英検1級2次面接試験 Sample Speech

　　Some people would say that Japan is rich in cultural traditions. That isn’t always obvious in Tokyo. Nevertheless, cultural traditions still play an important role in our lives and in our behavior.

Introduction
　トピックについて何らかの情報を与える導入部分を設けましょう。トピックのタイトルから言葉を引用するといいでしょう。

　　First of all, the traditional arts and ceremonies provide entertainment for people. They also make us proud of our culture and our nation. For example, kabuki, noh, sumo and even the tea ceremony are enjoyed by many people in Japan and even overseas.

Body
　論点を順次進めていくために筆者が用いている、first of all、secondly、in conclusionなどの、接続語句に注目しましょう。このスピーチでは、筆者は3点指摘していますが、2分間では時間が足りないかもしれません。2分間で組み込むことが可能な情報の量を知るために、スピーチの実践練習を積みましょう。自分の考えを要約する力が極めて重要です。

　　Secondly, I’d like to mention the role of religion in modern society. Religion guides people on the proper rules of behavior in society. In Japan, Confucianism and Buddhism continue to play important roles. They have taught us to respect our seniors and to strive for harmony in our communities.

　　My third point is the Japanese tendency to work long hours. This may have allowed Japan to become the world’s second largest economy, but it also has negative effects in modern society. As men work long hours, their wives are completely responsible for child-care. As more women have careers now, they delay marriage and giving birth. The result is a declining birth rate.

　　In conclusion, we can see that cultural traditions play an important role in modern society. Thank you.

Conclusion
　スピーチの結論としては十分ですが、やや短いようです。話し手がthank youと述べている点に注目しましょう。スピーチが終了したことがこれで明確になります。スピーチをThat’s allという言葉で終えてはいけません。

Q1: How should cultural traditions like kabuki or ukiyo-e be preserved?

　First of all, I think the government should financially support cultural traditions that are in danger of disappearing. Also, cultural traditions should be introduced into the school curriculum as much as possible with the goal of creating interest in those traditions.

Q2: You mentioned the tendency to work long hours in Japan? Should this be discouraged?

　No. I think the strong work ethic is an important asset for Japan. Nevertheless, we need to create a better environment for working mothers. Providing more child-care options for families is the most obvious way to achieve this.

Q3: Which cultural traditions make you feel proud?

　Of course I’m proud of the arts: kabuki, calligraphy, ikebana and such. I’m also proud that Japanese place much value on harmony. The result is that people are usually polite. Also, Japanese cities are still relatively safe.