前略
Without the usual preface,
昨日、田中さんからの連絡で、お母様の急逝(※1)を知り、本当にびっくりいたしました。
I was truly shocked to learn yesterday from Mr. Tanaka's message that your mother had suddenly passed away※1.
ご家族皆さまの悲しみを思うと、申し上げる言葉もありません。
I have no words when I think of the sorrow of your entire family.
高校生だったころ、皆でよくお宅にお邪魔し、お母様がケーキを作ってくださったことが思い出されます。
When we were in high school, we often visited your home, and I remember your mother making cakes for us.
どうぞお気持ちをしっかり持って、お体を大切になさってください。
Please keep your spirits up and take good care of your health.
お疲れが出ませんように。
I hope you won't become too tired.
お母様のご冥福を心より祈り申し上げます(※2)。
I sincerely pray for your mother's peaceful repose.※2
(※1)急逝:急になくなること
※1 Sudden death: passing away suddenly
(※2)ご冥福を心より祈り申し上げます:亡くなった人に対して祈りの気持ちを表す言葉
※2 "I sincerely pray for the deceased": a phrase expressing one's prayers for someone who has died
問1 この手紙が一番伝えたいことはどれか。
Question 1: Which of the following is the main point this letter wants to convey?
1 みち子さんのお母さんが亡くなって、とても驚いていることです。
1. That Michiko's mother has died and the writer is very surprised.
2 みち子さんのお母さんが作ってくれたケーキが懐かしく感じられること。
2. That the cakes Michiko's mother made are remembered fondly.
3 みち子さんの体の具合が悪くなったことを心配する気持ち。
3. Concern that Michiko's health has gotten worse.
4 みち子さんのお母さんの死を悲しく思う気持ち。
4. Feelings of sadness over the death of Michiko's mother.