Solar Power and Renewable Energy

Solar power and renewable energy have become increasingly important in our world today. Solar power harnesses the energy from the sun to generate electricity, making it a clean and sustainable source of energy. It is exciting to see more and more solar panels being installed on rooftops and in large solar farms.

Renewable energy, including solar power, plays a significant role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. By utilizing solar power, we can decrease harmful greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for the future generations.

As technology continues to advance, solar power is becoming more accessible and cost-effective for individuals and businesses alike. It is inspiring to witness the growth of the renewable energy sector and the positive impact it is having on our planet.

renewable

increasingly   /ɪn'kriːsɪŋli/　adv)ますます、いっそう

harness   /'hɑːrnɪs/　n)(安全ベルト)ハーネス、v)(力・感情などを)利用する

generate　v)生み出す、発生させる

dependence　/dɪ'pendəns/　n)依存、依存症

combat　/'kɑːmbæt/　v)

combating（望ましくないもの、病気・犯罪・差別等と）戦うこと

alike　/ə'laɪk/　adv)同じように

witness　v)目撃する、目のあたりにする、直面する、立ち会う、証言する

sector　/'sektər/　n)～分野・～部門

positive impact   好影響

Plastic Pollurion

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects our planet. Plastic waste, such as bottles, bags, and straws, ends up in our oceans and landfills, harming wildlife and ecosystems. It is essential for us to reduce the use of single-use plastics and recycle responsibly to help combat this problem. By raising awareness and taking action, we can make a positive impact on our environment and future generations.

landfill   /'lændfɪl/　n)埋立地、ごみ処理場

Traditional jobs in a country

Can you tell me about some traditional jobs that are common in your country?

ーSure. In my country, some traditional jobs include farming, fishing, and craftsmanship like pottery and weaving.

That's interesting. How are these traditional jobs important to the culture and economy of your country?

ーThese traditional jobs play a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage and help sustain the local economy by providing essential goods and services.

How do you think these traditional jobs have evolved over time, considering technological advancements and changing societal needs?

ーWith technological advancements traditional jobs have adapted to modern tools and techniques while still maintaining their authentic practices. They continue to be relevant in today's society.

craftsmanship　n)職人魂やその姿勢

pottery　n)焼き物、陶器

weaving　n)織ること・編むこと

vital　adj)非常に重要な、不可欠な、生命の維持に関わるほど重要な

　→医療】バイタルサイン(生命兆候)

sustain　v)持続させる、支える

relevant　adj)関連する、関係がある

Fishing and Overfishing

Can you share your thoughts on this issue?

ーOf course. Fishing is a popular activity  worldwide, but overfishing has become a major concern. It not only depletes fish populations but also disrupts the marine ecosystem.

How do you think overfishing can be controlled or prevented?

ーImplementing strict regulations on fishing quotas and enforcing sustainable fishing practices are essential. Collaborating with local communities and fishermen to promote responsible fishing is also crucial.

That's a great point. How do you think individuals can contribute to addressing this issue?

ーIndividuals can choose to consume sustainably sourced seafood, support fisheries that prioritize responsible practices, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life. 

deplete   /dɪ'pliːt/　v)使い果たす、激減させる

disrupt　/dɪs'rʌpt/　v)混乱させる、崩壊させる

Diversifying Business

Can you explain what diversifying business means to you?

ーDiversifying business involves expanding product or service offerings to reach new markets.

How important is diversification for a business's growth and sustainability?

ーDiversification is crucial for adapting to changing market conditions and reducing risk.

Cloud you provide an example of successful business diversification that you are familiar with?

ーSure, Apple diversifying into services like Apple TV to complement their hardware products.

How can a business determine the right strategies for diversification?

ーA business should conduct market research, assess their research, assess their capabilities, and align diversification with their overall goals.

Partnerships among Countries

Partnerships among countries are crucial for global cooperation and development. Countries often form alliances to address common challenges such as climate change, poverty, and security issues.

These partnerships can involve economic cooperation, sharing of knowledge and resources, and supporting each other in times of need.

By working together, countries can achieve greater progress and make a positive impact on the world stage.

cooperation　/,kɔːrpə'reɪʃn/　n)協力

alliance　/ə'laɪəns/　n)同盟、提携

poverty　/'pɑːvərti/　n)貧困、貧しさ

resource   /rɪ'sɔːrs/　n)資源、資産

Consumer Awareness and Advocacy

Claims and Lawsuits against Brands and Products

This is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years due to the rise of consumer awareness and advocacy.

awareness　/ə'wernəs/　n)意識、認識、自覚、気づき

advocacy   /'ædvəkəsi/　n)擁護

Comforting others

How do you typically comfort others when they are feeling upset or down?

