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. 社会活動に参加することで、<u>人脈</u>を広げることができた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
人脈 (じんみゃく) is the correct reading for the kanji 人脈, which means 'personal connections' or 'network'. The sentence means 'By participating in social activities, I was able to expand my personal network.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 人脈.
This is an incorrect reading for 人脈.
This is an incorrect reading for 人脈.
2. 鈴木さんは指摘がいつも的確で、本当に<u>賢い</u>人だと思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
賢い (かしこい) is the correct reading for the kanji 賢い, meaning 'wise', 'clever', or 'smart'. The sentence means 'Mr. Suzuki's observations are always precise, I think he is a truly wise person.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 鋭い, meaning 'sharp' or 'keen'.
This means 'amazing' or 'terrific'.
This means 'great' or 'admirable'.
3. 文化の違いが食生活に<u>顕著</u>に現れている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
顕著 (けんちょ) is the correct reading for the kanji 顕著, meaning 'remarkable', 'striking', or 'prominent'. The sentence means 'Cultural differences are prominently reflected in dietary habits.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 顕著.
This is an incorrect reading for 顕著.
This is an incorrect reading for 顕著.
14. 相談の内容は<u>多岐</u>にわたった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
多岐 (たき) is the correct reading for the kanji 多岐, meaning 'many branches', 'diverse', or 'various'. The phrase '多岐にわたる' means 'to cover a wide range' or 'to be diverse'. The sentence means 'The content of the consultation covered a wide range of topics.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 多岐.
This is an incorrect reading for 多岐.
This is an incorrect reading for 多岐.
5. その風習は、今はもう<u>廃れて</u>しまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
廃れて (すたれて) is the correct reading for the kanji 廃れて, which comes from 廃れる (すたれる), meaning 'to go out of use', 'to fall into disuse', or 'to become obsolete'. The sentence means 'That custom has already fallen into disuse.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 崩れて, meaning 'to collapse' or 'to crumble'.
This is the reading for 掠れて or 擦れて, meaning 'to fade' or 'to become hoarse'.
This is the reading for 潰れて, meaning 'to be crushed' or 'to go bankrupt'.
6. 家賃の<u>相場</u>は地域によって違う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
相場 (そうば) is the correct reading for the kanji 相場, meaning 'market price' or 'going rate'. The sentence means 'The going rate for rent differs by region.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 相場.
This is the reading for 愛情, meaning 'love' or 'affection'.
This is an incorrect reading for 相場.
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. 私はこの土地で定職に就き、生活の( )を築いた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
基盤 (きばん) means 'foundation' or 'base'. '生活の基盤を築く' means 'to build a foundation for one's life'. This fits the context of getting a stable job and establishing one's life. The sentence means 'I got a stable job in this area and built the foundation of my life.'
Why other options are incorrect:
根拠 (こんきょ) means 'basis', 'ground', or 'evidence'. It does not fit the context of building a life's foundation.
根源 (こんげん) means 'root', 'source', or 'origin'. It is not suitable for describing the foundation of one's life.
基地 (きち) means 'base' (e.g., military base) or 'fortress'. It is not appropriate in this context.
8. 議論は難航すると思ったが、すぐに意見がまとまり、( )結論が出た。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
すんなり means 'smoothly', 'without a hitch', or 'easily'. It perfectly describes a situation where a difficult discussion quickly led to a conclusion. The sentence means 'I thought the discussion would be difficult, but opinions quickly came together, and a conclusion was reached smoothly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
うっとり means 'enraptured', 'spellbound', or 'entranced'. It describes a feeling, not the progress of a discussion.
ふんわり means 'softly', 'lightly', or 'fluffy'. It describes texture or gentle movement, not the outcome of a discussion.
こっそり means 'secretly' or 'stealthily'. It describes an action done quietly or secretly, which doesn't fit the context of a discussion's conclusion.
9. さっき駅前で佐藤さんを( )んですが、今、海外にいるはずなのに変です。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
見かけた (みかけた) means 'to happen to see' or 'to catch sight of'. This fits the context of unexpectedly seeing someone who is supposed to be abroad. The sentence means 'I happened to see Mr. Sato in front of the station just now, but that's strange because he's supposed to be overseas.'
Why other options are incorrect:
見合わせた (みあわせた) means 'to exchange glances' or 'to postpone'. It doesn't fit the meaning of seeing someone unexpectedly.
見過ごした (みすごした) means 'to overlook' or 'to miss seeing'. This implies not seeing someone, which contradicts the sentence.
見違えた (みちがえた) means 'to mistake for something else' or 'to be unable to recognize (due to change)'. This implies a misidentification, not a surprising sighting.
