2010/12 JLPT N1 Letters and Vocabulary,Grammar test
問題1___の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
1. 話しが<u>本筋</u>からそれてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
本筋 (ほんすじ) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'main point' or 'main thread'. The sentence means 'The conversation deviated from the main topic.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 本筋.
This is an incomplete and incorrect reading for 本筋.
This is an incorrect reading for 本筋.
2. 友人にピアノの<u>伴奏</u>を頼まれた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
伴奏 (ばんそう) is the correct reading for 'accompaniment'. The sentence means 'My friend asked me to play the piano accompaniment.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 伴奏.
This is an incomplete and incorrect reading for 伴奏.
This is an incomplete and incorrect reading for 伴奏.
3. 名探偵の<u>推理</u>で事件は無事に解決した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
推理 (すいり) is the correct reading for 'deduction' or 'reasoning'. The sentence means 'The case was safely resolved thanks to the famous detective's deduction.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 心理 (shinri), meaning 'psychology' or 'mental state'.
This is the reading for 道理 (dōri), meaning 'reason' or 'logic'.
This is the reading for 論理 (ronri), meaning 'logic'.
4. 先日の会議では、<u>極めて</u>重要な問題が話し合われた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
極めて (きわめて) is the correct reading for 'extremely' or 'very'. The sentence means 'An extremely important issue was discussed at the recent meeting.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 改めて (aratamete), meaning 'again' or 'anew'.
This is the reading for 努めて (tsutomete), meaning 'diligently' or 'as much as possible'.
This is the reading for 突き詰めて (tsukitsumete), meaning 'thoroughly' or 'to the bottom'.
5. もう少しアイディアを<u>練って</u>からお話しします。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
練って (ねって) is the correct reading for 練る, meaning 'to refine' or 'to polish' (an idea). The sentence means 'I will talk after refining the idea a bit more.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 削って (kezutte), meaning 'to shave' or 'to cut down'.
This is the reading for 募って (tsunotte), meaning 'to recruit' or 'to gather'.
This is the reading for 掘って (hotte), meaning 'to dig'.
6. 靴のひもを<u>締めた</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
締めた (しめた) is the correct reading for 締める, meaning 'to tie' or 'to fasten'. The sentence means 'I tied my shoelaces.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 絡めた (karameta), meaning 'to entangle'.
This is the reading for 緩めた (yurumeta), meaning 'to loosen'.
This is the reading for 嵌めた (hameta), meaning 'to fit in' or 'to put on'.
問題2( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、1・2・3・4 から一つ選びなさい。
7. 各国のテレビがそのニュースを( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
報じた (ほうじた) means 'reported' or 'announced'. It is the most appropriate verb for television stations reporting news. The sentence means 'Television stations in various countries reported the news.'
Why other options are incorrect:
投じた (とうじた) means 'threw' or 'cast' (e.g., a vote), which is not suitable for news.
配送した (はいそうした) means 'delivered' or 'shipped', typically used for goods.
配布した (はいふした) means 'distributed' or 'handed out', typically used for flyers or documents.
8. 森林伐採が環境に ( ) 影響は大きい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
及ぼす (およぼす) means 'to exert' or 'to cause' (an influence/effect). The phrase '影響を及ぼす' is a common collocation meaning 'to have an impact/effect'. The sentence means 'The impact of deforestation on the environment is significant.'
Why other options are incorrect:
授ける (さずける) means 'to grant' or 'to bestow'.
費やす (ついやす) means 'to spend' or 'to consume'.
掲げる (かかげる) means 'to hoist' or 'to put up' (e.g., a flag, a slogan).
9. 吉田さんは弁護士として20年もの( )を積んできた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
キャリア (career) is the most suitable word to describe accumulated professional experience. 'キャリアを積む' is a common phrase meaning 'to gain experience/build a career'. The sentence means 'Mr. Yoshida has accumulated 20 years of experience as a lawyer.'
Why other options are incorrect:
ベテラン (veteran) refers to a person, not the experience itself.
ポジション (position) refers to a job role.
ステータス (status) refers to social standing or condition.
10. この小説の主人公は、 歴史 ( )の人物をモデルにしている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
歴史上 (れきしじょう) means 'historically' or 'in history'. It's a common compound noun indicating something existing or occurring within history. The sentence means 'The protagonist of this novel is modeled after a historical figure.'
