Luck
is
what happens
when
preparation
meets opportunity.
幸運は準備と機会が出会うときに発生する
この言葉を実感するのが TOEFL 対策の時かもしれません。留学の募集を見てから対策を始めたのではまず間に合わないからです。
語学の試験の一般的な有効期限は2年とされています。ですから、2年に一度は試験を受け、いつ何時チャンスが訪れても即応できるように、常にスコアを持っておくのが理想的です。
このスコアがあるだけで、応募や出願がぐんと楽になりますからね。
今日はその preparation の一環として最もスコアが上がりにくい領域の一つ、TOEFL の Integrated Writing の例題を解きます。ETS の供給する公開情報をもとに行いますが、自力でやるにはかなりの時間と労力を要します。そこで、その内容を柔らかく、消化しやすく語らいながらやってみようと思います。
この１記事だけでこのパートは完璧になりますからかなりお得ですよ！
（スマホサイトでは英文の表示がうまくいかないのがココナラブログ。必要に応じて PC をご覧下さいませ。ココナラに代わりまして、執筆者としてお詫び申し上げます。）
さあ、消化しやすい順番で。このお話から先に差し上げるのが良いでしょう。TOEFL の Integrated Writing（統合型ライティング）では、３分で英文を読み、読んだ内容に反論する形で展開されることの多い講義を聞きます。そしてその聞いた講義の内容を英文で要約します。つまり「読む」「聞く」「書く」の３技能がこの順番で試されることになります。
では早速読みましょう、聞きましょう、とやると負担が大きくなりますから、先に「書く」部分のお話をします。極めてワンパターンで、一度覚えれば一生使えるからです。
答案の標準段落数は５つ。そのうちの第一段落は
The lecture casts doubt
on all three proposed points
presented
in the reading passage
から始めます。
この後は for + 動名詞等の修飾語句をリーディングパッセージ本文の内容に合わせて書けば OK。なぜか。TOEFL の問題文にこう書いてあるからです。問題をしっかり読むのは鉄則中の鉄則ですね。
Question:
Summarize the points
made in the lecture,
being sure to explain
how they cast doubt
on specific points
made in the reading
passage.
「講義のポイントをまとめなさい。その際、リーディングパッセージに書かれていたポイントに対しどのように疑いを投げかけているかを確実に説明しなさい。」というわけです。やることは２つ。
(1) 講義のポイントをまとめること。
(2) リーディングパッセージに書かれていた内容に講義の音声がどのように反論しているかを含めること。
です。
この specific points の数は毎回３つと決まっています。これが TOEFL iBT の出題傾向です。従って、第二から第四段落はそれぞれ、First, Second, Third から始めるのが定番です。特別な上級者以外はこの型通りにやった方が良いでしょう。2010年以降は機械採点が採用されているらしく、型通りの答案の方が良い点が入りやすくなりました。
第二段落
First, the reading suggests that + SV で始まる完全文。
これを第一文にします。
第二文は However, the lecturer argues that + SV で始まる完全文を置けば良いでしょう。
第三文以降は講義とリーディングパッセージの内容によって書いていきますが、１段落あたりの英文数は大体３から５文に収まることが圧倒的に多いです。
第三文は This means that + SV で始まる完全文を置くことで、第一文と第二文の内容を効果的にまとめて、第二段落の印象をよくすることに注力してみましょう。
第三段落
Second, the reading proposes that + SV 完全文。
これを第一文にして、第二文は、The lecturer counters this by pointing out that + SV で始まる完全文を置けば良いでしょう。第三文は As a result, + SV で始まる完全文でいかがでしょう？
第四段落
Third, the reading discusses + 名詞。
これを第一文として変化をつけてもいいでしょう。内容によっては the reading says that + SVで始まる完全文としても良いでしょう。第二文は The lecturer claims that + SV で始まる完全文を置けば良いでしょう。第三文以降は第二段落同様です。
ここまで太字で書かせていただいた単語は覚えるべき単語です。同じ内容を常に３通りの単語で表すことができるようにしておくことが英語圏では大切だからです。日本語での会話のように「ボソッと一言」呟けば相手が理解してくれるという世界ではありません。英語圏では、同じ内容を常に３つの単語で表すことを求められると考えられて下さい。これは動詞だけでなく名詞や形容詞でも同様です。
（例）When they asked me to join their wonderful, unique, and original things they're gonna do, I couldn't say no.
