各コマにつき、「いつ」「誰が」「何をした」で1文、 「誰が」「何と言った」で1文、「誰が」「どのように感じた」 で1文という調子で、3文ずつ話すとよいでしょう。 2~4コマめには A week later などの時間の推移 を表す語句がよく書かれています。 ストーリーの流れが明快になるので、 各コマ第1文の冒頭はこの時間表現で始めるようにしましょう。
―― 問題例 ――
You have one minute to prepare.
This is a story about a married couple who worked in a big city.
You have two minutes to narrate the story.
Your story should begin with the following sentence:
One weekend, a couple was visiting the man’s parents’ farm in the countryside.
出典: 英検準1級二次試験 2017年度第2回
――解答例――
One weekend, a couple was visiting the man’s parents’ farm in the countryside. They looked concerned to hear that the parents thought they were getting too old for farming.
A week later, the couple was back at their apartment in the city. They were talking in the living room, and the man suggested that they quit their jobs and go to the farm to help with the farm work. The man’s wife looked unsure about whether that was a good idea.
The following year, the couple had returned to the farm. They were working outside, and the man was pleased to see that his parents were enjoying the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren.
A few months later, however, the man’s wife told him that she missed city life as they were sitting at the table.
The politician was waffling on their stance on the issue,
giving vague answers to the reporters’ questions.
政治家は問題に対する立場に関して曖昧な答えを記者の質問に与えていました。
この例文では、政治家は明確な答えを与えるのを回避しており、代わりに曖昧な
発言をしています。これは、動詞「waffle」を使って説明されています。
「waffle(ワッフル)」というスイーツがありますが、この単語を動詞として使うと
「曖昧な事を言う」や「重要なポイントを抜かして遠回しに話す・書く」という
意味になります。
使う際には「waffle on about ~」というパターンでよく使われています。
また、名詞としても使う事が出来ます。名詞として使った場合「あいまいな話」、
「重要なポイントが含まれていない話」という意味になります。
「waffle」を動詞として「曖昧なことを言う」意味に使う用法の語源ははっきり
していませんが、ウォッフルという食べ物が軽くて膨らんでいて実質的なもの
がないというイメージと関連があると考えられています。
「waffle」という表現を使ったときに、人が話すことが決まらず、または回避的
であるというとき、その人はウォッフルのように明確な形状や構造がないと
いうイメージがあります。
日本語においては、「waffle」という単語は英語から導入され、同じ意味を持つよう
になったと思われますが、具体的な語源に関してはわかりません。
「sweet を使った例文」
● The sweet smell of success” – 成功の香り ● Life is just a bowl of sweets” – 人生は美味しいものだらけ ● Too sweet to be true” – 本当にありえないほど素晴らしい ● A sweet tooth” – 甘いものが大好きな人 ● Sweet dreams” – 甘い夢 ● A sweetheart deal” – とても優遇な取引 ● A sweet talker” – 話術がうまい人 ● Sweet nothing” – うそぶき
「 take a stand 態度を示す 」習得・攻略
ネイティブのリアル 英語:
I asked Francine how she feels about abortion, but she always stalls or changes the subject. I hate it when she waffles!
学校で教わる英語:
I asked Francine how she feels about abortion, but she always stalls or changes the subject. I hate it when she evades an issue!
ネイティブのリアル発音:
I ast Francine how she feels aboud abortion, b’t she ahweez stalls ’er changes the subject. I hate it when she waffles!
Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.
You should say:
where it is / Where it would be
what you would (like to) do there
who you would (like to) live therewith
and explain why you would like to live in this place.
モデル回答
I would like to describe my dream house, which would be located in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in the countryside. It would be surrounded by lush green fields and rolling hills, providing a serene and tranquil setting for my family and me. The house itself would be a spacious and modern two-story design, with large windows that would let in plenty of natural light. It would have an open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as a cozy den with a fireplace for colder evenings. On the second floor, there would be three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for my family and guests. In my dream house, I would love to spend time gardening and growing my own vegetables and herbs in the large backyard. I would also enjoy spending time outside, either relaxing on the patio or playing with my children and pets. I would like to live in this place with my spouse and children, as well as our pets. We would create many cherished memories together in this beautiful and peaceful home, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the countryside. The reason I would like to live in this place is that it would provide a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I would love the chance to live in a spacious and modern home that is surrounded by nature, where I can spend time with my family and connect with the beauty of the natural world. Additionally, the quiet and peaceful neighborhood would provide a safe and nurturing environment for my children to grow up in. Overall, my dream house would be the perfect place for me and my family to live, offering a serene and peaceful setting, ample space, and close proximity to nature. I believe that this would be the ideal home for us, providing a comfortable and happy environment where we can create many happy memories and enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling life.
IELTS Speaking 「 Part3」 「Part2」に関連する問題
➤ Do you think it’s better to rent or to buy a place to live in?
