英語長文問題で読み解く経済学、kindleで発売！

rabbit

2024年4月15日 22:14

英検2級レベルの英語長文問題を読み解きながら、経済学の基本的な知識を身につけることが出来る問題集をkindleにて出版しました！

経済学系の学部によっては（大学によって異なるので一概には言えませんが）、一般入試の英語の問題が経済学にまつわるものだったりするので、入試に向けた対策としても活用できる一冊になっていると思います。

#経済学 #英語長文問題 #多読 #英語力アップ

英語長文問題で読み解く経済学-30: 経済学の重要テーマを英語で読み解く

英語長文で読み解く経済学-30 の中身を公開！

以下、どんな内容になっているのかを公開します！

1.需要と供給：財やサービスの市場における需要と供給のバランスを説明する経済の基本概念。

The Intricate Dance of Demand and Supply: Unraveling the Forces that Shape Markets

In the vast and intricate world of economics, the concepts of demand and supply stand as fundamental pillars, governing the ebb and flow of markets and shaping the intricate tapestry of commerce. These two forces, like partners in an intricate dance, interact in a delicate balance, determining the prices of goods and services, influencing consumer behavior, and ultimately driving the allocation of resources within an economy.

Demand, a concept that reflects the desire and willingness of consumers to acquire a particular good or service, is driven by a myriad of factors. At its core, demand is influenced by the perceived value that consumers place on a product or service, their disposable income, and their personal preferences and tastes.

Consider the example of a popular new smartphone model that has just been released. As the buzz surrounding the latest features and sleek design builds, the demand for this product is likely to surge. Consumers who perceive the phone as a desirable and valuable purchase, coupled with those who have the financial means to acquire it, will drive up the demand for this particular model, creating a strong market force.

However, demand is not a static phenomenon; it is subject to fluctuations and shifts based on various factors. For instance, a change in consumer income levels can significantly impact demand. In times of economic prosperity, when disposable incomes rise, consumers may be more willing and able to indulge in discretionary purchases, thereby increasing demand for certain goods and services. Conversely, during economic downturns or periods of financial strain, demand for non-essential items may decrease as consumers tighten their belts and prioritize essential needs.

On the other side of the equation lies supply, the counterpart to demand, representing the willingness and ability of producers or sellers to provide goods and services to the market. Supply is influenced by factors such as production costs, technology, availability of resources, and the number of suppliers in the market.

Imagine a thriving agricultural region known for its high-quality produce. As favorable weather conditions and technological advancements in farming methods lead to an abundant harvest, the supply of fruits and vegetables in the local markets is likely to increase. This surge in supply can drive down prices, making these fresh produce items more affordable and accessible to consumers.

However, just as demand can fluctuate, supply is also subject to various forces that can disrupt its equilibrium. Natural disasters, labor disputes, or changes in government regulations can all impact the supply of goods and services, leading to potential shortages or surpluses in the market.

The intricate interplay between demand and supply is what ultimately determines the market equilibrium price – the price at which the quantity demanded by consumers precisely matches the quantity supplied by producers. When demand and supply are in balance, the market reaches a state of equilibrium, where buyers and sellers are satisfied with the prevailing price and quantity.

However, this equilibrium is not a static state; it is a dynamic and ever-shifting balance that can be disrupted by changes in either demand or supply. An increase in demand, driven by factors such as population growth, changing consumer preferences, or rising incomes, can lead to a shortage in the market, pushing prices upward until a new equilibrium is reached.

Conversely, an increase in supply, perhaps due to technological advancements, new market entrants, or changes in production costs, can result in a surplus, exerting downward pressure on prices until demand and supply realign.

The concept of elasticity further adds complexity to the dynamics of demand and supply. Elasticity refers to the degree of responsiveness of demand or supply to changes in factors such as price, income, or availability of substitutes. For instance, goods or services that are considered necessities tend to have inelastic demand, meaning that consumers are less responsive to price changes and will continue to purchase these items regardless of fluctuations in cost.

On the other hand, luxury or discretionary items often exhibit elastic demand, where consumers are highly sensitive to price changes and may adjust their purchasing behavior accordingly. Understanding elasticity is crucial for businesses and policymakers when it comes to pricing strategies, resource allocation, and market interventions.

The principles of demand and supply extend beyond the realm of consumer goods and services, influencing various aspects of the economy, including labor markets, international trade, and resource allocation. In the labor market, for instance, the demand for workers is determined by factors such as the level of economic activity, productivity, and the cost of labor. The supply of labor, on the other hand, is influenced by population growth, education levels, and individual preferences for work-life balance.

