🎧 Audio
📖 Script
A new development is on the way for the UK’s high-speed rail system, known as HS2. The project is set to extend the rail line from Birmingham all the way to Euston Station in west London. This extension is part of a broader plan to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure, making travel faster and more efficient for passengers.
The machine responsible for this next phase of the project is called Madeleine. It’s a tunnel boring machine, which is a large and powerful piece of equipment used to dig tunnels through the ground. Madeleine has been specially designed for this project and will soon start working to create the tunnels needed for the HS2 extension.
The decision to extend the HS2 line to Euston is seen as an important step in connecting major cities in the UK. By improving rail connectivity, the project aims to reduce travel times and create a more integrated transportation network. This is expected to have positive effects on the economy by boosting business opportunities and making it easier for people to commute between cities.
However, the HS2 project is not without its challenges. There are concerns about the environmental impact of the construction work, as well as the costs involved. Critics argue that the money spent on HS2 could be used for other public services. Despite these concerns, the government believes that the long-term benefits of the project will outweigh the immediate drawbacks.
In addition to economic benefits, the HS2 extension is expected to have social advantages. By providing better transportation options, it can enhance people’s lives by giving them more flexibility in where they live and work. This can lead to more balanced regional development and help reduce overcrowding in London, as people may choose to live in other cities while still being able to commute easily.
Overall, the HS2 extension to Euston is a significant infrastructure project that demonstrates the UK’s commitment to improving its transportation system. As Madeleine the boring machine prepares to start its work, the nation watches with anticipation to see how this ambitious project will unfold.
📝 Vocabulary
- extend: to make something longer or larger
例文: “The company plans to extend its operations to Asia next year.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- extend a hand
- extend a deadline
- extend a contract
延長する - infrastructure: the basic physical systems of a country
例文: “Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- infrastructure development
- infrastructure project
- infrastructure investment
インフラ - connectivity: the state of being connected
例文: “Improved internet connectivity has transformed rural areas.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- digital connectivity
- connectivity issues
- connectivity solutions
接続性 - commute: to travel regularly between home and work
例文: “Many people commute long distances to work in the city.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- daily commute
- long commute
- commute time
通勤する - anticipate: to expect or predict something
例文: “We anticipate that sales will rise in the next quarter.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- anticipate a result
- anticipate problems
- eagerly anticipate
予測する
✏️ Grammar Point
Future Continuous Tense – “Madeleine the boring machine prepares to start its work”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
未来の計画やスケジュールについて話すときに使われます。例: ビジネス会議で今後のプロジェクトについて説明する場合。
📝 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: The HS2 extension will connect Birmingham directly to central London.
- MCQ: What is the name of the machine that will create the tunnels for HS2?
a) Victoria
b) Madeleine
c) Elizabeth
d) Catherine - MCQ: What is one of the expected benefits of the HS2 project mentioned in the script?
a) Increased car sales
b) Improved air quality
c) Reduced travel times
d) Higher property taxes
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- True
- b) Madeleine
- c) Reduced travel times
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the purpose of extending the HS2 rail line to Euston?
- Why do some people criticize the HS2 project?
- What does the word “anticipation” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- To improve the country’s transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
- Because of concerns about environmental impact and costs.
- To expect or predict something.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
英国の高速鉄道プロジェクトHS2は、バーミンガムからロンドンのユーストン駅まで路線を延長する計画です。このプロジェクトは、国内交通インフラの改善を目指しています。都市間の移動時間を短縮することで、ビジネス機会を増やし、経済に良い影響を与えると期待されています。しかし、環境への影響やコストに対する懸念もあります。長期的には、生活の質の向上や地域の発展に寄与することが期待されています。
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp87pyp40zko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
