India Hopes Currency (1)Shortages Will Drive (2)Transition to Cashless Economy
NEW DELHI
Hundreds of customers who come to pick up popular local savories at Satnam Singh’s shop in a bustling market in New Delhi used to hand out cash for their purchases, usually amounting to $2 to $5. But his sales plunged after massive currency shortages hit India following last month’s ban on high value denomination notes.
Realizing that people did not have cash to spare for non-essential purchases, he began offering his customers the (3)option to pay via mobile wallets. “Standing in long lines at banks is a problem, so I am helping customers,” said Singh.
Satnam Singh’s shop has become part of the “cashless” economy the government has been pushing since its controversial ban on 500 and 1,000 rupee notes ($7.50 and $15, (4)respectively) last month.
(A)in the same order as the people or things you have mentioned
(B)a choice that you can make in a particular situation
(C)a situation in which there is not enough of something that is needed
(D)the process or a period of changing from one form or state to another
対訳）
NEW DELHI —
Hundreds of customers who come to pick up popular local savories at Satnam Singh’s shop in a bustling market in New Delhi used to hand out cash for their purchases, usually amounting to $2 to $5.
ニューデリーの活気に満ちた市場で、Satnam Singhの店で人気のある地元の食料品を買いに来た何百もの顧客は、通常2〜5ドルの現金を手渡していたものだ。
But his sales plunged after massive currency shortages hit India following last month’s ban on high value denomination notes.
しかし、先月の高額紙幣の禁止措置を受けて、大規模な通貨不足がインドを襲った後、彼の販売は急落した。
Realizing that people did not have cash to spare for non-essential purchases, he began offering his customers the option to pay via mobile wallets.
人々が不可欠でない購入のために現金を持っていなかったことを認識した彼は、顧客にモバイル財布を介して支払う選択肢を提供し始めた。
“Standing in long lines at banks is a problem, so I am helping customers,” said Singh.
「銀行の長い列に立つのは問題だから、私は顧客を助けている」とSinghは語った。
Satnam Singh’s shop has become part of the “cashless” economy the government has been pushing since its controversial ban on 500 and 1,000 rupee notes ($7.50 and $15, respectively) last month.
Satnam Singhの店は、政府が先月500ルピーと1,000ルピーの紙幣（それぞれ7.50ドルと15ドル）の論争の的になる禁止以来、推進してきた "キャッシュレス"経済の一部となっている。
解答)(1)C (2)D (3)B (4)A
TOEICスコアアップには公式問題集を典型とするTOEIC関連書籍が不可欠です。 ただTOEIC関連書籍にばかり取り組むよりも、下記のようなTOEICキーワードを沢山含んだビジネス系のニュース記事を英英辞典片手に毎日読むようにすると無理なくTOEICスコアを伸ばせます。 以下はWill Chinese Travel Help China's Economy?というVOA記事の抜粋です。
設問）(1)～(5)の単語の英英定義を(A)～(E)より選んでください。
China is using travel as an important tool to help (1)strengthen its economy.
China also hopes to increase its influence on world events by sending more travelers overseas.
This hope was evident at the recent First World Conference on Tourism. There, a Chinese official spoke about the government's plan for using tourists and the money they spend.
The head of China’s National Tourism Administration, Li Jinzao, said the country is expecting some big numbers from tourism.
Li told the (2)conference that China plans to send 150-million travelers along what he called the “One Belt, One Road." In the next five years, these tourists are expected to spend $200 billion, he said. This spending (3)estimate is likely to raise expectations among countries along the ancient Silk Road, which links China to its neighbors.
Li (4)predicted that total Chinese spending on tourism would increase up to three times from the present level of $460 billion by the year 2020. State media reported his comments.
Some observers say that travel will have a small (5)impact on the Chinese economy. But there is no denying the government's excitement to enlarge the role of the tourism industry.
(A)to say that something will happen in the future
(B)to make something stronger
(C)a formal meeting where people discuss ideas related to a particular topic
(D) a guess of the value, size, amount etc. of something
(E)the powerful effect that something has on someone or something
対訳）
China is using travel as an important tool to help strengthen its economy.
中国は、経済を強化するための重要なツールとして旅行を利用している。
China also hopes to increase its influence on world events by sending more travelers overseas.
中国はまた、多くの旅行者を海外に送ることによって、世界の出来事に影響を拡大することを望んでいる。
This hope was evident at the recent First World Conference on Tourism.
