語数指定が「目安（Suggested length）」から「絶対条件（Summarize it between 90 and 110 words）」へ。
たった1語の超過・不足でも全観点0点──この事実を知らず、大量の0点答案が発生しました。
──本マニュアルは、この新基準を完全に踏まえた2026年度版の決定版です。
1【衝撃】2025年度の採点基準変更──何が変わったのか？
2025年度第1回検定（2025年6月実施）から、英検1級の要約問題に極めて重大な変更が適用されました。多くの受験者がこの変更を見落とし、「書いたのに0点」という悲劇が続出しています。
| 2024年度まで（旧） | 2025年度から（新） | |
|---|---|---|
| 問題文の指示 | Suggested length: 90-110 words | Summarize it between 90 and 110 words. |
| 語数の性質 | 「目安」（多少の超過・不足は許容） | 「絶対条件」（逸脱＝即0点） |
| 範囲外の場合 | 減点（部分点あり） | 全4観点すべて0点（32点中0点） |
| 英語の意味 | “Suggested”＝提案・推奨 | “Summarize it between A and B”＝命令文 |
この変更は英検協会が2025年4月15日付で公式発表したものですが、多くの受験者が気づかないまま本番に臨み、89語や111語で全観点0点という結果になりました。
他の国際英語試験（IELTS・TOEFL iBT・ケンブリッジ英検）では語数逸脱は「減点」で済むのに対し、英検の「語数逸脱＝即0点」は国際的に見ても極めて厳格です。2026年度の受験者は、語数管理を最優先スキルとして訓練してください。
2要約問題の全体像──配点・形式・出題傾向の完全分析
まずは要約問題の基本スペックを押さえましょう。2024年度に新設されてから2025年度まで、全6回の出題データを徹底分析しました。
過去の出題テーマ一覧（2024〜2025年度）
出題傾向の法則：全回を通じて「社会問題→その負の影響→解決策・展望」という3パラグラフ構成が踏襲されています。トピックはSDGs関連（環境・資源・医療・都市開発）が圧倒的に多く、グローバルな時事問題への英語読解力が問われています。2026年度もこの傾向は続くと予想されます。
332点満点の採点基準を「逆算」する──4観点×8点の攻略法
要約問題は内容・構成・語彙・文法の4観点でそれぞれ0〜8点、合計32点満点で採点されます。各観点で何が求められているのかを知れば、「何を書けば点が入るのか」が明確になります。
❶ 内容（Content）
攻略法：3つのパラグラフそれぞれの「イイタイコト（主張・論点）」を1〜2文で要約する。具体例・固有名詞は省略し、本質のみを抽出する。1つのパラグラフでも抜けると大幅減点。
❷ 構成（Organization）
攻略法：原文の3パラグラフ構成に対応させ、discourse markers（However, As a result, To address this）で段落間の論理関係を明示する。唐突な話題転換はNG。
❸ 語彙（Vocabulary）
攻略法：パラフレーズ（言い換え）が最重要。原文の表現をコピペすると減点。動詞・形容詞を中心に言い換え、名詞は同じでもOK。1級レベルの語彙力をアピールするチャンス。
❹ 文法（Grammar）
攻略法：単純なSVO文だけでなく、分詞構文・関係代名詞・受動態・仮定法など多様な構文を織り交ぜる。ただし「正確さ最優先」──派手な構文を使って文法ミスをするより、確実に正しい文を書く方が高得点。
4鉄壁の時間配分──18分で仕上げる5ステップ戦略
英検1級の筆記試験はリーディング＋ライティングで100分。その中で要約問題に割くべき時間は18〜20分が最適解です。
2026年度の新常識：STEP 4の「語数カウント＆調整」を独立した工程として必ず確保すること。従来は推敲の中で軽く数える程度で済みましたが、語数逸脱＝即死の新ルールでは、この2分間が合否を分けます。「5語ずつスラッシュを入れて数える」クセを今日から練習しましょう。
5パラフレーズ完全攻略──「言い換え力」が合否を分ける
英検1級の要約問題で最も差がつくのがパラフレーズ（言い換え）力です。原文の表現をそのままコピーすると「語彙」の観点で大幅減点。逆に、自然で的確な言い換えができれば高得点に直結します。
パラフレーズの3大テクニック
| 原文の表現 | 言い換え候補 |
| has led to | has resulted in / has caused / has triggered |
| face heightened risks | are more vulnerable to / are increasingly exposed to |
| address the issue | tackle the problem / cope with the challenge |
| raises concerns | provokes debate / sparks controversy |
| implement regulations | enforce rules / introduce policies |
| 原文の表現 | 上位概念 |
| Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai | major cities / densely populated urban areas |
| earthquakes, tsunamis, and rising sea levels | natural disasters |
| residential areas, commercial districts, and transportation networks | urban infrastructure |
| Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia | several countries / affected nations |
| 原文 | 構文変換後 |
| Governments have turned to land reclamation. | Land reclamation has been adopted by governments. |
| The expansion of urban areas has led to overcrowding. | As urban areas expand, overcrowding intensifies. |
| Marine ecosystems suffer disruption. | This disrupts marine ecosystems. |
パラフレーズの黄金ルール：名詞（主語・目的語）はそのまま使ってもOK。動詞・形容詞・副詞を中心に言い換えるのが最も効率的。無理に全部変えようとして不自然な英語になるのは本末転倒です。
6テンプレート＆必殺フレーズ集──暗記するだけで骨格ができる
要約問題は「型」を持っているかどうかで書くスピードが段違いに変わります。以下のテンプレートを暗記すれば、本番で迷わず書き始められます。
The passage discusses [topic]. According to the text, [background/current situation].
