次の文を読んで、以下の各問に答えなさい。Web of Deceit: Unveiling the Downside and Consequences of Internet Crimes on Younger Generations
In the age of information and connectivity, the いconsequences of globalization have found a new frontier: the internet. This is a story of how the ろdownside of our interconnected world has victimized the younger generations, drawing them into the perilous world of cybercrime.
Meet Alex, an intelligent and はambitious college student residing in a quiet suburban neighborhood. He was like any other young adult, juggling academics and にaspirations. Little did he know that the consequences of globalization would knock on his virtual door.
One evening, as he was surfing the web, Alex received an unsolicited message from an unknown sender. The message offered him an unbelievable opportunity: a large sum of money in exchange for contributing to a “special project.” Curiosity piqued, he consented to the conversation.
As Alex engaged further, it became clear that he was not alone. Hundreds of young minds like his were being approached with ほenticing offers. These young adults, often struggling with student loans and financial burdens, found it hard to resist the allure of quick cash. They were unwittingly becoming signatories to a sinister online convention.
The perpetrators behind these へschemes knew precisely how to demonstrate the appeal of their offers. They painted a picture of luxury and extravagance, promising a way out of financial troubles. とObligations were subtly twisted into opportunities, as they convinced their targets to assist in various cybercrimes, from phishing scams to hacking operations.
( イ ）, as Alex delved deeper, he began to realize the gravity of his situation. He had been drawn into a web of deceit that threatened not only his future but also his freedom. It was clear that these criminals operated （ ロ ）with sophistication, evading law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Desperate to retrieve his life and protect others from being victimized, Alex sought the help of cybersecurity experts and, eventually, law enforcement. Together, they embarked on a mission to designate the culprits responsible for preying on the vulnerabilities of younger generations.
The journey was （ ハ ） challenges and obstacles, but they found hope in an unexpected place: an independent judiciary that recognized the global nature of cybercrime. With their diligent efforts and the support of diplomatic pressure, they began to dismantle the criminal network piece by piece.
As the story unfolded, it became clear that the consequences of globalization had taken a sinister turn, affecting not just economies but also the lives of young individuals. Internet crimes were becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting the innocence and vulnerabilities of the digital natives.
Another example of cyber case is
Meet Lily, a 16-year-old high school student who was an active user of social media platforms. One day, she received a friend request from a seemingly genuine account of a girl her age named Emily. Emily and Lily quickly became online friends, chatting regularly about their interests and daily lives.
Over time, Emily gained Lily’s trust and confided in her about financial struggles in her family. She claimed to have discovered a way to make quick money by investing in a cryptocurrency scheme. Emily demonstrated fake screenshots of substantial earnings, showcasing the upside of joining this so-called “investment group.”
Innocently, Lily decided to invest a significant portion of her savings into the scheme, believing she was helping a friend in need. She consented to transfer her money to a cryptocurrency wallet provided by Emily. However, as soon as the funds were transferred, Emily’s account disappeared from the social media platform.
Lily was devastated to discover that she had been victimized by a cybercriminal who had posed as a friend. She had lost a substantial sum of money and had no way to retrieve it. This case highlights how youngsters can be lured into cybercrimes through social engineering tactics, preying on their trust and empathy.
“Web of Deceit” is a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of online vigilance and the need for global cooperation in combating cybercrime. It serves as a stark reminder that while the internet has connected the world in unprecedented ways, it has also exposed younger generations to a new set of risks and challenges.
問1 下線部の意味に近いものを選びなさい。
い
1.revelation 2.outcome 3.millennium 4.warrant
ろ
1.threat 2.velocity 3.resolution 4.drawback
は
1.cryptic 2.explicit 3.plain 4.innate
に
1.procedure 2.intelligence 3.ambition 4.indifference
ほ
1.alluring 2.hideous 3.compulsory 4.conceited
へ
1.coalition 2.coincidence 3.congestion 4.conspiracy
と
1.cohesion 2.freedom 3.requirement 4.compliance
問2（ ）に入る語句を選びなさい。
イ
1.despite 2.although 3.nonetheless 4.but
ロ
1.with sophistication 2.with ease 3.with distrust 4.with cyberagents
ハ
1.satisfied with 2. eager to filled with 4.complied with
問３ 本文の内容と沿うものを選びなさい。
1. What is the main theme of the article “Web of Deceit”?
A) The benefits of globalization
B) The consequences of internet crimes on younger generations
C) The history of cybercrime
D) The role of social media in modern society
2.Who is Alex in the article?
A) An experienced cybersecurity expert
B) A young college student
C) The leader of a cybercriminal group
D) A law enforcement officer
3.How did Alex initially become involved in cybercrime?
A) He willingly joined a cybercriminal group.
B) He received unsolicited messages from cybercriminals.
C) He was tricked by online scammers.
D) He was seeking quick cash through illegal means.
4.What kind of offers were young adults like Alex receiving in the article?
A) Job offers from legitimate companies
B) Opportunities to contribute to special projects
C) Scholarships for their academic achievements
D) Travel packages to luxurious destinations
5.What was the common vulnerability that cybercriminals exploited in the article?
A) Lack of computer skills
B) Innocence and financial struggles
C) Trust in law enforcement agencies
D) Inability to access the internet
6.How did Alex eventually respond to his situation in the article?
A) He joined the cybercriminal network.
B) He sought help from cybersecurity experts and law enforcement.
C) He continued engaging with cybercriminals.
D) He attempted to carry out hacking operations.
7.What was the turning point in Alex’s journey, as mentioned in the article?
A) He successfully carried out a phishing scam.
B) He decided to become a cybercrime kingpin.
C) He recognized the gravity of his situation and sought help.
D) He escaped from law enforcement agencies.
8.What is the main lesson or message conveyed by the article?
A) The benefits of globalization far outweigh the drawbacks.
B) Younger generations are immune to the risks of cybercrime.
C) Online vigilance and global cooperation are crucial in combating cybercrime.
D) The internet has made the world a safer place for young individuals.
9.Who is Lily in the article?
A) A cybersecurity expert
B) A high school student
C) A social media influencer
D) A cryptocurrency investor
10.How did Lily become a victim of cybercrime in the article?
A) She willingly invested in a cryptocurrency scheme.
B) She was targeted by law enforcement agencies.
C) She was deceived by a fake social media account.
D) She joined an independent judiciary group.
問4（英作文がある受験者のみ）
Explore the role of education and awareness programs in equipping younger generations with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from cybercrime. Discuss the importance of integrating cybersecurity into school curricula and promoting responsible online behavior. Provide examples of successful initiatives and their impact on reducing vulnerabilities. Your essay is no fewer than 300 words.