The interplay between these forces determines wage rates and employment levels within different industries and regions.

International trade is another arena where the dynamics of demand and supply play a pivotal role. The demand for imported goods is driven by factors such as domestic consumer preferences, income levels, and the availability of domestic substitutes. On the supply side, foreign producers' ability to meet this demand is influenced by factors such as production costs, trade policies, and transportation costs.

The balance between domestic and international demand and supply ultimately shapes the patterns of trade, the flow of goods and services across borders, and the resulting economic impacts on various nations and industries.

Furthermore, the principles of demand and supply have significant implications for resource allocation and environmental sustainability. As demand for certain resources or products increases, driven by factors such as population growth or technological advancements, the strain on finite natural resources can intensify, leading to potential depletion or environmental degradation.

Effective resource management and sustainable practices become crucial in balancing the demands of a growing global population with the limited supply of natural resources, ensuring that current and future needs can be met without compromising the health of our planet.

In conclusion, the intricate dance of demand and supply lies at the heart of economic activity, shaping the landscape of markets, influencing consumer behavior, and guiding the allocation of resources within an economy. By understanding the factors that drive these forces, the concept of equilibrium, and the role of elasticity, businesses, policymakers, and individuals can make informed decisions that foster economic growth, promote efficiency, and balance the delicate interplay between consumer desires and the availability of goods and services.

As the world continues to evolve, with shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global interconnectedness, the study of demand and supply remains a crucial aspect of economic analysis, providing invaluable insights into the complex dynamics that shape our markets and drive the allocation of resources in a constantly changing economic landscape.

注釈

・Fundamental - 基本的な: 重要な基盤や要素となる。
・Pillars - 柱: ここでは、基本的な概念や原則を指す。
・Ebb and flow - 上下: 流れや変動のこと。ここでは、市場の動きや変化を指す。
・Tapestry - 織物: 織物の絵や模様。ここでは、複雑な商業の構造を指す。
・Myriad - 無数の: 数えきれないほどの。ここでは、さまざまな要因を指す。
・Perceived value - 認識された価値: 消費者が特定の商品やサービスに対して感じる価値や重要性。
・Disposable income - 自由に使える収入: 生活費や必要経費を差し引いた残りの収入。個人が自由に使えるお金。
・Fluctuations - 変動: 変化や動き。ここでは、需要や供給の変動を指す。
・Discretionary purchases - 自由費用での購入: 必要ではないものを買うこと。ここでは、需要の変化を指す。
・Surge - 急増: 急激な上昇や増加。
・Equilibrium - 平衡: マーケットで需要と供給が一致する状態。
・Realign - 再調整する: 再度調整して均衡を保つ。
・Elasticity - 弾力性: 需要や供給が価格や他の要因の変化にどれだけ敏感かを示す。
・Interplay - 相互作用: 相互に影響し合うこと。相互作用。
・Finite - 有限の: 無限ではない。ここでは、自然資源の限られた性質を指す。
・Depletion - 減少: 消耗や枯渇。ここでは、自然資源の減少を指す。
・Resource management - 資源管理: 資源の使用や保護に関する計画や実践。
・Sustainable - 持続可能な: 環境や資源に害を及ぼさずに持続可能な方法で行われること。
・Global interconnectedness - グローバルな相互関係: 世界的なつながりや結びつき。ここでは、国際的な経済の相互依存性を指す。
・Economic analysis - 経済分析: 経済活動や市場の状況を評価し理解すること。

設問

1. According to the passage, what are the two fundamental forces that govern the ebb and flow of markets?
A. Demand and supply
B. Scarcity and abundance
C. Production and consumption
D. Import and export

2. Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as an influence on demand?
A. Perceived value of a product or service
B. Disposable income of consumers
C. Consumer preferences and tastes
D. Availability of substitutes

3. How does the passage describe the impact of economic prosperity on demand?
A. Economic prosperity leads to a decrease in demand for discretionary purchases
B. Economic prosperity has no impact on demand
C. Economic prosperity may increase demand for certain goods and services
D. Economic prosperity always results in a decrease in overall demand

4. According to the passage, what factors influence the supply of goods and services?
A. Production costs, availability of resources, and number of suppliers
B. Consumer income levels and personal preferences
C. Perceived value of the product or service
D. Government regulations and trade policies

5. What is the market equilibrium price?
A. The price at which the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied
B. The price at which the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded
C. The price at which the quantity demanded precisely matches the quantity supplied
D. The price set by the government to regulate the market