10. 市長の責任ある行動が住民の不安を( )し、行政に対する期待が一気に高まった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
一掃 (いっそう) means 'to sweep away', 'to clear away', or 'to get rid of completely'. In this context, it means to completely eliminate the residents' anxiety. The sentence means 'The mayor's responsible actions swept away the residents' anxiety, and expectations for the administration suddenly rose.'
Why other options are incorrect:
追放 (ついほう) means 'expulsion' or 'banishment'. It's used for people or things, not abstract concepts like anxiety.
削除 (さくじょ) means 'deletion' or 'elimination' (e.g., data, text). It's not typically used for emotions like anxiety.
排出 (はいしゅつ) means 'discharge' or 'emission' (e.g., waste, gas). It's not applicable to anxiety.
11. 十分に煮た野菜は味が )柔らかく、とてもおいしかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
染みて (しみて) comes from 染みる (しみる), meaning 'to soak into', 'to permeate', or 'to be stained'. In this context, it means the flavor has thoroughly permeated the vegetables. The sentence means 'The thoroughly boiled vegetables were soft and very delicious, with the flavor soaked in.'
Why other options are incorrect:
溶けて (とけて) comes from 溶ける (とける), meaning 'to melt' or 'to dissolve'. While vegetables can become soft, 'flavor melting' is not a natural expression.
潤って (うるおって) comes from 潤う (うるおう), meaning 'to be moistened' or 'to be enriched'. It doesn't fit the idea of flavor permeating.
沈んで (しずんで) comes from 沈む (しずむ), meaning 'to sink' or 'to feel depressed'. It is completely unrelated to flavor.
12. このテーブルは私が子どものころから使っているので、( )があって捨てられない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
愛着 (あいちゃく) means 'attachment', 'affection', or 'fondness'. It describes the feeling of not wanting to discard something because of a long-standing emotional connection. The sentence means 'I've been using this table since I was a child, so I have an attachment to it and can't throw it away.'
Why other options are incorrect:
心情 (しんじょう) means 'state of mind' or 'feelings'. While related to emotions, it doesn't specifically convey the idea of attachment to an object.
好感 (こうかん) means 'good impression' or 'liking'. It refers to a positive feeling towards someone or something, but not necessarily a deep attachment that prevents discarding.
熱意 (ねつい) means 'enthusiasm' or 'zeal'. It is unrelated to the feeling of attachment to an object.
13. 現社長は創立者から経営の( )を学んだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ノウハウ (know-how) refers to practical knowledge, expertise, or methods. It is commonly used in business contexts for skills or techniques learned from experienced individuals. The sentence means 'The current president learned the know-how of management from the founder.'
Why other options are incorrect:
データベース (database) refers to an organized collection of data. It is not something one 'learns' in the context of management skills.
ベテラン (veteran) refers to an experienced person. While the founder is a veteran, 'veteran' itself is not something that can be 'learned' as a skill.
ライフワーク (lifework) refers to a work or activity that one dedicates their life to. It is not a transferable skill or knowledge.
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. 高橋さんには<u>かねがね</u>お会いしたいと思っていました。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
かねがね means 'for some time past', 'long since', or 'already'. 以前から (いぜんから) means 'from before' or 'for some time', which is the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'I have long wanted to meet Mr. Takahashi.'
Why other options are incorrect:
直接 (ちょくせつ) means 'directly'.
ぜひ (ぜひ) means 'by all means' or 'definitely', expressing strong desire or request.
早く (はやく) means 'quickly' or 'early'.
15. 林さんはそれを<u>故意</u>に捨てたらしい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
故意 (こい) means 'intentionally', 'on purpose', or 'deliberately'. わざと (wazato) has the same meaning. The sentence means 'It seems Mr. Hayashi threw it away intentionally.'
Why other options are incorrect:
うっかり (ukkari) means 'carelessly' or 'by mistake'.
いやいや (iyaiya) means 'reluctantly' or 'unwillingly'.
さっさと (sassato) means 'quickly' or 'promptly'.
16. 昨日、鈴木さんに<u>おわびした</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
おわびした (owabi shita) is the past tense of お詫びする (owabi suru), which means 'to apologize'. 謝った (ayamatta) is the past tense of 謝る (ayamaru), which also means 'to apologize'. The sentence means 'Yesterday, I apologized to Mr. Suzuki.'
Why other options are incorrect:
文句を言った (monku o itta) means 'complained'.
お礼を言った (orei o itta) means 'thanked'.
断った (kotowatta) means 'refused' or 'declined'.
