Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Which do you think is easier to live in, a big city or a small town?
- Can a country’s economy face challenges if there are fewer young people and more elderly individuals?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- decline /dih-KLAHYN/
- nation /NEY-shuhn/
- analyst /AN-l-ist/
- education /ej-oo-KEY-shuhn/
- solution /suh-LOO-shuhn/
[noun] – a gradual decrease in numbers, quality, or importance
The decline in the forest population worries scientists.
[noun] – a country or a group of people with a shared government, culture, or language
Japan is a nation known for its technology.
[noun] – a person who studies or examines something in detail to understand it or predict outcomes
The analyst predicted a rise in fuel prices.
[noun] – the process of teaching, learning, or gaining knowledge
Good education helps people get better jobs.
[noun] – a way to solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation
The solution to the problem was very simple.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
China’s population decreased in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline, as reported by official data. The population dropped by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion. This trend mirrors changes in other East Asian nations, where aging populations and low birth rates are significant issues. Analysts cite rising living costs, the prioritization of education, and career advancement as major factors delaying marriage and childbirth. In 2023, India surpassed China as the most populous nation, emphasizing a major demographic shift. Experts warn that limited immigration and a rapidly aging society worsen these challenges, impacting the world’s second-largest economy.
The government has introduced incentives for families with three children, but their effects remain short-lived. Urbanization continues to rise, with 67% of the population living in cities in 2024. More than 22% of individuals are aged 60 or older, with this figure expected to surpass 30% by 2035. Social systems face strain, and schools are being converted into elderly care centers. Economists predict prolonged economic stagnation unless sustainable solutions are implemented.
The government has introduced incentives for families with three children, but their effects remain short-lived. Urbanization continues to rise, with 67% of the population living in cities in 2024. More than 22% of individuals are aged 60 or older, with this figure expected to surpass 30% by 2035. Social systems face strain, and schools are being converted into elderly care centers. Economists predict prolonged economic stagnation unless sustainable solutions are implemented.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- China’s population decreased by 1.39 million in 2024.
- China’s birth rates have increased for three consecutive years.
- Analysts believe career advancement has no effect on birth rates.
- India’s population is smaller than China’s as of 2023.
- Over 67% of China’s population lived in cities in 2024.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| decline | nations | analysts | education | solution |
- A _____ in health can happen without proper exercise and food.
- The _____ agreed to work together on the project.
- _____ say this trend will continue for years.
- Many believe _____ is key to ending poverty.
- They found a _____ to help the animals.