Monarch butterflies undertake one of the most remarkable migration journeys in the natural world, traveling thousands of kilometers across North America every year. Their migration is primarily driven by seasonal changes and the search for suitable breeding and feeding grounds. The migration cycle spans multiple generations, with different groups of butterflies contributing to the overall journey.
In the spring and summer months, monarch butterflies begin their journey northward from overwintering sites in Mexico and the southern United States. They travel to regions in the northern United States and Canada, seeking milkweed plants, which serve as both a food source and a breeding ground. The butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed leaves, ensuring that the next generation has access to nourishment upon hatching.
The northward migration occurs over several generations, each with a lifespan of a few weeks. As the butterflies progress further north, they reproduce and continue the cycle. The final generation to emerge in late summer is unique, as it does not reproduce immediately but instead prepares for the long journey back to warmer climates.
During autumn, the monarchs begin their southward journey. This generation, known as the migratory generation, is physically distinct from the earlier generations. They possess larger bodies and longer wings, which enable them to cover greater distances. Environmental cues such as temperature and daylight guide their navigation towards the forests of central Mexico.
Once they arrive in Mexico, the butterflies cluster in trees to survive the winter months. They enter a state of reduced metabolic activity to conserve energy. This period of dormancy is critical, as it allows them to survive until the return of warmer conditions.
Monarch butterflies face numerous challenges during their migration. Habitat destruction, climate change, and the reduction of milkweed plants due to agricultural expansion pose significant threats to their survival. Conservation initiatives focus on habitat restoration and public awareness campaigns to protect these vital pollinators.
Scientists study monarch migration using various methods, including tracking devices, citizen science initiatives, and genetic analysis. These approaches help researchers understand migration routes, monitor population trends, and identify critical habitats for conservation efforts.
Flowchart Completion Questions
Complete the flowchart below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Monarch butterflies leave (1) __________ in spring. ↓
Travel northward in search of (2) __________ plants. ↓
Multiple generations reproduce and continue migration. ↓
The (3) __________ generation begins the southward journey. ↓
Arrive in Mexico and cluster in (4) __________. ↓
Enter a state of reduced (5) __________ to survive winter. ↓
Threats include habitat loss and decline of (6) __________.
Answer Key and Explanation
overwintering sites Hint: Second paragraph. The passage states that “Monarch butterflies begin their journey northward from overwintering sites in Mexico and the southern United States.”
2. milkweed Hint: Second paragraph. Monarchs seek milkweed plants as both a food source and breeding ground.
3. migratory Hint: Fourth paragraph. The passage mentions that the migratory generation is the one that embarks on the journey back south.
4. trees Hint: Fifth paragraph. Monarchs cluster in trees to survive the winter months.
5. metabolic activity Hint: Fifth paragraph. The passage describes how monarchs enter a state of reduced metabolic activity.
6. milkweed Hint: Sixth paragraph. The passage highlights the reduction of milkweed plants as a major threat to their survival.
● ONE WORD ONLY もしくは NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS という語数の指定があります。
例題：
The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health and the Environment
Air pollution has become a critical issue affecting human health and ecosystems worldwide. It is primarily caused by emissions from industries, vehicles, and agricultural activities, releasing harmful substances like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. These pollutants have far-reaching consequences for both human health and the environment.
One of the most concerning impacts of air pollution is its effect on respiratory health. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and exacerbating conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Long-term exposure to polluted air is linked to severe diseases such as lung cancer and cardiovascular complications. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk. For instance, studies have shown a significant increase in hospital admissions for respiratory issues during periods of high air pollution.
Air pollution also has a substantial impact on the environment. Acid rain, formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor, damages soil, water bodies, and vegetation. It alters the pH of aquatic ecosystems, making them unsuitable for many species. Additionally, the deposition of pollutants on leaves and soil can inhibit plant growth and reduce crop yields. Ozone, a secondary pollutant formed through the reaction of sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides, is particularly harmful to plant life. High levels of ozone can damage the leaves of plants, affecting their ability to photosynthesize and reducing agricultural productivity.