Why other options are incorrect:
面 (めん) means 'surface' or 'aspect', which does not fit the context.
側 (がわ) means 'side', which does not fit the context.
内 (うち) means 'inside' or 'within', which does not fit the context.
11. 交渉が ( ) 進み、 無事に契約することができた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
円滑に (えんかつに) means 'smoothly' or 'harmoniously'. It's commonly used to describe negotiations or processes that proceed without problems. The sentence means 'The negotiations proceeded smoothly, and we were able to sign the contract safely.'
Why other options are incorrect:
しとやかに (shitoraka ni) means 'gracefully' or 'elegantly', typically used for behavior.
しなやかに (shinayaka ni) means 'flexibly' or 'supplely', used for physical movement or adaptability.
急性に (きゅうせいに) means 'acutely' or 'suddenly', used for sudden changes or conditions (e.g., acute illness).
12. 次の大会に向けて、チームの ( )を強めよう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
結束 (けっそく) means 'unity' or 'solidarity'. '結束を強める' means 'to strengthen unity'. This is appropriate for a team preparing for a competition. The sentence means 'Let's strengthen the team's unity for the next tournament.'
Why other options are incorrect:
収束 (しゅうそく) means 'convergence' or 'resolution' (e.g., of a problem).
親密 (しんみつ) means 'intimacy' or 'closeness', usually between people.
緊密 (きんみつ) means 'close' or 'tight' (e.g., close relationship, tight schedule).
13. その企業は巨大な資本を ( )に、海外の市場に進出した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
背景 (はいけい) means 'background'. The phrase '〜を背景に' means 'with ~ as a background/backing' or 'backed by ~'. This implies that the huge capital served as a foundation or support for their expansion. The sentence means 'Backed by enormous capital, that company expanded into overseas markets.'
Why other options are incorrect:
根源 (こんげん) means 'root', 'source', or 'origin'.
後援 (こうえん) means 'support' or 'sponsorship', often for events or individuals.
発端 (ほったん) means 'origin' or 'beginning', often of an incident or problem.
問題3___の言葉に意味が最も近いものを、1・2・3・4 から一つ選びなさい。
14. 今回の研修会は、 出席者が<u>まばらだった</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
まばら (疎ら) means 'sparse', 'scattered', or 'few and far between'. Therefore, '少なかった' (there were few) is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'Attendance at this training session was sparse.'
Why other options are incorrect:
多かった (おおかった) means 'there were many', which is the opposite meaning.
まじめだった (majime datta) means 'was serious/diligent', which is irrelevant to quantity.
ふまじめだった (fumajime datta) means 'was not serious/diligent', which is irrelevant to quantity.
15. 昨日は一日中<u>どんよりした天気だった</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
どんよりした天気 (donyori shita tenki) describes gloomy, overcast, or dull weather. '曇っていて暗かった' (It was cloudy and dark) perfectly captures this meaning. The sentence means 'Yesterday, the weather was gloomy all day.'
Why other options are incorrect:
晴れていて明るかった (harete ite akarukatta) means 'It was sunny and bright', which is the opposite meaning.
風が吹いて涼しかった (kaze ga fuite suzushikatta) means 'It was windy and cool', which is not the primary meaning of どんより.
雨が降って蒸し暑かった (ame ga futte mushiatsukatta) means 'It rained and was humid'. While rain can be gloomy, '蒸し暑い' (humid) is not implied by 'どんより'.
16. 父は毎朝、<u>丹念に</u>新聞に目を通す。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
丹念に (たんねんに) means 'carefully', 'thoroughly', or 'meticulously'. 'じっくりと' (jikkuri to) means 'carefully and thoroughly', which is the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'My father reads through the newspaper carefully every morning.'
Why other options are incorrect:
ぼうっと (bōtto) means 'absentmindedly' or 'vacantly'.
ちらっと (chiratto) means 'at a glance' or 'briefly'.
ざっと (zatto) means 'roughly' or 'cursorily'.
17. 最近、 仕事が<u>はかどっている</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
はかどる (hakadoru) means 'to make progress' or 'to proceed smoothly'. Therefore, '順調に進んでいる' (proceeding smoothly) is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'Recently, my work has been progressing smoothly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
予想外に遅れている (yosōgai ni okurete iru) means 'unexpectedly delayed', which is the opposite meaning.