However, [problem/negative consequence]. This has raised concerns about [specific issue], as [elaboration].
To address this issue, [proposed solution]. By [action], it is possible to [positive outcome].
用途別フレーズ集
• According to the text,…（本文によれば〜）
• The author argues that…（筆者は〜と主張している）
• The article examines…（この文章は〜を検証している）
• Despite these benefits,…（これらの利点にもかかわらず〜）
• One major concern is…（主な懸念事項は〜）
• Nevertheless, challenges remain.（それでも課題は残っている）
• Consequently,…（その結果〜）
• This situation has caused…（この状況は〜を引き起こした）
• Such trends have contributed to…（こうした傾向は〜に寄与した）
• In response, governments have…（それに応じて政府は〜）
• A proposed solution involves…（提案されている解決策は〜）
• By combining A with B, it is possible to…（AとBを組み合わせることで〜が可能）
• Thus, a balanced approach is needed.（したがってバランスの取れたアプローチが必要）
• Only through … can … be achieved.（〜を通じてのみ〜が達成できる）
7実践！模範解答つき予想問題5題
ここからは実戦練習です。2026年度の出題を予想したオリジナル予想問題5題を、模範解答・解法プロセス付きで掲載します。実際に書いてから模範解答と照合してください。
Artificial intelligence has made remarkable advances in recent years, with systems now capable of performing tasks that were once thought to be exclusively human. From medical diagnosis to legal research, AI-powered tools are transforming professional fields. Companies are investing billions in AI development, anticipating significant productivity gains. Proponents argue that AI will create new industries and job categories, much like previous technological revolutions did.
However, the rapid deployment of AI has also sparked widespread concerns about job displacement. A recent study by a major consulting firm estimated that up to 300 million full-time jobs worldwide could be affected by AI automation. Unlike previous waves of automation, which primarily impacted blue-collar workers, AI threatens white-collar professions such as accounting, journalism, and programming. Workers in these fields face uncertainty as employers increasingly seek to reduce costs through automation.
To mitigate these challenges, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. Governments should invest in retraining programs that help displaced workers transition to emerging roles in the AI economy. Educational institutions need to revamp curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence—skills that remain difficult for machines to replicate. Additionally, some economists propose implementing a universal basic income to provide a safety net during this transition period. By proactively preparing for the AI-driven transformation of work, societies can harness the technology’s benefits while minimizing its disruptive effects.
The passage examines the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. AI technology has progressed rapidly, enabling machines to handle complex professional tasks. Supporters believe this innovation will generate new industries and career opportunities, similar to past technological shifts.
Nevertheless, growing anxiety surrounds the potential loss of millions of jobs due to automation. Unlike earlier technological changes that mainly affected manual labor, AI now poses a threat to knowledge-based occupations, including finance and media.
To cope with these challenges, specialists advocate for government-funded retraining initiatives, reformed education systems focusing on uniquely human abilities, and the consideration of universal basic income as a transitional safety measure.
• performing tasks → handle complex professional tasks
• job displacement → potential loss of millions of jobs
• blue-collar workers → manual labor
• retraining programs → retraining initiatives
• revamp curricula → reformed education systems
語数管理：固有名詞（consulting firm名）を省略し、3国名列挙を”knowledge-based occupations”に集約して語数を抑制。
Food waste has emerged as one of the most pressing sustainability challenges of the twenty-first century. The United Nations estimates that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year, amounting to roughly 1.3 billion tons. This waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain, from agricultural production to household consumption. In wealthy nations, consumers are the primary contributors, often discarding food due to cosmetic imperfections or confusion over expiration date labels.
