TOEFL教材開発への挑戦

このリクエストに応えるべく、2022年秋、現地大学でTESOL（英語を母語としない人への英語教育）の指導経験を持つ友人と共同で、ESL向けのTOEFL教材を開発しました。

そして、2024年度版のTOEFL試験形式に完全対応する形でアップデートし、さらに実践的な練習問題を盛り込んだ教材として提供しています。

Readingセクションの問題形式

TOEFLのReadingセクションには、大きく6つの問題形式があります。

① Factual Information and Negative Factual Information

② Inference and Rhetorical Purpose

③ Vocabulary

④ Sentence Simplification

⑤ Insert Text Question

⑥ Prose Summary

この中で、①〜④は基礎的な問題に分類されます。⑤と⑥は応用力や全体の読解力が求められる難易度の高い問題です。

Community Collegeレベルの41点〜60点を目指す方は、まず基礎問題である①〜④を確実に正解できるようにしましょう。この部分で安定した得点を取ることで、着実にスコアを積み上げることが可能です。

問題形式別攻略法は別記事で徹底解説しているので、ぜひご活用ください！

この問題集では、以下の１０ジャンルから100問を収録しています。

１：生物・動物

２：人体・医学

３：天文・地球

４：政治

５：芸術

６：言語学

７：歴史・哲学

８：植物

９：医学・ヘルス

１０：物理学

それでは、練習問題に移りましょう！

この教材の内容は著作権法で保護されています。無断での複製、配布、改変、または商業利用を禁じます。教材の利用は、購入者本人の学習目的に限ります。

This material is protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or commercial use is prohibited. This material is intended solely for the personal, non-commercial educational use of the purchaser.

Reading Section Passage 1

The Role of Pollinators in Ecosystems

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, play a critical role in maintaining the health of ecosystems. These creatures facilitate the reproduction of many flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This process, known as pollination, enables plants to produce fruits, seeds, and the next generation of plants. In fact, it is estimated that over 75% of the world’s flowering plants and approximately 35% of global food crops depend on pollinators.

However, in recent years, pollinator populations have been declining at an alarming rate. Factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases have significantly impacted these species. For instance, neonicotinoid pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture, are highly toxic to bees and can disrupt their ability to forage and navigate. Similarly, the loss of natural habitats due to urbanization and deforestation has reduced the availability of food and nesting sites for pollinators.

■[A] The decline in pollinator populations poses a serious threat to biodiversity and food security. ■[B] Without pollinators, many plant species would fail to reproduce, leading to a cascade of negative effects on ecosystems. ■[C] Animals that rely on fruits and seeds for food would face shortages, and agricultural systems would experience lower crop yields, potentially driving up food prices globally.

■[D] To address this issue, conservation efforts have been initiated worldwide. Planting pollinator-friendly gardens, reducing pesticide use, and protecting natural habitats are some strategies to support pollinator populations. Additionally, research into alternative agricultural practices and pest control methods is being conducted to mitigate the harmful effects of traditional farming techniques.

Question 1

According to the passage, what percentage of global food crops depend on pollinators?