第五段落
この段落は余裕があったら書けば良いというパートです。この段落そのものがなくても 25 点までなら十分狙えます。
In sum, the lecture argues that + SV で始まる完全文
を第一文にすると良いでしょう。In sum, の代わりに、In conclusion でも構いません。
なんと、この第五段落はこの一文で完成です。この一文の中に、第二から第四段落の各段落で１つづつ示した合計３つの内容を全て盛り込んだ上できちんと要約できたら強いです。一文にまとめられない場合は短い英文を３つ並べて第二から第四段落の３つの内容を並べられて下さい。
全ての内容を一文に盛り込んだ英文を構成できると良いアピール材料になり、26点以上を狙えますが、そうでなくても25点までなら狙えます。
では ETS が公表する例題を解いてみます。20分で書き終える必要があります。英文タイピングを常日頃からやっておきましょう。英語で友達と会話する時もコンピュータのキーボードで入力すれば良い練習になるでしょう。
TOEFL では最初にリーディングパッセージが画面に表示され、これを３分で読みます。３分後にはその表示が消え、大学の講義という設定のリスニング音声が流れます。この音声にはとことん集中されて下さい。この音声ではリーディングパッセージに対する３つの反論が流れます。その内容がライティング答案作成時に必要となるためです。
一方、リーディングパッセージの内容は忘れて構いません。これは答案作成中の20分間、画面上で目でみながら答案を作成できるためです。しかしリスニング音声は一回流れたら二度と戻ってきません。なので、このライティングタスクではリスニングが大切になるのです。ライティンングの試験でありながらリスニング力が厳しく問われ、かつ、聞いた内容を答案を書き終わるまでの20分間記憶し続けるという、短期記憶力も問われます。
このリスニングと短期記憶。英語のニュースを聞いていたら、大統領の記者会見を聞いていたら、何かの広告英語を聞いていたら、その内容を短期記憶に保持する練習をされておくことを当然の習慣すると良いです。私はアメリカ大統領報道官の記者会見の冒頭発言を使ってそれをやっています。
では、「読む（3分間）」、「聞く（講義）」、「書く」の順番で行われる TOEFL iBT ライティング。最初に「読む」部分の英文。ETS の公開情報からお送りいたします。最初に英文本体、次に英文本体を読んでいるときの頭の動きをお送りいたします。
Reading Time: 3 minutes
In an effort to encourage ecologically sustainable forestry practices, an international organization started issuing certifications to wood companies that meet high ecological standards by conserving resources and recycling materials. Companies that receive this certification can attract customers by advertising their products as “ecocertified.” Around the world, many wood companies have adopted new, ecologically friendly practices in order to receive ecocertification. However, it is unlikely that wood companies in the United States will do the same, for several reasons.
First, American consumers are exposed to so much advertising that they would not value or even pay attention to the ecocertification label. Because so many mediocre products are labeled “new” or “improved,” American consumers do not place much trust in advertising claims in general.
Second, ecocertified wood will be more expensive than uncertified wood because in order to earn ecocertification, a wood company must pay to have its business examined by a certification agency. This additional cost gets passed on to consumers. American consumers tend to be strongly motivated by price, and therefore they are likely to choose cheaper uncertified wood products. Accordingly, American wood companies will prefer to keep their prices low rather than obtain ecocertification.
Third, although some people claim that it always makes good business sense for American companies to keep up with the developments in the rest of the world, this argument is not convincing. Pursuing certification would make sense for American wood companies only if they marketed most of their products abroad. But that is not the case—American wood businesses sell most of their products in the United States, catering to a very large customer base that is satisfied with the merchandise.
この英文を読んでいる時の頭の動き。リーディングパッセージの段落は全部で４つでした。
第一段落
In an effort to encourage ecologically sustainable forestry practices, an international organization started issuing certifications to wood companies that meet high ecological standards by conserving resources and recycling materials.
これで１文でした。長いと感じられる方もいらっしゃるかもしれませんが、要点だけを抽出するとこんなに短くなります。
In an effort to encourage ecologically sustainable forestry practices, an international organization started issuing certifications to wood companies that meet high ecological standards by conserving resources and recycling materials.
たった４語！私はこれしか読んでいません。
第一段落の第２文に参ります。一段落あたりの英文の数は大体３から５個ですから、気楽です。
Companies that receive this certification can attract customers by advertising their products as “ecocertified.”
第３文
Around the world, many wood companies have adopted new, ecologically friendly practices in order to receive ecocertification.
