2016/07 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. この寺の周辺には<u>樹木</u>が茂っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
樹木 (じゅもく) is the correct reading for the kanji 樹木, which means 'trees' or 'shrubs'. The sentence means 'Trees and shrubs grow thickly around this temple.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 樹木.
This is an incorrect reading for 樹木.
This is an incorrect reading for 樹木.
2. 将来のために様々な知識を<u>蓄えて</u>おきたい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
蓄えて (たくわえて) is the correct reading for the kanji 蓄える, which means 'to store up' or 'to accumulate'. The sentence means 'I want to accumulate various knowledge for the future.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 携えて (たずさえて), meaning 'to carry (in hand)'.
This is the reading for 備えて (そなえて), meaning 'to prepare for'.
This is the reading for 抱えて (かかえて), meaning 'to hold in one's arms' or 'to have (a problem)'.
3. この店は今月から商品の<u>陳列</u>の仕方を変更しました。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
陳列 (ちんれつ) is the correct reading for the kanji 陳列, which means 'display' or 'exhibition'. The sentence means 'This store changed the way products are displayed starting this month.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 陳列.
This is an incorrect reading for 陳列.
This is an incorrect reading for 陳列.
4. 今日の舞台は<u>華やか</u>で、観客を大いに楽しませた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
華やか (はなやか) is the correct reading for the kanji 華やか, which means 'gorgeous', 'showy', or 'brilliant'. The sentence means 'Today's stage was gorgeous and greatly entertained the audience.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 和やか (なごやか), meaning 'mild, gentle, peaceful'.
This is the reading for 鮮やか (あざやか), meaning 'vivid, brilliant, clear'.
This is the reading for 軽やか (かろやか), meaning 'light, nimble'.
5. 専門家に<u>鑑定</u>を依頼した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
鑑定 (かんてい) is the correct reading for the kanji 鑑定, which means 'appraisal', 'expert opinion', or 'assessment'. The sentence means 'We requested an appraisal from an expert.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 鑑定.
This is an incorrect reading for 鑑定.
This is an incorrect reading for 鑑定.
6. この雑誌にある情報は少し<u>偏って</u>いる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
偏って (かたよって) is the correct reading for the kanji 偏る, which means 'to be biased', 'to be prejudiced', or 'to lean to one side'. The sentence means 'The information in this magazine is a bit biased.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 拘って (こだわって), meaning 'to be particular about', 'to be obsessed with'.
This is the reading for 誤って (あやまって), meaning 'by mistake', or 謝って (あやまって), meaning 'to apologize'.
This is an incorrect reading.
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. 今回の事故から得た( )をもとに、再発を防止するための対策を立てた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
教訓 (きょうくん) means 'lesson' or 'precept'. The sentence means 'Based on the lesson learned from this accident, we formulated measures to prevent recurrence.' This fits the context of learning from an incident to prevent future ones.
Why other options are incorrect:
触発 (しょくはつ) means 'triggering' or 'inspiration'. It does not fit the context of learning from an accident.
啓発 (けいはつ) means 'enlightenment' or 'education'. While related to learning, it doesn't directly refer to a 'lesson' derived from an event.
教養 (きょうよう) means 'culture' or 'refinement'. It is not suitable for the context of preventing accidents.
8. 林さんは服の( )が抜群で、いつもすてきな服装をしている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
センス (sense) means 'taste', 'flair', or 'good judgment'. In this context, 服のセンス (fuku no sense) means 'fashion sense' or 'taste in clothes'. The sentence means 'Mr. Hayashi has excellent fashion sense and always dresses wonderfully.'
Why other options are incorrect:
タイミング (timing) refers to the opportune moment. It is not related to fashion.
ステップ (step) refers to a step or stage. It is not related to fashion.
ニュアンス (nuance) refers to a subtle difference in meaning or expression. It is not related to fashion.
9. A 社は、開発した技術が( )するのを防ぐため、管理体制を強化した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
流出 (りゅうしゅつ) means 'leakage', 'outflow', or 'spillage'. In the context of technology, it refers to confidential information or technology being leaked. The sentence means 'Company A strengthened its management system to prevent the developed technology from leaking.'
