【IELTSリーディング 完全攻略】
IELTSリーディングテストは時間管理が重要です。できるだけ効率的に問題を解くためのポイントをご紹介します。
┃ IELTSリーディングテストの概要
IELTSのリーディングテストは、アカデミック・モジュール(以下アカデミック)とジェネラル・トレーニング・モジュール(以下ジェネラル)で出題形式が異なります。
アカデミックとジェネラルの両方で試験時間は60分、全40問です。設問の難易度や内容に差はありますが、どちらを受験しても公平にスコアが算出されるよう設計されています。
┃ アカデミックのリーディングテスト
アカデミックでは900~1,000語程度のパッセージが3つ出題されます。ジェネラルよりも難易度が高く、選択式問題の割合が多い傾向があります。
難易度が高い分、必要な正答数は少なく設定されています。例えば、バンドスコア6.0を獲得するには、23問以上の正解が求められます。
┃ ジェネラルのリーディングテスト
ジェネラルでは900~1,000語程度の長文1つと、約500語の短いパッセージ4つが出題されます。アカデミックよりもやや難易度は低いですが、記述式問題が多く、スペルミスなどに注意する必要があります。
また、問題の難易度が低い分、高得点を取るためにはより多くの正答が求められ、バンドスコア6.0を取るには、30問以上の正解が必要です。
┃ リーディングテストで役立つテクニック5選
試験本番で役立つ解答テクニックを紹介します。IELTSリーディングテストの時間不足を防ぐため、これらの方法を活用してください。
①長文ごとに時間を設定して解く
アカデミックでは60分で3つの長文、ジェネラルでは60分で1つの長文と4つの短文を解く必要があります。それぞれの長文に20分、短文には10分の時間制限を設け、時間内に終わらなかった場合は次に進むことを意識しましょう。
②設問を先に読む
本文を読む前に、設問に先に目を通し、どのような内容が問われるかを把握します。これにより、どこに注目して読めばよいかがわかり、効率的に解答できます。
③キーワードにマークをつける
人物には○、時間表現には二重下線、場所には△、出来事には□など、独自の記号をつけることで、後で該当部分を見つけやすくなります。
④わからない問題も埋める
答えがわからない問題でも、空白のままにせず何かしら記入することが重要です。空欄のままでは確実に不正解ですが、記入することで正解する可能性があります。
⑤横線を使って訂正する
試験では、書き間違えた部分は横線で訂正することが認められています。消しゴムを使うよりも時間を節約できるため、横線を活用することをおすすめします。
┃ まとめ
IELTSリーディングテストは、時間配分が成功の鍵です。本記事で紹介した5つのテクニックを活用し、素早く正確に解答できるよう練習してみてください。皆さんのIELTS試験の成功を応援しています。
5. The Formation of Mountains: Geological Forces at Work
Mountains are among the most awe-inspiring natural features on Earth, formed through a combination of geological processes that shape the planet’s surface over millions of years. These towering landforms are primarily created by tectonic forces, volcanic activity, and erosion, each contributing to the diverse range of mountain types found across the globe.
The most common mechanism behind mountain formation is tectonic activity, which occurs when massive sections of the Earth’s lithosphere, known as tectonic plates, move and interact. When two plates collide, they generate immense pressure that forces the crust upward, forming fold mountains such as the Himalayas. These mountains, some of the tallest in the world, continue to rise as the plates press against each other. Conversely, when plates pull apart, block mountains can form as large sections of the crust break and shift vertically along faults. Examples of such formations include the Sierra Nevada range in North America.
Tectonic activity not only creates mountains but also influences seismic activity, with earthquakes frequently occurring in tectonically active regions. Scientists use seismic data and GPS mapping to monitor these movements and predict potential geological hazards.
Another significant contributor to mountain formation is volcanic activity. Volcanic mountains are formed when molten rock, or magma, rises to the Earth’s surface through fractures in the crust. Upon cooling, the magma solidifies, creating mountains such as Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the United States. Unlike fold mountains, volcanic mountains can develop relatively quickly, often growing with each successive eruption.
Volcanic activity is not only responsible for mountain formation but also plays a critical role in shaping landscapes through lava flows and ash deposits. These materials can enrich the soil, making volcanic regions highly fertile for agriculture. However, eruptions can also pose significant risks to nearby populations, requiring constant monitoring and early warning systems.
Once mountains are formed, they are continuously shaped and reshaped by erosion and weathering. Wind, water, and ice gradually wear down mountain surfaces, transporting sediment and altering their appearance over time. Glacial erosion, in particular, is a powerful force that carves deep valleys and sharp ridges in mountain landscapes, such as those seen in the European Alps.
Weathering processes further contribute to the breakdown of rock materials, preparing them for transport by agents of erosion. Chemical weathering, driven by interactions with water and atmospheric gases, gradually weakens rock formations, while physical weathering processes, such as freeze-thaw cycles, cause mechanical breakdown of rock surfaces.
Mountains exert significant influence on regional climate patterns by acting as barriers to atmospheric circulation. When moist air masses encounter a mountain range, they are forced to rise, cooling and condensing to produce precipitation on the windward side. This phenomenon, known as orographic rainfall, creates lush vegetation and water resources. In contrast, the leeward side of the range often experiences dry conditions, leading to the formation of rain shadows.
Additionally, mountains provide unique habitats for diverse plant and animal species adapted to extreme conditions. These ecosystems, often referred to as alpine environments, host a variety of flora and fauna that have evolved to withstand low temperatures, high altitudes, and limited oxygen availability.
Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced our ability to study and monitor mountain formation processes. Scientists utilize satellite imagery, GPS mapping, and remote sensing techniques to track tectonic movements and volcanic activity. Such research is crucial for understanding Earth’s geological history and preparing for potential natural disasters associated with mountain formation processes.
Future research in the field aims to develop improved predictive models for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, ensuring better preparedness and resilience for communities living in mountainous regions. (597 Words)
Table Completion Questions
Complete the table below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
Aspect | Process | Example |
---|---|---|
Tectonic Activity | Caused by plate (1) _____ | Formation of the (2) __________ |
Volcanic Activity | Magma reaches (3) ______ | Creates peaks like (4) __________ |
Erosion | Due to water, wind, and (5) ______ | Carves valleys and shapes mountains |
Monitoring | Utilizes GPS and (6) ______ | Tracks tectonic changes |
Answer Key and Explanation
-
collision
Hint: The passage states, “When tectonic plates collide, they force the Earth’s crust upward.” -
Himalayas
Hint: It mentions that the Himalayas were formed due to tectonic activity. -
surface
Hint: The passage describes how magma rises to the surface and solidifies to form mountains. -
Mount Fuji
Hint: Examples of volcanic mountains mentioned include Mount Fuji. -
ice
Hint: The passage mentions wind, water, and ice as factors causing erosion. -
satellite imagery
Hint: The passage states that advanced technologies such as satellite imagery and GPS help monitor tectonic activity.