この希望は、最近の第一回世界観光大会で明らかだった。
There, a Chinese official spoke about the government's plan for using tourists and the money they spend.
そこで、ひとりの中国当局者は、観光客と彼らが費やすお金を利用する政府の計画について話した。
The head of China’s National Tourism Administration, Li Jinzao, said the country is expecting some big numbers from tourism.
中国の国家観光局のトップであるLi Jinzaoは、国が観光事業からいくつかの大きな数字を期待していると言った。
Li told the conference that China plans to send 150-million travelers along what he called the “One Belt, One Road."
Liは、中国が「一帯一路」と呼ばれるものに沿って150万人の旅行者を送ろうと計画していることを会議で語った。
In the next five years, these tourists are expected to spend $200 billion, he said.
今後5年間で、これらの観光客は2,000億ドルを費やすことになると彼は言った。
This spending estimate is likely to raise expectations among countries along the ancient Silk Road, which links China to its neighbors.
この見積もりは、中国を近隣諸国と結びつける古代シルクロードに沿った国々間の期待を高める可能性がある。
Li predicted that total Chinese spending on tourism would increase up to three times from the present level of $460 billion by the year 2020.
Liは、観光に対する中国の総支出は、2020年までに現在の4,600億ドルから3倍に増加すると予測した。
State media reported his comments.
国営のメディアは彼のコメントを報告した。
Some observers say that travel will have a small impact on the Chinese economy.
一部の観察者は、旅行の中国経済への影響は小さいと言います。
But there is no denying the government's excitement to enlarge the role of the tourism industry.
しかし、観光産業の役割を拡大する政府の意気込みを否定はできない。
PHNOM PENH —
Cambodia's rapidly normalizing economy will receive an additional boost when it (1)hosts the regional World Economic Forum (WEF) for the first time this week with business leaders looking for opportunities to diversify the country's fledgling industries.
American lawyer and chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Brett Sciaroni, said Cambodia's economy (2)remained the fastest growing in Southeast Asia with annual GDP growth exceeding seven percent year-on-year.
Garments, tourism, (3)construction and agriculture are key planks in the local economy, but he said he would prefer to see the number of industries substantially broadened.
“Well, we're very hopeful that we'll be getting more light manufacturing in the future because we do need to diversify the economy. Right now we have a strong agricultural sector and we have a strong (4)garment sector but we want to graduate that light manufacturing from garments to other things,” he said.
(A)a piece of clothing
(B)to stay in the same state or condition
(C)the act of building something
(D)to provide the place and everything necessary for a special event
対訳）
Cambodia's rapidly normalizing economy will receive an additional boost when it hosts the regional World Economic Forum (WEF) for the first time this week
カンボジアの急速に正常化している経済は、今週初めて世界の地域経済フォーラム（WEF）をホストする際にさらに勢いを得るだろう
with business leaders looking for opportunities to diversify the country's fledgling industries.
ビジネスリーダーは国の駆け出しの産業を多様化する機会を探していて
American lawyer and chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Brett Sciaroni, said Cambodia's economy remained the fastest growing in Southeast Asia with annual GDP growth exceeding seven percent year-on-year.
アメリカ人弁護士でカンボジアのアメリカ商工会議所のブレット・シアーロニ会長は、カンボジアの経済は東南アジアで最も急成長を遂げており、年間GDP成長率は前年比7％を超えていると述べた。
Garments, tourism, construction and agriculture are key planks in the local economy, but he said he would prefer to see the number of industries substantially broadened.
衣料品、観光、建設、農業は、地元経済の重要な基盤だが、産業の数が大幅に拡大することを望んでいると彼は言った。
“Well, we're very hopeful that we'll be getting more light manufacturing in the future because we do need to diversify the economy.
「さて、経済を多様化する必要があるため、将来的にはより多くの軽工業を持つことを期待しています。
Right now we have a strong agricultural sector and we have a strong garment sector but we want to graduate that light manufacturing from garments to other things,” he said.