6. How does the passage describe the concept of elasticity?
A. It refers to the degree of responsiveness of demand or supply to changes in factors like price or income
B. It is a measure of the equilibrium between demand and supply
C. It refers to the ability of producers to adjust their supply based on market conditions
D. It is a measure of the availability of substitutes for a particular good or service

7. What does the passage suggest about the demand for necessities?
A. The demand for necessities tends to be elastic
B. The demand for necessities tends to be inelastic
C. The demand for necessities is unaffected by price changes
D. The demand for necessities is highly responsive to changes in income levels

8. According to the passage, what factors determine wage rates and employment levels in the labor market?
A. The demand for workers and the supply of labor
B. The availability of substitutes for labor
C. Government regulations and trade policies
D. Consumer preferences and tastes

9. How does the passage describe the role of demand and supply in international trade?
A. Demand and supply have no impact on international trade patterns
B. The interplay between domestic and international demand and supply shapes trade patterns and economic impacts
C. International trade is solely determined by government trade policies
D. Demand and supply only influence trade patterns within a single nation

10. What does the passage suggest about the importance of demand and supply in resource allocation and environmental sustainability?
A. Demand and supply have no significant impact on resource allocation or environmental sustainability
B. Understanding demand and supply is crucial for balancing resource needs and environmental protection
C. Increasing demand for resources always leads to depletion and environmental degradation
D. Supply-side factors are irrelevant for resource allocation and environmental sustainability

解答・解説

1. 論文によると、市場の流れを支配する2つの基本的な力は何ですか?
A. 需要と供給
B. 希少性と豊富さ
C. 生産と消費
D. 輸入と輸出
答え: A. 需要と供給
説明: 本文では、需要と供給が市場の流れを支配する2つの基本的な力であると述べられています。

2. 以下のうち、需要に影響を与える要因として挙げられていないのはどれですか?
A. 製品やサービスの認知された価値
B. 消費者の可処分所得
C. 消費者の嗜好や趣味
D. 代替品の有無
答え: D. 代替品の有無
説明: 本文では、需要に影響を与える要因として、製品やサービスの認知された価値、消費者の可処分所得、消費者の嗜好や趣味が挙げられていますが、代替品の有無については言及されていません。

3. 論文では、経済の好況が需要にどのような影響を与えるかについて、どのように述べられていますか?
A. 経済の好況は、贅沢品の需要の減少につながる
B. 経済の好況は需要に影響を与えない
C. 経済の好況は、一部の商品やサービスの需要を増加させる可能性がある
D. 経済の好況は、常に全体的な需要の減少をもたらす
答え: C. 経済の好況は、一部の商品やサービスの需要を増加させる可能性がある
説明: 本文では、経済の好況時には、可処分所得の増加により、消費者が贅沢品の購入に積極的になる可能性があり、一部の商品やサービスの需要が増加する可能性があると述べられています。

4. 論文によると、商品やサービスの供給に影響を与える要因は何ですか?
A. 生産コスト、資源の可用性、供給者の数
B. 消費者の所得水準と個人的な嗜好
C. 製品やサービスの認知された価値
D. 政府の規制と通商政策
答え: A. 生産コスト、資源の可用性、供給者の数
説明: 本文によると、商品やサービスの供給に影響を与える要因として、生産コスト、資源の可用性、供給者の数が挙げられています。

5. 市場の均衡価格とは何ですか?
A. 需要量が供給量を上回る価格
B. 供給量が需要量を上回る価格
C. 需要量と供給量が正確に一致する価格
D. 市場を規制するために政府が設定する価格
答え: C. 需要量と供給量が正確に一致する価格
説明: 市場の均衡価格とは、需要量と供給量が正確に一致する価格のことです。

と、まぁ、このような感じで、30問の長文問題が一冊にまとまっております！

経済学の重要テーマ、30問あります！

目次にもあるように、30個の経済学にまつわる重要テーマやキーワードを使い、長文問題を作りました。

英語力を向上させたい、かつ、経済学の知識を得たい人にとって、最適な長文問題集となっております。

英語レベルは英検2級を目指している人にとって丁度いい塩梅。

大学の一般入試で、経済学にまつわるテーマの長文問題が出題されるならば、その対策にもなる経済学の基本的なテーマを扱っております。

タイパを重視して、経済学の知識を得つつ、英語の読解力を向上させたい人は、ぜひ活用してみてください。

英語長文問題で読み解く経済学-30: 経済学の重要テーマを英語で読み解く

この記事が気に入ったらサポートをしてみませんか？