英語学習

英語ニュース教材：Inflation ticked up 3% in September, the U.S. belatedly reports（Intermediate レベル）

 

Contents

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

In September, the United States saw a 3% increase in inflation, a significant economic event that was reported later than usual. This delay occurred because some government workers were furloughed, meaning they were temporarily laid off due to a government shutdown. However, the federal government decided to bring back some of these workers temporarily to prepare the inflation report. Inflation is a critical economic measure because it affects the cost of living and purchasing power. For people who rely on Social Security benefits, like retirees, inflation is especially important. That’s because their benefits are adjusted based on the inflation rate to help them maintain their standard of living despite rising prices.

The report shows how the cost of goods and services has changed over time. For example, if inflation is high, it means that prices for things like food, housing, and healthcare are going up, which can be challenging for people on a fixed income. Social Security beneficiaries, such as seniors, are directly impacted by this. If inflation rises, their benefits may increase the following year, helping them cope with higher costs.

The government’s decision to recall workers for this report highlights the importance of the inflation data. Without accurate information, it would be difficult to make informed decisions about financial planning and adjustments to Social Security payments. This report helps economists, policymakers, and the general public understand the current economic climate and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, the inflation report is more than just numbers; it has real-world implications for millions of people. By understanding these figures, individuals can better prepare for financial changes, and the government can adjust policies to support those in need.

📝 Vocabulary

  • Inflation: a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money（インフレーション）
    例文: “Inflation causes the prices of everyday goods to rise.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • inflation rate
    • rising inflation
    • inflation report
  • Furlough: leave of absence, especially that granted to a member of the armed services or a worker（休暇、休職）
    例文: “The furlough ended, and the employees returned to work.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • furlough days
    • furlough leave
    • on furlough
  • Beneficiary: a person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy（受益者）
    例文: “He was the main beneficiary of his uncle’s will.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • insurance beneficiary
    • main beneficiary
    • designated beneficiary
  • Adjust: alter or move something slightly to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result（調整する）
    例文: “We need to adjust our plans due to the weather.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • adjust the settings
    • adjust for inflation
    • adjust the schedule
  • Economy: the wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services（経済）
    例文: “The economy is showing signs of recovery.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • global economy
    • local economy
    • economy growth

✏️ Grammar Point

Conditional Sentences – “If inflation rises, their benefits may increase the following year.”

文法の日本語補足を見る
条件節の使い方：ある条件が満たされた場合に起こることを表します

💡 使用場面

条件を述べる際に用いられます。ビジネスや日常会話で、ある条件が満たされたときの結果を説明する時に使います。

📝 使用例文

“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: The U.S. inflation rate increased by 3% in September.
  2. MCQ: Why were some government workers brought back from furlough?
    a) To handle a natural disaster
    b) To complete the inflation report
    c) To manage a new policy
    d) To assist in a national holiday event
  3. MCQ: What is the main impact of inflation on Social Security beneficiaries?
    a) Decreased benefits
    b) Increase in taxes
    c) Adjustment of their benefits
    d) No impact
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
  1. True
  2. b) To complete the inflation report
  3. c) Adjustment of their benefits

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What was the inflation rate in the U.S. in September?
  2. Why is the inflation report important for Social Security beneficiaries?
  3. What does “furloughed” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
  1. 3%
  2. Because their benefits are adjusted based on the inflation rate.
  3. Temporarily laid off or given leave.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

9月のアメリカのインフレ率は3％増加しました。この報告は通常より遅れて発表されましたが、これは政府の一部の職員が一時的に解雇されていたためです。しかし、インフレレポートの作成のため、一部の職員が一時的に復職されました。インフレーションは社会保障給付を受ける人々にとって特に重要です。インフレ率によって彼らの給付額が調整され、生活費の上昇に対応できるようになります。政府がこのレポートのために職員を復職させたことは、経済データの重要性を示しています。正確な情報がなければ、経済政策の計画や社会保障給付の調整が難しくなります。

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/24/nx-s1-5584959/inflation-september-shutdown-social-security

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