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 know about an economic crisis?
- Do businesses face challenges during an economic crisis?
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。
- affect /uh-FEKT/
- certain /SUR-tn/
- benefit /ben-uh-fit/
- measure /MEZH-er/
- solve /solv/
[verb] – to influence something or someone
The rain will affect the picnic plans.
[adjective] – known or proven to be true; definite
Certain foods make me feel sick.
[noun] – an advantage or profit gained from something
Healthy eating has many benefits.
[noun] – a way of achieving something, or a method for dealing with a situation
The government introduced a new measure to reduce traffic in the city.
[verb] – Meaning: To find an answer to a problem or question.
We must solve this issue quickly.
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。
Venezuela has been facing an economic crisis for more than ten years. The country’s economy has been deeply affected by decreasing oil revenues, political instability, and international sanctions. In 2025, the government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, declared an “economic emergency” due to very high inflation and a growing recession. Many Venezuelans are unable to buy basic goods because of the crisis, and many businesses in cities like Maracaibo have closed, which has caused high unemployment.
Despite the difficulties, there have been some improvements in certain areas, like Caracas, where government actions have helped stabilize the economy. The use of the U.S. dollar, once restricted, has helped reduce the worst effects of hyperinflation. However, the benefits have not reached all parts of the country. While businesses in Caracas are improving, other areas are still facing challenges. Inflation is expected to rise further, which may lead to more job losses. President Maduro has introduced emergency measures, but experts say these may not be enough to solve the crisis.
Despite the difficulties, there have been some improvements in certain areas, like Caracas, where government actions have helped stabilize the economy. The use of the U.S. dollar, once restricted, has helped reduce the worst effects of hyperinflation. However, the benefits have not reached all parts of the country. While businesses in Caracas are improving, other areas are still facing challenges. Inflation is expected to rise further, which may lead to more job losses. President Maduro has introduced emergency measures, but experts say these may not be enough to solve the crisis.
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。
- Venezuela has been facing an economic crisis for over ten years.
- The government has reduced the inflation in all areas of Venezuela.
- Businesses in cities like Maracaibo have closed due to the crisis.
- The U.S. dollar was once restricted, but its use has helped reduce hyperinflation.
- President Maduro introduced emergency measures that are expected to solve the crisis immediately.
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。
| affected | certain | benefits | measure | solve |
- Can you ______ this puzzle for me?
- A strict ______ was put in place to protect the environment.
- The bad news ______ her mood.
- There is a ______ joy in helping others.
- One ______ of regular exercise is improved health.