17. 中村さんの言葉からは強い<u>意気込み</u>が伝わってくる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
意気込み (いきごみ) means 'enthusiasm', 'eagerness', 'determination', or 'spirit'. 意欲 (いよく) means 'will', 'desire', or 'motivation', which is the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'Strong enthusiasm comes through in Mr. Nakamura's words.'
Why other options are incorrect:
敬意 (けいい) means 'respect' or 'honor'.
自信 (じしん) means 'confidence'.
信頼 (しんらい) means 'trust' or 'reliance'.
18. 妹は少し<u>おびえて</u>いるようだった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
おびえて (obiete) comes from 怯える (obieru), meaning 'to be frightened', 'to be scared', or 'to be timid'. 怖がって (kowagatte) comes from 怖がる (kowagaru), meaning 'to be afraid of' or 'to be scared'. The sentence means 'My younger sister seemed a little frightened.'
Why other options are incorrect:
焦って (asette) comes from 焦る (aseru), meaning 'to be in a hurry' or 'to be impatient/flustered'.
悩んで (nayande) comes from 悩む (nayamu), meaning 'to be troubled' or 'to worry'.
悔やんで (kuyande) comes from 悔やむ (kuyamu), meaning 'to regret' or 'to mourn'.
19. 私はその一言に<u>安堵</u>した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
安堵 (あんど) means 'relief' or 'peace of mind'. ほっとした (hotto shita) means 'felt relieved' or 'sighed with relief'. The sentence means 'I felt relieved by that one word.'
Why other options are incorrect:
すっとした (sutto shita) means 'felt refreshed' or 'felt light/clear'.
はっとした (hatto shita) means 'was startled' or 'was surprised'.
かっとした (katto shita) means 'flared up (in anger)' or 'became furious'.
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. 閑静
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
閑静 (かんせい) means 'quiet' or 'tranquil', typically used to describe a place or environment. Option 1, 'そのレストランは繁華街から外れた<u>閑静</u>な場所にある。' (That restaurant is in a quiet location away from the bustling downtown area.), correctly uses 閑静 to describe a peaceful place.
Why other options are incorrect:
閑静 cannot be used to describe a person's state of being quiet at home. 静かにしていた (was quiet) would be more appropriate.
閑静な時間 is not a natural collocation. 暇な時間 (free time) or 静かな時間 (quiet time) would be more suitable.
While a park can become quiet at night, 閑静 typically describes a place's inherent quietness or tranquility, not a temporary state. 静かになる (becomes quiet) is more natural here.
21. たやすい
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
たやすい (tayasu-i) means 'easy', 'simple', or 'light'. It is often used to describe something that can be done without much effort. Option 4, 'この問題は想像以上に複雑で、<u>たやすく</u>解決できるものではなかった。' (This problem was more complex than imagined, and it was not something that could be easily solved.), correctly uses たやすく to mean 'easily'.
Why other options are incorrect:
たやすい物 is not a natural expression for food. 簡単に食べられる物 (something easy to eat) or 軽い物 (light food) would be more appropriate.
たやすい関係 is not a natural expression for a relationship. 気楽な関係 (relaxed relationship) or 遠慮のない関係 (unreserved relationship) would be more suitable.
たやすく過ごす is not a natural expression. 楽に過ごす (spend time comfortably) or のんびり過ごす (spend time leisurely) would be more appropriate.
22. 察する
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
察する (さっする) means 'to guess', 'to infer', 'to sense', or 'to understand (someone's feelings/situation)'. Option 3, '鈴木さんは、私が何も言わなくても、私の気持ちを<u>察して</u>慰めてくれた。' (Mr. Suzuki comforted me by sensing my feelings even without me saying anything.), correctly uses 察する to mean understanding someone's feelings without explicit communication.
Why other options are incorrect:
察する is not used for 'finding' or 'determining' a treatment method. 見つける (find) or 決定した (decided) would be more appropriate.
察する is not used for predicting weather changes. 予測し始めた (started predicting) or 予想し始めた (started forecasting) would be more appropriate.
察する is not used for 'coming up with' or 'realizing' an idea. 思いついた (came up with) or ひらめいた (had a flash of inspiration) would be more appropriate.
23. 内訳
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
内訳 (うちわけ) means 'breakdown', 'itemization', or 'details'. It refers to the individual items or components that make up a total. Option 2, '前回の出張費の<u>内訳</u>を見たら、交通費の割合が予想外に高かった。' (When I looked at the breakdown of the last business trip expenses, the proportion of transportation costs was unexpectedly high.), correctly uses 内訳 to refer to the itemized details of expenses.
Why other options are incorrect:
内訳 is not used for a schedule or plan. 予定 (schedule) or スケジュール (schedule) would be more appropriate.