Why other options are incorrect:
展開 (てんかい) means 'development', 'unfolding', or 'expansion'. It does not fit the context of preventing something negative.
発散 (はっさん) means 'emission', 'diffusion', or 'release (of stress)'. It is not suitable for technology leakage.
転向 (てんこう) means 'conversion', 'change of direction', or 'apostasy'. It is not related to technology security.
10. どんな苦難に直面しても、最善を( )よう努めている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
尽くす (つくす) means 'to exhaust', 'to do one's best', or 'to serve'. 最善を尽くす (saizen o tsukusu) is a common idiom meaning 'to do one's utmost best'. The sentence means 'No matter what hardships I face, I strive to do my best.'
Why other options are incorrect:
遂げる (とげる) means 'to achieve', 'to accomplish'. While related to achievement, it doesn't form the common idiom 'to do one's best'.
果たす (はたす) means 'to fulfill', 'to carry out (a duty)'. Similar to 遂げる, but not the most natural fit for 'doing one's best'.
極める (きわめる) means 'to master', 'to carry to extremes'. It is not suitable for 'doing one's best' in a general sense.
11. 駅から博物館まではバスが( )出ているので、ほとんど待たずに乗ることができる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
頻繁に (ひんぱんに) means 'frequently' or 'often'. This fits the context of buses running so often that you don't have to wait long. The sentence means 'Buses run frequently from the station to the museum, so you can get on almost without waiting.'
Why other options are incorrect:
緊密に (きんみつに) means 'closely' or 'tightly (related)'. It is not applicable to bus frequency.
活発に (かっぱつに) means 'actively' or 'lively'. It describes activity, not frequency of service.
円滑に (えんかつに) means 'smoothly' or 'harmoniously'. It describes a smooth process, not frequency.
12. 一日中歩いて( )疲れたので、今夜はゆっくり休みたい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
へとへとに (hetoheto ni) is an adverb meaning 'completely exhausted' or 'worn out'. This perfectly describes the feeling after walking all day. The sentence means 'I'm completely exhausted from walking all day, so I want to rest well tonight.'
Why other options are incorrect:
すっきり (sukkiri) means 'refreshed', 'neat', or 'clear'. It is the opposite of tired.
からからに (karakara ni) means 'bone dry' or 'parched'. It usually refers to dryness, not exhaustion.
ぎっしり (gisshiri) means 'packed tightly' or 'crammed'. It describes density, not fatigue.
13. 母に相談したかったが、忙しそうだったので、なかなか話を( )ことができなかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
切り出す (きりだす) means 'to start (a conversation)', 'to bring up (a topic)', or 'to broach'. This fits the context of wanting to talk but finding it difficult to initiate the conversation. The sentence means 'I wanted to consult my mother, but she seemed busy, so I couldn't bring up the topic easily.'
Why other options are incorrect:
押し込む (おしこむ) means 'to push into' or 'to cram'. It is not suitable for starting a conversation.
割り当てる (わりあてる) means 'to assign' or 'to allocate'. It is not related to starting a conversation.
持ち上げる (もちあげる) means 'to lift up' or 'to praise'. It is not related to starting a conversation.
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. この文は主人公の心情を<u>端的に</u>表している。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
端的に (たんてきに) means 'frankly', 'concisely', 'directly', or 'pointedly'. 明白に (めいはくに) means 'clearly' or 'plainly'. While not a perfect synonym, 'clearly' is the closest among the options to expressing something directly and without ambiguity. The sentence means 'This sentence clearly expresses the protagonist's feelings.'
Why other options are incorrect:
部分的に (ぶぶんてきに) means 'partially'. This is the opposite of 'directly' or 'concisely'.
大げさに (おおげさに) means 'exaggeratedly' or 'grandly'. This is the opposite of 'concisely'.
主に (おもに) means 'mainly' or 'primarily'. It is not related to the manner of expression.
15. <u>わずらわしい</u>作業がやっと終わった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
わずらわしい (wazurawashii) means 'troublesome', 'annoying', 'bothersome', or 'complicated'. 面倒な (めんどうな) means 'troublesome', 'bothersome', or 'difficult'. These two words are very close in meaning. The sentence means 'The troublesome task is finally over.'
