【WPMの測定手順】
1. 読む前に設問を確認する
2. 時計（ストップウォッチ）を見ながら英文を最後まで読み、かかった秒数を記録する
3. 設問に解答する
4. 答え合わせをして正解数を確認する
WPM = 語数 ÷ 秒数 × 60 × 正解数 ÷ 設問数
Gifted Children: Hidden Struggles Behind High IQ
Gifted children are often admired for their amazing talents and intelligence. Many can read very early, solve difficult math problems, or play music at a professional level. People may think their future will be bright and easy. However, life for gifted children is often more complicated than it looks.
One common struggle is social isolation. Because they think and speak differently from children of the same age, they may have trouble making friends. Some prefer older company, but then they feel left out among their peers. This loneliness can lead to stress, sadness, and sometimes even depression if not supported properly.
Another problem is emotional intensity. Gifted children may feel emotions very strongly. A small problem can make them extremely frustrated, and a simple success can make them overjoyed. Teachers and parents sometimes misunderstand this as being “too sensitive” or “immature.” In reality, their brains process emotions differently, and this intensity can be both a strength and a weakness.
In school, many gifted children are not challenged enough. Regular lessons may feel too easy, so they lose motivation. If they get harder tasks, they succeed quickly but then feel bored again. This cycle makes steady progress difficult and sometimes creates poor study habits.
Experts suggest that these children need more than advanced materials. They also need emotional support, patient teachers, and opportunities to connect with other gifted peers. By understanding their special needs, society can help them grow not only as intelligent learners but also as balanced and happy people. (257 words)
☆Answer the questions☆ (2×4=8)
(1) Why do some gifted children feel lonely?
a) They dislike reading
b) They think differently from peers
c) They are too busy with music
d) They refuse to go to school
(2) How are gifted children’s emotions often described?
a) Calm and weak
b) Balanced and steady
c) Strong and intense
d) Cold and distant
(3) Why do they sometimes lose motivation in school?
a) Lessons are too easy
b) Teachers punish them
c) Parents ignore them
d) They lack books at home
(4) What do experts say gifted children need besides advanced study materials?
a) Extra homework
b) Emotional support and patient teachers
c) More exams
d) Strict discipline
【Answer】
(1) b) They think differently from peers
解説：同年代と考え方が違うため友達を作りにくいと本文にある。
(2) c) Strong and intense
解説：感情を「very strongly」と感じると説明されている。
(3) a) Lessons are too easy
解説：通常の授業が簡単すぎてやる気を失うとある。
(4) b) Emotional support and patient teachers
解説：高度な教材だけでなく、感情面での支援や理解のある教師が必要と述べられている。
【入試超絶頻出単語】
□ isolation（孤立）
□ peers（同年代の仲間）
□ depression（うつ病）
□ intensity（強さ、激しさ）
□ immature（未熟な）
□ motivation（動機づけ）
□ steady（安定した）
□ support（支援）
□ patient（忍耐強い）
□ balanced（バランスの取れた）
【全訳】
ギフテッドの子どもたちは才能や知能で称賛されます。早くから読めたり、難しい数学を解いたり、音楽をプロ並みに演奏できたりします。しかし生活は見た目ほど簡単ではありません。
彼らの一つの悩みは孤立です。同年代と考え方や話し方が違うため友達を作りにくく、年上と過ごすことを好んでも仲間外れにされがちです。支援がなければ孤独はストレスや悲しみ、時にはうつにもつながります。
また感情の強さも特徴です。小さな問題で大きく怒ったり、簡単な成功で大喜びしたりします。教師や親から「敏感すぎる」「未熟」と誤解されることもありますが、実際は脳が感情を特別な形で処理しているのです。
学校では授業が簡単すぎてやる気を失い、難しい課題もすぐに終わらせて再び退屈するという悪循環に陥ります。
専門家は、高度な教材だけでなく、感情面での支援や忍耐強い教師、同じ立場の仲間との交流が必要だと述べています。特別なニーズを理解することで、知的にも感情的にも成長できるのです。
