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価値観の揺らぎと公文書偽造:現代社会の闇とスケートの純粋さ」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The recent scandal involving the falsification of official documents has sent shockwaves through the nation. This act, a blatant disregard for truth and integrity, has ignited a fervent debate about ethical values in modern society. The perpetrators, driven by ambition or perhaps a misguided sense of loyalty, manipulated the system for personal gain. Their actions have betrayed the public trust and undermined the foundations of governmental transparency. This incident stands in stark contrast to the seemingly pure world of competitive figure skating. On the ice, athletes strive for perfection, guided by discipline and unwavering commitment. Their dedication is evident in the countless hours of training, the meticulous practice, and the sheer determination to achieve excellence. Their values, honesty and fair play, seem to be a refreshing antidote to the cynicism born from the political scandal. However, the line between these two worlds is not as clear-cut as it may seem. The pressure to succeed, both in the political arena and on the ice, can be immense. The pursuit of victory, often fueled by external forces, can sometimes overshadow ethical considerations. The temptation to bend the rules, to take shortcuts, may lurk even in seemingly virtuous pursuits. This brings us to the question of how we cultivate strong ethical values in a society that often prioritizes success above all else. How can we teach young people to prioritize integrity and honesty, even when faced with overwhelming pressure to compromise their values? Perhaps the answer lies in finding a balance between ambition and ethics, a harmony between the desire to achieve and the importance of acting with integrity. Just as figure skaters strive for perfection through rigorous discipline, we, too, must cultivate our moral compass through consistent self-reflection and a commitment to ethical conduct.

1. What is the central contrast drawn in the passage?

2. According to the passage, what is a significant consequence of the document falsification scandal?

3. What does the author suggest as a possible solution to the ethical challenges raised in the passage?

4. The author uses the example of figure skating to illustrate which point?

5. What is the overall tone of the passage?