第４文
However, it is unlikely that wood companies in the United States will do the same, for several reasons.
林業、木材製造業の世界にも国際的な「エコ認定」みたいのが作られてるけど、アメリカ合衆国の木材製造企業はこの認定取ろうとしなだろう。という話ですよね。「なーんだそれだけか」という話。
第４文文末の for several reasons をみた瞬間に、ああまた例の通り３つこれから理由が並ぶんだな、という気持ちを持ちます。
繰り返しになりますが、リーディングパッセージは答案作成中の 20 分間、画面に表示されますから、メモを取る必要も、キーワードを覚える必要もありません。その記憶力はリスニング音声の要点を短期記憶にたたき込むためにとっておいて下さい！
第二段落。さあ４つある段落のうちの第二段落。たった２文です。少ない。
First, American consumers are exposed to so much advertising that they would not value or even pay attention to the ecocertification label. Because so many mediocre products are labeled “new” or “improved,” American consumers do not place much trust in advertising claims in general.
この太字の部分しか私は読んでいません。アメリカでは「エコ認定」とかいう表示があっても、消費者は見向きもしないということです。
第三段落
Second, ecocertified wood will be more expensive than uncertified wood because in order to earn ecocertification, a wood company must pay to have its business examined by a certification agency. This additional cost gets passed on to consumers. American consumers tend to be strongly motivated by price, and therefore they are likely to choose cheaper uncertified wood products. Accordingly, American wood companies will prefer to keep their prices low rather than obtain ecocertification.
この段落の英文がいくつあるかなんて数えようとも思いません。「エコ認定」って高くつくでしょ、というそれだけの話。色々書いてありますが、要点だけ捉えればそういうこと。全文を真面目に読んだらえらい目に遭います。
第四段落
Third, although some people claim that it always makes good business sense for American companies to keep up with the developments in the rest of the world, this argument is not convincing. Pursuing certification would make sense for American wood companies only if they marketed most of their products abroad. But that is not the case—American wood businesses sell most of their products in the United States, catering to a very large customer base that is satisfied with the merchandise.
国際的な「エコ認定」をとった企業の方が有利というがそんなことはない。アメリカの木材ビジネスはそのほとんどを内需に依存しているので、国際的「エコ認定」なんか役に立たない。ということですよね。
なんか TOEFL の世界も時の政権の影響を受けるのでしょうか。「エコ認定」はおそらくは環境意識の高いヨーロッパ諸国が多国間の協力を経て作り出したのでしょうが、アメリカはそんなもんには加入しないよ、というそういう話。なんかそういう話毎日ニュースで見ます。
で、ここからが本題なんですよ！リスニング！こんな英文が読まれます。最初に英文を、次にその英文を聞いているときの私の頭の動きをお送りいたします。
Narrator
Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
Professor
Well, despite what many people say, there’s good reason to think that many American wood companies will eventually seek ecocertification for their wood products. First off, consumers in the United States don’t treat all advertising the same. They distinguish between advertising claims that companies make about their own products and claims made by independent certification agencies. Americans have a lot of confidence in independent consumer agencies. Thus, ecologically minded Americans are likely to react very favorably to wood products ecologically certified by an independent organization with an international reputation for trustworthiness.
Second point—of course it’s true that American consumers care a lot about price—who doesn’t? But studies of how consumers make decisions show that price alone determines consumers’ decisions only when the price of one competing product is much higher or lower than another. When the price difference between two products is small—say, less than five percent, as is the case with certified wood— Americans often do choose on factors other than price. And Americans are becoming increasingly convinced of the value of preserving and protecting the environment.
And third, U.S. wood companies should definitely pay attention to what’s going on in the wood business internationally, not because of foreign consumers, but because of foreign competition. As I just told you, there’s a good chance that many American consumers will be interested in ecocertified products. And guess what, if American companies are slow capturing those customers, you can be sure that foreign companies will soon start crowding into the American market, offering ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
では教授の音声を聞きながらどのあたりの音声を聞くと頭がどう動くかを実況してみます。
Well, despite what many people say, there’s good reason to think that many American wood companies will eventually seek ecocertification for their wood products. First off, consumers in the United States don’t treat all advertising the same. They distinguish between advertising claims that companies make about their own products and claims made by independent certification agencies. Americans have a lot of confidence in independent consumer agencies. Thus, ecologically minded Americans are likely to react very favorably to wood products ecologically certified by an independent organization with an international reputation for trustworthiness.
