Vocabulary
a period of ten years
decade
私はそのレストランに少なくとも４回行ったことがあります。
I have been to that restaurant ( ) ( ) four times.
at least
The author relies on Japanese cars.
T (第１段落 For decades I have depended for local travel on reliable Japanese cars,)
How does the author go from Winnipeg to Tokyo?
He goes by plane.
These plastic bottles are made of eco-friendly materials.
これらのペットボトルは環境に優しい材料でできている。
covering a large area, very large, great, or superior
extensive
一方、ほぼ同じ距離における民間定期便の飛行時間は７０分である。
( ) ( ), the regular commercial flight time for about the same distance is 70 minutes.
In contrast
When you travel by car with your family, your car will require 2 MJ/p-km.
F (第２段落 When I'm the only passenger in my car, it requires about 2 MJ/p-km.)
Why do people in cities which have a network of train lines use cars?
Because the nearest station is too far for many less-mobile people.
This smartphone is superior to mine.
このスマートフォンは私のスマートフォンより優れている。
introducing ideas and methods that have never been used before
pioneering
決断をする前にもう一度それについて考えたほうがいいよ。
You should think about it again before you ( ) ( ) ( ).
make a decision
There is an extensive network of train lines in Tokyo.
T (第２段落 Even in Tokyo, which has an extensive network of train lines,)
How far do high-speed trains usually go?
They usually fo 150-600 kilometers.
Buses are common means of transportation in our town.
私たちの町ではバスが一般的な交通手段です。
a level of quality or achievement, especially one that people generally consider normal or acceptable, a baseline
standard
最新の流行に追いつかなければならない。
I need to ( ) ( ) ( ) the latest trends.
catch up with
High-speed trains are the most eco-friendly transportation when traveling between cities.
T (第３段落 When moving between cities, ~high-speed trains.)
How fast is the speed of the Acela line between Boston and Washington, D.C.?
It is just 110 km/h on average.
He is a good person, but lacks common sense.
彼はいい人だが、常識に欠ける。
to live or settle in an area
populate
この服はフォーマルな場に適しているだろう。
This dress would ( ) ( ) ( ) a formal occasion.
be suited for
China leaves the US far behind in the network of rapid trains.
T (第６段落）
What countries are left far behind in rapid train transportation?
The US, Canada, and Australia are.
This town has the ideal environment to raise my daughter in.
この町には娘を育てるのに理想的な環境がある。