2025年1月25日「モバイル英語学習」第863号 (英語のエッセイ):The Tree That Owns Itself!

要約: アメリアジョージア州アセンズにある「自分自身を所有する木」は、自分の土地を持つと言われる特別な木です。
Notes:
Georgia – ジョージア, アメリカ合衆国の州の一つ;
own -所有する;
explore – 探検する;
plaque – 銘板;

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In Athens, Georgia, there is a very special tree. People call it the “Tree That Owns Itself.” It stands at the corner of two streets. The tree is famous because a story says it owns the land around it!

A long time ago, in 1890, a man named Colonel William H. Jackson loved this tree. He wanted to protect it forever, so he gave the tree its own land. The first tree was very old , about 400 years. But in 1942, it fell down during a big storm. To keep the story alive, a garden club planted a new tree in 1946. This is the tree you can see today.

The garden club still looks after the tree. They make sure it is healthy and the area around it is clean. If you visit, you can also explore nearby shops, eat at restaurants, or enjoy a tour of the area.

The picture shows the tree and the plaque, which honors William H. Jackson’s commitment to protecting the tree and the surrounding eight feet of land forever.
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(Image from https://www.visitathensga.com/)

2025年1月18日「モバイル英語学習」第862号 (英語のエッセイ): University Entrance Exams in Japan, China, and Korea

Notes
University Admissions -大学入試
critical – 重要な
ensure – 確実にする
paused – 一時停止した
surveillance camera – 監視カメラ
fairness – 公平性
shaping – 形成する
honk – クラクションを鳴らす
Incredible – 信じられない

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The Common Test for University Admissions starts today in Japan. In 2025, 495,171 students registered for this critical exam. On this day, trains run on special schedules, and taxi drivers offer discounted rides to ensure students reach their testing centers without stress. Construction near test sites is paused, and signs remind everyone to stay quiet. Even at home, families prepare quiet meals, creating an atmosphere of support.

In China, the National College Entrance Examination” also called Gaokao is a national event. In 2024, 13.42 million students took the exam. Roads near test centers are cleared by police, honking is banned, and surveillance cameras are installed in every exam room to ensure fairness.

Korea holds the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) each November. In 2024, 504,600 students participated. During the 40-minute English listening section, planes across the country stop landing or taking off, and flying aircraft must stay above 3,000 meters to reduce noise.

These exams are different, but the incredible effort each country puts into supporting students shows how important they are for shaping futures.
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 (Image from https://www.lcxw.cn/)