おっ！
(1) アメリカ人は独立した機関による公正な「認定」は結構信用するってさ！
Second point—of course it’s true that American consumers care a lot about price—who doesn’t? But studies of how consumers make decisions show that price alone determines consumers’ decisions only when the price of one competing product is much higher or lower than another. When the price difference between two products is small—say, less than five percent, as is the case with certified wood— Americans often do choose on factors other than price. And Americans are becoming increasingly convinced of the value of preserving and protecting the environment.
(2) 価格差５％以内なら、アメリカ人は「エコ認定」付きの商品を選ぶ
って言ってるぞ！環境保護のためには５％なら多く出してもいいと思うわけか！
And third, U.S. wood companies should definitely pay attention to what’s going on in the wood business internationally, not because of foreign consumers, but because of foreign competition. As I just told you, there’s a good chance that many American consumers will be interested in ecocertified products. And guess what, if American companies are slow capturing those customers, you can be sure that foreign companies will soon start crowding into the American market, offering ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
(3) 国際競争の観点から「エコ認定」を気にするってさ！
「エコ認定」を持った外国企業がアメリカに入ってきて、「エコ認定」つき木材をアメリカで売り始めるぞ、というわけです。
なんだか共和党と民主党の討論会を見ているようですね。リーディングパッセージが共和党、講義音声が民主党の主張を彷彿とさせます。
ここで音声が終わり、先ほどの設問が。
Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.
さあ、冒頭に申しました内容を思い出しましょう！ライティングの答案は４段落か５段落で構成するのでした。うち答案の第一段落はワンパターン。
The lecture casts doubt
on all three proposed points
presented
in the reading passage.
で OK です。
答案の第二段落
第一文
First, the reading suggests that + SV で始まる完全文。
第二文
However, the lecturer argues that + SV で始まる完全文。
第三文以降は講義とリーディングパッセージの内容によって書いていきます。
では第一文。
First, the reading suggests that + SV から始まる完全文。
ここは「国際的な『エコ認定』みたいのが作られてるけど、アメリカ合衆国の木材製造企業はこの認定取ろうとしなだろう。」という内容を本番受験中の画面に表示されれいる英文を見て、その英文の一部を書き写しながら書けばいいので、楽です。
ではどこを見るのか。リーディングパッセージの第二段落です。
First, American consumers are exposed to so much advertising that they would not value or even pay attention to the ecocertification label. Because so many mediocre products are labeled “new” or “improved,” American consumers do not place much trust in advertising claims in general.
S ＝American consumers
V ＝ won’t pay attention to or trust
O ＝ the ecocertified label.
これを「SV から始まる完全文」の箇所に代入して、
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won't pay attention to or trust the ecocertified label (because they have come to distrust frequently used adversising claims such as "new" or "important").
としました。かっこ内部まで書ければ「比較的長めの英文を構成できる受験生」であることをアピールできます。また、リーディングパッセージで用いられていた言い回しを全く同じ言い回しをそのまま書き写して答案を作成すると原点になります。できるだけ自分の言葉(英語)で言い換えることで、自分にはこれだけの語彙力とその運用力があるのだというアピールになります。
ですが、以前英語力がなかった頃は、リーディングパッセージの英文をそのまま借りてきて答案の一部に組み込んでいました。それでも 23 か 24 ぐらいまでなら行けたのを覚えています。本番ではとにかく諦めない。それが大切です。
さあ、これで第二段落冒頭文はできました。「リーディングパッセージではこう言っているよ。」という部分です。これに対して「しかしながら講義では」と続けて、そのカウンター（反対）になる内容を第二段落第二文にします。
第二文
However, the lecturer argues that + SV で始まる完全文
S ＝ They （＝American consumers）
V ＝ do pay attention to
O ＝ claims about products
M ＝ when those claims are made by independent consumer agencies.
これをつなげて、
However, the lecturer argues that they do pay attention to claims about products when they are made by independent consumer agencies.
とすればどうでしょう。
第三文
This means that + SV で始まる完全文。
S ＝ ecologically minded Americans
V ＝ are
C ＝ likely
それ以下 ＝ to react very favorably to wood products ecologically certified by an independent organization with an international reputation for trustworthiness.
とやるとリーディング本文をそのまま写すことになりますので、自分の言葉で。
S ＝ environmentally conscious Americans
V ＝ are more likely to choose
O ＝ wood products
M ＝ certified by a trusted international ecological organization
としてテンプレートに代入すると、
This means that environmentally conscious Americans are more likely to choose wood products certified by a trusted international ecological organization.