徐々に減っている (jojo ni hette iru) means 'gradually decreasing', which is irrelevant.
急激に増えている (kyūgeki ni fuete iru) means 'rapidly increasing', which is irrelevant.
18. 討論の結果、この計画は<u>見合わせる</u>ことになりました。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
見合わせる (miawaseru) in this context means 'to postpone' or 'to suspend' (often indefinitely or until a better time). '中止する' (chūshi suru: to cancel, to discontinue) is the closest meaning, implying the plan will not proceed for now. The sentence means 'As a result of the discussion, this plan has been postponed/suspended.'
Why other options are incorrect:
承認する (shōnin suru) means 'to approve', which is the opposite meaning.
実施する (jisshi suru) means 'to implement' or 'to carry out', which is the opposite meaning.
変更する (henkō suru) means 'to change'. While a postponement is a change, '中止する' is a more direct and stronger implication of '見合わせる' in this context.
19. 激しい雨のため、<u>やむをえず</u>試合は延期することになった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
やむをえず (yamu o ezu) means 'unavoidably', 'reluctantly', or 'having no choice'. 'しかたなく' (shikatanaku) means 'unavoidably' or 'with no other choice', which is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'Due to the heavy rain, the game had to be postponed unavoidably.'
Why other options are incorrect:
まもなく (mamonaku) means 'soon' or 'shortly'.
思いがけなく (omoigakenaku) means 'unexpectedly'.
限りなく (kagirinaku) means 'boundlessly' or 'infinitely'.
問題4次の言葉の使い方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選 びなさい。
20. <u>調達</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
調達 (ちょうたつ) means 'procurement' or 'raising (funds/materials)'. Option 1, '資金を調達する' (to procure funds), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'We must procure funds for the new business.'
Why other options are incorrect:
You don't 'procure' application methods; you 'find' or 'obtain' them.
You don't 'procure' qualifications; you 'acquire' or 'obtain' them.
You don't 'procure' awareness; you 'investigate' or 'understand' it.
21. <u>細心</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
細心 (さいしん) means 'meticulous', 'careful', or 'utmost care'. It is typically used in the phrase '細心の注意を払う' (to pay meticulous attention). Option 3, '細心の注意を払う必要がある' (It is necessary to pay meticulous attention), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'It is necessary to pay meticulous attention when transporting works of art.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect usage. You might say '不安な思い' (anxious feelings) or '大変な思い' (a difficult experience).
Incorrect usage. You might say '詳細なところ' (in detailed aspects) or '微妙なところ' (in subtle aspects).
Incorrect usage. You would say '詳細な説明' (detailed explanation).
22. <u>意地</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
意地 (いじ) refers to one's stubbornness, pride, or will. The phrase '意地を張る' (iji o haru) means 'to be stubborn' or 'to insist on one's way'. Option 2, 'そう意地を張らずに、すなおに謝った方がいいよ' (Don't be so stubborn, it's better to apologize honestly), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'Don't be so stubborn, it's better to apologize honestly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect usage. You would say '意思' (ishi: intention/will) or '目的' (mokuteki: purpose).
Incorrect usage. You would say '意図' (ito: intention/aim) or '目的' (mokuteki: purpose).
Incorrect usage. You would say '顧客の意向' (ikō: customer's wishes/intentions) or '顧客のニーズ' (needs).
23. <u>めきめき</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
めきめき (mekimeki) is an onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'rapidly', 'remarkably', or 'with noticeable progress'. It's often used with verbs like '上達する' (to improve). Option 4, 'めきめき上達した' (improved remarkably), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'Thanks to attending swimming classes, I improved remarkably.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect usage. You might say 'ころころ変わる' (korokoro kawaru: changes frequently).
Incorrect usage. You might say 'しみじみ感じた' (shimijimi kanjita: deeply felt).
Incorrect usage. You might say 'どんどん召し上がってください' (don-don meshiagatte kudasai: please eat a lot).
