ガンジス川についての英語長文　英検２級　オリジナル問題

この英語長文は英検２級程度です。

The Ganges River

The Ganges River, flowing through the heart of India, is considered one of the most sacred rivers to Hindus. It is not just a river but a lifeline for millions of people who depend on it for their daily needs, including water, food, and transportation. The river's cultural significance is immense, with many pilgrims visiting its banks to perform rituals and pay homage to their ancestors. However, the reverence for the Ganges does not negate the environmental and health challenges it faces.

One of the major issues confronting the Ganges is pollution. Despite its sacred status, the river is one of the most polluted in the world. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage contribute significantly to the degradation of its water quality. This pollution not only harms aquatic life but also poses serious health risks to people who rely on the river for drinking water and bathing. Moreover, the river is subject to seasonal variations, with monsoon rains causing flooding and dry seasons leading to water scarcity, affecting millions of lives.

Efforts to clean and conserve the Ganges have been ongoing for decades, with various initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and restoring the river's health. These include setting up treatment plants, enforcing regulations on industrial discharge, and promoting community awareness about the importance of keeping the river clean. While these efforts have brought some improvements, the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental conservation remains.

The Ganges River is a symbol of faith, culture, and survival for a significant portion of India's population. Its problems are complex, stemming from centuries of cultural practices, rapid industrialization, and population growth. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that considers the social, economic, and environmental aspects of river conservation. Can the sacred Ganges be restored to its pristine glory? Only time and collective effort will tell.

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Questions

1. The Ganges River is considered sacred by which religion?
   A) Buddhism
   B) Christianity
   C) Hinduism
   D) Islam

2. What is one of the major issues facing the Ganges River?
   A) Overfishing
   B) Pollution
   C) Decreasing river flow
   D) Increased shipping traffic

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effort to improve the Ganges River's condition?
   A) Setting up treatment plants
   B) Banning all religious activities
   C) Enforcing regulations on industrial discharge
   D) Promoting community awareness

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Answer

1. 回答: C) Hinduism
   解説: The Ganges River is highlighted as one of the most sacred rivers to Hindus, serving as a cultural and spiritual lifeline.

2. 回答: B) Pollution
   解説: Pollution is identified as a major challenge for the Ganges River, stemming from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage.

3. 回答: B) Banning all religious activities
   解説: Among the efforts to improve the river's condition, banning all religious activities is not mentioned. Instead, the text discusses setting up treatment plants, enforcing regulations, and promoting awareness.

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日本語訳

ガンジス川

ガンジス川は、インドの中心を流れる、ヒンドゥー教徒にとって最も神聖な川の一つと考えられています。これは単なる川ではなく、水、食料、交通など、日々のニーズに依存する数百万人の人々にとっての生命線です。川の文化的な重要性は計り知れず、多くの巡礼者が儀式を行い、先祖に敬意を表するためにその岸辺を訪れます。しかし、ガンジス川への敬意が、それが直面している環境や健康上の課題を否定するものではありません。

ガンジス川が直面している主な問題の一つは汚染です。その神聖な地位にもかかわらず、この川は世界で最も汚染された川の一つです。産業廃棄物、農業の流出、家庭からの下水が、その水質の劣化に大きく寄与しています。この汚染は水生生物に害を及ぼすだけでなく、川の水を飲料水や入浴に頼る人々に深刻な健康リスクをもたらします。さらに、川は季節変動の影響を受けており、モンスーンの雨が洪水を引き起こし、乾季は水不足をもたらし、何百万人もの人々の生活に影響を与えます。

ガンジス川の清掃と保全への努力は数十年にわたって続けられており、汚染を減らし川の健康を回復させることを目的とした様々な取り組みが行われています。これには、処理施設の設置、産業排出に関する規制の施行、川を清潔に保つことの重要性についての地域社会の意識啓発が含まれます。これらの努力はいくつかの改善をもたらしましたが、経済発展と環境保全のバランスをとるという課題は残っています。

ガンジス川は、インドの人口のかなりの部分にとって信仰、文化、そして生存の象徴です。その問題は複雑で、文化的慣習の世紀、急速な工業化、人口増加から生じています。これらの問題に対処するには、川の保全に関する社会的、経済的、環境的側面を考慮した包括的