英検1級道場－2023-1英検1級1次試験英作文の研究

昨日、6月4日（日）に2023-1英検1級1次試験が行われました。
本日、6月5日（月）13時に英検協会のホームページで速報が出されました。
早速、合否を大きく左右する英作文を研究しました。

■ChatGPTで書いてもらったものを紹介します。

作文の書き方が難しくならないように、自分は13歳の日本人の学生であることを伝え、英検の英作文で要求されている事項を伝えたところ（注：英検とは言っていません）、1秒も経たないうちに返事の英文がタイプされ始めました。

いつもそうなのですが、ChatGPTは字数制限を守ってくれません。今回も、200～240ワードで書くようにしつこく指示したのに、325ワードで書いてきました。あとで、ChatGPTに、なぜそうなのか？と聞いてみます。どう答えてくるか楽しみです。

■Write an essay on the given TOPIC.
■Give THREE reasons to support your answer.
■Structure: introduction, main body, and conclusion
■Suggested length: 200～240 words
● Write your essay in the space provided on Side B of your answer sheet.
Any writing outside the space will not be graded.

TOPIC: Is investment from foreign companies necessary for the success of Japan's economy?

ChatGPT
Title: The Role of Foreign Investment in Japan's Economic Success

Introduction:
Foreign investment has emerged as a crucial factor in determining the economic prosperity of nations across the globe. This essay delves into the significance of investment from foreign companies for the success of Japan's economy. By examining various points, including technological advancement, increased job opportunities, and enhanced global competitiveness, it becomes evident that foreign investment plays a pivotal role in Japan's economic growth.

Technological Advancement:
Foreign investment brings valuable technological expertise to Japan's economy. When foreign companies invest in Japan, they often bring cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices that can drive industrial growth. This infusion of advanced technologies enhances the competitiveness of domestic industries, leading to higher productivity and economic progress. By encouraging the exchange of ideas and expertise, foreign investment can pave the way for Japan to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.

Increased Job Opportunities:
Foreign investment also contributes to job creation in Japan. When foreign companies establish operations in the country, they generate employment opportunities for Japanese citizens. This not only helps to reduce unemployment rates but also promotes skill development and knowledge transfer. The influx of foreign investment creates a multiplier effect, stimulating economic activity across various sectors and fostering a more vibrant job market.

Enhanced Global Competitiveness:
Foreign investment brings international exposure to Japan's economy, enabling it to compete on a global scale. Through joint ventures, collaborations, and acquisitions, Japanese companies can expand their reach beyond domestic borders. This exposure to international markets enhances their competitiveness and creates opportunities for growth. Furthermore, foreign investment can attract global talent and expertise, fostering a diverse and dynamic business environment that fuels Japan's economic success.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, foreign investment plays a vital role in the success of Japan's economy. It brings technological advancements, job opportunities, and enhances the country's global competitiveness. By embracing foreign investment, Japan can leverage the expertise and resources of international companies to fuel its economic growth, ensuring a prosperous future for the nation and its citizens.

■英検協会が出してきた解答例

Although Japan is one of the world’s largest economies, many are concerned about its future growth. Investment from foreign companies, however, can be an essential source of capital and create opportunities to gain expertise while also offering vital access to overseas markets.

Foreign investment can be more substantial than domestic sources of capital, and this can help finance business activities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Theseincludenew product developmentor researchinto cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The resulting increase in productivity will undoubtedly spur innovation and growth across various sectors.

Additionally, foreign companies can introduce new corporate practices that improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Japanese businesses. Courting foreign investment will expose Japanese firms to new business models and managing styles, creating more-dynamic business environments. And when workers from these companies move between jobs, these new ideas can disseminate throughout the economy and effect further beneficial change.

Furthermore, foreign investment provides opportunities for Japanese companies to expand globally. Overcoming barriers to international business expansion, such as cultural differences, is a common challenge. Through cooperation with foreign investors, however, Japanese firms can access new markets and distribution channels, which ultimately serves to bolster foreign confidence and strengthen international corporate ties.

In conclusion, foreign investment fosters new corporate growth while enriching businesses with new practices and creating inroads to overseas markets. As corporations prosper, so too does Japan’s economy via increased sales and employment, better corporate governance, and deeper international relationships.

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ちなみに、私は当日の試験会場で、下記のポイントで記述しました。
①日本は最先端分野で後れを取っており、外国企業からの投資が必要。熊本への台湾半導体メーカーの投資が好例

②最先端分野の技術開発がないと経済成長は望めない。それには莫大な資金が必要であり、アメリカをはじめとして先進国では政府が莫大な投資金額を出しているが、日本はそれができない（政府の財政赤字など）ので外資に頼らざるをえない

③外資が入ることで日本の企業に新しい文化や考え方が入り、新たな技術革新が生まれる。日本経済の成功のためには必須である

稚拙な内容ですが、何とか、形にはしたつもりです。

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先ほど、私が持ち帰った問題用紙に書いた答えと英検ホームページの解答速報と照らし合わせました。
RとLのCSEを前回2022-3のデータと比較したところ、英作文が19～20点もらえれば合格しそうです。

よほどのことがない限り（名前を書き忘れたとか）、1次試験は突破できそうです。
受講生への指導をしながら、私自身の2次試験対策を始めることにしました。