今、私たちは強い農業部門と衣料部門を持っていますが、軽工業を衣料から他のものへ卒業させたい」と彼は言った。
解答）(1)D (2)B (3)C (4)A
TOEICスコアアップには公式問題集を典型とするTOEIC関連書籍が不可欠です。 ただTOEIC関連書籍にばかり取り組むよりも、下記のようなTOEICキーワードを沢山含んだビジネス系のニュース記事を英英辞典片手に毎日読むようにすると無理なくTOEICスコアを伸ばせます。 以下はFacebook to Hire 3,000 to Stop Violent VideosというVOA記事の全文です。
設問）(1)～(4)の単語の英英定義を(A)～(D)より選んでください。
In the wake of several Facebook videos depicting murder, suicide, rape and other violent acts, the social media giant says it is hiring 3,000 more people to (1)review videos and remove those that violate its terms of service.
The company has been facing increased pressure to stop people from (2)posting and sharing violent videos.
According to Facebook’s terms of service, violent videos are not allowed, but as recent events have shown, it can take the company some time to review and remove them.
The announcement to add staff to the already 4,500 who review videos was made Wednesday on Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page.
Facebook’s founder and CEO wrote, “Over the last few weeks, we have seen people hurting themselves and others on Facebook - either live or in video posted later. It is heartbreaking, and I have been reflecting on how we can do better for our community.”
“These reviewers will also help us get better at removing things we don't allow on Facebook like hate speech and child exploitation, “ Zuckerberg wrote. “And we'll keep working with local community groups and law enforcement who are in the best position to help someone if they need it - either because they're about to harm themselves, or because they're in danger from someone else.”
In addition to more staff, Zuckerberg said the company was going to (3)enhance its software to keep violent videos off the site.
“We’re going to make it simpler to report problems to us, faster for our reviewers to determine which posts violate our standards and easier for them to contact law enforcement if someone needs help,” he wrote, adding the company had recently acted on a report of someone (4)considering suicide on Facebook, preventing them from going through with it.
(A)to think carefully about someone or something
(B)to examine something carefully in order to decide if changes are necessary
(C)to improve something
(D)to put information or a message in a public place so that people can see it
対訳）
In the wake of several Facebook videos depicting murder, suicide, rape and other violent acts, the social media giant says it is hiring 3,000 more people to review videos and remove those that violate its terms of service.
殺人、自殺、レイプなどの暴力行為を描いた複数のFacebookビデオに続いて、ソーシャルメディアの巨大企業は、3000人以上の人を雇ってビデオを校閲し、利用規約に違反するビデオを削除していると語った。
The company has been facing increased pressure to stop people from posting and sharing violent videos.
同社は、人々が暴力的なビデオを投稿したり共有したりするのをやめさせる圧力に直面している。
According to Facebook’s terms of service, violent videos are not allowed, but as recent events have shown, it can take the company some time to review and remove them.
Facebookの利用規約によると、暴力的な動画は許可されていないが、最近の出来事が示すように、会社が校閲して削除するまでに時間がかかることがある。
The announcement to add staff to the already 4,500 who review videos was made Wednesday on Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page.
すでに4,500人のいるビデオを校閲する人員にスタッフを追加するという発表は水曜日にMark ZuckerbergのFacebookページで行われた。
Facebook’s founder and CEO wrote,
Facebookの創業者兼CEOは書いた
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen people hurting themselves and others on Facebook - either live or in video posted later.
ここ数週間、私たちはFacebook上で自分や他の人を傷つけている人たちをライブまたは後に掲載されたビデオで見てきました。
It is heartbreaking, and I have been reflecting on how we can do better for our community.”
それは悲しいことです。私は、私たちが地域社会のためにどうやってもっとうまくやれるかを考えてきました。
“These reviewers will also help us get better at removing things we don't allow on Facebook like hate speech and child exploitation, “
これらの校閲者は、私たちがヘイトスピーチや児童搾取のようにFacebookで許可していないものを削除するのに役立ちます
Zuckerberg wrote.
Zuckerbergは書いた。
“And we'll keep working with local community groups and law enforcement who are in the best position to help someone if they need it
そして、必要とされれば誰かを助ける最善の立場にある地元のコミュニティグループや法執行機関と協力していきます
- either because they're about to harm themselves, or because they're in danger from someone else.”
彼らが自分自身を傷つけようとしているか、または彼らが他人から危険にさらされているからです。
In addition to more staff, Zuckerberg said the company was going to enhance its software to keep violent videos off the site.