Why other options are incorrect:
苦手な (にがてな) means 'poor at' or 'dislikes'. It refers to one's ability or preference, not the nature of the task itself.
単調な (たんちょうな) means 'monotonous' or 'dull'. While a troublesome task might be monotonous, it's not the primary meaning of わずらわしい.
膨大な (ぼうだいな) means 'enormous' or 'vast'. It refers to quantity, not the nature of the task.
16. 私は小学校の同級生の名前を<u>かろうじて</u>思い出した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
かろうじて (karōjite) means 'barely', 'narrowly', 'with difficulty', or 'just managing to'. 何とか (nantoka) means 'somehow', 'anyhow', 'barely', or 'with difficulty'. They are very similar in meaning, indicating that something was achieved with effort or just barely. The sentence means 'I barely remembered the name of my elementary school classmate.'
Why other options are incorrect:
なぜか (nazeka) means 'for some reason'. It is not related to difficulty.
すぐに (sugu ni) means 'immediately' or 'right away'. This is the opposite of 'with difficulty'.
たまたま (tamatama) means 'by chance' or 'accidentally'. It is not related to effort or difficulty.
17. 彼は<u>自尊心</u>を取り戻した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
自尊心 (じそんしん) means 'self-respect' or 'pride'. プライド (pride) is a loanword meaning 'pride' or 'self-esteem'. They are direct synonyms. The sentence means 'He regained his self-respect/pride.'
Why other options are incorrect:
イメージ (image) means 'image' or 'impression'. It is not related to self-esteem.
コントロール (control) means 'control'. It is not related to self-esteem.
スタイル (style) means 'style' or 'form'. It is not related to self-esteem.
18. これは私にとって<u>ささいな</u>問題だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ささいな (sasai na) means 'trivial', 'minor', 'petty', or 'insignificant'. 小さな (chiisana) means 'small' or 'minor'. In this context, 'small' is the closest meaning. The sentence means 'This is a trivial/small problem for me.'
Why other options are incorrect:
重要な (じゅうような) means 'important'. This is the opposite of ささいな.
新たな (あらたな) means 'new'. It is not related to significance.
深刻な (しんこくな) means 'serious' or 'grave'. This is the opposite of ささいな.
19. 佐藤さんは少し<u>とまどって</u>いるようだった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
とまどって (tomadotte) is the te-form of 戸惑う (tomadou), meaning 'to be bewildered', 'to be perplexed', 'to be at a loss', or 'to be confused'. 困って (komatte) is the te-form of 困る (komaru), meaning 'to be troubled', 'to be in difficulty', or 'to be at a loss'. They are very similar in meaning, especially in the sense of being unsure or having difficulty. The sentence means 'Mr. Sato seemed a little bewildered/troubled.'
Why other options are incorrect:
驚いて (odoroite) means 'surprised'. While confusion can lead to surprise, it's not the primary meaning.
怖がって (kowagatte) means 'scared' or 'frightened'. It is not related to bewilderment.
悔やんで (kuyande) means 'regretting' or 'lamenting'. It is not related to bewilderment.
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>規制</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
規制 (きせい) means 'regulation', 'control', or 'restriction'. Option 3, 'マラソン大会当日は交通が規制され、一部の通路が通行止めになる。' (On the day of the marathon, traffic will be regulated, and some passages will be closed), correctly uses 規制 in the context of traffic control.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. 規制 is not used for minimizing expenses. 抑える (osaeru - to suppress/keep down) or 削減する (sakugen suru - to reduce) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. 規制 is not used for one's own actions like reducing part-time work. 控える (hikaeru - to refrain from) or 減らす (herasu - to reduce) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. While it implies a limit, 規制 is typically used for rules or laws. 制限 (seigen - limit) or 定員 (teiin - capacity) would be more natural for student numbers.