これで第三文が完成です。
これだけでもう答案の第一段落と第二段落は完成です。
The lecture casts doubt on all three proposed points presented in the reading passage.
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won't pay attention to or trust the ecocertified label (because they have come to distrust frequently used adversising claims such as "new" or "important"). However, the lecturer argues that they do pay attention to claims about products when those claims are made by independent consumer agencies. This means that environmentally conscious Americans are more likely to choose wood products certified by a trusted international ecological organization.
もうだんだん答案ができてきています。
次は第三段落。３つある論点のうちの２つ目です。ゴールは近い！
リーディングパッセージにはこうありました。
Second, ecocertified wood will be more expensive than uncertified wood because in order to earn ecocertification, a wood company must pay to have its business examined by a certification agency. This additional cost gets passed on to consumers. American consumers tend to be strongly motivated by price, and therefore they are likely to choose cheaper uncertified wood products. Accordingly, American wood companies will prefer to keep their prices low rather than obtain ecocertification.
要は「エコ認証付き木製品は値段が高い！」でしたね！
一方講義音声はこうでした。
Second point—of course it’s true that American consumers care a lot about price—who doesn’t? But studies of how consumers make decisions show that price alone determines consumers’ decisions only when the price of one competing product is much higher or lower than another. When the price difference between two products is small—say, less than five percent, as is the case with certified wood— Americans often do choose on factors other than price. And Americans are becoming increasingly convinced of the value of preserving and protecting the environment.
要は「アメリカ人は、５％未満の価格差であればエコ製品を選ぶ可能性が高い」という主張でした。
これを冒頭にご紹介したテンプレートにはめ込んでみます。
第一文
Second, the reading proposes that + SV 完全文。
第二文
The lecturer counters this by pointing out that + SV で始まる完全文。
第三文
As a result, + SV で始まる完全文。
第一文は、
S ＝ Americans
V 以降 ＝ would be unlikely
それ以降 ＝ to buy ecocertified products
and
V 以降 ＝ would choose cheaper, uncertified products
理由を表す従属節を追加
since ecocertification adds to the cost of a product.
よって、第一文は、
Second, the reading proposes that Americans would be unlikely to buy ecocertified products and would choose cheaper, uncertified productssince ecocertification adds to the cost of a product.
としたらどうでしょう。
第二文は
S ＝ This
V ＝ is
C ＝ true
M ＝ only if there is a big price difference between two similar products; if an ecocertified product costs only about five percent more, American consumers would accept this in order to buy the product that is better for the environment.
よって第二文は、
The lecturer counters this by pointing out that this is true only if there is a big price difference between two similar products; if an ecocertified product costs only about five percent more, American consumers would accept this in order to buy the product that is better for the environment.
としたらどうでしょう。これ以外の英文構成であっても、同じ内容を自分の言葉で説明できれば OK です。まあ、「説明できれば」とさらっと言いますが、できれば苦労しません。ではどうしたらできるようになるか。リーディングパッセージやリーディングセクションで優れた英文をたくさん読んだことがある経験がモノを言います。そこで「うまいな」という英文に出会うと、好きな英文は覚えるという人間の性質がありますから、覚えてしまうのです。人間好きなものは覚えます。そして好きで覚えた英文がその人の口や手から出てくるようになる。膨大なインプットがあると、自分の口や手からも徐々にアウトプットが始まるようになります。
第三文は、
M ＝ As a result,
M ＝ if the price difference is less than five percent,
S ＝ ecocertified products
V ＝ will be supprted and chosen
M ＝ in the market
よって第三文は
As a result, if the price difference is less than five percent, ecocertified products will be supprted and chosen in the market.
これにダメ押しの第四文を、
Americans are more and more concerned about the envoronment.
を加えても良いでしょう。
これで第三段落を通しで書いてみます。
Second, the reading proposes that Americans would be unlikely to buy ecocertified products and would choose cheaper, uncertified productssince ecocertification adds to the cost of a product. The lecturer counters this by pointing out that this is true only if there is a big price difference between two similar products; if an ecocertified product costs only about five percent more, American consumers would accept this in order to buy the product that is better for the environment. As a result, if the price difference is less than five percent, ecocertified products will be supprted and chosen in the market. Americans are more and more concerned about the envoronment.