The environmental consequences of food waste are staggering. When discarded food decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is approximately 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Furthermore, the water, energy, and land resources used to produce wasted food represent an enormous inefficiency. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the United States.
Various solutions are being implemented worldwide. France has pioneered legislation requiring supermarkets to donate unsold food to charities rather than disposing of it. Technology companies have developed smartphone applications that connect consumers with restaurants offering surplus meals at discounted prices. Meanwhile, some food manufacturers are adopting innovative packaging technologies that extend shelf life. Experts emphasize that reducing food waste requires coordinated efforts across governments, businesses, and individuals to fundamentally change how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The passage highlights the global problem of food waste. A significant portion of food produced annually is discarded throughout the supply chain. In developed countries, consumers are largely responsible, often throwing away edible items for superficial reasons.
This waste carries severe environmental consequences. Decomposing food in landfills releases methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. The resources consumed in producing wasted food also represent a massive inefficiency.
Multiple approaches are being adopted to combat the problem, including legislation mandating food donations, digital platforms reducing surplus, and improved packaging. Ultimately, a collaborative effort involving all sectors of society is essential for meaningful change.
The global pandemic dramatically accelerated the adoption of remote work. What was once a niche arrangement became the standard for millions of knowledge workers worldwide. Many employees reported increased productivity and improved work-life balance, citing the elimination of commuting time and greater flexibility in managing their schedules. Companies also recognized cost savings from reduced office space requirements and access to a broader talent pool unconstrained by geography.
Despite these advantages, remote work has revealed significant drawbacks. Many workers experience social isolation and report difficulty maintaining boundaries between professional and personal life. Studies show that creative collaboration and spontaneous innovation suffer when teams work entirely remotely. Furthermore, junior employees miss out on the informal mentorship and networking opportunities that physical offices provide. Some organizations have observed declining team cohesion and corporate culture erosion as a result of prolonged remote work.
In response to these mixed outcomes, a growing number of companies are adopting hybrid work models that combine remote and in-office days. This approach aims to preserve the flexibility benefits of remote work while restoring opportunities for face-to-face collaboration. However, implementing hybrid work effectively requires thoughtful policies regarding scheduling, technology infrastructure, and equitable treatment of both remote and in-office workers. The future of work likely lies not in choosing between remote and traditional models but in finding the optimal blend that maximizes both productivity and employee well-being.
The passage explores the rise of remote work following the global pandemic. Working from home became widespread, offering benefits such as enhanced productivity, better work-life balance, and reduced operational costs for businesses. Employers also gained access to a geographically diverse workforce.
However, remote work has notable disadvantages, including feelings of isolation, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and diminished creative collaboration. Newer employees, in particular, suffer from limited mentorship opportunities, while organizational culture tends to weaken over time.
Consequently, many companies are shifting to hybrid models that blend remote flexibility with in-person interaction. Successful implementation demands well-designed policies that ensure fairness and maintain both productivity and well-being.
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has reached crisis proportions. Every year, an estimated 8 to 12 million metric tons of plastic enter marine environments. Much of this waste originates from single-use products such as bags, bottles, and packaging materials. Once in the ocean, plastic breaks down into microplastics—tiny fragments less than five millimeters in size—that persist in the environment for centuries and are virtually impossible to remove completely.
The impact on marine life is devastating. Sea turtles, whales, and seabirds frequently ingest plastic debris, which can cause internal injuries, starvation, and death. Microplastics have entered the food chain, with studies detecting them in commercial seafood, drinking water, and even human blood. Scientists warn that the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure on humans remain poorly understood, creating uncertainty about potential risks to future generations.
Efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution are intensifying on multiple fronts. The United Nations is negotiating a global plastics treaty that would establish binding targets for plastic reduction. Several nations have banned specific single-use plastic items, and innovative cleanup technologies, such as ocean barrier systems, are being deployed in heavily polluted waterways. Meanwhile, researchers are developing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics made from materials like seaweed and agricultural waste. Nevertheless, experts stress that preventing plastic from entering oceans in the first place through improved waste management and reduced production is far more effective than cleanup efforts alone.
The passage addresses the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the oceans. Millions of tons of plastic waste, primarily from disposable products, enter marine environments annually. Over time, this material degrades into microplastics that remain in ecosystems for hundreds of years.
