【英語長文読解・練習問題③】レベル：英検準一級、TOEIC700点程度

英会話スクールmmm外国人講師の先生による、日本で住んで気づいたことや、海外との違いなどのエッセイを英語でまとめた英語長文練習問題を作りました。最後には、この英語長文のQ&Aとなる練習問題があります。

今回は、オーストラリア出身のDenny先生が、日本とオーストラリアの通勤事情について英語長文練習問題を書いています。

是非英語長文読解問題にチャレンジ！

COMMUTING DIFFERENCES

One of the things that I first noticed when I arrived in Japan was the modes of transportation. The comparison in numbers of people commuting by bicycle in Japan to Australia is quite different. I personally think that riding bicycles is much better to go from point A to point B but in Australia everything is so far away, so it’s not always a good way to commute.

When it comes to public transport, Japan is much better in most aspects compared to Australia, but we do have a few things that are better. In Japan, there is a great rail system, which is regular, efficient and convenient. Unfortunately, in Australia there is very little regarding access to train travel, it’s basically relegated to inner city travelling to coastal areas. We have a good bus system, which goes to pretty much anywhere but if you wish to travel to some certain places you have to change buses anywhere from one up to three times. The great thing about the bus system in Australia is that we are trying to prevent drink driving and we have free buses from midnight to 6am on weekends. The thing I found was that in Japan, trains stop at midnight, which can be quite inconvenient.

I was intrigued that in Japan, most cars are newer model and very small. I was told that the reasons for this is due to small, narrow roads and that after a few years you have to have the vehicle checked, which apparently is expensive. When it comes to Australia, there are many older cars due to new cars being too expensive. Vehicle checks, depending on the state (prefecture), usually aren’t done unless you are approached by the police and then tell you to get it checked.

Lastly, motorcycles in Japan seem to be quite the opposite compared to cars in Japan. Most of the motorcycles here are either older or new but are styled to the older models. To be honest, I find the older style bikes look better compared to the new bikes but that’s just my personal opinion. One thing I do find vexing with some people that ride motorcycles, is the ones that constantly rev their bikes and they are having to be so loud.