Another significant issue caused by air pollution is its contribution to climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), both greenhouse gases, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Short-lived pollutants like black carbon also play a role in heating the atmosphere. Black carbon, produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, not only absorbs heat but also accelerates the melting of snow and ice in polar regions.
Efforts to combat air pollution include government regulations and technological advancements. Policies such as the implementation of emission standards for vehicles and industries aim to reduce the release of harmful pollutants. For example, the introduction of cleaner fuels and electric vehicles is helping to lower air pollution in urban areas. Technological innovations like air purifiers and carbon capture systems are also playing a significant role in mitigating the effects of air pollution.
Raising awareness about the dangers of air pollution is crucial for its prevention. Public campaigns and educational initiatives can help individuals adopt eco-friendly practices such as using public transportation, conserving energy, and supporting renewable energy sources. Collaborative efforts between governments, industries, and communities are essential to address this global challenge effectively.
Note Completion Task
Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
Effects of Air Pollution on Health:
Fine particulate matter can cause (1) __________ in the lungs.
Long-term exposure is linked to diseases like lung cancer and (2) __________ complications.
(3) __________ populations are especially at risk, including children and the elderly.
Environmental Consequences:
Acid rain damages (4) __________, water bodies, and vegetation.
High levels of (5) __________ inhibit plant growth and reduce crop yields.
Black carbon contributes to the melting of (6) __________ in polar regions.
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Answer Key
inflammation
Hint: Paragraph 2 describes how fine particulate matter causes inflammation in the lungs.
Reason: Inflammation is a direct consequence of PM2.5 exposure, as mentioned in the text.
cardiovascular
Hint: Paragraph 2 links long-term air pollution exposure to cardiovascular complications.
Reason: This is a specific disease category associated with air pollution effects.
vulnerable
Hint: Paragraph 2 highlights that vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are at greater risk.
Reason: “Vulnerable” is the term used to describe these groups in the passage.
soil
Hint: Paragraph 3 discusses how acid rain affects soil, water bodies, and vegetation.
Reason: Soil is explicitly mentioned as one of the elements damaged by acid rain.
ozone
Hint: Paragraph 3 explains the harmful effects of high ozone levels on plants.
Reason: Ozone inhibits photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.
ice
Hint: Paragraph 4 refers to how black carbon accelerates the melting of snow and ice in polar regions.
Reason: Ice is explicitly mentioned as being affected by black carbon.
4. Diagram Completion（図表完成）
特徴:
イラストや図表が与えられ、それを基に空欄を埋める。
形状や位置関係、説明文を理解する力が求められる。
攻略法:
図を分析: 図のラベルや注釈を確認して、全体像を把握する。
位置関係を意識: 空欄が図のどの部分に対応するかを明確にする。
関連語句を抽出: 図とテキストの対応箇所を正確に見つける。
例題:
Diagram of a Water Cycle:
Evaporation
Precipitation
Question: Label the diagram using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
解答ヒント:
テキスト内で”evaporation”と”precipitation”の間に当たる段階を探す。
“After evaporation, condensation occurs as water vapor cools.”という記述があれば、答えは”Condensation”。
要約完成問題は、パッセージ全体または一部を要約した文章が提示され、そこに空所が設けられています。受験者はパッセージから適切な単語を選び、空所を埋めて要約を完成させます。制限語数（例: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER）に従う必要があります。
攻略方法：
1. 指示を確認する
制限語数（例: NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS）を正確に守ること。
指示を守らない場合、正答でも不正解扱いになります。
2. 空所の前後を読む
空所の前後の文脈から適切な語句を予測します。
必要な情報は通常、要約の順序通りにパッセージに現れます。
3. 同義語や言い換えに注意
パッセージ内の語句は要約文で同義語やパラフレーズに変えられていることが多いです。
4. パッセージを精読する
要約文のキーワードをもとにパッセージを特定し、慎重に精読して正確な情報を見つけます。
5. 文法と意味をチェック
空所に入れる単語が文法的に正しいか確認します。
文の意味が自然になるように注意しましょう。
例題と解説：
例題：
パッセージ（抜粋）： “The study of urban ecosystems has revealed significant effects of human activity on biodiversity. Cities often cause habitat loss, but they also create opportunities for certain species to thrive. Green roofs and urban gardens, for example, provide essential habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.”
