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。
- Do you think businesses should change their prices when the economy slows down?
- Have you ever noticed prices increasing or decreasing in your local stores?
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。
- demand /dih-MAND/
- annual /AN-yoo-uhl/
- wage /weyj/
- progress /PROG-res/
- limit /LIM-it/
[noun] – a strong request or need for something
There is high demand for fresh vegetables.
[adjective] – happening once every year
The school holds an annual sports event.
[noun] – money paid to workers for their job
Workers receive their wages every Friday.
[noun] – Improvement or movement forward.
She made progress in her English skills.
[noun] – the greatest amount or level allowed
The new policy set strict limits on foreign investments and trade agreements.
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。
Japan lowered its economic growth estimate for the last quarter from 2.8% to 2.2%. The Cabinet Office shared this update on March 11, 2025. Japan’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew for a third quarter. Private demand fell by 0.3%, exceeding the earlier estimate of 0.1%. Export growth also dropped from 1.1% to 1.0%. Consumer spending weakened, and private inventories increased. The Bank of Japan is considering increasing the interest rate. The government reported an annual growth rate of only 0.1%. Deflation has been a challenge, but rising wages have helped stabilize prices. The new GDP data raises concerns about Japan’s economic future. Global trade policies and political issues in the United States affect progress. Trade Minister Yoji Muto attended talks in Washington to discuss tariff increases on steel and aluminum. The Japanese government warned that trade limits could harm investments, jobs, and supply chains. Experts stated that stable growth requires flexible policies, strong local demand, and diplomatic efforts. The report highlights the need to balance financial strategies with global changes.
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。
- The government reported an annual growth rate of 0.1%.
- The Bank of Japan is planning to lower interest rates soon.
- Trade limits could have a negative impact on investments and jobs.
- Japan’s economic growth estimate for the last quarter increased from 2.2% to 2.8%.
- Japan’s GDP grew for the fourth quarter in a row.
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。
| demand | annual | wages | progress | limit |
- The company gives an ______ bonus to workers at the end of the year.
- Maria made ______ in reading because she practiced every day.
- There is a high ______ for fresh fruits at the market.
- There is a ______ on how many bags you can carry.
- His ______ help him pay rent and buy food.