24. <u>目先</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
目先 (めさき) refers to 'immediate future' or 'immediate concerns'. The phrase '目先の利益' (mesaki no rieki) means 'short-term profit' or 'immediate gain'. Option 3, '目先の利益を追うのではなく、会社の将来を考えるべきだ' (Instead of pursuing short-term profits, you should think about the company's future), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'Instead of pursuing short-term profits, you should think about the company's future.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect usage. You would say 'つい先ほど' (tsui sakihodo: just a moment ago).
Incorrect usage. You would say '流行の最先端を行っている' (ryūkō no saisentan o itte iru: is at the forefront of fashion).
Incorrect usage. You would say '決勝戦を目前に控え' (mokuzen ni hikae: with the final match just ahead).
25. <u>見落とす</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
見落とす (みおとす) means 'to overlook', 'to fail to notice', or 'to miss'. Option 4, '重要な連絡を見落としていた' (overlooked an important message), is the correct usage. The sentence means 'There were too many emails, and I overlooked an important message.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect usage. You would say '見過ごす' (misugosu: to let pass, to ignore).
Incorrect usage. You would say '見下ろす' (miorosu: to look down on).
Incorrect usage. You would say '見逃してくれた' (minogashite kureta: overlooked/forgave the mistake).
問題5次の文の( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選び なさい。
26. 山川鉄道は、3月で開業90周年を迎えるの ( )最新型車両を導入し、15日から運営運転を開始する。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
〜を機に (〜をきに) means 'taking the opportunity of ~' or 'on the occasion of ~'. This fits the context of introducing new trains to mark a 90th anniversary. The sentence means 'Yamagawa Railway will introduce the latest model trains and begin operation on the 15th, taking the opportunity of its 90th anniversary in March.'
Why other options are incorrect:
〜を限りに (〜をかぎりに) means 'as of ~' or 'ending with ~' (e.g., 今日を限りに: as of today, I quit).
〜を皮切りに (〜をかわきりに) means 'starting with ~' or 'beginning with ~', implying a series of events.
〜をよそに (〜をよそに) means 'disregarding ~' or 'ignoring ~'.
27. いかなる理論でも、データによって実証されなければ多くの人に ( )しない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence requires a passive form of '受け入れる' (to accept) followed by '〜はしない' (will not ~). '受け入れられはしない' (ukereirare wa shinai) means 'will not be accepted'. The particle 'は' emphasizes the negative. The sentence means 'No matter what theory, if it is not empirically proven by data, it will not be accepted by many people.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is missing the passive voice.
〜ては implies a condition or consequence, not a simple negative.
While grammatically possible, '受け入れられはしない' is a more natural and emphatic negative expression in this context.
28. (テレビのコマーシャルで)<br>「こちらは添加物を( ) 使用していない、ヘルシーな食用油です。 」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
いっさい (一切) means 'absolutely', 'entirely', or 'not at all' when used with a negative verb. '一切使用していない' means 'not used at all'. This is a common phrase in advertising to emphasize the complete absence of something. The sentence means 'This is a healthy cooking oil that does not use any additives at all.'
Why other options are incorrect:
とても (totemo) means 'very', and does not fit with a negative verb in this context.
きっと (kitto) means 'surely' or 'certainly'.
まさか (masaka) means 'by no means' or 'impossible', used for disbelief.
29. 「今回のプロジェクトを任され、その責任の重さに身が引き締まる( )です。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
身が引き締まる思い (みがひきしまるおもい) is a fixed expression meaning 'a feeling of being braced/feeling the gravity of the situation'. '思い' (omoi) here refers to a feeling or thought. The sentence means 'Having been entrusted with this project, I feel the gravity of the responsibility.'
Why other options are incorrect:
考え (kangae) means 'thought' or 'idea'.
見込み (mikomi) means 'prospect' or 'estimate'.
始末 (shimatsu) means 'management', 'disposal', or 'consequence'.
30. 「このたびは、私どもの商品発送ミスにより、お客様に大変ご迷惑をかけましたことを深く ( )。申し訳ございませんでした。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
This is a formal apology. 'おわび申し上げます' (o-wabi mōshiagemasu) is the most polite and humble way for the speaker (company) to apologize to the customer. 'おわびする' is the humble form of '謝る' (to apologize), and '申し上げる' is the humble form of '言う' (to say). The sentence means 'We deeply apologize for the great inconvenience caused to our customers due to our product shipping error. We are truly sorry.'
