2014/07 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. 今回の大会では、若手の<u>躍進</u>が目立った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
躍進 (やくしん) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'rapid progress' or 'leap forward'. The sentence means 'Young talents made remarkable progress in this tournament.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 躍進.
This is an incorrect reading for 躍進.
This is an incorrect reading for 躍進.
2. 計画をきちんと<u>遂行</u>することが大切だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
遂行 (すいこう) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'execution' or 'carrying out'. The sentence means 'It is important to properly carry out the plan.'
Why other options are incorrect:
執行 (しっこう) means 'enforcement' or 'execution' (often legal/official), which is different from carrying out a plan.
This is an incorrect reading for 遂行.
失業 (しつぎょう) means 'unemployment', which is unrelated to the context.
3. 作者の思いがこの一言に<u>凝縮</u>されている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
凝縮 (ぎょうしゅく) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'condensation' or 'concentration'. The sentence means 'The author's feelings are condensed into this one phrase.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 凝縮.
This is an incorrect reading for 凝縮.
This is an incorrect reading for 凝縮.
4. どの親もわが子が<u>健やか</u>に育つことを願っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
健やか (すこやか) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'healthy' or 'sound'. The sentence means 'Every parent wishes for their child to grow up healthy.'
Why other options are incorrect:
しとやか means 'graceful' or 'elegant'.
おだやか means 'calm' or 'gentle'.
さわやか means 'refreshing' or 'clear'.
5. このセンターは、日本のがん研究の<u>中枢</u>を担っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
中枢 (ちゅうすう) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'center', 'core', or 'pivot'. The sentence means 'This center plays a central role in Japan's cancer research.'
Why other options are incorrect:
中核 (ちゅうかく) also means 'core' or 'nucleus', but 中枢 is more commonly used for central facilities or systems.
This is an incorrect reading for 中枢.
This is an incorrect reading for 中枢.
6. 介護制度の整備が遅れているという事実は<u>否めない</u>だろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
否めない (いなめない) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'cannot deny' or 'undeniable'. The sentence means 'The fact that the development of the long-term care system is delayed is undeniable.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 否めない.
拒めない (こばめない) means 'cannot refuse', which is not the meaning here.
歪めない (ゆがめない) means 'cannot distort', which is not the meaning here.
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. 星の降らない日がこれ以上続けば、農業に影響するだけでなく、日常生活にも( )を来すおそれがある。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
支障 (ししょう) means 'hindrance', 'obstacle', or 'trouble'. 支障を来す (ししょうをきたす) is a common phrase meaning 'to cause trouble/hindrance'. The sentence means 'If days without rain continue, it will not only affect agriculture but also risk causing trouble in daily life.'
Why other options are incorrect:
苦境 (くきょう) means 'difficult situation' or 'predicament', which doesn't fit the verb '来す'.
不況 (ふきょう) means 'recession' or 'depression' (economic), which is not applicable to daily life in general.
停滞 (ていたい) means 'stagnation' or 'delay'. While related to problems, 支障 is the most natural fit for 'causing trouble' in daily life.
8. その空き地には、( )量のごみが捨てられて、山のようになっていた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
おびただしい means 'vast', 'immense', or 'countless'. It is used to describe a large quantity or amount, often with a negative nuance (e.g., a vast amount of trash). The sentence means 'A vast amount of trash was dumped in that vacant lot, forming a mountain.'
Why other options are incorrect:
目まぐるしい (めまぐるしい) means 'dizzying' or 'hectic', typically used for changes or speed, not quantity.
限りない (かぎりない) means 'endless' or 'boundless'. While similar to 'countless', おびただしい is a more common and natural fit for 'a vast amount of trash'.
極まりない (きまりない) means 'extremely' or 'utterly' (used to emphasize a negative quality), and does not directly modify 'quantity'.