内訳 is not used for the flow or program of a ceremony. 進行 (progress) or 次第 (program/order) would be more appropriate.
内訳 is not used for nutritional balance. 栄養バランス (nutritional balance) or 栄養成分 (nutritional components) would be more appropriate.
24. 食い違う
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
食い違う (くいちがう) means 'to cross each other', 'to differ', 'to conflict', or 'to disagree'. It is commonly used when accounts or opinions contradict each other. Option 1, 'この事件は、複数の目撃者の話がそれぞれ<u>食い違って</u>おり、 不明な点が多い。' (In this incident, the accounts of multiple witnesses contradict each other, and there are many unclear points.), correctly uses 食い違う to describe conflicting statements.
Why other options are incorrect:
食い違う is not used for keys not fitting a lock. 合わない (don't fit) or 違う (are wrong) would be more appropriate.
食い違う is not used for left and right sandals being mismatched. 左右が逆になっていた (left and right were reversed) or 左右が違っていた (left and right were different) would be more appropriate.
食い違う is not used for a taste being different. 味が違う (the taste is different) or 味がいつもと異なる (the taste differs from usual) would be more appropriate.
25. 過密
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
過密 (かみつ) means 'overcrowded', 'dense', or 'tight' (e.g., schedule). It describes a state of being excessively concentrated or packed. Option 3, '今回の出張は<u>過密</u>なスケジュールで、ゆっくり食事する時間もなさそうだ。' (This business trip has a tight schedule, so it seems there won't even be time for a leisurely meal.), correctly uses 過密 to describe a very busy or packed schedule.
Why other options are incorrect:
過密 is not used for orders. 殺到 (rush/flood of orders) or 大量 (large quantity) would be more appropriate.
過密 is not used for protests. 激しくなった (became intense) or 頻繁になった (became frequent) would be more appropriate.
過密 is not used for flowers blooming densely. 密集して (densely) or びっしりと (tightly packed) would be more appropriate.
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. 朝の満員電車。車内の混雑を( )、私の目の前に座っている学生風の男は、平然とノートパソコンを広げて、作業に没頭していた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～をよそに (wo yosoni) is a grammar pattern meaning 'disregarding', 'ignoring', or 'without concern for'. It indicates that someone is doing something without being affected by or paying attention to a surrounding situation. This fits the context of a student calmly working on a laptop despite the crowded train. The sentence means 'On the crowded morning train, the student-like man sitting in front of me calmly opened his laptop and immersed himself in his work, disregarding the crowdedness of the train.'
Why other options are incorrect:
含めて (fukumete) means 'including'. It does not fit the context of ignoring a situation.
もとに (moto ni) means 'based on' or 'under'. It does not fit the context of disregarding something.
除いて (nozoite) means 'excluding' or 'except for'. It does not fit the context of ignoring a situation.
27. 私の父は、( )もしないで漫画を批判するから、本当に嫌になる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～もせずに (mo sezu ni) or ～もせず (mo sezu) is a grammar pattern meaning 'without even doing something' or 'without bothering to do something'. It emphasizes the lack of action. The correct form here is 読みもせずに (yomi mo sezu ni), meaning 'without even reading'. The sentence means 'My father criticizes manga without even reading it, which is really annoying.'
Why other options are incorrect:
読まない (yomanai) is the negative plain form. It doesn't combine with もしないで in this context.
読もう (yomou) is the volitional form. It doesn't combine with もしないで in this context.
読んで (yonde) is the te-form. While it can be part of a negative phrase like 読まないで (without reading), 読みもせずに is a stronger expression of not even bothering to read.
28.(卒業生へのインタビューで)</br>聞き手「学生時代にやったことで、今の仕事に役立っていることは何でしょうか。」</br> 田中 「ラグビー部での経験ですね。チームワークの大切さを痛感しました。( ) それは去年企画チームのリーダーになって始めて気づいたことですが。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
もっとも (mottomo) can mean 'most' or 'indeed', but when used as a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence, it often means 'however', 'although', or 'but then again', introducing a condition or a slight reservation/correction to the previous statement. Here, Tanaka states that he realized the importance of teamwork, but then adds a nuance that he only truly understood it after becoming a leader. The sentence means '(In an interview with a graduate) Interviewer: 'What did you do during your student days that is useful for your current job?' Tanaka: 'My experience in the rugby club. I keenly felt the importance of teamwork. However, I only truly realized that when I became the leader of the planning team last year.'
Why other options are incorrect:
要するに (yōsuru ni) means 'in short' or 'to sum up'. It is used to summarize, not to add a nuance or condition.