さらに多くのスタッフに加えて、同社が暴力的な動画をサイトに載せないようソフトウェアを強化するつもりだとZuckerbergは述べた。
“We’re going to make it simpler to report problems to us,
「われわれは問題をわれわれに報告するのを簡単にするでしょう
faster for our reviewers to determine which posts violate our standards
私たちの校閲者が私たちの基準に違反した投稿を判断するのを速くし
and easier for them to contact law enforcement if someone needs help,” he wrote,
誰かが助けを必要とするならば法執行機関に連絡するのをより簡単に」彼は書いた
adding the company had recently acted on a report of someone considering suicide on Facebook, preventing them from going through with it.
同社は最近、Facebookで自殺を考えている人の報告を受けて、彼らがそれを行わないようにしたと加えて。
BANGKOK
A United Nations economic and social report released Monday warns Asia’s positive economic (1)outlook “faces significant risk” from rising trade protectionism, especially (2)concerns over U.S. trade policy with key partners such as China.
The U.N.’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) survey is largely positive for the region, which now accounts for some 30 percent of total global (3)output. If sustained, the survey said this could reach 50 percent by 2050.
For more than 70 years, Asia’s export-led growth has helped lift millions out of poverty with such target markets as the U.S. and Europe.
But in more recent years the economies have come to rely more on domestic demand given the “prolonged weakness in external demand and global trade,” the survey said.
(A)the amount of something produced by a person, machine, factory etc.
(B)an idea about what is likely to happen in the future
(C)a feeling of worry about something
対訳） A United Nations economic and social report released Monday warns Asia’s positive economic outlook “faces significant risk” from rising trade protectionism, especially concerns over U.S. trade policy with key partners such as China.
月曜に発表された国連の経済社会報告は、アジアの肯定的な経済見通しが貿易保護主義の台頭、特に中国などの主要パートナーの米国の貿易政策に対する懸念から「重大なリスクに直面している」と警告した。
The U.N.’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) survey is largely positive for the region, which now accounts for some 30 percent of total global output.
国連アジア太平洋経済社会委員会（UNESCAP）調査は、現在は世界全体の生産量の約30％を占めているこの地域におおむね肯定的である。
If sustained, the survey said this could reach 50 percent by 2050.
持続されれば、2050年までに50％に達する可能性があると調査は述べた。
For more than 70 years, Asia’s export-led growth has helped lift millions out of poverty with such target markets as the U.S. and Europe.
70年以上にわたり、アジアの輸出主導の成長は、米国や欧州などの市場をターゲットに何百万人もの人々を貧困から救い出してきた。
But in more recent years the economies have come to rely more on domestic demand given the “prolonged weakness in external demand and global trade,” the survey said.
しかし近年経済は内需により頼るようになった「外需や世界貿易の脆弱さが長期化する」中でと調査は述べる。
The United States office that handles highway safety announced it would ①investigate complaints that brakes can malfunction on Nissan's popular Murano SUV.
According to documents ②released Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 60 people have complained that the brakes on their cars lose pressure when trying to stop on a low-friction surface.
Some drivers reported increased stopping distances after pushing the pedal all the way to the floor. The investigation will cover upwards of 100,000 Muranos from the 2009 model year.
In a statement, Nissan said it is ③cooperating with the probe and encouraged any drivers experiencing brake problems to visit their local Nissan dealership.
Some drivers cited in the complaint said they replaced the anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit in their SUVs and that apparently fixed the problem.
The investigation will ④determine if Nissan needs to issue a recall on the vehicles. The NHTSA said the problem generally involves older, higher mileage vehicles.
(A)to work with another person or group to achieve something
(B)to make information or documents available to the public
(C)to try to find out the truth about something
(D)to be the cause of something
対訳）
The United States office that handles highway safety announced it would investigate complaints that brakes can malfunction on Nissan's popular Murano SUV.
幹線道路の安全性を扱う米国の当局は、日産の人気車Murano SUVでブレーキが機能しなくなるという苦情を調査すると発表した。
According to documents released Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 60 people have complained that the brakes on their cars lose pressure when trying to stop on a low-friction surface.
金曜日に全米高速道路交通安全局（NHTSA）が発表した文書によると、約60人が低摩擦表面で停止しようとすると車のブレーキが圧力を失うと不満を訴えている。
Some drivers reported increased stopping distances after pushing the pedal all the way to the floor.
一部のドライバーは、ペダルを床まで踏み込んだ後、停止距離が増えたと報告している。
The investigation will cover upwards of 100,000 Muranos from the 2009 model year.