9. この歌手は若者の間で( )な人気を誇っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
絶大 (ぜつだい) means 'tremendous', 'immense', or 'absolute'. It is often used with abstract nouns like 人気 (popularity), 信頼 (trust), or 影響 (influence). The sentence means 'This singer boasts tremendous popularity among young people.'
Why other options are incorrect:
膨大 (ぼうだい) means 'enormous' or 'vast', typically used for concrete quantities like data or budget.
偉大 (いだい) means 'great' or 'magnificent', typically used for people or achievements.
強大 (きょうだい) means 'mighty' or 'powerful', typically used for countries, organizations, or forces.
10. 話し合いは平行線を( )、結局一致点を見いだせなかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
平行線をたどる (へいこうせんをたどる) is an idiom meaning 'to follow a parallel course', implying that discussions or negotiations are not making progress and remain at an impasse. The sentence means 'The discussions followed a parallel course, and in the end, no common ground could be found.'
Why other options are incorrect:
歩み (あゆみ) means 'walk' or 'progress', but it is not used in this specific idiom.
なぞる means 'to trace' or 'to follow' (a line, a path), but not in the idiomatic sense of 'parallel course'.
伝う (つたう) means 'to go along' or 'to follow' (a rope, a wall), which is not applicable here.
11. 弊社の採用試験では、筆記試験よりも面接に( )を置いています。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ウエイト (weight) is used in the phrase ウエイトを置く (ウエイトをおく), which means 'to place importance on' or 'to give priority to'. The sentence means 'In our company's employment exam, we place more importance on the interview than the written exam.'
Why other options are incorrect:
トップ (top) means 'top' or 'first place', which does not fit the expression 'to place importance'.
パワー (power) means 'power' or 'strength', which is not used in this context.
メイン (main) means 'main' or 'principal'. While related to importance, ウエイトを置く is the fixed expression.
12. 当選した林氏は取材に対して、今回の選挙は終盤まで( )を許さない厳しい戦いだったと語った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
予断 (よだん) means 'prejudgment' or 'prediction'. 予断を許さない (よだんをゆるさない) is a common phrase meaning 'not allowing for any prediction' or 'unpredictable', indicating a situation where the outcome is uncertain until the very end. The sentence means 'Mr. Hayashi, who was elected, told reporters that this election was a tough battle that didn't allow for any predictions until the very end.'
Why other options are incorrect:
予期 (よき) means 'expectation' or 'forecast'. While similar, 予断を許さない is the fixed idiom.
見通し (みとおし) means 'outlook' or 'prospect', which is not used in this idiomatic expression.
見込み (みこみ) means 'prospect' or 'estimate', which is not used in this idiomatic expression.
13. 田中さんはいつも手際よく( )仕事を進めている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
てきぱきと is an adverb meaning 'briskly', 'efficiently', or 'promptly'. It describes someone working quickly and efficiently. The sentence means 'Mr. Tanaka always proceeds with his work briskly and efficiently.'
Why other options are incorrect:
めきめきと means 'remarkably' or 'rapidly', often used for improvement or growth.
さらさらと means 'rustling' or 'smoothly', often for sounds or textures.
すくすくと means 'rapidly' or 'steadily', often used for growth, especially of plants or children.
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. ユーザー登録済みのお客様は、このサービスが<u>無償で</u>受けられます。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
無償で (むしょうで) means 'for free' or 'without charge'. ただで also means 'for free', making it the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'Customers who have registered can receive this service for free.'
Why other options are incorrect:
優先的に (ゆうせんてきに) means 'preferentially'.
いつでも means 'anytime'.
予約しなくても (よやくしなくても) means 'even without a reservation'.
15 最近、山本さんは新しい仕事に<u>打ち込んでいる</u>らしい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
打ち込む (うちこむ) means 'to devote oneself to' or 'to be absorbed in'. 熱心に取り組む (ねっしんにとりくむ) means 'to work enthusiastically on' or 'to be dedicated to', which is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'It seems Mr. Yamamoto has recently been devoting himself to his new job.'