あるいは (aruiwa) means 'or' or 'perhaps'. It is used to present alternatives or possibilities.
ついては (tsuite wa) means 'therefore' or 'in that connection'. It is used to introduce a consequence or a related topic.
29. 村の郷土史をまとめるにあたり、今年90歳になる元村長の東山さんにお話を伺った。村に初めて汽車が走ったときのことを鮮明に覚えて( )、その記憶力に驚いた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
おいでになり (oide ni nari) is a respectful (honorific) form of いる (iru - to be) or 来る (kuru - to come). The sentence describes the 90-year-old former village head remembering something clearly, so an honorific verb is appropriate. The full phrase would be 覚えておいでになり (oboete oide ni nari), meaning 'is respectfully remembering'. The sentence means 'In compiling the village's local history, I interviewed Mr. Higashiyama, the former village head who is 90 years old this year. I was surprised by his memory, as he clearly remembered when the train first ran in the village.'
Why other options are incorrect:
差し上げ (sashiage) is the humble form of あげる (ageru - to give). It is used when the speaker gives something to a superior, not for a superior's action.
まいり (mairi) is the humble form of 行く (iku - to go) or 来る (kuru - to come). It is used when the speaker goes or comes, not for a superior's action.
申し上げ (mōshiage) is the humble form of 言う (iu - to say). It is used when the speaker says something to a superior, not for a superior's action.
30. (求人サイトの「よくある質問」で)</br>Q:インテリアに関する知識がないのですが、働けますか。</br>A:研修があるので大丈夫です。知識はある( )が、それよりも人柄や仕事に取り組む姿勢を重視しています。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～に越したことはない (ni koshita koto wa nai) means 'there's nothing better than...' or 'it's best to...'. It implies that while something is not strictly necessary, it is highly desirable or advantageous. Here, having knowledge is good, but not as important as personality. The sentence means '(On a job recruitment website's 'Frequently Asked Questions') Q: I don't have knowledge about interiors, can I still work? A: It's fine because there's training. While it's best to have knowledge, we prioritize personality and attitude towards work more than that.'
Why other options are incorrect:
にすぎません (ni sugi masen) means 'nothing more than' or 'merely'. It implies that something is insignificant, which contradicts the idea that knowledge is still good to have.
ことは否めません (koto wa inamemasen) means 'it cannot be denied that...'. While grammatically possible, it doesn't fit the nuance of 'it's best to have' when followed by 'but we prioritize something else'.
といっても過言ではありません (to itte mo kagon dewa arimasen) means 'it's no exaggeration to say that...'. This expresses a strong assertion, which doesn't fit the context of a desirable but not essential quality.
31. (お知らせで) </br>水道管破裂による断水のため、8月12日まで市民プールの営業を休止します。復旧状況 ( )、営業再開が遅れる可能性がありますので、ご了承ください。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～次第では (shidai dewa) means 'depending on...' or 'according to...'. It indicates that the outcome or situation depends on a certain condition. Here, the reopening might be delayed depending on the recovery status. The sentence means '(In an announcement) Due to a water outage caused by a burst water pipe, the city pool will be closed until August 12th. Please note that depending on the recovery status, the reopening may be delayed.'
Why other options are incorrect:
次第には is not a standard grammar pattern. 次第に (shidai ni) means 'gradually'.
次第に (shidai ni) means 'gradually'. It doesn't fit the meaning of 'depending on'.
次第 (shidai) can mean 'as soon as' (e.g., 終わり次第 - as soon as it finishes) or 'depending on' when used at the end of a sentence (e.g., 君次第だ - it's up to you). However, in the middle of a sentence to express 'depending on', 次第では is the correct form.
32. クレジットカードの番号等、他人に( )困る情報は、電子メールには書かないほうがいいそうだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ては困る (te wa komaru) means 'it would be troublesome if...' or 'I would be in trouble if...'. The passive form 知られては (shirarete wa) means 'if it becomes known' or 'if it is known by others'. This fits the context of sensitive information. The sentence means 'It is said that it's better not to write sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, in emails, as it would be troublesome if it became known to others.'
Why other options are incorrect:
知っていても (shitte ite mo) means 'even if one knows'. This doesn't fit the context of information that *shouldn't* be known.
知っていなくても (shitte inakute mo) means 'even if one doesn't know'. This is grammatically incorrect and doesn't fit the meaning.
知らなくては (shiranakute wa) means 'if one doesn't know, then...' or 'must know'. This is the opposite of the intended meaning.