これで答案の第三段落は完成です。答案は第四段落まであれば十分で、第五段落は第二段落から第四段落までの要約をする段落でした。あともう一段落書ければ答案としては完成。第五段落はダメ押しの段落となります。ゴールがかなり近づいてきましたね！
では、答案の第四段落。リーディングパッセージと講義音声で語られている３つ目のポイントへと参ります。
リーディングパッセージをお読みいただくためにかなり前に戻っていただくことを避けるため、ここに再掲いたします。
Third, although some people claim that it always makes good business sense for American companies to keep up with the developments in the rest of the world, this argument is not convincing. Pursuing certification would make sense for American wood companies only if they marketed most of their products abroad. But that is not the case—American wood businesses sell most of their products in the United States, catering to a very large customer base that is satisfied with the merchandise.
要は、「国際的なエコ認定を得る利点は輸出時のアドバンテージであり、アメリカの製材企業はアメリカ国内での販売がメイン。よってエコ認定は不要」という趣旨でした。これに対して講義音声はどう言っていたか。
And third, U.S. wood companies should definitely pay attention to what’s going on in the wood business internationally, not because of foreign consumers, but because of foreign competition. As I just told you, there’s a good chance that many American consumers will be interested in ecocertified products. And guess what, if American companies are slow capturing those customers, you can be sure that foreign companies will soon start crowding into the American market, offering ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
講義音声を完全に思い出せる人はいません。ですが、答案制作後半になってくると、記憶が曖昧になってきます。25 以上を狙う場合はここが踏ん張りどころです。メモが残っていればいいところでもあります。
アメリカ企業が「国際的エコ認定」を取得しなければ、海外からアメリカ国内に「国際的エコ認定」を取得した木製品がなだれ込んでくるぞ、という趣旨でした。これにエコ意識の高いアメリカの消費者が飛びつけば、エコ認定を持っていないアメリカ企業は負けるぞ、という趣旨。これが講義音声で語られた内容の趣旨でした。
これをもとに第四段落を書いていきましょう。この段落が終わればもうゴールと言っても良いところまで来ます。
第四段落
第一文
Third, the reading discusses + 名詞。
として変化をつける。
または、
the reading says that + SVで始まる完全文。
第二文
The lecturer claims that + SV で始まる完全文。
第三文以降
自由な文体に挑戦してみましょう。テンプレートに頼らなくても私は書けるんだよ、という良いアピールになります。
ではやって参ります。
第一文
Third, the reading says that American do not need to compete outside the United States where ecocertification is desired by consumers because they sell their products mostly in the U.S.
第二文
The lecturer claims that American companies must be ready to compete with foreign companies that will soon be selling ecocertified products in the U.S. market.
第三文
The lecture also says that, if American companies do not adopt international eco-certification, they will be an influx of foreign wood businesses to offer ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
これで第四段落の出来上がりです。本番ではここまで書ければ上出来。
ここまで書いた内容を見直してみましょう。
The lecture casts doubt on all three proposed points presented in the reading passage.
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won't pay attention to or trust the ecocertified label because they have come to distrust frequently used adversising claims such as "new" or "important". However, the lecturer argues that they do pay attention to claims about products when those claims are made by independent consumer agencies. This means that environmentally conscious Americans are more likely to choose wood products certified by a trusted international ecological organization.
Second, the reading proposes that Americans would be unlikely to buy ecocertified products and would choose cheaper, uncertified productssince ecocertification adds to the cost of a product. The lecturer counters this by pointing out that this is true only if there is a big price difference between two similar products; if an ecocertified product costs only about five percent more, American consumers would accept this in order to buy the product that is better for the environment. As a result, if the price difference is less than five percent, ecocertified products will be supprted and chosen in the market. Americans are more and more concerned about the envoronment.
Third, the reading says that American do not need to compete outside the United States where ecocertification is desired by consumers because they sell their products mostly in the U.S. The lecturer claims that American companies must be ready to compete with foreign companies that will soon be selling ecocertified products in the U.S. market. The lecture also says that, if American companies do not adopt international eco-certification, they will be an influx of foreign wood businesses to offer ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
時間が余ったら第五段落でこれまでの全ての段落で述べた内容のコンパクトな要約を提供しましょう。短く、しかも的確に。
第五段落
第一文
In sum, the lecture argues that + SV で始まる完全文
In sum, の代わりに、In conclusion でも構いません。
なんと、この第五段落はこの一文で完成です。この一文の中に、第二から第四段落の各段落で１つづつ示した合計３つの内容を全て盛り込んだ上できちんと要約できたら強いです。一文にまとめられない場合は短い英文を３つ並べて第二から第四段落の３つの内容を並べられて下さい。
その３つの内容は、
(1) American consumers trust eco-labels
(2) They are willing to pay more
(3) American companies need ecocertification to compete
でした。ではやってみます。
In sum, the lecture argues that American consumers do trust eco-labels from reliable sources, are willing to pay a slightly higher price for environmentally friendly products, and that U.S. companies need to adopt international ecocertification standards to stay competitive.