問題文： Summary: Human activities significantly impact biodiversity in cities. While urbanization can result in __________ (1), it can also offer benefits for some species. For instance, green roofs and urban gardens support __________ (2) like bees and butterflies.
解答ヒント：
1. 空所(1)のヒント：
空所の直前に「urbanization can result in」とあるため、「都市化がもたらす結果」を探す。
パッセージには「Cities often cause habitat loss」と記載されているため、答えはhabitat loss。
2. 空所(2)のヒント：
「support」の対象となる語句を探す。
パッセージには「pollinators such as bees and butterflies」とあるため、答えはpollinators。
この問題形式では、与えられた文章の空所を埋める適切な単語やフレーズを、パッセージから探して記入します。制限語数（例: One WORD orNO MORE THAN TWO WORDS）に従って解答する必要があります。
攻略方法：
1. 指示を正確に読む
制限語数（1語のみ、2語または数字を含むなど）を必ず確認します。
指示を守らないと得点になりません。
2. キーワードを特定する
空所前後の文脈を読み、キーワード（人物名、年、専門用語など）を把握します。
キーワードを使ってテキスト内の該当部分を見つけます。
3. 文法を考慮する
空所に適合する文法形式（名詞、動詞など）を予測します。
文法的に正しく、文意に合う単語を選びましょう。
4. 同義語を意識する
問題文とパッセージ内の語句は同じとは限りません。同義語やパラフレーズに注意してください。
例題と解説：
例題：
パッセージ（抜粋）： “The recent study conducted by Dr. Smith revealed that a balanced diet can significantly improve cognitive functions in children under the age of 12. The research emphasizes the importance of including omega-3 fatty acids found in fish for brain development.”
問題文： 1. Dr. Smith’s study highlights the role of a __________ diet in enhancing children’s brain functions. 2. The research stresses the necessity of __________ for brain growth, which can be sourced from fish.
解答ヒント：
問題文1のヒント：
「diet」がキーワード。
「a __________ diet」の空所には形容詞が入る。
パッセージには「a balanced diet」とあるため答えはbalanced。
問題文2のヒント：
「brain growth」と「fish」に関連する語を探す。
パッセージに「omega-3 fatty acids found in fish」とあるため答えはomega-3 fatty acids。
解答：
balanced
omega-3 fatty acids
TIPS:
制限語数を守る 「NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS」と指定されていれば、解答は1～2語に限定します。
文章抜粋: The Amazon rainforest is known as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Over the years, it has faced significant threats from deforestation, primarily due to agricultural expansion and illegal logging activities.
文の前半:
The Amazon rainforest is considered…
One of the main reasons for deforestation in the Amazon is…
Agricultural activities in the Amazon have led to…
選択肢（後半）:
A. a significant reduction in biodiversity. B. illegal logging and land conversion. C. one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
【解答とヒント】
The Amazon rainforest is considered…
正答: C
「is considered」とあるため、「one of the richest ecosystems on the planet」と一致。
One of the main reasons for deforestation in the Amazon is…
正答: B
本文中に「deforestation」と「illegal logging and agricultural expansion」が具体的に述べられている。
Agricultural activities in the Amazon have led to…
正答: A
「agricultural activities」と「a significant reduction in biodiversity」が因果関係でつながる。
Matching Information は、本文の特定の段落（Paragraph）を指定された情報や記述と結びつける問題形式です。受験者は各質問で、該当する段落の記号（例：A、B、C…）を選びます。この問題では以下のスキルが問われます：
特定情報のスキャニング
段落ごとの主題や詳細の理解
同義語や言い換え表現の理解
【攻略方法】
問題文を先に確認する
質問の内容や探すべき情報（数字、名前、特定の事実など）を確認。
質問文で使われている単語に着目し、言い換えや類義語を意識する。
本文をスキャンする
各段落を精読するのではなく、キーワードや特徴的な表現を探す。
文脈で確認する
該当部分を見つけたら、その段落全体を読み、正しいか確認。
常に「全体的な一致」を確認
選んだ段落が質問文全体に対して意味が一致しているか確認する。
【具体例と回答ヒント】
【例題】
以下はある文章の抜粋です（簡略化された例）。
文章 A: Some species of birds have adapted to urban environments by altering their feeding habits and nesting behaviors. B: The history of bird migration patterns has shown significant changes due to climate change, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. C: Recent studies indicate that urban noise can disrupt communication among certain bird species, leading to a decline in mating success.