Why other options are incorrect:
興味を持っている (きょうみをもっている) means 'has an interest'. While related, 打ち込む implies a deeper level of dedication than just having an interest.
しつこく誘われている (しつこくさそわれている) means 'is persistently invited', which is unrelated.
時間をとられている (じかんをとられている) means 'has time taken up', which is unrelated.
16. できればもう少し<u>ストレートに</u>言ってほしかったです。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ストレートに (straight ni) means 'directly', 'frankly', or 'straightforwardly'. 率直に (そっちょくに) means 'frankly', 'candidly', or 'directly', making it the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'I wished you had told me a bit more directly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
冷静に (れいせいに) means 'calmly'.
真剣に (しんけんに) means 'seriously'.
慎重に (しんちょうに) means 'cautiously'.
17. 駅前に巨大スーパーができたら<u>お手上げだ</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
お手上げだ (おてあげだ) is an idiom meaning 'to give up', 'to be at one's wit's end', or 'there's nothing one can do'. どうしようもない means 'there's nothing that can be done' or 'hopeless', which is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'If a giant supermarket is built in front of the station, we'll be at our wit's end (there's nothing we can do).'
Why other options are incorrect:
大歓迎だ (だいかんげいだ) means 'greatly welcome', which is the opposite meaning.
ぜひ働きたい (ぜひはたらきたい) means 'definitely want to work', which is unrelated.
驚きだ (おどろきだ) means 'it's a surprise', which is not the primary meaning of お手上げだ.
18. この一年で収益は<u>格段に</u>増えている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
格段に (かくだんに) means 'remarkably', 'significantly', or 'exceptionally'. 大幅に (おおはばに) means 'drastically', 'substantially', or 'significantly', making it the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'Profits have increased remarkably this year.'
Why other options are incorrect:
着実に (ちゃくじつに) means 'steadily' or 'surely'.
わずかに means 'slightly' or 'a little'.
ゆるやかに means 'slowly' or 'gently'.
19. 操作方法は<u>いたって</u>簡単でした。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
いたって means 'very', 'extremely', or 'utterly'. 非常に (ひじょうに) means 'very' or 'extremely', making it the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'The operation method was extremely simple.'
Why other options are incorrect:
わりに means 'relatively' or 'comparatively'.
意外に (いがいに) means 'surprisingly'.
たしかに means 'certainly' or 'surely'.
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. 一律
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
一律 (いちりつ) means 'uniform', 'flat', or 'across the board', implying applying the same rule or treatment to everything or everyone without exception. Option 4, 'Rather than uniformly cutting all expenses, it's better to reduce wasteful ones first,' uses 一律 correctly to describe a uniform reduction.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. 一律 is not used for a consistent personal habit. 'いつも' or '必ず' would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. 一律 is not used for a recurring event like rain. '必ず' or 'いつも' would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. While it states everyone has study abroad experience, the phrase '経歴はさまざまだが' (though their backgrounds vary) contradicts the idea of 'uniformity' in their backgrounds.
21. はがす
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
はがす means 'to peel off', 'to tear off', or 'to strip off' something that is stuck or attached. Option 3, 'Since it's a present for a friend, I peeled off the price sticker,' uses はがす correctly for removing a sticker.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. For tearing a page from a notebook, 破る (やぶる) or 破り取る (やぶりとる) is more appropriate.
Incorrect. For peeling fruit skin, むく (剥く) is the correct verb.
Incorrect. For removing contact lenses, 外す (はずす) is the correct verb.
22. 心構え
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
心構え (こころがまえ) means 'mental attitude', 'preparedness', or 'readiness'. It refers to the mental state or preparation for something. Option 1, 'To avoid financial troubles, daily preparedness is important,' uses 心構え correctly to mean a state of readiness or caution.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. 心構え refers to a general mental attitude, not a specific decision. 決心 (けっしん: decision) or 覚悟 (かくご: readiness/resolve) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. 心構え is not used for a concrete plan or intention to buy a house. 予定 (よてい: plan) or つもり (intention) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. 心構え is not used for a hidden motive or agenda. 下心 (したごころ: ulterior motive) or 魂胆 (こんたん: ulterior motive) would be more appropriate.
