Day 8｜段落の読み方 ― トピックセンテンスとサポートセンテンスを見抜く

Phase 2 スタート

今日の核心スキル

トピックセンテンス（TS）とサポートセンテンス（SS）

英語の段落は、原則として次の構造で書かれています。

【段落の構造】① トピックセンテンス（TS）└── 段落全体の「主張・テーマ」を1文で述べる ※ 多くの場合、段落の最初か最後にある② サポートセンテンス（SS）└── TSの主張を「なぜ？」「どのように？」「たとえば？」で支える ▶ 根拠（because / since / therefore） ▶ 具体例（for example / for instance / such as） ▶ データ・事実（数字、固有名詞、研究結果） ▶ 補足説明（additionally / furthermore / moreover）

読み方の手順

STEP 1｜まず全文を（）メソッドで1文ずつ骨格確認↓STEP 2｜「この段落で一番大切な主張は何か？」を探す → TS特定↓STEP 3｜残りの文がTSをどう支えているかを確認 → SSの役割を分類↓STEP 4｜段落の「言いたいこと」を日本語で1文にまとめる

やり方

確認問題

Section A｜トピックセンテンスを特定する（10問）

指示：次の段落を読み、トピックセンテンスを含む文の番号（①〜③）を答えなさい。また、その文が「段落の主張」となっている理由を一言で説明しなさい。

A-1

① The company’s new headquarters (in downtown Osaka) has significantly improved employee satisfaction. ② The open-plan office design allows teams (from different departments) to collaborate more easily. ③ (In addition), the rooftop garden provides a relaxing space (for workers) (during lunch breaks).

A-2

① Online grocery delivery services have become increasingly popular (among urban residents). ② (In Tokyo), the number (of households) (using delivery apps) rose (by 43 percent) (last year). ③ (Similarly), (in Osaka and Nagoya), subscription-based grocery services reported record-high customer numbers.

A-3

① The logistics center (in Fukuoka) was expanded (last spring). ② (After the expansion), the facility can now process twice as many shipments (per day) as (before). ③ (As a result), delivery lead times (in Kyushu) have been reduced (from four days) (to two).

A-4

① (Many) travelers (visiting Hokkaido) choose to rent a car rather than rely (on public transportation). ② The island’s train and bus network is limited (outside major cities) (like Sapporo and Asahikawa). ③ (Furthermore), a rental car gives visitors the flexibility (to explore rural areas) (at their own pace).

A-5

① Electric vehicles (sold in Japan) are now eligible (for a government subsidy) (of up to 650,000 yen). ② (To qualify), buyers must purchase a vehicle (with a driving range) (of at least 400 kilometers) (on a single charge). ③ The subsidy program aims to accelerate the shift (from gasoline-powered cars) (to zero-emission alternatives).

A-6

① The food processing plant (in Aomori) uses an automated sorting system (developed by a local startup). ② Cameras (equipped with AI software) scan each apple (for size, color, and surface defects) (in less than 0.3 seconds). ③ (This technology) has reduced sorting errors (by 78 percent) and lowered labor costs (by 35 percent).

A-7

① The hotel chain has recently redesigned all of its guest rooms (on the upper floors). ② Larger windows were installed (to maximize the view) (of the surrounding mountains). ③ (In addition), soundproof walls and premium mattresses have been added (to enhance comfort).

A-8

① Training programs (for warehouse staff) have been shortened (from two weeks) (to five days). ② A new digital simulation system allows trainees (to practice) picking and packing (in a virtual environment) (before handling real goods). ③ (According to the HR manager), this approach has cut training costs (by nearly 40 percent).

A-9

① The real estate market (in central Nagoya) has seen a sharp rise (in property prices) (over the past 18 months). ② Demand (from both domestic buyers and foreign investors) has outpaced the supply (of available properties). ③ (As a result), the average price (per square meter) (in the business district) has increased (by 22 percent).

A-10

① The company invested heavily (in renewable energy infrastructure) (last fiscal year). ② Solar panels were installed (on the roofs) (of all eight production facilities) (across the country). ③ (Thanks to this investment), the firm now generates 60 percent (of its electricity needs) (from solar power).

