing faster and faster over the past five quarters.”
7. TOEIC得点アップのための比較表現攻略法
比較表現の知識を活かしてTOEICのスコアを上げるには、以下の方法が効果的です。
比較級・最上級の形を確実に覚える:特に不規則変化する語(good, bad, many など)は必ず覚えておきましょう。
比較の対象を意識する:than の後に何が来るかを考えることで、文の構造を理解しやすくなります。
頻出パターンを覚える:「the more…, the more…」、「as…as」などの頻出パターンは形式ごと覚えておきましょう。
誤: The author discussed the importance of exercise and explains why it is beneficial. 正: The author discusses the importance of exercise and explains why it is beneficial. または 正: The author discussed the importance of exercise and explained why it was beneficial.
対策
要約文では基本的に現在形を使う
意見文でも基本は現在形(一般論・事実・習慣)
過去の出来事や経験を述べる場合のみ過去形を使う
文章全体の時制を最初に決めておく
見直しの際に時制の一貫性をチェックする
ミス2:主語と動詞の不一致
主語と動詞の数の一致は基本ですが、うっかりミスが起こりやすい文法事項です。
具体例
誤: The number of students who uses smartphones are increasing. 正: The number of students who use smartphones is increasing.
対策
主語が複数形なら動詞も複数形、主語が単数形なら動詞も単数形を使う
The number of… は単数扱い、A number of… は複数扱い
Each, every, anyone, somebody などの後は単数動詞を使う
People, children, men などの複数形には注意する
主語と動詞が離れている場合は特に注意する
ミス3:冠詞の誤用または欠落
冠詞(a, an, the)の使い方は、日本人学習者にとって特に難しい文法事項です。
具体例
誤: Internet has changed way we communicate. 正: The Internet has changed the way we communicate.
対策
初めて言及する可算名詞単数形には a/an を付ける
特定のものを指す場合は the を付ける
抽象概念や一般的な複数形には冠詞を付けない
固有名詞には通常冠詞を付けない(例外あり)
「〜の中で最も」という表現では最上級の前に the を付ける
ミス4:前置詞の誤用
英語の前置詞は使い方が多様で、日本語とは対応関係が複雑なため、誤用が生じやすいです。
具体例
誤: Students depend to their teachers for advice. 正: Students depend on their teachers for advice.
誤: I’m interested about environmental issues. 正: I’m interested in environmental issues.
対策
前置詞と動詞・形容詞の組み合わせを熟語として覚える
depend on(〜に頼る)
consist of(〜から成る)
participate in(〜に参加する)
be interested in(〜に興味がある)
be good at(〜が得意である)
時・場所を表す前置詞の基本的な使い方を確認する
in(広い範囲・期間): in Japan, in summer
on(接している面・特定の日): on the desk, on Monday
at(点・具体的な時間): at school, at 3 o’clock
よく間違える前置詞の組み合わせをリスト化して暗記する
例文と一緒に覚える
ミス5:関係詞の誤用
関係代名詞(who, which, that など)や関係副詞(when, where, why など)の使い方も、ミスが起こりやすい文法事項です。
具体例
誤: This is the reason because I disagree. 正: This is the reason why I disagree.
誤: People which live in cities tend to be busy. 正: People who live in cities tend to be busy.
例文: – Please avoid sending confidential information via email. – The committee discussed implementing the new policy next month. – We recommend reviewing the contract before signing it.
動名詞を使った表現: – Thank you for taking the time to meet with us yesterday. – I appreciate your promptly responding to our inquiry. – Would you mind forwarding this email to your team?
不定詞を使った表現: – I am writing to confirm our meeting next week. – We would like to invite you to our annual conference. – Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
分詞を使った表現: – Attached is the report you requested. (過去分詞) – Regarding your request, we will provide the information soon. (現在分詞) – Having reviewed the proposal, we suggest a few changes. (分詞構文)
プレゼンテーションでの表現
動名詞を使った表現: – Increasing our market share is our top priority this year. – Our strategy involves expanding into new territories. – We suggest implementing these changes gradually.
不定詞を使った表現: – Our goal is to achieve 15% growth by next quarter. – We plan to introduce three new products this year. – The next step is to evaluate the results of our campaign.
分詞を使った表現: – Looking at these numbers, we can see significant improvement. (分詞構文) – The updated forecast shows promising results. (過去分詞) – We have some exciting news to share with you today. (現在分詞)
会議やディスカッションでの表現
動名詞を使った表現: – Have you considered outsourcing this part of the project? – Reducing costs while maintaining quality is our challenge. – I suggest exploring other options before making a decision.
不定詞を使った表現: – We need to address these issues immediately. – I’d like to propose an alternative solution. – The team was able to complete the project ahead of schedule.
分詞を使った表現: – Based on the feedback received, we need to make some adjustments. (過去分詞句) – Considering all factors, this seems to be the best approach. (分詞構文) – The growing demand for our services requires additional resources. (現在分詞)
To conclude, technology has transformed how we communicate.
Finally,…
Ultimately, / In the final analysis,
Ultimately, each person must make their own decision.
I think that…
I am convinced that… / It is clear that…
It is clear that environmental protection requires global cooperation.
For these reasons,…
Based on these arguments, / Given these points,
Based on these arguments, we should reconsider the current policy.
So, I believe…
Thus, I firmly believe… / Therefore, I maintain that…
Thus, I firmly believe that reading is essential for intellectual growth.
Before & After
Before: In conclusion, I think we should protect the environment. It is important for our future.
After: To conclude, I am convinced that environmental conservation is vital. Given these points, immediate action is essential for the wellbeing of future generations.
digital divide (デジタル格差): The digital divide affects access to information.
artificial intelligence (人工知能): Artificial intelligence will transform many industries.
cultural heritage (文化遺産): Traditional festivals are part of our cultural heritage.
globalization (グローバル化): Globalization has both positive and negative effects.
健康・ライフスタイル
well-being (健康状態): Physical exercise contributes to overall well-being.
balanced diet (バランスの取れた食事): A balanced diet includes various nutrients.
stress management (ストレス管理): Stress management is important for mental health.
work-life balance (ワークライフバランス): Many people struggle to maintain a good work-life balance.
sedentary lifestyle (座りがちな生活様式): A sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems.
語彙力を活かした模範解答例
問題
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Online learning is better than traditional classroom learning.” Write your opinion in 80-100 words.
I disagree with the statement that online learning is better than classroom learning. I think classroom learning has many good points.
First, students can ask teachers questions directly. Also, they can talk with friends and learn from each other. Second, it is easier to focus in a classroom because there are less distractions. Finally, students can join club activities and school events.
In conclusion, I think traditional classroom learning is better for most students.
(80語)
語彙力を活かした解答例
I firmly disagree with the assertion that online learning is superior to traditional classroom education. Traditional learning environments offer numerous advantages that cannot be replicated virtually.
First, face-to-face interaction with teachers enables immediate clarification of doubts. Furthermore, peer collaboration fosters essential social skills. Second, classroom settings minimize distractions, enhancing concentration. Finally, traditional schools provide access to extracurricular activities, which contribute significantly to personal development.
In conclusion, despite technological advances, traditional classroom learning remains preferable for comprehensive educational development.
(84語)
解答例の比較分析
語彙力を活かした解答例では、以下のような工夫がされています:
意見表明:「I think」→「I firmly disagree with the assertion that」