23. 損なう
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
損なう (そこなう) means 'to harm', 'to damage', 'to spoil', or 'to impair'. It is often used for abstract things like relationships, reputation, health, or opportunities. Option 2, 'Due to repeated shipping errors, we ended up damaging our trust relationship with the customer,' uses 損なう correctly for damaging a relationship.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. While tax increases can negatively affect the economy, 損なう is not the most natural verb for 'damaging the economy'. 悪化させる (あっかさせる: to worsen) or 阻害する (そがいする: to hinder) might be better.
Incorrect. For losing confidence, 失う (うしなう: to lose) is the correct verb.
Incorrect. For weather worsening, 崩れる (くずれる: to collapse, to worsen) or 悪化する (あっかする: to worsen) is more appropriate.
24. しがみつく
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
しがみつく means 'to cling to' or 'to hold on tightly to'. It implies holding on desperately or tightly, often to a person or an object for support or to avoid being separated. Option 1, 'The child cried and clung to his mother's leg, refusing to let go,' uses しがみつく correctly for a child clinging to a parent.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. For a shirt sticking to skin due to sweat, 張り付く (はりつく: to stick to) or べたつく (to be sticky) is more appropriate.
Incorrect. For a lid being stuck to a bottle, 固着する (こちゃくする: to adhere firmly) or 張り付く (はりつく) is more appropriate.
Incorrect. For bodies pressing against each other in a crowded train, 密着する (みっちゃくする: to be in close contact) or 押し合う (おしあう: to push against each other) is more appropriate.
25. 工面
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
工面 (くめん) means 'to raise money', 'to manage funds', or 'to arrange for (money)'. It specifically refers to finding or arranging money or resources. Option 4, 'Somehow I managed to raise funds and finally was able to open my own shop,' uses 工面 correctly for raising money.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. For collecting signatures, 集める (あつめる: to collect) is the correct verb.
Incorrect. For gathering ideas, 募る (つのる: to solicit) or 集める (あつめる) is more appropriate.
Incorrect. For finding candidates, 擁立する (ようりつする: to nominate) or 探す (さがす: to search for) is more appropriate.
問題5 次の文の( )に入れるのは最もよいものを1・2・3・4から一つえらびなさい
26. 父は仕事が生きがいで、定年後も( ) かぎりは働きたいと言っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～限りは」 (～かぎりは) means 'as long as ~' or 'to the extent that ~'. It connects to a potential form or a verb in dictionary form. 働ける (はたらける) is the potential form of 働く (はたらく), meaning 'can work'. The sentence means 'My father lives for his work, and he says he wants to work as long as he can, even after retirement.'
Why other options are incorrect:
働けず (はたらけず) is a negative potential form, meaning 'cannot work', which contradicts the context.
働いた (はたらいた) is the past tense, which does not fit the 'as long as' meaning.
働こう (はたらこう) is the volitional form, meaning 'let's work' or 'intend to work', which does not fit the 'as long as' meaning.
27. 周囲からどのような批判を( )、自らの考えを最後まで貫くべきだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ようとも」 (～ようとも) means 'no matter how much/what ~' or 'even if ~'. It expresses that something will happen regardless of the preceding condition. 批判を浴びる (ひはんをあびる) means 'to be subjected to criticism'. The sentence means 'No matter what kind of criticism you are subjected to from those around you, you should stick to your own beliefs until the end.'
Why other options are incorrect:
浴びたといえば (あびたといえば) means 'If you say you were subjected to...', which does not fit the meaning of 'no matter what'.
浴びたにもかかわらず (あびたにもかかわらず) means 'despite being subjected to...'. While it expresses a contrast, it doesn't convey the 'no matter what' nuance.
