共通テスト英語 2025年度（令和7年度） 本試験 第6問
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Bluebird & Melody: Real Heroes

By Harry Okazaki

Everyone knows me as Bluebird, the world-famous superhero. Before, I was only a superhero in name, but now, I deserve my title. Let me tell you my story.

I served as one of six members of the incredibly popular superhero group, Team Hero. Our slogan was “Heroes for Humanity!” Rather than serving humanity, though, we starred in silly television shows. Being so caught up in my own fame, I was unaware that I was a fake superhero.

One day, we were filming The Lives of Heroes, a reality show about our everyday good deeds. The reality, however, was that we were actors; we pretended that we were helping the world. In one episode, I was supposed to rescue a cat that had wandered into a street drain. I was flying through the air, when I heard a girl crying. In an instant, I flew down to her. In tears, she told me that her cat, Whiskers, had gotten into the drain. The truth was, a member of the television crew was waiting in the underground drain with the cat.

Bluebird “Have no fear! I’ll save Whiskers!” I said, as I threw open the cover of the drain and went underground. To my surprise, the crew member told me that she had lost Whiskers and asked me to find the cat. I walked around calling for Whiskers but he did not come.

Bluebird Suddenly, the newest Team Hero member, Melody, appeared out of nowhere. Melody was mysterious; she wore a mask around her eyes and her real identity was unknown. She could teleport to any place on earth in less than a second, so her unexpected appearances were always a surprise. She said, “Whiskers thinks that you can’t be trusted. I’ll try to convince him to come out.” Melody, who could recreate any sound, produced a cat’s meow and Whiskers appeared.

Bluebird After picking up the cat, I returned to the street and was cheered by onlookers. When I was posing for a photo with Whiskers and the girl, I was thinking about how foolish I looked. Suddenly, a voice popped into my head, “You do look foolish trying to be a celebrity.” I realized it was Melody, who had already vanished.

Bluebird I grew up in Allegany State Park in New York State. My parents were both park rangers; they patrolled the park and helped hikers in trouble. When I was 12, I discovered my superpowers. I was climbing a tree when a branch broke. Instead of falling, I floated. When I told my parents, my mother only said, “So, you are the flyer in the family.” She then said something shocking, “You have an older sister with superpowers.” I learned my parents had been told to send her to a special facility for extraordinary children, because her powers could help humanity. “Someday, when the time is right, you’ll meet her. I know now that we should never have let her go. We won’t let that happen to you,” said my mother.

Bluebird I decided to put my powers to use by rescuing hikers. I could fly and see for miles; I could locate or aid a troubled hiker faster than any park ranger. I became known as the Amazing Park Ranger Boy. Because of my achievements, Team Hero eventually recruited me. Upon joining, I was given the name Bluebird and told that I would be doing bigger and better things.

Bluebird After the Whiskers incident, I flew back home. My phone buzzed with a notification. It said, “Melody has decided to leave Team Hero.” In my home office, I heard someone moving around. When I opened the door, I briefly saw a person’s shape before it disappeared. On my desk was a note:

Melody Bluebird, Let’s start a family business. Join me as a co-founder of REAL HEROES.

Bluebird After reading the note, I understood who Melody was. Since then, working together, Melody and I have made our parents proud.

Your email feedback to Harry

Hey Harry, I loved your story! I really liked how Bluebird passes through various stages in his personal growth (see below). [24] → [25] → [26] → [27] I found Melody really fascinating with her unique superpowers. She can [28]. Also, I was moved when Bluebird’s mother said, “We won’t let that happen to you.” She meant, “We are going to [29].” On the other hand, I think you can still make the story a little better by adding a few details. You could write about [30] and [31], which are not mentioned or suggested. These details would give your characters depth and make your story more interesting. Good luck!

He is a hero again. He is a performer. He is a professional writer. He is a super park ranger. He is an ordinary boy.

A: fly at very high altitudes B: imitate sounds perfectly C: read the minds of animals and people D: see extremely long distances E: speak to people using telepathy F: transport herself to different places instantly

control your powers hire you as a superhero keep you together with us make sure you don’t commit crimes

Bluebird’s childhood experiences Bluebird’s view on the reality show how Melody learned she had superpowers the reason why Melody joined Team Hero the relationship between Bluebird and Melody