TOEIC風長文クエスト Part 12 (テーマ：賃金問題)

TOEIC風の長文問題を大量に解きたい！と思っても、参考書では問題数に限りがあったりして…なんて悩みを吹き飛ばすような問題を作っていきます。テーマは気まぐれ。その時気になったニュースなどから作成したりします！
※注）数値などのデータに関しては、問題用に作り替えたりしているので、正確性については、一切責任を負えません。ご了承下さい。
Level 1 = TOEIC Part 7-1 風
Level 2 = TOEIC Part 7-2 風
Level 3 = TOEIC Part 7-3 風
Level 4 = TOEIC Part 7-4 風
に作っています。

Level 1 (passage)

Passage:

Japan has been facing the issue of stagnant wage growth for several years, posing significant challenges to its economy. Despite improvements in employment rates, many workers are experiencing a lack of substantial wage increases. The persistent wage stagnation can lead to reduced consumer spending, hindering economic growth and contributing to deflationary pressures. It also affects the overall standard of living and financial stability of individuals and families. The Japanese government has been implementing various measures to tackle this problem, such as encouraging businesses to increase wages and investing in education and skill development to enhance workforce productivity. Additionally, policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation are being pursued to stimulate economic growth and create new job opportunities. Addressing the issue of stagnant wages remains a critical priority for Japan's economic stability and prosperity.

Level 1 (questions)

1. What is the main issue Japan has been facing in its economy?
   a) High inflation rates
   b) Stagnant wage growth
   c) Declining employment rates
   d) Excessive consumer spending

2. How does stagnant wage growth impact Japan's economy?
   a) It leads to increased consumer spending
   b) It contributes to deflationary pressures
   c) It encourages business investment
   d) It improves workforce productivity

3. What measures has the Japanese government taken to address the issue of stagnant wages?
   a) Encouraging businesses to reduce wages
   b) Investing in education and skill development
   c) Implementing policies for higher inflation
   d) Stimulating economic growth through higher taxes

Level 1 (answers)

1. b) Stagnant wage growth
   Explanation: The passage states that Japan has been facing the issue of stagnant wage growth, which poses challenges to its economy.

2. b) It contributes to deflationary pressures
   Explanation: The passage mentions that persistent wage stagnation can lead to reduced consumer spending and contribute to deflationary pressures.

3. b) Investing in education and skill development
   Explanation: The passage mentions that the Japanese government has been implementing various measures, such as investing in education and skill development, to tackle the problem of stagnant wages.

Level 1 (translation)

日本は数年間にわたり、賃金の停滞という問題に直面しており、これは経済に対して重要な課題となっています。雇用率の改善にもかかわらず、多くの労働者が実質的な賃金の増加を経験していない状況です。持続する賃金の停滞は消費支出の減少を招き、経済成長を妨げ、デフレ圧力に寄与します。また、これは生活水準全体と個人や家族の経済的安定にも影響を及ぼします。日本政府は、企業に賃金の引き上げを促すとともに、教育やスキル開発に投資して労働生産性を向上させるなど、さまざまな対策を講じています。また、起業とイノベーションを促進する政策も推進され、経済成長を刺激し、新たな雇用機会を創出しています。賃金の停滞という問題に取り組むことは、日本の経済的安定と繁栄のために引き続き重要な優先事項です。

Level 2 (passage)

Japan's Stagnant Wage Growth and Its Impact on the Economy

Japan, known for its strong economy and technological advancements, has been grappling with a persistent issue of stagnant wage growth in recent years. Despite the country's overall economic growth, wages for many workers have remained largely unchanged, leading to concerns about income inequality and its broader impact on the economy.

Several factors contribute to Japan's wage stagnation. One significant factor is the changing nature of employment in the country. The rise of non-regular and part-time jobs, which offer lower wages and limited job security, has led to a decline in the average income of workers. Additionally, the aging population has put pressure on the labor market, with a shortage of skilled workers leading to less competition for employees and consequently lower wage growth.

The impact of stagnant wages is far-reaching. It affects consumer spending, as lower incomes constrain households' purchasing power, leading to reduced consumption. Consequently, businesses may experience weakened demand for their products and services, hindering their growth and investment plans. Moreover, stagnant wages may hinder the ability of workers to save and invest, potentially hampering long-term economic growth and stability.

Level 2 (questions)

1. What has Japan been struggling with in recent years regarding wage growth?
   A) Rapid wage increases.
   B) Stagnant wage growth.
   C) Declining employment opportunities.
   D) Technological advancements.

2. What is one significant factor contributing to Japan's wage stagnation?
   A) An increase in skilled workers.
   B) Growth in part-time jobs with high wages.
   C) Changes in the employment landscape with non-regular jobs.
   D) A decrease in the overall population.

3. How does the aging population affect Japan's labor market?
   A) It leads to increased competition for employees.
   B) It results in higher wages for workers.
   C) It causes a shortage of skilled workers.
   D) It boosts long-term economic growth.

4. How does stagnant wage growth impact consumer spending in Japan?
   A) It leads to increased consumption.
   B) It has no effect on consumer spending.
   C) It reduces households' purchasing power and consumption.
   D) It encourages higher savings rates.

5. What potential effect does stagnant wage growth have on businesses in Japan?
   A) It strengthens their growth and investment plans.
   B) It has no impact on businesses.
   C) It may lead to reduced demand and hinder their growth.
   D) It encourages new businesses to enter the market.

Level 2 (answers)

1. 日本が最近の賃金成長について苦しんでいるのは何ですか？
   B) 賃金の成長停滞です。

2. 日本の賃金停滞に寄与している重要な要因は何ですか？
   C) 非正規の雇用やパートタイムの仕事の増加による雇用の変化です。

3. 高齢化人口が日本の労働市場にどのような影響を与えていますか？
   C) 熟練した労働者の不足を招いています。

4. 賃金成長の停滞が日本の消費支出にどのような影響を及ぼしますか？
   C) 家計の購買力と消費が減少します。

5. 賃金成長の停滞が日本の企業にどのような潜在的な影響を持つ可能性がありますか？
   C) 需要が減少し、成長と投資計画を妨げる可能性があります。

Level 2 (translation)

日本の停滞した賃金成長と経済への影響

日本は強固な経済と技術の進歩で知られていますが、近年、停滞した賃金成長という持続的な問題に苦しんでいます。国全体の経済成長にもかかわらず、多くの労働者の賃金はほとんど変わらずにとどまり、所得格差とそれが経済全体に与える影響への懸念が高まっています。

日本の賃金停滞にはいくつかの要因が寄与しています。その中でも重要な要因の一つは、雇用の性質の変化です。非正規雇用やパートタイムの仕事が増加しており、これらは低い賃金と限られた雇用の安定性を提供するため、労働者の平均収入の減少につながっています。さらに、高齢化人口が労働市場に圧力をかけており、熟練した労働者の不足により雇用者間の競争が減少し、結果として賃金成長が鈍化しています。

停滞した賃金の影響は広範囲にわたります。低い収入によって家計の購買力が制約され、消費が減少するため、消費支出に影響を及ぼします。それにより企業は商品やサービスへの需要の低下を経験し、成長や投資計画が妨げられるかもしれません。さらに、停滞した賃金は労働者の貯蓄や投資の能力を阻害し、長期的な経済成長と安定性を損なう可能性があります。

Level 3 (passage)

Japan's Stagnant Wage Growth and Its Impact on the Economy