浴びようにも (あびようにも) means 'even if one tries to be subjected to... (but cannot)', implying inability, which is not the meaning here.
28. テニスの木村健一選手は、おととしの全日本大会優勝( )、競技から離れていたが、昨日、正式に引退を表明した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～を最後に」 (～をさいごに) means 'after ~ (for the last time)' or 'since ~ (as the last event)'. It indicates that something ceased or changed after a particular event. The sentence means 'Tennis player Kenichi Kimura had been away from the sport since winning the All-Japan tournament the year before last, but yesterday he officially announced his retirement.'
Why other options are incorrect:
を皮切りに (をかわきりに) means 'starting with ~' or 'beginning with ~', which implies something started after that event, not ended.
にあたって (にあたって) means 'at the time of ~' or 'on the occasion of ~', indicating a specific timing for an action, not a cessation.
に沿って (にそって) means 'along' or 'in accordance with', indicating following a rule or path, which is not applicable here.
29. 部下「課長、W社から納期を一週間早めてほしいという連絡があったんですが。」</br> 課長「え、納期の日程を設定したのはあっちだろう。( )、納期まで2週間の今になって、早めろと言うなんて勝手過ぎる。どういうことなんだ。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「それを」 (sore o) is used here to express strong dissatisfaction or indignation about something that contradicts a previous statement or expectation. The manager is angry that W company set the deadline, and despite that, they are now asking to move it up. The sentence means 'Subordinate: 'Section Chief, we received a request from Company W to move up the deadline by one week.' Section Chief: 'What? They set the deadline, didn't they? And now, with only two weeks until the deadline, they're asking to move it up? That's too selfish. What's going on?'
Why other options are incorrect:
実は (じつは) means 'actually' or 'in fact', used to introduce a truth or fact, not indignation.
というのは (to iu no wa) means 'that is to say' or 'the reason is', used to provide an explanation.
ただし (tadashi) means 'however' or 'but', used to introduce a condition or exception.
30. 母 「たかし、宿題は終わったの?」</br>たかし「まだ終わってない。今日の宿題、難しくて、全然( )」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～んだもん」 (～n da mon) is a casual, often childish or feminine, expression used to give a reason or excuse, implying a slight complaint or whine. It's a contraction of 「～のだもの」. The sentence means 'Mother: 'Takashi, have you finished your homework?' Takashi: 'Not yet. Today's homework is difficult, so I totally don't get it (that's why).'
Why other options are incorrect:
わかんないもんか (wakannai mon ka) is a rhetorical question meaning 'Isn't it that I don't understand?' or 'Is it that I don't understand?'
わかんないんだっけ (wakannai n dakke) is used to confirm something one has forgotten, meaning 'Was it that I didn't understand?'
わかんないからって (wakannai kara tte) means 'just because I don't understand', implying a reason that is being dismissed or questioned.
31. 新市長に当選した上田氏は「選挙中に掲げた政策を、市長として私自らが先頭に立って実行して( )。」と決意を述べた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～てまいります」 (～te mairimasu) is a humble expression used to indicate that one will go and do something, or that one will continue to do something (often with a sense of commitment or progression). Here, it means 'I will go forth and execute (the policies).' The sentence means 'Mr. Ueda, who was elected as the new mayor, stated his resolve, saying, 'As mayor, I myself will take the lead and execute the policies I put forth during the election.'
Why other options are incorrect:
願います (ねがいます) means 'I wish/request', which is not appropriate for a declaration of intent.
いたします (itashimasu) is the humble form of する (suru), meaning 'I will do'. While grammatically possible, まいります implies a stronger sense of 'going forth to do' or 'continuing to do' in a formal context, fitting a mayor's declaration.
頂戴します (ちょうだいします) is the humble form of もらう (morau) or 食べる/飲む (taberu/nomu), meaning 'I will receive' or 'I will eat/drink', which is unrelated.
