📨 Passage 1: Internal E-mail

From: Marketing Director
To: All Regional Managers
Subject: Change in Launch Date for the Orion Smart Speaker

Dear Managers,

Due to unexpected production delays at our supplier’s factory in Malaysia, we will need to postpone the release of the Orion Smart Speaker. The new official launch date will be November 10, instead of October 25.

Please inform your retail partners and adjust your regional advertising schedules accordingly.

Our marketing campaign will now begin on October 30, with TV, online, and social media promotions.

Thank you for your cooperation.

— Mina Sato
Marketing Director, SonicWave Inc.

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📰 Passage 2: News Article (TechWorld Daily)

SonicWave Delays Smart Speaker Launch

SonicWave Inc. announced on Tuesday that the launch of its new Orion Smart Speaker will be delayed by two weeks.
According to company sources, the delay was caused by shortages of critical electronic components.

Industry analysts believe that this delay could benefit rival companies such as EchoBox, which will release its EchoSound Mini on November 1. Early market entry may give EchoBox a significant sales advantage during the holiday season.

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💬 Passage 3: Online Forum Discussion

User567:
Just read that the Orion Smart Speaker launch got delayed again… I was really looking forward to it!

TechFan89:
Yeah, I saw that too. But honestly, I might get the EchoSound Mini instead—it comes out earlier and has pretty similar features.

User567:
Same here. If SonicWave doesn’t release soon, they might lose customers like us!

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🧠 Questions

Q1. What is the main reason for the delay of the Orion Smart Speaker?

A. Design issues
B. Supply shortages
C. Marketing changes
D. Software testing problems

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Q2. According to the article, what advantage might EchoBox gain?

A. Better product reviews
B. Earlier release date
C. Lower production costs
D. Wider distribution

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Q3. When will the advertising campaign for the Orion Smart Speaker begin?

A. October 25
B. October 30
C. November 1
D. November 10

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Q4. What can be inferred about TechFan89?

A. They are a loyal SonicWave customer.
B. They are considering purchasing a competitor’s product.
C. They already own an Orion Smart Speaker.
D. They dislike smart speakers.

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Q5. Which statement is supported by all three passages?

A. The Orion Smart Speaker will launch on October 25.
B. The launch date has been postponed.
C. The EchoSound Mini has better features.
D. Customers are satisfied with the delay.

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✅ 解答・詳しい解説（＋目標スコア）

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Q1. 正解：B（Supply shortages）
📘 Passage 2 に「shortages of critical electronic components」と明記。
🎯 目標スコア：800点
💡 TOEICの “reason for delay” は記事内の具体的名詞に注目。

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Q2. 正解：B（Earlier release date）
📘 Passage 2で「EchoBox … release on November 1」＝競合が先に発売できる。
🎯 目標スコア：850点
💡 「advantage」は “benefit” と同義で問われやすい。

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Q3. 正解：B（October 30）
📘 Passage 1に「marketing campaign will now begin on October 30」と明記。
🎯 目標スコア：750点
💡 数字や日付の問題は読み落としに注意！

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Q4. 正解：B（They are considering purchasing a competitor’s product.）
📘 Passage 3の「I might get the EchoSound Mini instead」から推測。
🎯 目標スコア：900点
💡 会話文では “might” や “instead” のニュアンスに注目。

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Q5. 正解：B（The launch date has been postponed.）
📘 すべての文書に “delay” や “postpone” の表現がある。
🎯 目標スコア：950点
💡 トリプルパッセージでは「共通して述べられている事実」を選ぶのが鍵。