この調査では、2009年モデル以降の10万台以上のムラーノが対象となる。
In a statement, Nissan said it is cooperating with the probe and encouraged any drivers experiencing brake problems to visit their local Nissan dealership.
声明で、日産は、調査に協力し、ブレーキ問題を抱えているドライバーに、地元の日産販売店を訪問するよう勧めたと語った。
Some drivers cited in the complaint said they replaced the anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit in their SUVs and that apparently fixed the problem.
苦情に引用された一部の運転手は、SUVのアンチロックブレーキ液圧制御装置を交換したことで、明らかに問題が解決されたという。
The investigation will determine if Nissan needs to issue a recall on the vehicles. 調査は、日産が車両にリコールを出す必要があるかどうかを判断する。
The NHTSA said the problem generally involves older, higher mileage vehicles.
NHTSAは、この問題は一般的に古い、より高い走行距離の車を含むと言った。
President Donald Trump says phone conversations Wednesday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (1)persuaded him not to imminently withdraw the United States from their countries' three-way trade pact.
"They asked me to renegotiate. I will," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I decided rather than terminating NAFTA, which would be a pretty big shock to the system, we will renegotiate."
Trump, sitting Thursday alongside Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, said, "I was going to terminate NAFTA as of two to three days from now." But, he added, "If I'm unable to make a fair deal ... for our workers and our companies, we will (2)terminate NAFTA."
He reiterated his long-standing assertion that the 1994 trade agreement has been "very good for Canada. It has been very good for Mexico. But it has been horrible for the United States."
The U.S. president's softening tone on what is (3)perceived as America's most crucial trade pact is being well-received.
"I am relieved," said Notre Dame University professor of finance Jeffrey Bergstrand, who notes trade agreements "not only lower tariffs, but create stability in the global value chain."
Trump has already withdrawn the United States from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (4)negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, although that deal had not been ratified by Congress.
(A)to understand or think of someone or something in a particular way
(B)to discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement
(C)to cause someone to do something by giving reason
(D)to make something end
phone conversations Wednesday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau persuaded him not to imminently withdraw the United States from their countries' three-way trade pact.
メキシコのエンリケ・ペーナ・ニエト大統領とカナダのジャスティン・トルドー首相との水曜の電話会談は彼が米国をすぐに三国間貿易協定から撤退させないよう説得する。
"They asked me to renegotiate. I will,"
「彼らは私に再交渉を求めた。私はそのつもりだ」
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
トランプは大統領執務室で記者団に語った。
"I decided rather than terminating NAFTA,
NAFTAを終了しないことに決めた
which would be a pretty big shock to the system, we will renegotiate."
それはシステムに大きなショックを与えるだろう、われわれは再交渉する」
Trump, sitting Thursday alongside Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, said,
トランプは木曜日にアルゼンチン大統領のマウリシオ・マクリと並んで座って言った、
"I was going to terminate NAFTA as of two to three days from now."
「今から2〜3日後にNAFTAを終了しようとしていた」
But, he added,
しかし、彼は加えた。
"If I'm unable to make a fair deal ...
公正な取り決めをすることができない場合、
for our workers and our companies,
われわれの労働者と会社に、
we will terminate NAFTA."
われわれはNAFTAを終了させるだろう。
He reiterated his long-standing assertion
彼は彼の長年の主張を繰り返し述べた
that the 1994 trade agreement has been "very good for Canada. It has been very good for Mexico.
1994年の貿易協定は「カナダにとっては非常に良い、メキシコにとっては非常に良いことであった。
But it has been horrible for the United States."
しかし、米国にとってはひどいものだ」
The U.S. president's softening tone on what is perceived as America's most crucial trade pact is being well-received.
米国の最も重要な貿易協定として認識されていることに対する米国の大統領の軟化は好感を持って受け止められている。
"I am relieved," said Notre Dame University professor of finance Jeffrey Bergstrand,
「私はほっとしている」 とノートルダム大学のジェフリー・バーグストランド財務教授は語った。
who notes trade agreements "not only lower tariffs, but create stability in the global value chain."
貿易協定は「関税を引き下げるだけでなく、グローバルバリューチェーンの安定をもたらす」と指摘する。
Trump has already withdrawn the United States from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama,
トランプは、前任者であるバラク・オバマが交渉した12カ国の太平洋パートナーシップ協定からすでに米国を撤退させている、
although that deal had not been ratified by Congress.