32. 最先端の実験設備を持った ABC研究所の研究施設は、日本一( )だろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～といっても過言ではない」 (～to itte mo kagon de wa nai) means 'it is no exaggeration to say that ~' or 'it would not be an overstatement to say that ~'. It is used to emphasize a strong statement without it being an exaggeration. The sentence means 'It would be no exaggeration to say that ABC Research Institute's research facility, with its state-of-the-art experimental equipment, is the best in Japan.'
Why other options are incorrect:
の疑いがある (のうたがいがある) means 'there is a suspicion that ~', which implies doubt or uncertainty, contradicting the strong statement.
を余儀なくさせる (をよぎなくさせる) means 'to force ~' or 'to compel ~', indicating being forced into a situation, which is unrelated.
よりほかはない (yori hoka wa nai) means 'have no choice but to ~', indicating a lack of options, which is unrelated.
33. 課題の締め切り前になると、もっと時間があればと思うが、( )、きっと遊んでしまうのだろうとも思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～たら～たで」 (～tara ～ta de) means 'even if ~ (something happens), then ~ (something else happens/is true)'. It expresses that a certain situation, even if it occurs, will lead to another (often undesirable) outcome. Here, it means 'even if I had more time, I would probably just play.' The sentence means 'When the assignment deadline approaches, I wish I had more time, but even if I did, I'd probably just play.'
Why other options are incorrect:
あるにはあるが (aru ni wa aru ga) means 'there is, but...', implying existence with a caveat, not a hypothetical outcome.
あるとないとでは (aru to nai to de wa) means 'depending on whether there is or isn't', implying a comparison between two states.
あったりなかったりで (attari nakattari de) means 'sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't', implying inconsistency.
34. 子供サッカー教室に、プロサッカー選手の上田幸太が参加した。上田選手が来ることは参加者には( )、突然の登場にみんな驚いていた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ておらず」 (～te orazu) is a formal negative form of 「～ていない」, meaning 'not having done/been ~'. Here, it's used in the passive voice 「知らされておらず」, meaning 'not having been informed'. The context '突然の登場にみんな驚いていた' (everyone was surprised by his sudden appearance) strongly suggests they were not informed. The sentence means 'Professional soccer player Kota Ueda participated in the children's soccer class. The participants had not been informed that Ueda would come, so everyone was surprised by his sudden appearance.'
Why other options are incorrect:
知られつつも (しられつつも) means 'while being known', which contradicts the fact that everyone was surprised.
知らされていないと (しらされていないと) means 'if not informed', which is a conditional statement, not a statement of fact.
知られたためか (しられたためか) means 'perhaps because it was known', which contradicts the surprise.
35. 今回の最優秀作品に対して、審査員たちは、「こんな瞬間を写真に収めることができたなんて、まさに奇跡( )」と絶賛している。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～としか言いようがない」 (～to shika ii you ga nai) means 'there is no other way to describe it but ~' or 'one can only say that ~'. It expresses that a certain description is the only appropriate one due to the strong nature of the situation. The sentence means 'Regarding this year's best work, the judges highly praised it, saying, 'To be able to capture such a moment in a photograph, it can only be described as a miracle.'
Why other options are incorrect:
とでも言えばいい (to demo ieba ii) means 'it would be fine to say ~' or 'one might say ~', which is a suggestion, not a strong assertion.
とすら言おうとしない (to sura iou to shinai) means 'doesn't even try to say ~', implying reluctance to say something.
と言ってもしかたがない (to itte mo shikata ga nai) means 'it can't be helped even if one says ~', implying resignation.
問題6 次の文の_ ★_ に入れるのは最もよいものを1・2・3・4から一つえらびなさい。
36. A「おとといは大雨、昨日は車のパンク。旅行に来てからトラブル続きで嫌になるよね。」</br>B「本当だよ。最終日の___ ___ _ ★_ ___ 」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence is 「最終日の今日こそ何も<u>起きません</u>ように」. This means 'I hope nothing happens today of all days, the last day.' The pattern 「～ように」 expresses a wish or hope. 「今日こそ」 emphasizes 'today' as the day for the wish to come true. 「何も～ない」 is a common negative phrase meaning 'nothing ~'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully in the context of a wish.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully in the context of a wish.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully in the context of a wish.
