ENGLISH MEBY

森林紛争、銀河、死後の世界:交錯する3つのテーマ」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The dense emerald canopy of the Amazon rainforest, a realm teeming with life, belies a hidden conflict. For centuries, indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the forest, their lives intricately woven into its rhythm. However, the encroachment of large-scale logging and agricultural interests has ignited a fierce struggle for land and resources, a conflict that echoes the larger battle for the preservation of biodiversity on our planet. Meanwhile, billions of light-years away, astronomers peer into the vast expanse of the cosmos, seeking answers to the mysteries of the universe. The discovery of exoplanets, planets orbiting stars other than our sun, sparks both excitement and apprehension. Could these distant worlds harbor life? Are we alone in the universe? These questions, fundamental to humanity's understanding of its place in the cosmos, intertwine with our search for meaning and purpose. Finally, the contemplation of death and the afterlife, a timeless preoccupation of humanity, offers a counterpoint to the immediacy of the Amazon conflict and the vastness of space. Different cultures have devised diverse narratives to explain the transition beyond life, ranging from the peaceful reincarnation of Eastern philosophies to the fiery judgment of Western religions. These beliefs profoundly shape our understanding of mortality, our actions in life, and the very meaning of existence. The Amazon conflict, the exploration of the galaxy, and our contemplation of death and the afterlife—seemingly disparate themes—are deeply intertwined. They all grapple with fundamental questions about our place in the world, our relationship with nature, and the ultimate meaning of life and death. They illuminate the complexity of human experience and the ongoing search for answers in a universe both vast and deeply mysterious.

1. According to the passage, what is the main conflict in the Amazon rainforest?

2. The discovery of exoplanets evokes what feelings in humans, according to the passage?

3. What is the common thread connecting the three themes discussed in the passage?

4. What does the passage suggest about different cultural beliefs regarding the afterlife?