Why other options are incorrect:
わびていただきます means 'will have you apologize', which is incorrect as the subject is the company apologizing.
わびていらっしゃいます means 'is apologizing' (honorific for someone else), which is incorrect as the subject is the company apologizing.
おわびいただきます means 'will receive an apology', which is incorrect in this context.
31. 上司:「君、 困る ( )資料にミスがあったぞ。君のせいで大恥をかいたよ。」<br>部下: 「すみません。 うっかりしておりまして・・・」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
困るじゃないか (komaru janai ka) is a common expression used to express exasperation or mild reproach, meaning 'Isn't that troublesome?' or 'That's a problem, isn't it?'. It implies the speaker is stating an obvious problem. The sentence means "Boss: 'Hey, there was a mistake in the document, which is a problem, isn't it? I was greatly embarrassed because of you.' Subordinate: 'I'm sorry. I was careless...'"
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is more formal and less direct than じゃないか.
Similar to じゃないか, but often implies a question seeking confirmation rather than a statement of exasperation.
This option is more formal and questioning.
32. 地球温暖化抑制への貢献が、ここ10年あまりの間に、優良企業の条件の一つ( )ようだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
〜となりつつある (〜to narinutsu aru) means 'is gradually becoming ~' or 'is in the process of becoming ~'. This fits the context of a condition that has been developing over the past decade. The sentence means 'Contribution to global warming suppression seems to be gradually becoming one of the conditions for excellent companies over the past decade or so.'
Why other options are incorrect:
としうる means 'can be ~' (potential), which doesn't convey the ongoing process.
となりうる means 'can become ~' (potential), which doesn't convey the ongoing process.
としつつある means 'is doing ~' (while doing ~), and '〜としつつある' is not a natural phrase for 'becoming'.
33. 子ども: 「お母さん、 来週の日曜日、 さくら山に行ってもいい?」<br> 母親 「だめよ。 今の季節、あの山にはハチがたくさん出るのよ。万が一、( )大変でしょ。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
〜でもしたら (〜demo shitara) means 'if (something undesirable) were to happen' or 'if by any chance ~'. '刺され' is the passive form of '刺す' (to sting). So, '刺されでもしたら' means 'if you were to get stung'. The sentence means "Child: 'Mom, can I go to Sakura Mountain next Sunday?' Mother: 'No. This season, there are many bees on that mountain. What if, by any chance, you get stung? That would be terrible, wouldn't it?'"
Why other options are incorrect:
刺されさえしたら means 'if only you were stung', implying a strong condition, not a hypothetical negative.
刺させるなどしても means 'even if you make someone sting', which is an incorrect meaning (causative passive).
刺させるくらいしても means 'even if you make someone sting to that extent', which is an incorrect meaning (causative passive).
34. 自慢する ( )が、私は入社以来10年、一度も遅刻をしたことがない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
自慢するほどのことではないが (jiman suru hodo no koto de wa nai ga) is a common phrase meaning 'It's not something to boast about, but...'. It's used to introduce a statement that might sound like boasting but the speaker wants to downplay it. The sentence means 'It's not something to boast about, but I haven't been late even once in the 10 years since I joined the company.'
Why other options are incorrect:
だけのことではない means 'It's not just that'.
だけのことに過ぎない means 'It's nothing more than that'.
ほどのことに過ぎない means 'It's nothing more than that extent'.
35.「いくら注意しても、後輩が同じ失敗を繰り返します。私は注意し続けるべきでしょうか。それとも本人が気づくま で、もう何も言う( )。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The speaker is asking for advice on whether they *should* continue advising or *should not* say anything until the junior realizes it themselves. '〜べきではないのでしょうか' (〜beki de wa nai no deshou ka) means 'Should I not ~?' or 'Isn't it better not to ~?'. This fits the context of seeking advice on the best course of action. The sentence means "'No matter how much I warn them, my junior keeps making the same mistakes. Should I continue warning them? Or should I not say anything until they realize it themselves?'"
Why other options are incorrect:
べきでしょうか means 'Should I ~?', which would imply 'should I say something?'.
This is a more formal version of 1, but still implies 'should I say something?'.
