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 enjoy reading in your free time?
- Do you think screens take time away from reading?
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。
- decrease /dih-KREES/
[verb] – to become smaller in number, amount, or level
Air pollution levels decrease during rainy seasons. - enjoyment /en-JOI-muhnt/
[noun] – a feeling of pleasure or happiness
Many people find enjoyment in listening to music after work. - schedule /SKEJ-ool/
[noun] – a plan that shows when activities or events happen
The work schedule changed due to the new project. - platform /PLAT-fawrm/
[noun] – a digital service used to share information or tools
The company uses an online platform for team communication. - tracker /TRAK-er/
[noun] – a tool used to record or follow progress
A fitness tracker records daily walking activity.
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。
Adult reading for pleasure has decreased in the United States in recent years, according to government data. Time-use surveys showed that 16 percent of adults read for enjoyment on an average day in 2023, while 28 percent did so in 2004. The decline includes books, e-books, audiobooks, and magazines and affects many age groups. Researchers reported that this change has mainly happened in North America, with similar trends in other developed countries. Experts said that busy work schedules, more screen time, and shorter attention spans have contributed to the decrease. Libraries and education groups raised concerns because reading supports learning, mental health, and language skills.In response, libraries and digital services have taken steps to support adult reading. Library platforms now offer tools that suggest books based on past reading interests. Researchers advised starting with short and enjoyable texts to help readers continue the habit. Audiobooks and e-books allow reading during commuting or while doing household tasks. Some communities also organize quiet group reading activities and use online reading trackers to encourage participation. Recent updates to library apps have increased free access to digital reading materials. Specialists explained that setting simple goals and choosing interesting topics can help adults return to regular reading.
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。
- Time-use surveys showed that most adults read for enjoyment every day in 2023.
- In 2004, only 16 percent of adults read for pleasure on an average day.
- The decline in reading includes books, e-books, audiobooks, and magazines.
- Researchers said the change mainly happened in Asia.
- Experts connected the decline to shorter working hours and less screen time.
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。
| decrease | enjoyment | schedule | platform | tracker |
- A clear ______ helps students manage study time.
- The budget ______ helps control monthly expenses.
- The learning ______ offers free training videos.
- Travel brings ______ to people who like new experiences.
- Noise levels ______ late at night in residential areas.