33. 仕事は、決められた時間内に、いかに成果を上げるかが大切であり、単に時間をかけて( )と私は思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ばいいというものではない (ba ii to iu mono dewa nai) means 'it's not simply a matter of doing X' or 'it's not as simple as just doing X'. It implies that while X might be a factor, it's not the sole or sufficient condition. Here, it means it's not enough to just spend time and work hard. The sentence means 'In work, it's important how much output you produce within the allotted time, and I think it's not simply a matter of just spending time and working hard.'
Why other options are incorrect:
がんばることだといってもおかしくない (ganbaru koto da to itte mo okashikunai) means 'it wouldn't be strange to say that one should work hard'. This contradicts the first part of the sentence which emphasizes efficiency over mere effort.
がんばることでしかない (ganbaru koto de shika nai) means 'it's nothing but working hard'. This implies that working hard is the *only* thing, which contradicts the emphasis on results within a time limit.
がんばりようがない (ganbariyou ga nai) means 'there's no way to work hard' or 'can't do one's best'. This doesn't fit the context of discussing work efficiency.
34. 現在、潜水調査船を用いた調査研究が進展中であり、いずれ近いうちに海底のより詳細な地質構造が明らかに( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ものと思われる (mono to omowareru) is a formal expression meaning 'it is thought that...' or 'it is expected that...'. It is used to state a prediction or conclusion based on current information. The passive form 構造が明らかにされる (kōzō ga akiraka ni sareru - the structure will be revealed) is implied. The sentence means 'Currently, research using submersible survey vessels is progressing, and it is expected that the more detailed geological structure of the seabed will be revealed in the near future.'
Why other options are incorrect:
するという思いがある (suru to iu omoi ga aru) means 'there is a thought that it will do'. This is a personal opinion and less formal/objective than what is required for a scientific prediction.
なったかに思える (natta ka ni omoeru) means 'it seems as if it has become'. This implies a past or completed action, not a future expectation.
するだろうと思う (suru darou to omou) means 'I think it will do'. This is a personal and less formal expression compared to ～ものと思われる, which is suitable for a formal announcement or scientific statement.
35. 山下「あのう、西村先輩。私、今日でこのサークルを( )。」</br>西村「ええ?辞める?急にどうして?」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～させてもらおうかと思って (sasete moraou ka to omotte) is a polite and indirect way of expressing one's intention to do something, specifically asking for permission or indicating a desire to be allowed to do something. Here, Yamashita is politely informing Nishimura-senpai of her intention to quit the club. The sentence means 'Yamashita: 'Um, Nishimura-senpai. I was thinking of having myself allowed to quit this club today.' Nishimura: 'Huh? Quit? Why so suddenly?'
Why other options are incorrect:
辞めてしまわれたのでしょうか (yamete shimawareta no deshou ka) is a passive-honorific form asking 'Did you quit?' or 'Has it been quit?'. This is a question about a completed action, not an expression of one's own intention to quit.
辞めてしまったのかと思って (yamete shimatta no ka to omotte) means 'thinking that I had quit'. This is a thought about a past action, not an intention to quit now.
辞めさせたらどうでしょうか (yamesasetara dou deshou ka) means 'How about making me quit?' or 'How about letting me quit?'. This is a suggestion or question about making someone else quit, or asking for advice on how to quit, which doesn't fit the direct announcement of intention.
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. 「アセビ」という、白い花を咲かせる樹木を漢字で「馬酔木」と書くのは、アセビには_★_ ___ ___ ___そうです。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: アセビには [有毒成分があり] [馬が食べると酔ったような] [状態になることに] [由来する] そうです。 (Asebi ni wa yūdoku seibun ga ari uma ga taberu to yotta yō na jōtai ni naru koto ni yurai suru sō desu.) The phrase means 'Asebi has toxic components, and it is said that its name originates from the fact that horses become intoxicated when they eat it.' The `★` position is filled by `有毒成分があり` (has toxic components), which logically precedes the effect on horses.
Why other options are incorrect:
由来する (yurai suru - originates from) is the final verb in the explanation of the origin, so it cannot be in the `★` position.
状態になることに (jōtai ni naru koto ni - to the state of becoming) follows the description of the state (酔ったような - intoxicated-like), so it cannot be in the `★` position.
馬が食べると酔ったような (uma ga taberu to yotta yō na - like horses get drunk when they eat it) describes the effect, which comes after the reason (toxic components), so it cannot be in the `★` position.
