次の文章に関して、空欄補充問題と読解問題の二つがあります。
まず、[31]から[40]を埋めるのに、文脈に最も適切な語を1から3の中から選びなさい。
次に、内容に関する[41]から[45]の設問には、1から4の選択肢が付されています。そのうち、文章の内容からみて最も適切なものを選びなさい。
【Paragraph1】 A recent report from the U.K. suggested that the country eliminate speed bumps from its roads to ease vehicle passage and limit carbon emissions. This has since given rise to heated debate. In the U.S., homeowners often push for more speed bumps in their neighborhoods to slow drivers, making local routes for deliveries more [31] (1. cumbersome 2. scenic 3. overbearing) each year. But — from the point of view of an economist — are these bumps actually a good idea?
【Paragraph2】 On one hand, the bumps slow down traffic, and that probably saves some lives. Yet the calculus is not so simple, in part because speed bumps bring unintended secondhand consequences. Many cars or trucks [32] (1. swipe 2. swap 3. swerve) around them, which is arguably more dangerous than having no obstacle in the first place, or drivers may rev up their engines to accelerate once the bump is past. The constant "bump bump” noises or screeching brakes have led many nearby homeowners to request that the bumps be removed. The bumps may drive too much traffic to alternate routes, and they slow down the response of emergency vehicles.
【Paragraph3】 Traffic obstacles [33] (1. also 2. still 3. instead) raise the cost of deliveries sent to our homes, such as by UPS or FedEx truck. The result may be more individual trips to retail stores, which may boost the number of accidents and deaths. Don't assume that apparent safety precautions always means more safety, as economic inefficiencies bring their own dangers, even if they are less visible.
【Paragraph4】 One way to systematically evaluate speed bumps would be to look at home values in streets with and without the bumps, as you might [34](1. contemplate 2. think 3. ponder) that safer homes would sell for more. But one study — with imperfect controls — found no difference in real estate values, so that doesn't settle the question.
【Paragraph5】 Another economic approach would consider whether the private sector, when trying to accommodate customer demand, finds that speed bumps help or hurt business. That's a kind of market test of the concept, and indeed I often see speed bumps in shopping mall parking lots, to slow down traffic and ease the risk of accidents, including to pedestrians. The mall and parking lot owners have decided that the benefits of greater safety will attract more customers than the inconveniences of driving more slowly, and other possible costs, will put customers [35] (1. off 2. on 3. up). That is a seat-of-the-pants cost-benefit test, and it suggests some role for the bumps in the broader world.
【Paragraph6】 That said, my personal impression is that these private sector speed bumps are smoother and gentler
than the ones I often find in neighborhoods. When it comes to local roads, the residents are actively trying to keep outside drivers away, [36] (1. whereas 2. hence 3. thereby) the shopping mall and parking lot owners seek the best overall environment for commercial reasons. As a tentative conclusion, I think some speed bumps are a good idea, but many are too [37] (1. obsessive 2. obstructive 3. obsolete) and perhaps they are too numerous as well; this view is supported by some recent research. Another angle of the speed bumps debate is how much it revolves around issues of symbolic value, and that in part explains why the discussion can become so heated.
【Paragraph7】 By its very design, a speed bump is a deliberate obstacle with maximum transparency as such. It is sending a message that the social goals of safety or neighborhood quiet are sufficiently important that it is worth slowing people's progress when they travel. There are many regulations that try to make our lives safer, but most of them are hidden, with nontransparent costs, such as auto-safety regulations as applied through crash tests. A speed bump, [38] (1. similarly 2. by extension 3. in contrast), can work only if people notice it each time. So to the extent a society accepts speed bumps, it is visibly advertising the notion that limits to fast transportation – a symbol of progress — are acceptable in the name of safety and cozy locality.
【Paragraph8】 You might be wondering why, in such a high-tech era, we need speed bumps at all. Why not use cameras or sensors to detect and [39] (1. defer 2. deter 3 deny) speeders and other irresponsible drivers? There are at least two reasons: greater expense and privacy. Many people in a neighborhood don't want there to be an electronic [40] (1. record 2. album 3. memento) of their comings and goings, and thus they are willing to embrace what is essentially Stone Age technology.
【Paragraph9】 In sum, one side of the speed bumps debate feels it is up against enemies of smooth transport and progress, while the other is seeking to protect privacy and comfortable communities.
【Paragraph10】 Since both progress and privacy are in such scarce supply these days, is it any wonder that everyone goes away unhappy?
-Based on Cowen, T. "Caution: Debate over speed bumps ahead,”
[41] What is true according to the article?
1. The author suggests that speed bumps should be removed from America.
2. British citizens often push for more residential speed bumps.
3. Dangerous delays for ambulances and firetrucks may be caused by speed bumps.
4. Installing speed bumps may cause privacy and environmental issues.
[42] In the 5th Paragraph, what is specifically meant by "a market test of the concept"?
1. It may be possible to measure the economic impact of speed bumps by researching the market
value of houses in areas containing them, versus areas that don't.
2. Speed bumps would be removed from business areas if they hurt profits too much, so by the very
fact that they remain, they can be seen to have value.
3. After extensive surveying, it is evident that most Americans want speed bumps more than their
British counterparts.
4. It is a large-scale project that explores the use and non-use of speed bumps in supermarket parking lots throughout the UK and America.
[43] In the 5th and 6th Paragraphs, what is a key difference between residential and private sector speed bumps?
1. Residential speed bumps are smoother to protect the cars of the nearby homeowners.
2. Commercial area speed bumps are meant to be welcoming and residential unwelcoming.
3. Delivery companies such as UPS and FedEx prefer residential speed bumps.
4. Commercial speed bumps tend to be much higher and much noisier.
[44] Which of the following is implied as an issue associated with speed bumps?
1. Less efficient security cameras are being replaced by speed bumps.
2. Speed bumps must be noticed and abided by in order to be effective.
3. Speed bumps could lead to more competition among delivery companies like FedEx.
4. The safety of speed bumps is not worth the inconvenience to mall owners.
[45] In the 10th Paragraph, why does the author conclude “is it any wonder that everyone goes away unhappy?"
1. Reconciling differences on issues of safety, economics, and privacy is difficult.
2. Speed bumps are such a hassle around homes and businesses that people are left dissatisfied.
3. America and the UK cannot agree on speed bump policy, so all concerned parties are left
discontent.
4. Businesses and individuals are "bumping heads” due to drastically opposing opinions.
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