Notes:
EIKEN 「英検」は正式名称を「実用英語技能検定」といい、年3回実施され、年間受験者数約230万人の国内最大規模の英語検定試験です;
motivating 動機を与えた;
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Many readers said that they took the EIKEN. One reader passed the first part in high school but couldn’t take the second speaking test because it was on the day of his school trip. Now, many years later, he is looking forward to taking it again, this time with his two teenage daughters. For some people, the listening section is more difficult. For others, the reading part is harder. A couple of teachers said that they needed to take the test for their jobs. One teacher said that it keeps her studying English. However, another teacher said that just studying for a test isn’t very motivating.　(by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Notes
shaved ice かき氷;
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It’s summer, and it’s hot. This is the season for Japan’s coolest dessert: shaved ice. In my neighborhood, there is a store that used to sell ice. The husband delivered ice all year round, and the wife sold shaved ice in the summer. Now the store is run by the daughter, and it is only open in summer. They no longer sell ice. Instead, they put tables and stools outside and sell shaved ice to the customers. I like the place because there is no air conditioning. We can sit by the side of the street and watch the cars go by as we eat. I want to be hot when I eat shaved ice. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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