37. 家族の時間を大切にする夫は、つい___ ___ _★_ ___ありがたい存在です。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 家族の時間を大切にする夫は、つい [仕事に夢中になりすぎる] [私に] [本当に大切なものは何なのか] [気づかせてくれる] ありがたい存在です。(Kazoku no jikan o taisetsu ni suru otto wa, tsui shigoto ni muchū ni narisugiru watashi ni hontō ni taisetsu na mono wa nan na no ka kidzukasete kureru arigatai sonzai desu.) The phrase means 'My husband, who values family time, is a grateful presence who makes me realize what is truly important, as I tend to get too absorbed in work.' The `★` position is filled by `本当に大切なものは何なのか` (what is truly important), which is the object of the verb `気づかせてくれる` (makes me realize).
Why other options are incorrect:
私に (watashi ni - to me) is the indirect object of the verb, which comes before the direct object (what is truly important).
仕事に夢中になりすぎる (shigoto ni muchū ni narisugiru - get too absorbed in work) describes the speaker's tendency, which comes earlier in the sentence.
気づかせてくれる (kidzukasete kureru - makes me realize) is the main verb phrase describing the husband's action, which comes after the object of realization.
38. Z県知事の林和夫氏は、週刊誌で、脱税を行った___ ___ _★_ ___異なり、名誉を傷つけられたとして、発行元のX社を相手取り訴訟を起こした。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: Z県知事の林和夫氏は、週刊誌で、脱税を行った [疑いがあるなどと] [報じられた] [ことに対し] [事実とは全く] 異なり、名誉を傷つけられたとして、発行元のX社を相手取り訴訟を起こした。(Z-ken chiji no Hayashi Kazuo-shi wa, shūkanshi de, datsuzei o okonatta utagai ga aru nado to hōjirareta koto ni taishi jijitsu to wa mattaku kotonari, meiyo o kizutsukerareta to shite, hakkōmoto no X-sha o aite dori soshō o okoshita.) The phrase means 'Governor Kazuo Hayashi of Z Prefecture filed a lawsuit against X Company, the publisher, claiming that his reputation was damaged, as the weekly magazine reported that he was suspected of tax evasion, which was completely contrary to the facts.' The `★` position is filled by `ことに対し` (in response to the fact that), which connects the reported accusation to the governor's action of filing a lawsuit.
Why other options are incorrect:
事実とは全く (jijitsu to wa mattaku - completely contrary to the facts) comes after the `ことに対し` phrase, describing the nature of the report.
疑いがあるなどと (utagai ga aru nado to - that there was suspicion, etc.) is part of the content of the report, which comes before `報じられた`.
報じられた (hōjirareta - was reported) is the verb describing the magazine's action, which comes before `ことに対し`.
39. Q鉄道が 10 年ぶりに運賃値上げに踏み切った。安全対策や原油の高騰で支出が増え、経営努力だけでは対応しきれないと判断___ ___ _★_ ___。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: Q鉄道が 10 年ぶりに運賃値上げに踏み切った。安全対策や原油の高騰で支出が増え、経営努力だけでは対応しきれないと判断 [して] [の] [ことだ] [という]。 (Q tetsudō ga jūnen buri ni unchin neage ni fumikitta. Anzen taisaku ya gen'yu no kōtō de shishutsu ga fue, keiei doryoku dake de wa taiō shiki renai to handan shite no koto da to iu.) The phrase means 'Q Railway decided to raise fares for the first time in 10 years. It is said that this decision was made because expenses increased due to safety measures and soaring crude oil prices, and they judged that they could not cope with management efforts alone.' The `★` position is filled by `ことだ` (it is a matter of), which forms the structure `～てののことだ` (it is a matter of having done ~), indicating the reason or background for the action.
Why other options are incorrect:
という (to iu - it is said that) is the final part of the reported statement, so it cannot be in the `★` position.
の (no) is part of the `～ての` structure, which comes before `ことだ`.
して (shite - having judged) is the te-form of 判断する (handan suru - to judge), which comes before `の`.
40. 世の中にはさまざまな資格があふれているが、資格を取った___ ___ ___ _★_ 世間は甘くないらしい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 世の中にはさまざまな資格があふれているが、資格を取った [だけ] [で] [希望の職につける] [ほど] 世間は甘くないらしい。(Yo no naka ni wa samazama na shikaku ga afurete iru ga, shikaku o totta dake de kibō no shoku ni tsukeru hodo seken wa amakunai rashii.) The phrase means 'There are many qualifications overflowing in the world, but it seems the world is not so naive that you can get your desired job just by getting a qualification.' The `★` position is filled by `ほど` (hodo), which means 'to the extent that' or 'so much that'. The full phrase `～だけでは～ほど～ない` means 'it's not so easy that you can just do X and get Y'.
Why other options are incorrect:
だけ (dake - just/only) is part of the phrase `～だけで` (just by doing ~), which comes before `で`.
で (de - by/with) is part of the phrase `～だけで` (just by doing ~), which comes after `だけ`.
