英検1級【Vocabulary Training-Adjective】Vol.56
英検1級のPart1で出題された形容詞を用いた文章問題です。
Read the following passage and choose the best word from among the four choices for each blank.
The Evolving World of Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency, a digital form of currency, has grown exponentially since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009. Unlike traditional banking systems, it operates on blockchain technology, which eliminates the need for ( A ) intermediaries, making transactions faster and more secure.
Investors in the cryptocurrency market must remain ( B ), carefully planning and considering the long-term implications of their decisions. The unpredictable nature of the market makes prudent strategies essential for minimizing risks.
As governments worldwide work on regulations, the future of cryptocurrency remains uncertain but undeniably impactful. With continued innovation, cryptocurrencies may either fulfill their transformative promise or face significant challenges ahead.
(A)
① malignant
② indignant
③ discordant
④ redundant
(B)
① provident
② strident
③ resplendent
④ despondent
＜内容＞
暗号通貨の進化する世界
・従来の銀行システムとは異なり、ブロックチェーン技術を基盤としており、冗長な仲介者を排除することで、取引をより迅速かつ安全にしている
・暗号通貨市場の投資家は、慎重に計画を立て、意思決定の長期的な影響を十分に考慮する必要がある
＜備考＞
1年程前だったと思いますが、メルカリでビットコインを500円分もらえました。
その後、メルカリで販売した際に得たお金をビットコインに変えていました。
それが1万円ほどになって、ある時、お金が必要になったため日本円に変えたら600円程の売却益がでました。
その頃、確か1BTC=10,000,000JPY以下だっと思います。
少し下がったとはいえ現在は1BTC=14,995,576.68JPYです。
含み益が出ている人、企業、沢山あるのだろうなと思います。
今後、どうなるかは誰にも予測できませんが、リスクがないわけではありません。
英検1級の対策用として、以下をご参照下さい。
Cryptocurrency carries several risks, both for individual investors and the broader financial system. Below are some key risks associated with cryptocurrencies:
1. Volatility
Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate dramatically in short periods, leading to significant financial losses for investors. This volatility makes cryptocurrencies a high-risk investment compared to traditional assets.
2. Lack of Regulation
Most cryptocurrencies operate in a largely unregulated space. This absence of oversight increases the risk of fraud, market manipulation, and scams, such as Ponzi schemes or "rug pulls."
3. Security Risks
Despite the robust encryption behind cryptocurrencies, users face risks such as:
・Hacking: Exchanges, wallets, and platforms have been targeted by hackers.
・Loss of Private Keys: Losing access to private keys can render cryptocurrencies irretrievable.
4. Fraud and Scams
Phishing attacks, fake Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), and fraudulent platforms are prevalent in the crypto space. Investors can lose funds to sophisticated scams.
5. Environmental Concerns
Cryptocurrency mining, particularly for Bitcoin, consumes vast amounts of energy, contributing to environmental degradation and raising sustainability concerns.
6. Regulatory Uncertainty
Governments and financial regulators may impose bans, restrictions, or heavy taxes on cryptocurrency trading and mining, which can lead to market crashes or devaluation of assets.
7. Illiquidity
Some smaller or lesser-known cryptocurrencies lack liquidity, making it difficult for investors to sell their holdings without a substantial loss in value.
8. Technological Risks
Bugs, vulnerabilities, and forks in blockchain technology can disrupt operations, devalue a currency, or lead to financial losses.
9. Market Manipulation
Whales (large investors) can manipulate prices by buying or selling massive amounts of cryptocurrency, causing price swings that hurt smaller investors.
10. Adoption Risk
Cryptocurrencies rely on widespread adoption to retain or grow in value. Slow adoption, lack of integration into mainstream financial systems, or a shift to competing technologies could diminish their relevance.
11. Legal and Tax Risks
Unclear tax laws regarding cryptocurrencies can lead to unexpected liabilities. Users may inadvertently violate tax or legal regulations due to the complex and evolving nature of crypto laws.
Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for anyone participating in the cryptocurrency market.
＜解答＞
A ：④ redundant「余分な、冗長な、（従業員が）過剰な、不要になった、豊富な」
malignant：悪意（敵意）のある、悪影響のある、悪性の
indignant：憤慨した、怒った、立腹した
discordant：調和（一致）しない、争っている、耳障りな
B：① provident「先見の明のある、将来に備えた、用心深い、倹約する」
strident：かん高い、金切り声の、緊急の、口やかましい
resplendent：きらきら輝く、まばゆい、華麗な
despondent：元気のない、落胆した、失望した