質問
Research on the effect of environmental noise on bird behavior
How birds have adapted to living in cities
The impact of climate change on bird migration patterns
【解答とヒント】
Research on the effect of environmental noise on bird behavior
該当段落: C
「environmental noise」が段落Cの「urban noise」と一致し、「bird behavior」が「communication among certain bird species」と関連。
How birds have adapted to living in cities
該当段落: A
「adapted to living in cities」が段落Aの「adapted to urban environments」と一致。さらに「feeding habits and nesting behaviors」が適応の例として示されている。
The impact of climate change on bird migration patterns
Paragraph A: “Recent decades have seen significant advancements in wind turbine technology. Modern turbines are not only more efficient but also capable of generating power in lower wind speeds. This progress has made wind energy more accessible and reliable as a source of renewable energy.”
Paragraph B: “Solar energy has enormous potential, but its implementation faces several obstacles. One key issue is the high initial cost of installing solar panels, which can be prohibitive for many households and businesses. Another challenge is the variability of sunlight, which affects energy output.”
【回答と解説】
Paragraph A: 正解は「3. Advances in wind turbine technology」
【設問】 The passage describes the main reason for the decline in polar bear populations. What does the author suggest as the primary cause?
【選択肢】 A. Overhunting by humans B. Decrease in sea ice due to climate change C. Competition with other predators D. Lack of food sources in their habitat
【本文抜粋】 “Over the past decade, the polar bear population has shown a significant decline. While overhunting was a major issue in the past, stricter regulations have mitigated this problem. Today, the primary challenge polar bears face is the reduction of sea ice caused by global warming, which directly impacts their ability to hunt seals, their main food source.”
【回答と解説】 正解：B. Decrease in sea ice due to climate change
本文で「Today, the primary challenge… is the reduction of sea ice」と述べられているため、Bが正解です。
The researcher argued that introducing stricter regulations on industrial emissions could significantly reduce global warming. However, some experts believe that such regulations might harm economic growth, especially in developing countries.
設問：
The researcher supports the idea of stricter emission regulations.
Developing countries benefit the most from stricter emission regulations.
Some experts believe that stricter regulations could negatively impact economic growth.
「 解答と解説 」
Yes
テキストには「The researcher argued that introducing stricter regulations… could significantly reduce global warming」と述べられています。設問はこれと一致しています
2. Not Given
テキストには「developing countries benefit」という具体的な記述がないため、Not Givenです
3. Yes
テキストの「some experts believe… might harm economic growth, especially in developing countries」という部分と一致します。
The study emphasized that technology has improved workplace productivity in most sectors. However, it also highlighted concerns about the potential for automation to lead to job losses, particularly in manufacturing industries.
設問：
The study claims that technology enhances productivity in all workplaces.
Automation could negatively affect employment in manufacturing industries.
The study believes that technology has no downsides.
解答：
No
テキストには「in most sectors」とありますが、「in all workplaces」という極端な表現は矛盾しています。
Yes
「automation to lead to job losses, particularly in manufacturing industries」という部分が設問と一致します。
No
テキストには「highlighted concerns about the potential for automation to lead to job losses」とあり、「no downsides」とは矛盾しています。