21. <u>入手</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
入手 (にゅうしゅ) means 'to obtain' or 'to get (information, goods, etc.)'. Option 4, '海外に留学する際には、現地の生活に役立つ情報を入手しておくといい。' (When studying abroad, it's good to obtain information useful for local life), correctly uses 入手 for acquiring information.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. You don't 'obtain' criticism; you 'receive' it (受ける - ukeru) or 'face' it (浴びる - abiru) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. You don't 'obtain' a salary; you 'receive' it (もらう - morau) or 'get' it (得る - eru) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. You don't 'obtain' awards; you 'win' them (受賞する - jushō suru) or 'receive' them (受ける - ukeru) would be more appropriate.
22. <u>素早い</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
素早い (すばやい) means 'quick', 'fast', 'agile', or 'prompt'. It describes quickness in action or response. Option 1, '警察の素早い対応によって、逃走した犯人はその日のうちに逮捕された。' (Thanks to the police's swift response, the escaped culprit was arrested within the day), correctly uses 素早い to describe a quick and efficient response.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. While paper flies quickly, 素早く is usually for intentional or living actions. 勢いよく (ikioiyoku - vigorously) or あっという間に (attoiumani - in a flash) would be more natural.
Incorrect. For talking speed, 早口 (hayakuchi - fast talker) or 話すのが速い (hanasu no ga hayai - speaks fast) is used, not 素早い.
Incorrect. For selling out quickly, あっという間に (attoiumani - in a flash) or すぐに (sugu ni - immediately) is more appropriate. 素早く implies an active agent's quickness.
23. <u>経緯</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
経緯 (けいい) means 'details', 'circumstances', 'background', or 'how things came about'. It refers to the sequence of events leading to a particular outcome. Option 2, '社長は今日の会議で、A社との契約問題が解決に至った経緯を説明した。' (The president explained the circumstances that led to the resolution of the contract issue with Company A at today's meeting), correctly uses 経緯 to describe the sequence of events.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. For daily events in a diary, 日々の出来事 (hibi no dekigoto - daily happenings) or 経過 (keika - progress/passage of time) would be more suitable.
Incorrect. 経緯 is not used for levels or stages in a curriculum. 段階 (dankai - stage/phase) or レベル (reberu - level) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. For a manufacturing process, 工程 (kōtei - process) or 製造過程 (seizō katei - manufacturing process) would be more appropriate. 経緯 is more about the 'story' or 'background' of how something happened, not a technical process.
24. <u>退く</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
退く (しりぞく/ひく/どく) has several meanings, including 'to retreat', 'to withdraw', 'to resign (from a position)', or 'to step down'. Option 2, '佐藤氏は社長の地位を退いた後も、会社への影響力を持ちつづけた。' (Even after Mr. Sato resigned from the position of president, he continued to exert influence on the company), correctly uses 退く in the sense of resigning from a position.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. You don't 'retreat' from an irregular lifestyle; you 'stop' it (やめる - yameru) or 'change' it (改める - aratameru) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. You don't 'retreat' from a busy period; you 'get through' it (乗り越える - norikoeru) or 'finish' it (終える - oeru) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. You don't 'retreat' from a critical situation; you 'overcome' it (乗り越える - norikoeru) or 'escape' it (脱する - dassuru) would be more appropriate.
25. <u>還元</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
還元 (かんげん) means 'restoration', 'return (to a previous state)', 'reduction (chemistry)', or 'giving back/returning (profits to society)'. Option 4, 'A社は、会社が得た利益を自然保護活動を通じて社会に還元している。' (Company A is returning the profits it earned to society through nature conservation activities), correctly uses 還元 in the sense of giving back or returning profits to society.
Why other options are incorrect:
Incorrect. You don't 'return' physical strength; you 'recover' it (回復する - kaifuku suru) or 'replenish' it (補給する - hokyū suru) would be more appropriate.
Incorrect. For a refund, 返金 (henkin - refund) or 払い戻し (haraimodoshi - refund) is used, not 還元.
Incorrect. For production numbers returning to a previous state, 回復 (kaifuku - recovery) or 持ち直す (mochinaosu - to recover/improve) 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. アナウンサー「次の試合は優勝候補同士の対決です。( )どちらが勝つのでしょうか。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
果たして (はたして) is an adverb used when expressing doubt or anticipation about whether something will actually happen, often followed by a question. It means 'as expected', 'sure enough', or 'really (with a question)'. In this context, it conveys the announcer's anticipation and slight uncertainty about the outcome of the match between two strong contenders. The sentence means 'Announcer: The next match is a showdown between two championship contenders. I wonder who will really win?'