モデル回答
This is a question that many people face when it comes to choosing a place to live. There are pros and cons to both renting and buying, and the answer depends on a variety of factors, such as one’s financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. For some people, renting can be a better option as it offers more flexibility and requires less financial commitment. Renting allows people to move more easily if they need to change location, whether for personal or professional reasons. Additionally, renters do not have to worry about the costs associated with owning a home, such as maintenance, property taxes, and mortgage payments. On the other hand, buying a home can provide a sense of stability and long-term investment. When you own a home, you have the freedom to make changes and improvements to the property, and the value of the home can appreciate over time, potentially providing a financial gain when it’s sold. Additionally, the mortgage payments you make each month contribute to building equity in the property, and once the mortgage is paid off, you will have a valuable asset that you can pass down to future generations. In my opinion, the decision of whether to rent or buy ultimately depends on one’s individual circumstances and priorities. For those who value flexibility and have a more transient lifestyle, renting may be a better choice. For those who value stability and are looking to build long-term wealth, buying may be the way to go. In conclusion, whether it’s better to rent or buy a place to live in depends on many factors and requires careful consideration of one’s financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will ultimately depend on each person’s unique circumstances.
➤ How easy is it to find a place to live in your country?
モデル回答
The ease of finding a place to live in my country can vary depending on several factors, including location, cost, and availability. In densely populated urban areas, finding a place to live can be quite challenging. Properties are in high demand, and competition for rental properties and homes for sale can be intense. It is not uncommon for people to wait on waiting lists for months, or even years, to secure a property in these areas. In more rural or suburban areas, finding a place to live is generally easier, but this can also depend on the local housing market. In some rural areas, there may be a limited supply of properties available for rent or for purchase, which can make it more difficult for people to find a place to live. In terms of cost, finding a place to live in my country can also be a challenge, especially for those on a limited budget. Housing prices can vary significantly depending on the location and type of property, and many areas have high housing costs. This can make it difficult for people to find affordable housing options. Overall, while finding a place to live in my country can be a challenge, there are resources available to help make the process easier. These include online property listings, real estate agents, and local government housing programs. With the right resources and persistence, it is possible to find a suitable place to live.
➤ Do you agree that there is aright age for young adults to stop living with their parents?
モデル回答
The decision of when young adults should stop living with their parents is a complex and personal one, and there is no one right answer to this question. For some young adults, living with their parents into their 20s and even 30s is a practical and financially responsible choice. This can allow them to save money, gain stability, and focus on their education or career. For others, moving out at a younger age may be a necessary step towards independence and personal growth. Living on their own can provide young adults with a sense of responsibility, allowing them to develop important life skills and build their confidence. Ultimately, the right age for young adults to stop living with their parents is different for everyone and can depend on various factors such as financial stability, personal goals, and family dynamics. Some young adults may choose to move out earlier, while others may wait until they are more established in their careers or have built up a larger savings. In my opinion, the decision of when young adults should stop living with their parents should be based on what is best for the individual’s circumstances and goals. It is important for young adults to carefully consider their financial situation, personal goals, and family dynamics before making this important decision. In conclusion, there is no one right answer to the question of when young adults should stop living with their parents. The decision should be based on individual circumstances and what is best for the young adult’s personal and financial well-being.
➤ What options are available to young couples looking for accommodation in your country?
In my country, there are several options available to young couples looking for accommodation. These include renting a house or apartment, buying a property, and living in shared housing. For those who prefer a more flexible arrangement, renting a house or apartment is a popular option. Renting allows young couples to live in their desired location without the long-term commitment of purchasing a property. They can also easily move to a different property if they need to. For those who are looking to invest in property, buying a house or apartment is a common choice. This option provides the benefits of homeownership, such as building equity and having control over the property. However, buying a property also requires a significant upfront investment and long-term commitment. Finally, for young couples who are looking for a more affordable option, shared housing is another option. This involves sharing a house or apartment with others, which can significantly reduce the cost of housing. Shared housing can also provide a sense of community and support for young couples who are just starting out. In conclusion, there are several options available to young couples looking for accommodation in my country. These include renting a house or apartment, buying a property, and living in shared housing. The choice of accommodation will depend on the couple’s personal preferences, financial situation, and long-term goals.
➤ What are some of the pleasures involved in making a home for ourselves?
Making a home for ourselves can bring a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure. Here are a few examples:Personalization: Creating a living space that is unique to our personal style and preferences can be extremely enjoyable. This includes choosing furniture, decor, and colors that reflect our individual taste and personality. Comfort: Making a home that is comfortable and cozy is a key part of the process. This includes ensuring that our home is well-heated and well-lit, and that it has all the amenities we need to feel comfortable and relaxed.Creativity: Making a home can also be an outlet for our creativity. Whether we enjoy DIY projects, gardening, or simply decorating, the process of creating a home can be a wonderful opportunity to express our creativity.Security: Making a home can provide us with a sense of safety and security. Having a place that is truly our own can be incredibly empowering and help us to feel more settled and at ease in the world.Connection: Finally, making a home can be a way to build deeper connections with our loved ones. Whether we are living with family, friends, or partners, creating a shared living space can bring us closer together and help us to build stronger relationships.In conclusion, making a home for ourselves can bring a wide range of pleasures, including personalization, comfort, creativity, security, and connection. Whether we are building a new home or simply renovating an existing one, the process of making a home can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.