The effects on wildlife are severe, with numerous species harmed by ingesting plastic debris. Alarmingly, microplastics have been found in human food and even bloodstreams, though the long-term health implications are still unclear.
Various countermeasures are underway, including international treaties, bans on disposable plastics, cleanup technologies, and the development of biodegradable substitutes. However, preventing plastic from reaching the ocean through better waste management remains the most effective strategy.
The proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally altered the landscape of personal privacy. Social media platforms, smartphones, and Internet-connected devices continuously collect vast amounts of data about individuals’ behaviors, preferences, and movements. Technology companies monetize this data through targeted advertising, creating a multi-billion-dollar industry built on personal information. Many users willingly share their data in exchange for free services, often without fully understanding the extent of data collection or its potential consequences.
The implications of this data economy extend far beyond advertising. Governments increasingly leverage surveillance technologies for law enforcement and national security purposes. Facial recognition systems, location tracking, and communication monitoring have become commonplace tools for authorities in many countries. Critics argue that such technologies create a chilling effect on free speech and political dissent. High-profile data breaches have exposed the personal information of billions of people, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and psychological distress among victims.
Responding to these growing threats, lawmakers worldwide are enacting stricter data protection regulations. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation has become a model for privacy legislation globally, establishing principles such as data minimization and the right to be forgotten. Some technology companies have begun positioning privacy as a competitive advantage, introducing features that limit data collection. However, achieving meaningful privacy protection requires ongoing vigilance, as the pace of technological innovation consistently outstrips the capacity of regulatory frameworks to keep up.
The passage explores the erosion of personal privacy in the digital age. Modern technologies constantly gather extensive user data, which corporations exploit for advertising revenue. Consumers frequently surrender their information without recognizing the full scope of this data collection.
Beyond commercial use, governments employ surveillance tools for security purposes, raising fears about suppressed freedoms. Moreover, large-scale data breaches have caused significant harm to affected individuals.
In response, legislators are strengthening privacy regulations, with landmark frameworks setting global standards for data protection. While some technology firms now promote privacy-focused products, experts caution that regulatory efforts must continuously evolve to match the rapid pace of technological development.
8「0点回避」語数管理の鬼テクニック
2025年度の語数厳格化により、「素晴らしい内容なのに0点」という悲劇が現実に起きています。ここでは語数を正確に90〜110語に収めるための実践テクニックを伝授します。
語数カウントのルール（英検公式準拠）
• 通常の英単語（the, is, important, etc.）
• 短縮形は1語（don’t = 1語、I’m = 1語、it’s = 1語）
• ハイフンつき語は1語（well-known = 1語、long-term = 1語）
• 数字は1語（300 = 1語、1.3 = 1語）
注意点：
• “a lot of” は3語、”in spite of” は3語（前置詞句は語数を食う）
• “United Nations” は2語、”New York” は2語
語数調整テクニック──多すぎる時の削り方
→ This has contributed to…
Experts strongly recommend…
→ Experts recommend…
→ AI threatens many jobs that were previously safe from automation.（10語）
a large number of → many / numerous（▲3語）
due to the fact that → because（▲4語）
※ただし、フォーマルな文体では短縮形は避ける方がベター。最終手段として。
語数調整テクニック──少なすぎる時の増やし方
impact → significant / devastating / far-reaching impact
→ …solutions. These approaches aim to reduce waste.（8語）
論理の流れも明確になり一石二鳥。
例：The passage / examines the impact / of artificial intelligence / on employment. AI / technology has progressed / rapidly…
20回スラッシュを入れたら100語。この方法なら30秒で正確にカウントできます。
練習段階から必ずこの方法で数えるクセをつけてください。
まとめ──要約問題は「最もコスパの良い得点源」である
英検1級の要約問題は、対策の方法さえ知っていれば
最も安定して得点できるセクションです。
要約問題は「読む力」「まとめる力」「言い換える力」の総合格闘技。
この3つを磨いた人が、英検1級に最短で合格する。
☐ 3パラグラフすべての主旨を1〜2文でまとめる練習をしたか？
☐ パラフレーズ（動詞の言い換え・上位概念化・構文変換）を訓練したか？
☐ テンプレートを暗記して、何も見ずに骨格を書けるか？
☐ 「5語スラッシュ法」で語数を30秒以内に正確に数えられるか？
☐ 語数が多すぎる時の削り方・少なすぎる時の増やし方を把握したか？
☐ 予想問題を最低3題は解いて、18分以内に仕上げる感覚を掴んだか？