37. うちの娘は、なぜあんなに買い物に時間がかかるのか。ブラウス___ ___ _ ★_ ___、全くあきれてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence is 「ブラウス1枚選ぶだけのことなのに<u>4時間もかかる</u>とは、全くあきれてしまった。」. This means 'To think it takes 4 hours just to choose one blouse, I'm utterly astonished.' The pattern 「～とは」 is used to express surprise, astonishment, or indignation. 「～だけのことなのに」 means 'even though it's just ~'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
38. この仕事をすべて___ ___ _ ★_ ___無理だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence is 「この仕事をすべて一人でやるのは<u>新入社員の田中さん</u>には無理だ。」. This means 'It's impossible for new employee Tanaka-san to do all this work by himself.' The pattern 「～のは～には無理だ」 is a common structure meaning 'it's impossible for ~ to do ~'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
39. 最近、運動不足だ。何しろ外出___ ___ _ ★_ ___、あとは朝か ら晩まで家にいるという生活なのだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence is 「最近、運動不足だ。何しろ外出<u>といったら</u>近所のスーパーに行く<u>程度の</u>もので、あとは朝から晩まで家にいるという生活なのだ。」. This means 'Recently, I haven't been getting enough exercise. After all, my outings are limited to going to the neighborhood supermarket, and other than that, I live a life of being at home from morning till night.' The pattern 「～といったら～程度のものだ」 means 'when it comes to ~, it's only about the level of ~', emphasizing the limited nature.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
40. X 交通のバス路線が一部廃止される問題で、会社側から地域住民に対し、路線を廃止する___ ___ _ ★_ ___について、説明がなされた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence is 「路線を廃止する<u>に至った経緯</u><u>及び</u><u>今後の対応</u>について、説明がなされた。」. This means 'Regarding the issue of X Transport's bus route partial abolition, the company explained to local residents the circumstances that led to the route's abolition and future measures.' 「～に至った経緯」 means 'the circumstances that led to ~'. 「及び」 means 'and' (formal). 「今後の対応」 means 'future measures/response'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
This option alone does not complete the sentence grammatically or meaningfully.
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 45の中に入る最もよいものを1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
Reading Passage
毎年夏になると自宅の書斎で、自分が作ったものがたりを語る会をしている。
自宅のある山梨県の小淵沢は高原で涼しいし、参加自由だし、というわけで大勢の大人 や子どもが連日来てくれる。
去年の夏のこと。近くの別荘からおばあさんといっしょにしょっちゅう通ってくる小二の男の子がいた。とてもお話好きらしい。だから、その子が来ると、ぼくも考えて、初めての話をするようにしていた。
ところが、それが重なるとだんだんこちらも手持ちの話がなくなってくる。ないわけではないけれど、今年の新作は限られているし、他の人にも新作を聞いてもらいたい。 【41】 、 来てくれた人を見渡して、その男の子にだけもう一度同じ話を聞くことを我慢してもらえば、他の人におもしろい話ができることに気がついた。
そこで、彼には悪いなあと思いつつ、「八ヶ岳の霧という話をします」ときりだした。すると、男の子は顔面をくしゃくしゃにして、【42】 。「これがおもしろいんだ!」 そのとたんにぼくは悟った。ぼくは彼を見くびって注いた。
同じ話をして、【43】 。お話を聞き慣れていない子は知っている話にぶつかったとき、「あ、それ、知ってる!」という言い方で終わりにする。
あらすじを知ることがお話を知ることだと思い、すべてを消費していくだけなのだ。でも 、【44】は違った。お話で大切なのはあらすじではない。
あのいいまわし、あの呼吸、あのどきどき感、あのばかばかしさ。それを何度でも味わ うことなのだ。だから落語好きは知っている話を聞くために何度でも寄席に通う。 あとから同じ道を歩いてくる、いい仲間に【45}
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence before the blank states that the author was running out of new stories. 「そんな日には」 (sonna hi ni wa) means 'on such days' or 'on those days,' referring to the days when he had few new stories left. This logically leads to his realization about telling the same story.