Section B｜サポートセンテンスの役割を分類する（15問）

指示：次の段落を読み、①〜④（または①〜⑤）の各文が「TS」「根拠」「具体例」「データ」「補足」のどれにあたるかを答えなさい。また、段落全体の意味を日本語で1文にまとめなさい。

B-1

① Digital transformation has become a top priority (for mid-sized manufacturers) (in Japan). ② (For example), an auto parts supplier (based in Aichi) replaced its paper-based production records (with a cloud management system) (last April). ③ (As a result), defect rates fell (by 30 percent) (within three months). ④ (Similarly), a furniture company (in Shizuoka) reported a 25 percent improvement (in inventory accuracy) (after adopting IoT sensors).

B-2

① The airline introduced a new loyalty program (designed to reward frequent travelers). ② Members earn points (not only for flights) but also (for hotel bookings and car rentals) (made through the airline’s app). ③ (Furthermore), elite-tier members receive priority boarding and complimentary upgrades (when available). ④ (According to the CEO), the program has already attracted 1.2 million members (within six months) (of its launch).

B-3

① The city (of Sendai) has launched a pilot program (to encourage remote work) (among local businesses). ② Participating companies receive subsidies (for setting up satellite offices) (outside the city center). ③ (The goal) is to reduce peak-hour commuter congestion (on the subway) and allow employees (to work closer to home). ④ (As of last month), 47 companies had signed up (for the program).

B-4

① The financial services firm updated its client data security protocols (following a regulatory audit). ② All employees (handling sensitive information) are now required (to use two-factor authentication) (for every system login). ③ (Additionally), client files are automatically encrypted (before being stored on the company’s servers). ④ These measures align (with the latest standards) (set by the Financial Services Agency).

B-5

① Demand (for plant-based food products) (in the Japanese market) has grown steadily (over the past three years). ② A survey (conducted by a market research firm) found that 34 percent (of Japanese consumers) had tried a plant-based product (at least once) (in 2025). ③ (Supermarket chains) have responded (by expanding their plant-based product lines) (from an average of 12 items) (to over 50). ④ (Meanwhile), several domestic food manufacturers have announced plans (to launch new plant-based product ranges) (by the end of the year).

B-6

① The construction company completed the new commercial complex (three weeks ahead) (of the original deadline). ② The project team introduced a real-time progress tracking system (that identified bottlenecks) (before they caused delays). ③ (In addition), subcontractors were required (to submit daily progress reports) (via a shared digital platform). ④ The early completion earned the company a performance bonus (of 8 million yen) (from the client).

B-7

① The university’s international student enrollment increased (by 18 percent) (this academic year). ② New scholarship programs (targeting students) (from Southeast Asia and South America) were introduced (in September). ③ (Moreover), the university added three new degree programs (taught entirely in English). ④ A dedicated student support center (offering language and academic counseling) also opened (on campus) (in April).

B-8

① The fashion brand shifted entirely (to sustainable packaging) (for all its products). ② Plastic bags were replaced (with recycled paper alternatives) (across all 200 retail locations). ③ (For mail-order customers), the company introduced biodegradable mailers (made from cornstarch). ④ (According to the sustainability report), these changes reduced plastic waste (by 94 percent) compared (to the previous year). ⑤ The brand now aims (to achieve zero-waste packaging) (by 2028).

B-9

① The pharmaceutical company received approval (from health regulators) (for its new anti-inflammatory drug). ② Clinical trials (involving over 4,000 patients) demonstrated a 62 percent improvement (in symptoms) (compared to existing treatments). ③ The drug is expected (to be available in pharmacies nationwide) (by July). ④ (However), the company cautioned that the medication is not suitable (for patients with certain pre-existing heart conditions).

B-10

① Remote monitoring systems are transforming how property managers oversee large apartment complexes. ② Sensors installed (in common areas) detect issues (such as water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and unauthorized access) (in real time). ③ (When a problem is detected), maintenance staff receive an automatic alert (on their mobile devices) (within 30 seconds). ④ One property management firm (in Tokyo) reported a 55 percent reduction (in tenant complaints) (after implementing the system).

B-11

① The bank updated its mobile application (to include a carbon footprint tracker). ② (Using machine learning), the app analyzes a customer’s spending data and estimates the environmental impact (of each transaction). ③ (For example), a flight booking is assigned a higher carbon score than a local train ticket. ④ Customers can set monthly carbon budgets and receive notifications (when they are close to exceeding them). ⑤ The bank hopes (this feature will encourage more environmentally conscious spending behavior).