希望の職につける (kibō no shoku ni tsukeru - can get one's desired job) is the action that is not easily achieved, and it comes before `ほど`.
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
紅葉の異変
サリムソフィア
私は日本の秋の景色が好きです。秋になって紅葉が始まり、緑だった葉が黄色やオレンジ、赤に変わると、とてもきれいです。秋の紅葉は、日本の四季の「変化を感じさせてくれるものです。
【48】ですが、先日テレビで、紅葉がピークを迎える時期が年々遅くなっているというニュースを見ました。専門家によると、これは地球温暖化が原因だそうです。温暖化によって、空気の気温がなかなか下がらず、紅葉に必要な条件がそろわないのだといいます。このニュースを見て、私はとても心配になりました。日本の美しい四季の景色が、このまま失われてしまうのではないかと。地球温暖化は、遠い国の問題ではなく、私自身の問題だと強く感じました。
【49】私は、この問題に対して、自分に何ができるかを考えました。まず、日常生活でできることから始めようと思いました。例えば、電気をこまめに消す、公共交通機関を利用する、リサイクルを徹底するなどです。小さなことかもしれませんが、一人ひとりの行動が大切だと信じています。
【50】また、私はこの問題を周りの人にも伝えたいと思いました。友人や家族と話し合い、地球温暖化についてもっと知ってもらう機会を作りたいです。そして、みんなで一緒に、この美しい地球を守るために行動を起こしたいです。
【51】地球温暖化は、私たち一人ひとりの意識と行動にかかっています。未来の世代に美しい地球を残すために、今すぐできることを始めましょう。
English Summary & Annotations
41.
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage contrasts machines, which follow manuals, with living creatures, stating that what applies to one living creature does not necessarily apply to another. Option 2, `こちらにいえるとは限らない` (it doesn't necessarily apply here), perfectly captures this idea of individuality and the unpredictability of living things compared to machines.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'it's not impossible to say it applies here too', which implies it *might* apply, contradicting the idea that living things are unpredictable.
This means 'I didn't think it could be said here too'. This is a past tense personal thought and doesn't fit the general statement about living things.
This is a question asking 'Do you think it can't be said here?', which doesn't fit the declarative statement of the passage.
42.
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes the timing of reading the cat manual. The phrase `飼い始めようという時に` (when I was about to start keeping [a cat]) fits the context of preparing to own a cat, which is when one would naturally read a manual. The option `ろうという` is the correct part of this larger phrase, indicating an intention or plan.
Why other options are incorrect:
そういう (sō iu - that kind of) doesn't fit grammatically or contextually with `時に`.
する (suru - to do) is too general and doesn't convey the nuance of intention or preparation.
あの (ano - that) is a demonstrative pronoun and doesn't fit grammatically with `時に` in this context.
43.
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage immediately following the blank explains the cat's behavior during `用足し` (relieving itself) and the owner's appropriate response. This entire explanation is clearly about the cat's toilet habits. Therefore, `トイレのことだ` (it was about the toilet) is the most fitting summary of the convincing point from the manual.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'it must be about the toilet'. While the content is about the toilet, the nuance of 'must be' is too strong for a simple statement of what was convincing.
This means 'because it's the toilet'. This implies a reason, not a topic.
This means 'I heard it was the toilet'. This implies hearsay, but the author read it in a manual.
44.
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The previous paragraph describes the author's attempt to follow the manual's advice regarding the cat's toilet habits. The current paragraph then describes the cat's actual behavior, which is the opposite of what the manual suggested. `ところがである` (However, it was...) is a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting or unexpected situation, making it the most appropriate choice here.
Why other options are incorrect:
もっともである (mottomo de aru) means 'it is most reasonable' or 'it is natural'. This would imply agreement or logical continuation, which contradicts the unexpected behavior.
当然である (tōzen de aru) means 'it is natural' or 'it is obvious'. This also implies agreement or expected behavior, which is incorrect.
例えばである (tatoeba de aru) means 'for example'. This would introduce an example, not a contradiction.
45.
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author is reflecting on the experience with the cat that contradicted the manual. This experience led to a renewed understanding that living things have individuality. `認識させられる出来事だった` (it was an event that made me realize) accurately describes this specific, impactful experience that led to the realization.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'there was a time I was made to realize'. While grammatically possible, '出来事だった' (it was an event) emphasizes the specific nature of the experience more strongly.
This means 'it was thanks to being made to realize'. This implies gratitude, which doesn't fit the reflective tone about a realization.
This means 'there was a story that made me realize'. This implies a narrative or anecdote, but the author is referring to their direct experience with their cat.