Why other options are incorrect:
ついに (tsuini) means 'finally' or 'at last'. It implies a long-awaited outcome, not uncertainty.
まさか (masaka) means 'by no means', 'impossible', or 'you don't say'. It expresses disbelief or surprise, not anticipation.
どうやら (dōyara) means 'it seems like', 'apparently', or 'somehow'. It suggests a likely outcome based on observation, not a question of whether something will happen.
27. 相手の意見に対して、どんな反論を( )自由だが、自分の考えを一方的に押し付けるのはよくないと思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～しようと (shiyō to) is a grammar pattern meaning 'no matter how much one tries to do X' or 'whether one does X or not'. It implies that something is up to one's discretion. The full phrase どんな反論をしようと自由だが (donna hanron o shiyō to jiyū da ga) means 'no matter what kind of rebuttal one tries to make, it's free (to do so), but...'. The sentence means 'You are free to make any rebuttal to the other person's opinion, but I think it's not good to unilaterally impose your own ideas.'
Why other options are incorrect:
する以上 (suru ijō) means 'as long as one does X' or 'since one does X'. It implies a condition or reason.
しつつも (shitsutsu mo) means 'while doing X, also Y' or 'despite doing X'. It implies a contrast or simultaneous action.
している限りは (shiteiru kagiri wa) means 'as long as one is doing X'. It implies a duration or condition.
28. A公園ではバーベキューや釣りもできるので、親子で一日楽しめる。週末( )、いつも朝から家族連れでいっぱいだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ともなれば (tomonareba) is a grammar pattern meaning 'when it comes to X' or 'if it becomes X, then...'. It indicates that a certain situation or condition (X) leads to a predictable outcome. Here, '週末ともなれば' means 'when it becomes the weekend'. The sentence means 'At Park A, you can also barbecue and fish, so families can enjoy a whole day. When it comes to the weekend, it's always full of families from the morning.'
Why other options are incorrect:
にっき (nikki) is a noun meaning 'diary'. It is completely irrelevant here.
を機に (o ki ni) means 'taking the opportunity of X' or 'prompted by X'. It implies a trigger for an action, not a general condition.
をもって (o motte) means 'with X' (as a means), 'by X' (as a deadline), or 'as of X'. It is not suitable for describing a general state on weekends.
29. 「このプロジェクトが成功( )、リーダーの君にかかっている。」と課長に言われ、やる気が高まった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～するもしないも (suru mo shinai mo) is a grammar pattern meaning 'whether X happens or not depends entirely on Y'. It emphasizes that the outcome is solely dependent on the subject. The phrase '成功するもしないもリーダーの君にかかっている' means 'whether this project succeeds or not depends entirely on you, the leader'. The sentence means 'When my section chief told me, "Whether this project succeeds or not depends entirely on you, the leader," my motivation increased.'
Why other options are incorrect:
するやらしないやら (suru yara shinai yara) means 'whether to do X or not, I don't know' or 'uncertain whether X will happen'. It expresses uncertainty, not dependence.
するなりしないなり (suru nari shinai nari) means 'do X or not, as you please' or 'do X in your own way'. It implies freedom of choice, not dependence on someone.
するというかしないというか (suru to iu ka shinai to iu ka) means 'whether you could say it does X or not'. It expresses ambiguity or difficulty in defining something.
30. 昨日初めてハンバーグを作ったが、家族にあまりおいしくないと言われてしまった。今度は絶対おいしく( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～てみせる (temiseru) is a grammar pattern meaning 'to do X to show someone' or 'to do X to prove something'. It expresses the speaker's strong determination to achieve something and demonstrate it. The sentence means 'Yesterday, I made hamburg steak for the first time, but my family said it wasn't very tasty. Next time, I will definitely make it delicious (to show them).'
Why other options are incorrect:
作るものか (tsukuru mono ka) means 'I would never make X' or 'Is it something I would make?'. It expresses strong negation or a rhetorical question.
