米国紙ニューヨークタイムズ(The New York Times)が「50 Fancy Words」と題したデータを公開したことがあります。これはオンライン版 NYTimes.com 上で、読者が多く調べた単語のリストです。つまり、同紙が好んで用いる(=比較的頻出である)ものの、多くの人が意味をよく把握していない(=比較的難解な)単語といえます。
2010年と少し古い情報ですが、時事的なキーワードは特になく、数年を経た今でも通用しそうです。
英字新聞を読む習慣はリーディングのよい訓練にもなり、海外の世相を知る点でも有益です。はなから「単語の意味や記述内容を全て理解する」ような完璧な読み方に挑むことは必要ありません。NYT を読むなら、この Fancy Words を知っておけば《読める度合い》もまた違ってくるでしょう。
TO: Morris Santini
FROM: Chie Minami
DATE: October 17
SUBJECT: Contract
Thank you for sending the contract for the Jones account. However, the copy I received did not include the revision I requested concerning the delivery deadline. In case there is a misunderstanding, I would like to make it clear in this e-mail that the initial delivery date of January 10 was changed to January 5 during our final negotiations on October 12. As far as I can see, this is the only revision that needs to be made to conclude the agreement, and hereby request that you send us a new contract with the correct delivery deadline. We will sign and return the contract as soon as we receive the amended version from you.
Ms. Patricia Sinclair
254 Interlaken Avenue
Seattle, WA 98203
Dear Ms. Sinclair:
Thank you for your order of July 14. Of the three items you ordered, the two-drawer file cabinet (Item # 34-210) and handy desk vacuum (Item # 5202) were shipped on July 15. However, the miniature easel (Item # 4277) is currently out of stock. We have contacted the manufacturer to back-order and have been told that the item will become available around the end of this month. Would you like to wait? Or would you like to cancel your order for this item? We charge credit cards or issue invoices only when items are shipped, so you have not been charged for the easel.
Please let us know what you would like us to do. We sincerely appreciate your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
To: All store staff
From: Adriana Loris, Store Manager
Date: December 8
Subject: Clearance sale
Now that our year-end inventory is complete, we’re ready for our annual clearance sale. The sale will run for a week from Sunday. There is a considerable amount of surplus stock of the SnoWiz line of ski wear—everything in the line will be sold for half price except for the after-ski boots which will be marked down 30%. The winter sports season is still in full swing and all of you are encouraged to recommend the line to customers during the sale so we can clear as much stock as possible while the sale is on. Sale prices for other merchandise will vary with some items going for as low as 70% off. As usual, sunscreens and cosmetics will not be discounted.
To: All staff
From: Bruno Smith
Subject: Walk for Pets
Date: April 20
This is to let you know that the annual Walk for Pets will be held on May 15 from 8:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. at Oceanview Park. In addition to the usual adult walk, there will be a half-mile mini walk for 5 to 12-year-olds. Entry in the adult walk is $30 per person and $50 dollars per couple; entry in the miniwalk is $10 per child. We will have a barbecue at the park after the walk. Food will be provided but everyone is requested to bring drinks.
Half of the proceeds from the event will go toward Home for Pets, a foster home facility for abandoned pets, and the remainder will be divided among various animal welfare associations. Everyone, come out and walk for the welfare of our furry friends!
Mr. Jonathan Watford
Commonwealth Industries
17 Bridge Street, West Perth WA
January 15
Dear Mr. Watford,
Thank you for your company’s ongoing support of Inglis Museum. It is only through the aid of corporate donors such as yourself that we are able to continue to serve the city of Perth as an art organization.
It is once again time for our annual fund drive. This year’s contributions will mainly go toward repair costs of the Patrona Wing that was badly damaged in December’s storm.
To make a contribution, please fill out the enclosed form and send it to the museum accompanied by a check. As a patron of the museum, all Commonwealth Industries employees will be entitled to half off on admission fees.