TO: Marie Abbott
FROM: Sam Bartruff
DATE: November 3
SUBJECT: Budget proposal
I’m working on the budget proposal and wanted to confirm some things with you. You mentioned in last week’s meeting that the proposal deadline is November 9. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the 9th is a Sunday. Even if the deadline were changed to Monday the 10th, I’m afraid that wouldn’t give me enough time to finish it. I’m waiting for the people in charge to submit some figures—specifically, this year’s advertising and building maintenance costs. I’ve been told I would have the building maintenance data by Thursday. Advertising is in the midst of a campaign that is scheduled to end on Friday, which means they should be able to give me what I need by early next week. If everything goes smoothly, you will have the proposal by Thursday the 13th. I appreciate your patience.
Question: What is the main purpose of this e-mail?
(A) To provide confirmation
(B) To report a delay
(C) To recommend a plan
(D) To request data
文の構造をつかもう!
4文目
Even if the deadline were changed to Monday the 10th, /
I’m afraid / that wouldn’t give me enough time to finish it.
Even if … the 10thが従属節で、I’m afraid以降が主節。従属節にあるeven ifは、「たとえ…でも」という意味を表す接続表現だが、ifのあとには事実かどうかわからないことを続けることができる。主節のthatは従属節の内容を指しており、文末のitはthe budget proposalを指す。
1文目で「予算案を作成中で確認したいことがある」と切り出し、4 文目でEven if the deadline were changed to Monday the 10th, I’m afraid that wouldn’t give enough time to finish it.「残念ながら、締め切りを10 日の月曜に変更しても、終えるのに十分な時間があるとは思えない」と伝えている。さらに、8~9 文目に、「うまくいけば13日までにできるだろうが、待ってもらいたい」とあることから、(B) が正解。delay「遅れ」。(A) confirmation「確認(書)」。(D) 5~7 文目で、必要としているデータについて説明しているが、データを要求することがこのEメールの目的ではない。
語注
work on
…に取り組む
confirm
[動] …を確認する
mention
[動] …について言及する
deadline
[名] 締め切り
at the time
そのとき
even if
たとえ…としても
I’m afraid …
(残念ながら)…だと思う。
figure
[名] 数字
specifically
[副] 具体的に言うと
in the midst of
…の真っ最中に
smoothly
[副] 円滑に
問題 2
MISSION LUMBER INC.
Vine and 5th
Delavin, WI 53009
1-800-266-3054
ESTIMATE FOR: Delavin Designs
DATE: June 17
Items:
1 container 2” x 4” lumber (Douglas fir) $4,525.00
1/2 container 2” x 6” lumber (pine) $2,033.00
1/2 container 6” x 6” lumber (cedar) $2,820.00
Method of shipment: Land
Method of payment: To be determined
Note: This estimate is valid for 30 days from the date above. Prices include tax.
Question: What is NOT stated in the document?
(A) How much lumber has been ordered
(B) How the lumber will be shipped
(C) How payment should be made
(D) How long the document is valid
文の構造をつかもう!
Noteの1文目
This estimate is valid for 30 days / from the date above.
from the date aboveは、30 daysを修飾している形容詞句。文末のaboveは「上に(書かれた)」という意味。
Method of Payment「支払い方法」にTo be determined「未定」とあるので、(C)が正解。(A) Items「商品」の欄に記載されている。(B) Method of shipment「配送方法」にLand「陸路」とある。(D) Note「注意」に、「上記の日付から30日間有効」とある。