—When someone is feeling upset, I try to listen to them without judgment and offer a shoulder to lean on.

L6-3-1

typically   adv)一般的に、通常は

a shoulder to lean on   愚痴を聞いてくれる人、頼りになる人

lean　/liːn/　v)傾く、もたれる　

lean on　頼る

cheapskate

★Can you tell me what comes to your mind when you hear the word "cheapskate"?

ーーWhen I think of a cheapskate, I imagine someone who is very reluctant to spend money, even on basic things. 

★How do you feel about people who are labeled as cheapskates?

ーーI think being mindful of spending is important, but it's also essential to find a balance and not compromise on things that are necessary for a decent quality of life.

★Have you ever been in a situation where you had to be frugal or act like a cheapskate?

ーーYes, there have been times where I needed to be frugal, especially during challenging financial situations. However, I always try to prioritize essential needs over unnecessary expenses.

★That's understandable. How do you think being frugal or thrifty can benefit individuals or society as a whole?

ーーBeing frugal can help individuals save money for future goals or emergencies, and on a larger scale, it can promote responsible consumption and reduce wasteful spending, which is beneficial for the environment and the economy.

★Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic of "cheapskate".

mindful   adj) [思慮深く] 注意を払う、意識している、気を配っている

reluctant

compromise

frugal   /'fruːgl/　adj)質素な、倹約的な、（ケチとは異なる）　　・a frugal life

over     ～を通して

expense   /ɪk'spens/　n)支出、費用、経費、損失

thrifty   /'θrɪfti/　adj)倹約的で無駄がない、経済的に利益を最大化する

stingy　/'stɪndʒi/　adj)ケチ、出し惜しみをする　

as a whole   全体として　　　

～を意識している・～に気を配っている

mindful of ...

I think being mindful of spending is important.

お金を使うことに注意を払うことは大切だと思う

mindful   adj)何かを意識したり、注意を払ったりする状況で使われる

Today, we will be discussing the topic of a contractor building a house. Can you please tell me about the process involved in this?

contractor   /'kɑːntræktər/　noun

★ a person or company that has a contract to do work or provide goods or services for another company

・ a building/roofing/electrical contractor

process involved in ...

the benefits of practicing mindfulness in daily life

Practicing mindfulness in daily life has numerous benefits. It helps us stay present in the moment, reducing stress and anxiety.

By being mindful, we can improve our focus and concentration, leading to better decision-making and productivity.

Mindfulness also enhances self-awareness, allowing us to understand our emotions and reactions better.

This can improve our relationships with others and ourselves.

Overall, incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

mindfulness　/'maɪndflnəs/　noun

現在の状況を受け入れリラックスするテクニック

★ a mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment, while calmly accepting the feeling and thoughts that come to you, used as a technique to help you relax

・A therapist may teach mindfulness, a concept borrowed from Zen Buddhism.

・Mindfulness is a way for body and mind to reconnect.

practice   v)習慣的に行う・繰り返して習熟させる

numerous   /'nuːmərəs/　adj)非常に多い 

present　/'preznt/　

　adj)その場にいる、現在の　n)現在　v)贈る、発表する　n)贈り物

anxiety　/æŋ'zaɪəti/　n)不安

reconnect   v)再びつなぐ

mindful

focus

decision-making

productivity

enhance

self-awareness

overall

incorporate

fulfill

How to spend the day before the marathon？

Thank you for asking on how to spend the day before the marathon.

----It's important to prepare well. What are your thoughts on how to spend this day?

I believe that the day before the marathon should be all about rest and relaxation. It's crucial to give your body time to recharge and get ready for the race.

----That sounds like a good plan. How do you plan on relaxing and preparing mentally for the marathon?

I think it's essential to stay off your feet as much as possible, maybe do some light stretching or yoga, and visualize yourself crossing the finish line strong and happy.

----Great suggestions! Is there anything specific you like to eat or any other tips you follow before a big race?

I always make sure to hydrate well, eat easily digestible foods like pasta or rice, and get a good night's sleep. It's also helpful to pack your race gear and doublecheck everything you'll need for the next day.