B-12

① The shipbuilding company signed a contract (with a European ferry operator) (valued at 38 billion yen). ② The deal involves the construction (of two liquefied natural gas-powered ferries) (to be delivered) (by 2028). ③ (Using LNG) significantly reduces carbon emissions (compared to conventional diesel engines), aligning (with the operator’s zero-carbon goals). ④ This contract marks the company’s largest single export order (in its 80-year history).

B-13

① The consulting firm relocated its headquarters (from central Osaka) (to a new purpose-built office complex) (in Umeda). ② The new space features (collaborative workstations, private meeting pods, and a rooftop terrace). ③ (According to the managing director), the move was motivated (by a desire to attract younger talent) and promote a more agile working culture. ④ The firm also reduced its total office space (by 20 percent) (by implementing a hot-desking system).

B-14

① The agricultural cooperative launched a new direct-sales platform (connecting farmers) (with restaurant buyers). ② (Through the app), restaurants can browse available produce and place orders (for same-day or next-day delivery). ③ Farmers receive a higher price (per kilogram) than (they would through traditional wholesale channels). ④ (Since its launch six months ago), 340 farms and 180 restaurants have joined the platform. ⑤ The cooperative plans (to expand the service) (to the Tokyo metropolitan area) (by next spring).

B-15

① Employee turnover (at the IT company) fell (to a record low) (of 4.2 percent) (last year). ② The HR department introduced a flexible scheduling system (that allows staff) (to choose their own start and end times) (within a core-hours window). ③ A quarterly performance review process was also replaced (with monthly one-on-one meetings) (between employees and their direct managers). ④ (Additionally), a remote work allowance (of 30,000 yen per month) was introduced (to help cover home office setup costs). ⑤ The CEO attributed the improvement (to these combined initiatives rather than to any single change).

Section C｜段落全体の読解と設問応答（15問）

指示：次の段落を読み、設問に日本語で答えなさい。必要に応じて（）メソッドを使って骨格を確認してから解答すること。

C-1

① A major retail chain has replaced all fluorescent lighting (in its stores) (with LED systems) (as part of its energy reduction campaign). ② (According to the company’s sustainability report), electricity consumption (for lighting) has decreased (by 47 percent since the transition). ③ (Furthermore), the longer lifespan (of LED bulbs) has reduced maintenance costs (by 2.3 million yen) (per store) (per year). ④ The company expects (to recover the initial installation cost) (within two years) (based on current savings rates).

設問1：この段落のトピックセンテンスはどれか。また、段落が「言いたいこと」を20字以内で述べよ。
設問2：④文の骨格（S・V・O）を答えよ。

C-2

① The city government announced (that it would close the downtown parking garage) (on weekdays) (to encourage the use of public transportation). ② Commuters (who previously drove into the city center) will be offered discounted monthly passes (for the subway and bus network). ③ (Despite initial opposition) (from local business owners), a six-month pilot of the scheme showed a 19 percent reduction (in peak-hour traffic congestion). ④ City planners now hope (to apply the same approach) (to three other areas) (of the city) (by the end of next year).

設問1：市政府がダウンタウンの駐車場を平日に閉鎖した目的は何か。
設問2：③文の逆接表現を特定し、「誰が反対したか」「どんな結果が出たか」を答えよ。

C-3

① The consumer electronics company redesigned its flagship smartphone (to appeal to an older demographic). ② The new model features a larger display, (simplified menu navigation), and louder speaker volume. ③ (To address concerns about durability), the phone also uses (toughened glass) and (a reinforced aluminum frame). ④ (According to early sales data), 38 percent (of buyers) are over 60, compared (to just 12 percent) (for the previous model).

設問1：この段落全体の主旨を日本語で1文にまとめよ。
設問2：③文のToで始まる部分の文法的役割を説明し、日本語に訳せ。

C-4

① Demand (for co-working spaces) (in regional cities) is growing (as more professionals choose to work outside of major urban centers). ② A co-working operator (based in Sendai) opened its fifth location (last month), bringing its total capacity (to 1,800 desks). ③ (Unlike traditional office leases), co-working memberships offer flexibility, (allowing businesses to scale up or down) (without long-term commitments). ④ (Looking ahead), the operator plans (to enter the Hokkaido and Okinawa markets) (within 18 months).