作る始末だ (tsukuru shimatsu da) means 'it ended up doing X' or 'it came to the point of doing X'. It describes an undesirable outcome.
作りつつある (tsukuri tsutsu aru) means 'in the process of making X' or 'is gradually making X'. It describes an ongoing process.
31. このパソコンは新品だと10万円はするが、中古なら高くても4、5万円( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～といったところだ (to itta tokoro da) is a grammar pattern meaning 'that's about the extent of it', 'at most', or 'that's the most one can expect'. It indicates an approximate maximum or a general range. The sentence means 'This computer costs 100,000 yen new, but if it's used, it would be about 40,000 or 50,000 yen at most, even if expensive.'
Why other options are incorrect:
に上る (ni noboru) means 'to amount to' or 'to reach'. While it indicates a total, it doesn't carry the nuance of 'at most' or 'about that much' in the same way.
でもあるまい (de mo arumai) means 'it's probably not X' or 'it couldn't possibly be X'. It expresses negation or doubt.
どころではない (dokoro de wa nai) means 'it's not the time/place for X' or 'far from X'. It expresses that something is out of the question.
32. 数々の名曲を生み出し、天才作曲家と呼ばれる山川氏だが、天才( )苦悩もあったという。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～であるがゆえの (dearu ga yue no) is a grammar pattern meaning 'because of being X' or 'precisely because X is the case'. It indicates that the preceding noun (天才 - genius) is the reason for the following state (苦悩 - suffering). The sentence means 'Mr. Yamakawa, who has created many masterpieces and is called a genius composer, is said to have also experienced suffering precisely because he is a genius.'
Why other options are incorrect:
とし得る (to shi eru) means 'can be considered X' or 'can be X'. It expresses possibility or capability.
であるがごとき (dearu ga gotoki) means 'like X' or 'as if X'. It expresses similarity.
とせざるを得ない (to sezaru o enai) means 'cannot help but consider X' or 'have no choice but to do X'. It expresses compulsion or necessity.
33. 今回の市長選挙で、川西氏は、福祉や教育の充実を訴えて市民の心を( )、支持が得られず、落選に終わった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ようとしたものの (yō to shita mono no) is a grammar pattern meaning 'although one tried to do X, it didn't turn out as expected'. It expresses a failed attempt despite effort. The phrase '市民の心をつかもうとしたものの' means 'although he tried to capture the hearts of the citizens'. The sentence means 'In this mayoral election, Mr. Kawanishi appealed for the enhancement of welfare and education, but although he tried to capture the hearts of the citizens, he failed to gain support and ended up losing the election.'
Why other options are incorrect:
つかみきれなかったものの (tsukamikirenakatta mono no) means 'although he couldn't completely capture'. While grammatically possible, 'つかもうとしたものの' (tried to capture but failed) better fits the context of an effort that didn't yield the desired result, leading to failure.
つかもうとしたからといって (tsukamu to shita kara to itte) means 'just because he tried to capture'. It implies that the reason is not sufficient.
つかみきれなかったからといって (tsukamikirenakatta kara to itte) means 'just because he couldn't completely capture'. Similar to option 3, it implies insufficient reason.
34. 弟は就職活動がうまくいかず大変そうだが、私が代わることもできないので、自分の力で( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～てもらうしかない (temorau shika nai) is a grammar pattern meaning 'have no choice but to have someone do X' or 'can only rely on someone to do X'. It expresses that the speaker cannot help and the other person must do it themselves. The sentence means 'My younger brother seems to be having a hard time with his job search, but since I can't take his place, he has no choice but to do his best on his own.'
Why other options are incorrect:
頑張れるに決まっている (ganbareru ni kimatteiru) means 'it's certain that he can do his best'. It expresses certainty, not necessity due to inability to help.
頑張れないこともない (ganbarenai koto mo nai) means 'it's not impossible to do his best'. It expresses possibility, not necessity.
頑張ってしまうところがある (ganbatte shimau tokoro ga aru) means 'there are times when he ends up doing his best (perhaps unintentionally or excessively)'. It describes a tendency.
