🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Townsville, a city in Queensland, Australia, is currently facing a significant debate. The local government is considering making public drunkenness a criminal offense again. This comes after a rise in antisocial behavior and crime in the area. Townsville has been described as “ground zero” for these issues, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The proposal to re-criminalize public drunkenness has divided the community. Some people believe that making public drunkenness illegal again will help reduce crime and make the city safer. They argue that stricter laws will deter people from engaging in disruptive behavior. On the other hand, some residents and experts oppose the idea. They feel that criminalizing public drunkenness could worsen the situation for vulnerable people, such as those with alcohol addiction or homelessness.
Instead, opponents suggest focusing on support services for those in need. They believe that providing better access to rehabilitation programs and mental health services could address the root causes of antisocial behavior more effectively than legal penalties. This approach aims to help individuals improve their lives rather than punishing them, which could lead to further issues.
The local government is considering all opinions before making a decision. This debate is crucial for Townsville as it looks to balance maintaining public order and supporting vulnerable community members. The outcome could set a precedent for other cities in Queensland facing similar challenges.
📝 Vocabulary
- debate: a formal discussion on a particular topic（議論）
例文: “The debate about re-criminalizing public drunkenness is ongoing.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- heated debate
- public debate
- political debate
- antisocial: not sociable or wanting the company of others（反社会的な）
例文: “Antisocial behavior has been increasing in Townsville.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- antisocial behavior
- antisocial tendencies
- antisocial personality
- vulnerable: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded（弱い）
例文: “Vulnerable people could be affected by the new law.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- vulnerable position
- vulnerable group
- vulnerable population
- rehabilitation: the process of restoring someone to health through training and therapy（リハビリテーション）
例文: “Rehabilitation programs can help people with addictions.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- rehabilitation center
- rehabilitation program
- rehabilitation process
- precedent: an earlier event or action regarded as an example（前例）
例文: “The decision in Townsville could set a precedent for other cities.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- set a precedent
- legal precedent
- historical precedent
✏️ Grammar Point
Conditional Sentences – “If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
条件があるときに使われます。例えば、ビジネス会議で今行動を取れば将来どうなるかを話すときに使えます。
📝 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
- True/False: Townsville is considering decriminalizing public drunkenness.
- MCQ: What is the main issue Townsville is facing?
a) Traffic congestion
b) Rising property prices
c) Antisocial behavior and crime
d) Environmental pollution - MCQ: What do opponents of the re-criminalization suggest?
a) Increasing police presence
b) Focusing on support services
c) Building more prisons
d) Ignoring the issue
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- c) Antisocial behavior and crime
- b) Focusing on support services
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the proposal being considered by the Townsville local government?
- Why do some people oppose the re-criminalization of public drunkenness?
- What does “precedent” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- The proposal is to re-criminalize public drunkenness.
- They believe it could worsen the situation for vulnerable people.
- An earlier event or action regarded as an example.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
タウンズビルは、反社会的な行動や犯罪が増加しているため、公共の酔っ払いを再び犯罪化することを検討しています。この提案は、犯罪を減らし市内を安全にすることを目的としていますが、賛否両論があります。反対派は、アルコール依存症やホームレスを抱える脆弱な人々の状況が悪化する可能性があると懸念しています。地域社会の安全と脆弱な市民の支援をどのように両立させるかは、タウンズビルだけでなく、他の地域でも重要な課題となっています。今後の決定は、クイーンズランド州の他の都市にも影響を与える可能性があります。