設問1：②文の現在分詞句「bringing its total capacity to 1,800 desks」はどの名詞を修飾しているか。また（）で括り、骨格S・Vを答えよ。
設問2：③文でco-working membershipsの利点として挙げられていることを2点答えよ。

C-5

① The online education platform introduced an AI-powered tutoring assistant (that adapts lesson difficulty in real time). ② (If a student answers three consecutive questions incorrectly), the system automatically adjusts the content (to a simpler level) and provides additional explanatory notes. ③ (Conversely), (if a student performs consistently well), the difficulty is gradually increased (to maintain engagement). ④ (In a pilot study) (with 5,000 students), those (using the AI tutor) improved their test scores (by an average of 23 points) compared (to those in a standard class).

設問1：②③文のif節はどのような構造か。（）メソッドで記号をつけながら骨格を示せ。
設問2：このシステムが「両方向」に調整できると言える根拠を、②③文から説明せよ。

C-6

① The pharmaceutical distributor established a new cold-chain logistics system (to ensure the safe delivery) (of temperature-sensitive medications) (across remote areas). ② (Previously), vaccines and insulin products often arrived (at rural clinics) (outside the acceptable temperature range), rendering them unusable. ③ The new system uses GPS-monitored refrigerated containers (that alert logistics staff) (whenever temperature thresholds are breached during transport). ④ (Since the system was introduced last April), medication wastage (in the target regions) has fallen (by 91 percent).

設問1：②文の「rendering them unusable」は何を指しているか。また「render O C」の構造を説明せよ。
設問2：このシステムが導入される前と後の違いを、具体的な数字を使って日本語で説明せよ。

C-7

① The sports apparel manufacturer partnered (with a textile research institute) (to develop a new fabric) (made entirely from recycled ocean plastics). ② The material matches the performance properties (of synthetic fabrics) (in terms of stretch, moisture-wicking, and durability). ③ (Despite initial concerns) (about production costs), the company found (that large-scale manufacturing brought the price) (per kilogram) (close to that of conventional materials). ④ The first product line (using the new fabric) will be launched (at major sporting goods retailers) (nationwide) (in August).

設問1：③文の骨格S・V・Oを答えよ（【名詞節】を使って示すこと）。
設問2：このプロジェクトの3つの成果・特徴を段落から読み取り、箇条書きで答えよ。

C-8

① The city’s new cycling infrastructure project has transformed commuting patterns (across three central wards). ② (Over the past two years), 42 kilometers (of dedicated bike lanes) have been constructed (along major arterial roads), separated (from both vehicle traffic and pedestrians). ③ (Alongside the physical infrastructure), the city introduced a subsidized bike-sharing scheme (with 3,000 bicycles) (available at 240 docking stations). ④ (As a result), the number (of daily cycling commuters) has increased (from 18,000) (to 67,000) — a growth (of 272 percent) — (making cycling the second most popular mode of transport) (in the city).

設問1：④文の「making cycling the second most popular mode of transport in the city」はどんな構文か。また、何が「2番目に人気な交通手段」になったのか。
設問2：②文のhave been constructedの時制・態と、なぜその形が使われているかを説明せよ。

C-9

① The telecommunications company launched an emergency alert system (designed to send real-time warnings) (to mobile devices) (in disaster-prone regions). ② (When a seismic event or severe weather warning is issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency), the system can push notifications (to over 10 million devices) (within 8 seconds). ③ (To ensure coverage even in areas with limited signal), the system uses both cellular networks and satellite links. ④ (Since its deployment last summer), the system successfully delivered alerts (during three separate weather emergencies), reaching (an estimated 98 percent of devices) (in the affected zones).

設問1：②文のwhen節の構造を（）で示し、「主節」の骨格S・Vを答えよ。
設問2：③文のTo不定詞句の目的を日本語で述べよ。また「limited signal」とはどんな状況を指すか。

C-10

① A growing number (of domestic travel agencies) are partnering (with local governments) (to promote “workcation” tourism) (in rural areas). ② (Under these programs), participants can work remotely (from scenic locations such as mountain resorts and coastal towns) (during the workweek) while exploring the area (during evenings and weekends). ③ Local governments offer subsidies (covering accommodation costs) (of up to 50 percent) (for stays of five nights or more). ④ (So far), the initiative has attracted over 23,000 participants (from major urban areas), injecting an estimated 1.8 billion yen (into rural economies).

設問1：②文の「while exploring the area during evenings and weekends」の文法的役割を説明せよ。
設問2：④文の「injecting an estimated 1.8 billion yen into rural economies」は何を意味しているか。「inject」の語義も含めて説明せよ。

C-11

① The courier company introduced an automated package sorting system (at its main distribution hub) (in Kanagawa) (in February). ② (Before the upgrade), workers manually sorted (up to 12,000 parcels per hour). ③ The new robotic system can process 45,000 parcels per hour (with an error rate) (of just 0.03 percent). ④ (Although the initial investment was substantial at 2.4 billion yen), the company projects (that the system will pay for itself) (within four years). ⑤ The hub now handles 30 percent (of the company’s total national shipment volume).