This is a more formal version of 3, but 'べきではないのでしょうか' is more direct and common for this type of question.
問題6次の文の、_★_に入る最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
36. 山田監督は私の恩人です。 今の ___ ___ _★_ ___ ことです。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is '今の私が<u>あるのも</u> <u>監督</u> <u>あっての</u>ことです。' This uses the grammar pattern '〜あっての〜' which means 'A exists because of B' or 'A is dependent on B'. The sentence means 'Director Yamada is my benefactor. My current self exists because of the director.' The star goes to 監督.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'あっての' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'あるのも' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing '私が' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
37. いったん仕事を引き受けた___ ___ _★_ ___ 最後までやり通すに違いない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 'いったん仕事を引き受けた<u>からには</u> <u>責任感の強い</u> <u>彼の性格</u> <u>からして</u> 最後までやり通すに違いない。' This uses the grammar pattern '〜からには〜からして' meaning 'since ~ (it's natural that) from ~'s perspective'. The sentence means 'Since he has once accepted the job, given his strong sense of responsibility, he will surely see it through to the end.' The star goes to 彼の性格.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'からして' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'からには' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing '責任感の強い' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
38. ちょっと考えれば、さっきの話が冗談 ___ ___ _★_ ___、単純な彼は簡単に信じてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 'ちょっと考えれば、さっきの話が冗談 <u>ことくらい</u> <u>だって</u> <u>わかるだろう</u> <u>に</u>、単純な彼は簡単に信じてしまった。' This uses the pattern '〜ことくらいだってわかるだろうに' meaning 'anyone would know that ~ (but they didn't)'. The sentence means 'If he had thought about it a little, he would have known that the previous story was a joke, but being simple-minded, he easily believed it.' The star goes to わかるだろう.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'だって' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'に' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'ことくらい' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
39. かつて映画スターであった山田氏が初挑戦で知事選に勝利したのは、 能力という___ ___ _★_ ___ 大きい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is '能力という<u>より</u> <u>人気と知名度に</u> <u>よる</u> <u>ところが</u> 大きい。' This uses the pattern 'AというよりBによる' meaning 'it's more due to B than A'. The sentence means 'The reason Mr. Yamada, a former movie star, won the gubernatorial election on his first attempt is largely due to his popularity and name recognition rather than his ability.' The star goes to よる.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'ところが' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'より' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing '人気と知名度に' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
40. この植物はとても強いので、___ ___ _★_ ___ ちゃんと育ちますよ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is '<u>水やりを</u> <u>忘れ</u> <u>さえ</u> <u>しなければ</u>'. This uses the grammar pattern '〜さえ〜ば' meaning 'if only ~'. The sentence means 'This plant is very strong, so as long as you don't even forget to water it, it will grow well.' The star goes to さえ.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing '水やりを' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing 'しなければ' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
Placing '忘れ' at the star position does not form a grammatically correct or meaningful sentence with the other fragments.
問題7 次の文章を読んで、文章全体の趣旨を踏まえて、41から44の中に入る最も良いものを、1・2・3・4から1つ選びなさい。
Reading Passage
確かに、いまの産業のあり方をみると、コミュニケーションが富を生み出す経済活動の中心にきていることがわかる。製造業は人件費の安い海外に工場をどんどん移転させ、国内に残っているのは、マネジメントや企画、研究開発、マーケティングといった本社機能的な仕事ばかり。そこでは、組織をまとめあげる、アイディアをだす、交渉する、プレゼンをする、ディスカッションをするといった、高いコミュニケーション能力が必要とされる活動がどうしても物を言う。社会のあり方が、工場中心からコミュニケーション中心へと大きく転換しているのである。
しかし、コミュニケーション能力が、人々の価値を決める独占的な尺度になることは、【42】。事実、コミュニケーションベたで自己アピールにそれほど長けて(注1)いなくても、能力のある人はいっぱいいる。私も大学でゼミを指導していると、ゼミの議論では目立っていてもリポートの出来はそれほどでもない学生や、逆にゼミではおとなしくても素晴らしいリポートを書いてくる学生に頻繁にであう。コミュニケーションの巧みさと本人の能力は必ずしも一致しない。
もちろんコミュニケーション能力も人間の能力の一つではある。だから、それが評価基準の一つになることは当然あっていい。【43】、コミュニケーション能力をめぐる過当(注2)な競争は、人間関係にひずみをももたらすだろう。
引きこもりは、社会のなかで要求されるコミュニケーション能力があまりに高いため、一度他者とのコミュニケーションにつまずくと、なかなか新たなコミュニケーションに踏み出せなくなってしまうことから生まれる。引きこもりまでいかなくても、周りとのコミュニケーションのなかで自分がまともに相手にされなければ、誰だって心を閉ざしてしまい、内にこもりがちになるだろう。コミュニケーション能力をめぐる激しい社会は、【44】人にとても冷淡だ。