----It sounds like you have a solid plan in place. 

thoughts　/θɔːt/　n)意見･考え･気持ち

all about   全ては...につきる・～次第である 

recharge   /,riː'tʃɑːrdʒ/　v)

stay off   v)～から離れている・遠ざかっている・控える

as much as possible　できるだけ

visualize   /'vɪʒuəlaɪz/　v)視覚化する・想像する

hydrate　/'haɪdreɪt/　v)水分を補給する

digestible   /daɪ'dʒestəbl/　adj)消化のよい

solid　/'sɑːlɪd/  adj)固体の、全部詰まった･隙間のない、充実した、ゆるぎない

in place   適所に

After the marathon

Can you tell me about what happened after the marathon?

-----After the marathon, I felt a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. I met up with my friends and family who were there to support me.

Did you have any specific celebrations or activities planned after the marathon?

-----Yes, we went out for a big meal to replenish all the calories we burned. It was a great way to celebrate our hard work and bond over our shared experience.

How did you feel overall about completing the marathon?

-----I felt proud of myself for pushing through and reaching the finish line. It was an incredible feeling of achievement and I can't wait to do it again.

a mix of ...　いろいろな物が混ざっている･複数の要素が一緒になっている

exhaustion   /ɪg'zɔːstʃən/　n)疲労困憊･極度の疲労･完全な消耗

replenish　/rɪ'plenɪʃ/    v)補充･補給する、再び満たす

calorie   /'kæləri/　n)

bond　/bɑːnd/　v)つなぐ･結ぶ、接着させる　n)つなぐ･縛るもの、ボンド

bond over ...   ～を通じて絆を深める

proud　/praƱd/　adj)誇り･自慢に思う

incredible　/ɪn'kredəbl/　adj)信じられない

achievement

Cycling around Taiwan

Taiwan is a beautiful island with diverse landscapes and rich culture, making it a perfect destination for cyclists.

Firstly, cycling around Taiwan offers a unique experience to explore the island's stunning scenery.

From the rugged mountains to the picturesque coastline, cyclists can enjoy breathtaking views throughout their journey.

Additionally, Taiwan is known for its delicious cuisine, and cycling allows travelers to stop at local eateries to savor authentic dishes along the way.

Food plays a significant role in Taiwanese culture, and sampling different regional specialties adds to the overall experience.

make it  うまくいく･やり遂げる･何とかする（直訳：それをつくり出す）

make+O+C   OをCの状態にさせる

stunning   adj)見事な･気絶させるような･ぼう然とするような

rugged   adj)ごつごつした、頑丈な

picturesque　/,pɪktʃə'resk/　adj)絵のように美しい

coastline　/'kəƱstlaɪn/　

eatery　/'iːtəri/　n)米語)飲食店

savor　/'seɪvər/　v)味わう

play  役割を果たす ≪in≫

role   n)役割しよくする

sample　/'sæmpl/    v)試食する･試しに体験する

specialty   /'speʃəlti/　n)得意･専門、得意料理

add to ...    ～を増大させる

overall   /,əƱvər'ɔːl/　adj)全体にわたる

期待外れ

It didn't meet my expectations.

～について聞かせてください

tell me about a time when you ...

Can you tell me about a time when you failed.   失敗談

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

I can't think of a time when I got into an argument with my coworkers.

・job interview で使われる表現（カジュアルでも使われる）

　具体的な事例を聞きたい→具体的に回答するのがポイント

monetary policy

金融政策

資金流通の促進・低金利

The bank helped the economy by making money more available and lower interest rates.

Monetary policy can also be used to control inflation rates.

lower interest rates　低金利

interest n)興味･好奇心、利息･金利･株

物価変動率　inflation rates

物価（物やサービスの価格）が変わっている：The rate of inflation is the change in prices for goods and services over time.

上手くいっていない　not going well

Monetary policy is not going well these days.

the positive aspects of ....

I said do you know any good things of ...

⇒Do you know any the positive aspects of ...?

aspect　/’æspekt/    n)側面

online shopping

social media

teamwork

technology

People working from home

Let's talk about people working from home because of COVID-19.

   Yeah, it's a convenient and safe option during these times.

Working from home lets you stay safe and be productive.

   I like the social interaction in the office and the comfort of working from home.

Working in the office lets you work with others and make connections, while working from home is more flexible and comfortable.

interaction　/,ɪntər'ækʃn/　n)交流･ふれあい･相互作用