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。
- Are sweet drinks or desserts popular in your country?
- Do people face health or comfort problems when the weather becomes very hot?
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。
- persistent /per-SIS-tuhnt/
[adjective] – lasting for a long time or difficult to get rid of
The persistent rain kept children from playing outside. - widespread /WAHYD-SPRED/
[adjective] – existing or happening in many places and affecting many people
The widespread use of phones makes communication very easy. - considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – large or of noticeable importance
The project required a considerable amount of money and effort. - evident /EV-i-duhnt/
[adjective] – easily seen or understood; obvious
It is evident that he is tired from work. - complex /KOM-pleks/
[adjective] – involving a lot of different but connected parts
The math problem was complex and hard to understand.
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。
A study published in Nature Climate Change on September 8, 2025, showed that hotter days in the United States are linked with higher sugar intake. Researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom studied how temperatures from 54 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 30 Celsius) changed buying habits. The study found that Americans consumed over 100 million pounds (358 million kilograms) more sugar each year than 15 years earlier. Sugary drinks and frozen desserts became the predominant products purchased. The rise was stronger among families with lower income, less education, and outdoor jobs. Experts said the situation is crucial because obesity and diabetes are already persistent health concerns. They added that this pattern is widespread and has significant effects. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that average U.S. temperatures increased by 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 Celsius) since 1895.
The researchers explained that sugar use was not only about thirst but also about living conditions. Families without clean water or air conditioning were more vulnerable to this pattern. Health experts said that even one extra soda daily may raise diabetes risk by 30 percent. They called the effect adverse and warned that it may intensify with global warming. Specialists added that the pressure on poorer households is considerable, and the difference in health impact is already evident. Scientists described the results as noteworthy, impactful, and even remarkable for public health. They stressed that the link between heat and sugar intake shows a complexand lasting challenge that requires sustainable health solutions.”
The researchers explained that sugar use was not only about thirst but also about living conditions. Families without clean water or air conditioning were more vulnerable to this pattern. Health experts said that even one extra soda daily may raise diabetes risk by 30 percent. They called the effect adverse and warned that it may intensify with global warming. Specialists added that the pressure on poorer households is considerable, and the difference in health impact is already evident. Scientists described the results as noteworthy, impactful, and even remarkable for public health. They stressed that the link between heat and sugar intake shows a complexand lasting challenge that requires sustainable health solutions.”
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 study was published in Nature Climate Change in September 2025.
- The research was conducted only by scientists in Canada.
- Hotter days in the U.S. were linked to higher sugar intake.
- Americans consumed fewer pounds of sugar compared to 15 years ago.
- Sugary drinks and frozen desserts were the least purchased products.
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。
| persistent | widespread | considerable | evident | complex |
- ______ fog covered the city streets for three long, cold winter days.
- The disease caused ______ fear in the small town last month.
- He made a ______ effort to learn English before moving abroad.
- The teacher’s anger was ______ when the students ignored instructions.
- Human emotions are ______ and not always easy to explain.