🎧 Audio
📖 Script
In a neighborhood called Canton, located in Wales, local businesses have been facing a difficult time due to a series of break-ins. These incidents have been causing a lot of stress and financial difficulties for the shop owners. Many of them have had their windows smashed and goods stolen, which not only results in immediate financial loss but also creates a sense of insecurity in the area. The repeated break-ins have made it challenging for these businesses to recover and continue operating smoothly.
The local police have been informed about these incidents. They are currently investigating the cases and are working to find those responsible. However, until the culprits are caught, shop owners remain anxious and are taking extra precautions to protect their properties. Some have started installing more security cameras, while others are reinforcing their shop fronts with stronger materials to prevent further damage.
The impact of these break-ins goes beyond just the financial aspect. Many business owners are worried about the safety of their staff and customers. The community, which relies on these local shops, is also affected. With the crime rate seemingly increasing, people are becoming more reluctant to visit the area, which further hinders the recovery of these businesses.
In light of these events, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They are also considering implementing additional safety measures in the area, such as increasing police patrols and improving street lighting, to help deter future crimes.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to crime and the importance of community support in helping them thrive. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of neighborhood businesses.
📝 Vocabulary
- spate: a large number of similar events occurring in quick succession
例文: “There has been a spate of burglaries in the area recently.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- spate of incidents
- spate of attacks
- spate of break-ins
多発、相次ぐ - culprit: a person responsible for a crime
例文: “The police are still searching for the culprit.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- identify the culprit
- arrest the culprit
- find the culprit
犯人 - precaution: a measure taken in advance to prevent harm
例文: “They installed cameras as a precaution against theft.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- take precautions
- as a precaution
- safety precaution
予防策 - reinforce: to strengthen or support an object or idea
例文: “They decided to reinforce the shop doors.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- reinforce the structure
- reinforce the idea
- reinforce the message
強化する - hinder: to make it difficult for something to happen
例文: “The bad weather hindered our progress.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- hinder progress
- hinder development
- hinder efforts
妨げる
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “The repeated break-ins have made it challenging for these businesses to recover.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
現在完了形は、過去に始まり、現在も継続している状況や、その影響が今も続く事柄を表す際に使われます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘Our sales have increased over the last quarter, which is a positive sign for our company.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The break-ins have only caused financial loss for the businesses.
- MCQ: What are business owners in Canton doing to protect their shops?
a) Hiring private security guards
b) Installing more security cameras
c) Closing their shops permanently
d) Moving to a different area - MCQ: What are local authorities considering to improve safety?
a) Banning visitors to the area
b) Providing financial aid to businesses
c) Increasing police patrols
d) Imposing a curfew
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b) Installing more security cameras
- c) Increasing police patrols
📚 Reading Questions
- What has been happening to businesses in Canton?
- Why are local shop owners feeling anxious?
- What does the word “vigilant” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- The businesses in Canton have been facing a series of break-ins.
- Because of the repeated break-ins and the uncertainty of catching the culprits.
- Watchful or alert to avoid danger.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
ウェールズのカントン地区では、連続した侵入盗事件が地元の小規模ビジネスに経済的打撃を与えています。これらの事件により、店主たちは財政的損失を被り、地域全体の治安に対する不安も高まっています。侵入盗の増加は、顧客の訪問を減少させ、ビジネスの回復をさらに困難にしています。警察と地域当局は、住民に警戒を呼びかける一方、パトロールの強化や街灯の改善といった対策を検討しています。小規模ビジネスの脆弱性が浮き彫りになる中、地域社会の支援が求められています。
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/ceq197j5q3jo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