その取り決めはは議会によって批准されていないけれども。
The Trump administration is turning back a U.S. public school program promoted by former first lady Michelle Obama that required healthier lunches for children.
“If kids aren't eating the food and it's ending up in the trash, they aren't getting any nutrition ... undermining the intent of the program," Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Monday.
He made his announcement at an elementary school cafeteria in Leesburg, Virginia, near Washington, before a tray of chicken nuggets, fruit and salad.
Perdue said he ①appreciates what Michelle Obama wanted to do — giving children lunches with more whole grains and less fat and salt. But he said his department wants to ②adjust the program to make the healthier food more appetizing.
Chocolate milk back on menu
For starters, schools can now ③serve chocolate or strawberry flavored milk with 1 percent fat instead of nonfat milk.
Under the 2012 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, schools that wanted federal meal subsidies would have to put limits on salt and fat in lunches and add more fruit, vegetables and whole grains to the menus.
Health experts say U.S. children do not exercise enough and that one in six are overweight.
(A)to provide someone food or drink, especially in a restaurant or bar
(B)to change something slightly so that it works better
(C)to be grateful for something
The United States has the world's largest stock of robots, and the number is growing fast.
A report published Wednesday by Redwood Software and the Center for Economics and Business Research said investment surged to $86 billion in 2015 as more, better and cheaper robots were deployed.
The authors, whose firms are based in the Netherlands and Britain, said robotics plays an outsized role in boosting worker productivity and economic growth worldwide.
The surge in robot workers in the U.S. follows the loss of millions of American ①manufacturing jobs, which many experts ②blame on the rising tide of automation in factories. Discontent over these lost jobs helped upend U.S. politics last year and raised concerns that job losses to robots would spread from manufacturing to the far larger services sector of the U.S. economy.
In a VOA interview, Redwood Software's Neil Kinson said such fears were misplaced. He noted that Germany's economy is highly automated but nevertheless has a shortage of human workers.
Redwood, which is based in the Netherlands but also operates in other European countries and in the United States, ③specializes in crafting automation to ④handle business processes, particularly those that are repetitive, rule-bound and tedious.
Kinson said that leaves the more complex, rewarding and interesting work for people. He said the jobs least likely to be automated were those that require dealing with people.
(A)to be an expert in a particular area of work, study or business
(B)to say or think that someone or something is responsible for something bad
(C)to make goods in large quantities in a factory, using machinery
(D)to do the work that is necessary for something
The latest economic data ①indicate the U.S. economy is growing at the slowest rate in three years. The GDP or gross domestic product, the broadest measure of all goods and services produced in the country, increased at a disappointing 0.7 percent annual rate, according to new government estimates ②released Friday. That’s the weakest performance since 2014, as consumer spending stayed flat and business inventories ③remained small.
Analysts say that’s bound to be a disappointment to U.S. President Donald Trump who ④predicted strong economic growth on day one, once he took over the White House.
(1)
(A)to make information or documents available to the public
(B)to show that a particular situation exists
(C)to say that something will happen in the future
(D)to stay in the same state or condition
“Remember ①candidate Trump talked about GDP of about 5 percent and paraphrasing, perhaps something much, much stronger," said Bankrate.com senior analyst Mark Hamrick.
“Most economists believe the track for the U.S. economy for the intermediate future is going to be very familiar to what has been seen over the last number of years, and that’s somewhere between one and probably 2.5 percent on an annual basis.”
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1 percent pace in the fourth quarter of 2016. But economists say first quarter ②estimates tend to be notoriously low for a number of reasons.
“In some years it’s been because of bad weather that kept people in their homes, keeping them from purchasing things but it’s also believed to be somewhat flawed statistically -- meaning that what’s actually happening in the economy isn’t being perfectly captured by government ③statistics," Hamrick tells VOA. "It ends up being an estimate and most of them are not perfect”.
Most economists say the first quarter estimate should not be seen as a true measure of U.S. economic health.
Other indicators suggest a more positive ④outlook. The U.S. unemployment rate is near a 10-year low at 4.5 percent, consumer and business sentiment are rising and major U.S. stock indexes are near record highs.
(2)
(A)a guess of the value, size, amount etc. of something
(B)a group of numbers that represent a piece of information
(C)an idea about what is likely to happen in the future
(D)someone who is applying for a job or is trying to be elected
