©AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File
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。
- Have you ever heard of buy now, pay later services?
- Have you ever bought something by paying in several smaller payments?
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。
- pressure /PRESH-er/
[noun] – the act of trying to make someone do something
The teacher put pressure on students to finish quickly. - complex /KOM-pleks/
[adjective] – involving many different parts, often difficult to understand
The puzzle was complex, with many small pieces. - transformation /trans-fer-MEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a complete change in appearance or character
The small store saw a transformation into a café. - impact /IM-pakt/
[noun] – a strong effect or influence on someone or something
The storm had a big impact on the town. - economic /ek-uh-NOM-ik/
[adjective] – relating to trade, industry, and money
The city faced economic problems after the factory closed.
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。
Buy now, pay later loans became more common in recent years, especially during the pandemic when families faced money problems. This system allows the cost of items to be divided into four or more payments, usually without interest. A national survey reported that about four in ten Americans under 45 used this method for food, entertainment, or medical needs. The increase is linked to higher prices and fewer jobs, which created a strong demand for easy payment choices. Big companies like Klarna, PayPal, Affirm, and Afterpay became popular in this sector. Government reports confirmed that these loans will soon affect credit scores, making repayment history important. Analysts said this change may bring positive results but also serious consequences and pressure for borrowers, showing a growing and complex pattern in spending.
Experts explained that buy now, pay later loans can be helpful if used with care, but overuse may cause debt. Specialists warned that missed payments may lead to fees, blocked accounts, or bad credit records. Advisers said these loans should be used for important items such as a refrigerator or computer. Consumer judgment will decide if this system stays a sensible option or turns into a harmful risk. Observers noted that the method shows a big transformation, a notable change that reflects an emerging trend with significant impact and influence on how households manage money in the modern economic situation.
Experts explained that buy now, pay later loans can be helpful if used with care, but overuse may cause debt. Specialists warned that missed payments may lead to fees, blocked accounts, or bad credit records. Advisers said these loans should be used for important items such as a refrigerator or computer. Consumer judgment will decide if this system stays a sensible option or turns into a harmful risk. Observers noted that the method shows a big transformation, a notable change that reflects an emerging trend with significant impact and influence on how households manage money in the modern economic situation.
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。
- Buy now, pay later loans became common during the pandemic.
- The system divides payments into four or more, usually with interest.
- A survey said about six in ten Americans under 45 used the loans.
- Rising prices and fewer jobs increased demand for easy payment choices.
- Only small companies like Klarna and PayPal offered these loans.
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。
pressure | complex | transformation | impact | economic |
- Her parents put ______ on her to study hard
- Music lessons caused ______ in his confidence and how he spoke with friends.
- The accident had an ______ on traffic, causing delays for several hours today.
- The math question was ______, but the teacher explained it very clearly.
- The country had ______ problems after many shops closed.