でいかがでしょう。
それでは全体の答案をお送りいたします。
The lecture casts doubt on all three proposed points presented in the reading passage.
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won't pay attention to or trust the ecocertified label because they have come to distrust frequently used adversising claims such as "new" or "important". However, the lecturer argues that they do pay attention to claims about products when those claims are made by independent consumer agencies. This means that environmentally conscious Americans are more likely to choose wood products certified by a trusted international ecological organization.
Second, the reading proposes that Americans would be unlikely to buy ecocertified products and would choose cheaper, uncertified productssince ecocertification adds to the cost of a product. The lecturer counters this by pointing out that this is true only if there is a big price difference between two similar products; if an ecocertified product costs only about five percent more, American consumers would accept this in order to buy the product that is better for the environment. As a result, if the price difference is less than five percent, ecocertified products will be supprted and chosen in the market. Americans are more and more concerned about the envoronment.
Third, the reading says that American do not need to compete outside the United States where ecocertification is desired by consumers because they sell their products mostly in the U.S. The lecturer claims that American companies must be ready to compete with foreign companies that will soon be selling ecocertified products in the U.S. market. The lecture also says that, if American companies do not adopt international eco-certification, they will be an influx of foreign wood businesses to offer ecocertified wood that domestic companies don’t.
In sum, the lecture argues that American consumers do trust eco-labels from reliable sources, are willing to pay a slightly higher price for environmentally friendly products, and that U.S. companies need to adopt international ecocertification standards to stay competitive.
これで完璧になりました！おめでとうございます！
別解も作ってみました。
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
The lecture casts doubt on all three proposed points presented in the reading passage. While the reading argues that American wood companies are unlikely to seek ecocertification, the lecturer refutes each point by offering counterarguments that support the feasibility and potential benefits of ecocertification in the U.S. market.
Paragraph 2 – First Point: Consumer Trust in Ecocertification
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won't pay attention to or trust the ecocertification label, since they are constantly exposed to exaggerated advertising and have grown skeptical of such claims. However, the lecturer argues that Americans distinguish between claims made by companies themselves and those made by independent, trusted organizations. This means that environmentally conscious consumers in the U.S. are more likely to believe and support products that have been certified by reputable international ecological agencies.
Paragraph 3 – Second Point: Pricing and Consumer Choice
Second, the reading proposes that ecocertified wood will be more expensive due to certification costs, and American consumers, being price-sensitive, would prefer cheaper uncertified wood. The lecturer counters this by pointing out that price only significantly impacts purchasing decisions when the difference is substantial. If the price difference is small—around five percent—many American consumers will consider environmental benefits and may still choose ecocertified products. As a result, price alone is unlikely to prevent American consumers from supporting ecologically certified wood.
Paragraph 4 – Third Point: International Market Influence
Third, the reading discusses how ecocertification would only be beneficial for companies that export their products, which is not the case for most American wood companies that sell domestically. The lecturer claims that this viewpoint ignores the threat of foreign competition. If American companies do not act quickly, foreign companies offering ecocertified wood could enter the U.S. market and attract American customers. Therefore, obtaining ecocertification could be essential for American companies to remain competitive—even in their domestic market.
Optional Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
In conclusion, the lecture argues that ecocertification is both valuable and necessary for American wood companies. It casts doubt on the reading’s claims by showing that U.S. consumers trust independent certification, are willing to pay slightly more for environmentally friendly products, and that foreign competition may force American companies to pursue certification regardless of their current sales market.
