四半期業績メモ
読解ストラテジー
- タイトルと種類で文章の目的をまずつかむ。
- 分からない語で止まらず流れを追う。下線の語にカーソルを合わせると語彙トラックへつながる。
- 設問が問う手がかりを本文で直接探して確認する。
本文
Memo: Quarterly Performance Review
This quarter has been one of the strongest in our company history. Our total revenue increased by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, largely because the sales team exceeded its targets in both the domestic and overseas markets.
Overall productivity across all departments improved as well, thanks to the new project-management software introduced in January. Employees reported that the tool, which automates routine tasks, has freed up more time for creative work.
However, not every figure was positive. Shipping expenses rose sharply because of higher fuel costs, and this trend is expected to continue into the next quarter. Management will therefore review the logistics budget and look for suppliers that can offer more stable rates.
To prepare for the upcoming planning meeting, please send your department reports to the finance team by Friday. Each report should include a short summary of your key results and any challenges you expect in the months ahead. Your input will help us set realistic goals for the next quarter, and it will be greatly appreciated.
下線の語にカーソルを合わせると意味と語彙トラックのリンクが出ます。
構文
長い文を意味のまとまりで区切り、各部分の役割を見る。
Our total revenue increased by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, largely because the sales team exceeded its targets.
主語Our total revenue主語(総売上)
述語increased本動詞(自動詞)
修飾by 12 percent変化幅(by~)
修飾compared to the same period last year比較基準(分詞句)
節largely because the sales team exceeded its targets理由節(because~)
動詞「increased」は自動詞なので目的語を取らず、「by 12 percent」(増加幅)で程度を示します。英語では変化の大きさをよく「by + 数値」で表します。「compared to ...」は比較基準を加える分詞句で、コンマの後の「because ...」は増加の理由を述べる副詞節です。副詞「largely」はその理由が主たるものだと示します。
Employees reported that the tool, which automates routine tasks, has freed up more time for creative work.
主語Employees主節の主語
述語reported主節の動詞
節that the tool名詞節の主語(the tool)
節, which automates routine tasks,挿入された関係節
述語has freed up more time for creative work名詞節の述語(現在完了)
「reported that ...」の that 節が reported の目的語です。その節の主語は「the tool」で、直後にコンマの関係節「which automates routine tasks」が挿入されて the tool を説明し、その後に節の述語「has freed up ...」が続きます。挿入節を一旦飛ばすと「the tool has freed up more time」が節の骨組みとしてはっきり見えます。長文読解の核心技術です。
設問
Q1今四半期の売上はどう変化しましたか。
Q2輸送費はなぜ増えましたか。
Q3社員は金曜までに財務チームへ何を送るべきですか。