Why other options are incorrect:
その前に (sono mae ni) means 'before that', which does not fit the flow of the narrative.
あのあと (ano ato) means 'after that', which does not fit the flow of the narrative.
あるとき (aru toki) means 'at one time' or 'one day'. While grammatically possible, 「そんな日には」 specifically refers to the situation of running out of stories, making it a better fit.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage states 「男の子は顔面をくしゃくしゃにして、【42】 。「これがおもしろいんだ!」」. The boy's face crumpled, and then he said 'This is interesting!' The crumpled face might imply initial anticipation, but his words clearly show happiness. 「嬉しそうにこういった」 (ureshisou ni kou itta) means 'he said happily like this,' which fits the context of his subsequent exclamation.
Why other options are incorrect:
嬉しくなった (ureshikunatta) means 'became happy'. While he became happy, the sentence structure requires a verb that describes *how* he said it.
嬉しくなるものだ (ureshikunaru mono da) means 'it's something that makes one happy', which is a general statement and doesn't fit the specific action.
嬉しそうにこういうものだ (ureshisou ni kou iu mono da) means 'it's something that one says happily like this', which is also a general statement.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author had felt bad about telling the same story, but the boy's positive reaction ('This is interesting!') made him realize he was wrong to underestimate the boy. Therefore, telling the same story was 'not bad at all.' 「全然悪くなかったのだ」 (zenzen warukunakatta no da) means 'it wasn't bad at all.' The 「のだ」 adds an explanatory or emphatic nuance.
Why other options are incorrect:
決して悪くなかったためだ (kesshite warukunakatta tame da) means 'because it was by no means bad'. While similar, 「全然」 (zenzen) is a stronger emphasis on 'not at all' and fits the author's realization better.
果たしてよかったのだろうか (hatashite yokatta no darou ka) means 'I wonder if it was really good', which expresses doubt and contradicts the author's realization.
まだよかったのではないか (mada yokatta no de wa nai ka) means 'wasn't it still good?'. This is a rhetorical question implying it was good, but 「全然悪くなかったのだ」 is a more direct statement of realization.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding paragraph describes how 'お話を聞き慣れていない子' (children not used to listening to stories) behave. The sentence after the blank states 'お話で大切なのはあらすじではない' (what's important in a story is not the plot). This is a direct contrast to the previous description, indicating that 'this boy' (彼: kare) is different from those other children.
Why other options are incorrect:
子ども (kodomo) means 'children'. This is too general and would contradict the contrast being made between 'this boy' and other children.
大人 (otona) means 'adults'. The passage is clearly about a child.
自分 (jibun) means 'myself'. The author is talking about the boy, not himself.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author has just realized that the boy appreciates stories in a deeper way, similar to rakugo fans. This makes the author feel that he has found a kindred spirit or a good companion. 「出会えたと思った」 (deaeta to omotta) means 'I felt that I had met (him)' or 'I felt that I had found (him).' This expresses the author's positive realization about the boy.
Why other options are incorrect:
出会いたくてたまらなかった (deaitakute tamaranakatta) means 'couldn't help but want to meet'. This implies a strong desire *before* meeting, which doesn't fit the context of a realization *after* an interaction.
出会ってもよかった (deatte mo yokatta) means 'it would have been fine to meet'. This is a weak, conditional statement that doesn't convey the author's strong positive feeling.
出会えたおかげかもしれなかった (deaeta okage kamo shirenakatta) means 'it might have been thanks to meeting'. This is too uncertain and doesn't convey the direct, clear realization the author had.