採点基準とこの答案の強み
採点基準: 本答案の評価
内容の正確さ: リーディングの主張と講義の反論を正確に対比し要約
構成の論理性: 各段落が明確に構成され、段落ごとの主張が一貫
言語の運用力: 難解な語彙は避けつつ、自然で流暢なアカデミック英語
文法・語彙の多様性: 同じ意味を複数の表現で伝えられる柔軟性を発揮
機械採点対応: テンプレート構造に沿っており、機械採点に強いフォーマット
最後にアドバイス
(1)
本番ではリーディング内容は見ながら書けますが、リスニングは一度きり。講義音声中に「主張→理由→具体例」という構成を意識して、３つの反論点を明確にメモする訓練をしておきましょう。
(2)
テンプレートは覚えて武器にする！書き方を迷わなくなることで、リスニング内容の記憶保持に集中できます。
(3)
自分の言葉で言い換える練習は、ライティングだけでなくスピーキングでも効果大です。
"refute",
"challenge",
"cast doubt",
"argue",
"counter"
をローテーションで使うと高得点につながります。
今回の内容をマスターすれば、TOEFL iBT Writing（統合型）は25点超えが現実的に狙えます。ご自身で何度も書いてみることで、完全に自分のスキルとして定着させていきましょう！
さらに上のスコアを狙う場合はこの先にてご案内いたします。
TOEFL Integrated Writing ハイスコア用テンプレート
【Paragraph 1: Introduction】
The lecture casts doubt on the points made in the reading. While the reading passage argues that [リーディングの主張], the lecturer challenges each of these claims with counterarguments.
フレーズ集
(1) The lecturer refutes each point made in the reading.
(2) The speaker presents opposing viewpoints to the reading’s arguments.
(3) While the author believes that ..., the lecturer disagrees by providing specific reasons.
【Paragraph 2: First Point】
First, the reading states that [リーディングの1番目の主張].
In contrast, the lecturer argues that [リスニングの反論].
フレーズ集
(1) The reading claims that ~.
(2) However, the lecturer refutes this by stating that ~.
(3) According to the speaker, ~.
【Paragraph 3: Second Point】
Second, the author asserts that [リーディングの2番目の主張].
However, the lecturer challenges this idea by explaining that [リスニングの反論].
フレーズ集
(1) The lecturer points out that this is not necessarily true.
(2) The speaker provides evidence that contradicts this view.
(3) Contrary to the reading, the lecturer believes that ...
【Paragraph 4: Third Point】
Third, the reading mentions that [リーディングの3番目の主張].
On the other hand, the lecturer responds that [リスニングの反論].
フレーズ集
(1) The lecturer highlights a different perspective.
(2) The speaker casts doubt on this idea by noting that ...
(3) In response, the lecturer argues that ...
【Paragraph 5: Conclusion（要約）】
In conclusion, the lecturer disagrees with the reading on all three points.
She/He presents logical arguments and examples that challenge the reading’s views on [テーマ].
フレーズ集
(1) These points effectively weaken the author’s argument.
(2) The speaker’s explanations demonstrate that the reading's claims are not convincing.
(3) The lecture provides strong counterpoints to the reading.
ハイスコア対応 ！TOEFL Integrated Writing
The lecture casts doubt on all three proposed points presented in the reading passage. While the reading argues that American wood companies are unlikely to seek ecocertification for their products, the lecturer refutes each of the reading’s claims by offering counterarguments that suggest otherwise.
First, the reading suggests that American consumers won’t trust the ecocertified label, because they are exposed to too much advertising and have become skeptical of advertising claims in general. However, the lecturer argues that consumers make a clear distinction between self-promotional advertising by companies and certifications from independent third-party organizations. Americans trust these independent agencies, and therefore, environmentally conscious consumers would be more likely to trust and purchase ecocertified wood.
Second, the reading proposes that ecocertified wood would be more expensive, leading cost-sensitive American consumers to choose cheaper, uncertified alternatives. The lecturer counters this by pointing out that price becomes the main factor only when the price difference is significant. When the price gap is small—less than 5%, as with ecocertified wood—consumers often base their decisions on other values, such as environmental impact. As a result, many Americans would still be willing to pay slightly more to support environmentally responsible practices.
Third, the reading argues that ecocertification is not a worthwhile investment for American wood companies, since most of their products are sold domestically and not overseas. The lecturer rebuts this by explaining that the real threat comes not from international consumers but from international competitors. If American companies ignore the growing domestic demand for ecocertified wood, foreign companies with ecocertification will enter the U.S. market and attract those customers. Therefore, obtaining ecocertification is crucial to remain competitive even within the domestic market.
In conclusion, the lecturer strongly disagrees with the reading’s position. She effectively argues that American consumers would indeed value ecocertification, would be willing to pay slightly higher prices, and that American wood companies need to consider the competitive threat from foreign businesses. These points collectively undermine the reading’s skepticism toward ecocertification.
