©AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, 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 read news about a country’s economy going down?
- Do you know about factories or buildings that help the economy grow?
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。
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
Good sleep is crucial for staying healthy. - strategic /struh-TEE-jik/
[adjective] – helping to achieve a plan or goal
The teacher made a strategic plan for the test. - considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – large or important enough to be noticed
The team made considerable progress this month. - persistent /per-SIS-tuhnt/
[adjective] – continuing steadily for a long time, often without stopping, though not always fast
The company made persistent growth in sales despite the difficult market. - optimistic /op-tuh-MIS-tik/
[adjective] – hoping and believing that good things will happen
She felt optimistic about her new job.
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。
The German economy dropped by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025, according to official data released on Friday. This was worse than the first estimate of 0.1% and showed that Europe’s largest economy faced serious problems. The fall followed a 0.3% growth in the first quarter but was slowed by weak results in manufacturing and construction. Household spending was also reduced, adding more pressure on the economy. Economists said the decline was a crucial test of stability, as new tariffs from the United States and fewer gains from exports caused damage. The government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office on May 6, 2025, called economic recovery a main goal.
The administration announced a €500 billion ($582 billion) program to improve infrastructure, speed up digitization, and cut delays. Companies pledged €631 billion ($731.7 billion) in three years. Experts said strategic and considerable efforts were needed, as progress may be persistent and slow, though some remained optimistic.
The administration announced a €500 billion ($582 billion) program to improve infrastructure, speed up digitization, and cut delays. Companies pledged €631 billion ($731.7 billion) in three years. Experts said strategic and considerable efforts were needed, as progress may be persistent and slow, though some remained optimistic.
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 German economy dropped by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025.
- The first estimate showed the economy grew by 0.1%.
- Manufacturing and construction were strong during this period.
- Household spending increased and helped the economy grow.
- Economists said the decline was a crucial test of stability.
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。
| crucial | strategic | considerable | persistent | optimistic |
- The singer has ______ talent in music.
- The team stayed ______ after losing the game.
- She showed _______ effort in studying every night for the exam.
- Water is ______ for plants to grow.
- Putting chairs near the door is a ______ idea.