また、いじめは子供たちのコミュニケーション能力の欠如から起きているのではなく、逆に、みんなが空気を読みすぎることで生じるストレスのはけ口を特定の人間に向けることで起きている。こうしたストレスや重圧は、子供に限った問題ではない。空気を壊してはならないという圧力は、人々とコミュニケーション能力をさらに要求するだろう。 しかしそれが進めば、社会のなかで同調圧力が強まり、社会そのものが萎縮(注3)【45】。
(注1) 長ける: 優れている
(注2)渦当な : 適当な程度を超えている
(注3) 萎縮する: 元気がなくなる
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence states that there are "あり余るほど" (an excessive amount) of self-help books, implying the demand is so high that people even go to schools for it. "通う人もいるほどだ" (It's to the extent that some people even attend) fits this context, emphasizing the extreme demand. The full sentence means "There are so many self-help books for improving communication skills that some people even go to schools specifically for that purpose."
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'There's no need to go', which contradicts the context of excessive demand.
This means 'Should go', which is a recommendation, not a statement of fact about the current situation.
This means 'I wonder if there are people who go', expressing doubt, which contradicts the idea of excessive demand.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author is questioning whether it is healthy for communication skills to be the *sole* criterion for evaluating people's worth, especially after stating that many capable people are not good at communication. "はたして健全なのだろうか" (Is it truly healthy?) expresses this doubt and critical stance. The full sentence means "However, for communication skills to become the sole criterion for determining people's value, is that truly healthy?"
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'Isn't it extremely natural?', which contradicts the author's critical view.
This means 'Isn't the possibility extremely low?', which is not the point the author is making.
This means 'I wonder if it truly cannot happen?', which implies impossibility, not the author's argument.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding sentence acknowledges that communication ability is one human ability and can be an evaluation criterion. The following sentence introduces a contrasting idea: *despite* that, excessive competition will cause distortion. "とはいえ" (to wa ie) means 'nevertheless', 'however', or 'even so', which correctly introduces a concession or counter-argument. The full sentence means "Of course, communication ability is one of human abilities. Therefore, it is natural for it to be one of the evaluation criteria. Nevertheless, excessive competition surrounding communication ability will likely bring distortion to human relationships."
Why other options are incorrect:
したがって (shita ga tte) means 'Therefore', implying a consequence, but the following statement is a contrast.
すなわち (sunawachi) means 'In other words', used for rephrasing.
それどころか (sore dokoro ka) means 'On the contrary' or 'far from it', which is too strong a contrast.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding sentence talks about hikikomori being born from the inability to step out into new communication once one "stumbles" in communication with others. The following sentence continues this idea, stating that society is cold to people who "stumble" in it. "それにつまずいてしまった" (who have stumbled on that) refers back to the idea of stumbling in communication. The full sentence means "The intense society surrounding communication skills is very cold towards people who have stumbled on it."
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'makes them stumble in this way', which is causative and incorrect.
This means 'makes them step out from there', which is causative and has the opposite meaning.
This means 'stepped out from here', which is an incorrect meaning in this context.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes a negative consequence: if conformity pressure strengthens, society itself will shrink. "〜してしまうだけである" (it will simply end up ~ing) expresses a definitive, undesirable outcome. The full sentence means "However, if that progresses, conformity pressure will strengthen in society, and society itself will simply end up shrinking."
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'I wonder if it will end up ~ing', expressing doubt, but the author is stating a likely consequence.
This means 'It's not something that will end up ~ing', which contradicts the negative prediction.
This means 'It cannot be said that it will end up ~ing', expressing uncertainty or denial.