設問1：③文と②文を比較して、自動化によって改善された点を数値で2つ示せ。
設問2：④文の骨格S・V・O（名詞節）を示し、Although節の内容を日本語で述べよ。

C-12

① A textile recycling startup has developed a process (that converts used denim jeans) (into high-quality insulation material) (for construction). ② The company collects donated jeans (from collection bins) (placed at retail stores and community centers) (across the country). ③ (After processing), the denim fiber is compressed (into panels) (that meet the thermal insulation standards required by Japanese building codes). ④ (Not only does the process divert thousands of tons of textile waste from landfills each year), but it also provides a cost-competitive alternative (to conventional insulation products). ⑤ The startup is currently in talks (with three major homebuilders) (about bulk supply agreements).

設問1：④文は倒置構文（Not only…）が使われている。倒置前の通常語順に直し、構造を説明せよ。
設問2：このビジネスモデルが「サステナブル」と言える理由を2点、段落から探して日本語で答えよ。

C-13

① The hospital group implemented a centralized electronic health record (EHR) system (across all 14 of its facilities) (last October). ② (Previously), patient records were stored separately (at each hospital), making it difficult (for specialists at one facility) (to access records from another). ③ (With the new system), any authorized physician (within the group) can view a patient’s complete medical history (in under five seconds). ④ (According to the group’s medical director), early data suggests (that the EHR has reduced duplicate testing) (by 31 percent), (saving approximately 420 million yen annually).

設問1：②文の「making it difficult for specialists at one facility to access records from another」の構造を説明せよ。特に「it」が何を指すか述べよ。
設問2：EHR導入前後の違いを、患者ケアの観点から比較して日本語で答えよ。

C-14

① The software company redesigned its customer support process (to resolve issues) (more quickly and with less manual intervention). ② An AI chatbot now handles 68 percent (of all customer inquiries) (without human involvement), (resolving most issues) (in under two minutes). ③ (For cases) (that the chatbot cannot resolve), tickets are automatically escalated (to a specialist team), (along with a summary) (of the conversation) (generated by the AI). ④ (Since the new system was introduced eight months ago), customer satisfaction scores have risen (from 6.7) (to 8.4) (out of 10), and average resolution time has dropped (from 4.2 hours) (to 38 minutes).

設問1：④文には2つの変化（スコアと解決時間）が「and」でつながれている。それぞれ骨格S・Vを示し、各変化の内容を数字で答えよ。
設問2：③文の「along with a summary of the conversation generated by the AI」が意味することを日本語で説明せよ。

C-15

① The renewable energy company completed the installation (of a 200-megawatt offshore wind farm) (off the coast) (of Niigata Prefecture). ② The wind farm consists (of 50 turbines), each capable (of generating enough electricity) (to power approximately 1,200 average Japanese households). ③ (During the construction phase), over 3,400 local workers were employed, generating an estimated 12 billion yen (in regional economic activity). ④ (The energy output) (from the wind farm) is contracted (to three utility companies) (under 20-year agreements), providing long-term revenue certainty (for the project). ⑤ (With this project now operational), the company holds a total offshore wind capacity (of 580 megawatts) — (making it the largest offshore wind operator) (in Japan).

設問1：②文の「each capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 1,200 average Japanese households」は何を修飾しているか。また「enough A to do」の構造を説明せよ。
設問2：この段落で述べられている「地域への貢献」を2点、「会社の成果・意義」を2点、それぞれ段落から読み取り日本語で答えよ。

今日の重要語（10語）

本日のまとめ

今日のチェック：
– [ ] トピックセンテンスを素早く特定できる
– [ ] SSの役割（根拠・具体例・データ・補足）を分類できる
– [ ] 段落全体の「言いたいこと」を日本語で1文にまとめられる

Phase 2 進捗

Day 8 完了：段落の基本構造（TS・SS）の把握 ✓Day 9：ビジネスメール・通知文の段落読解Day 10：広告・告知文の段落読解Day 11：ニュース記事の段落読解Day 12：Part 6形式（段落穴埋め）への応用Day 13：複数段落・接続表現の読み方Day 14：Phase 2 総復習

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