35. (メールで)<br/>風邪の具合はいかがですか。今年の風邪は長引くみたいですから、どうぞお気をつけください。一日も早く回復( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～されますように (saremasu yō ni) is a polite expression used to express a wish or hope for someone else's well-being or for something to happen. 回復されますように (kaifuku saremasu yō ni) means 'I hope you recover soon'. This is a very common and appropriate phrase in a polite email wishing someone recovery. The sentence means 'How is your cold? This year's cold seems to linger, so please take care. I hope you recover as soon as possible.'
Why other options are incorrect:
願ってはどうですか (negatte wa dō desu ka) means 'How about wishing for it?'. This is a suggestion to the recipient, not a wish from the sender.
いたしたく思います (itashitaku omoimasu) means 'I would like to do (humble form)'. This expresses the speaker's desire to do something, not a wish for the recipient.
していらっしゃるでしょうか (shiteirassharu deshō ka) means 'Are you doing X (honorific)?'. This is a question about the recipient's current state, not a wish.
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. 町の夏祭りに行くときはいつも一人だ。一人で、___ _★_ ___ ___ 約束して一緒に行く必要も ないからだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence structure is: 一人で行っても <u>誰かしら</u> 友達に会うので誰かと約束して一緒に行く必要もないからだ。 * 一人で行っても (hitori de itte mo): 'Even if I go alone' * 誰かしら (dareka shira): 'someone or other' (implies 'someone for sure') * 友達に会うので (tomodachi ni au node): 'because I'll meet friends' * 誰かと約束して一緒に行く必要もないからだ (dareka to yakusoku shite issho ni iku hitsuyō mo nai kara da): 'there's no need to make plans with someone and go together.' The full sentence means: 'When I go to the town's summer festival, I'm always alone. That's because even if I go alone, I'm sure to meet some friends, so there's no need to make plans with someone and go together.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
37. 先月初めて出版した自分の小説の売れ行きが気になっているが、友人の前では、そんなこと ___ _★_ ___ ___ 言ってしまう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence structure is: そんなこと <u>どうだって</u> <u>かまわない</u> とか本心とは違うことを言ってしまう。 * どうだってかまわない (dō datte kamawanai): 'I don't care how it is' or 'it doesn't matter at all'. * とか (toka): 'such as' or 'things like'. * 本心とは違うことを言ってしまう (honshin to wa chigau koto o itte shimau): 'I end up saying things that are different from my true feelings.' The full sentence means: 'I'm worried about the sales of my novel that I published for the first time last month, but in front of my friends, I end up saying things that are different from my true feelings, like "I don't care about such things at all."'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
38. 授業のレポートなどでインターネット上のデータを使用するときは、情報が正しい___ ___ _★_ ___ も重要である。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence structure is: 情報が正しい <u>か否か</u> <u>だけでなく</u> <u>いつのデータかを</u> 確認することも重要である。 * 情報が正しいか否か (jōhō ga tadashii ka inoka): 'whether the information is correct or not' * だけでなく (dake de naku): 'not only that' * いつのデータかを (itsu no dēta ka o): 'what date the data is from' * 確認することも重要である (kakunin suru koto mo jūyō de aru): 'it is also important to confirm.' The full sentence means: 'When using internet data for class reports, it's important not only to confirm whether the information is correct or not, but also to confirm what date the data is from.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
39. 部屋が汚いことを___ ___ _★_ ___ まだ汚いと言われた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence structure is: 部屋が汚いことを <u>親に注意されて</u> <u>これ以上</u> <u>きれいにしようがないくらい</u> きれいにしたつもりだったが、まだ汚いと言われた。 * 親に注意されて (oya ni chūi sarete): 'Having been warned by my parents' * これ以上 (kore ijō): 'any more than this' * きれいにしようがないくらい (kirei ni shiyō ga nai kurai): 'to the extent that there's no way to make it cleaner' * きれいにしたつもりだったが (kirei ni shita tsumori datta ga): 'I thought I had cleaned it' * まだ汚いと言われた (mada kitanai to iwareta): 'but I was still told it was dirty.' The full sentence means: 'Having been warned by my parents about my messy room, I thought I had cleaned it to the point where it couldn't get any cleaner, but I was still told it was dirty.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
40. 政府は景気回復のための政策を進めてはいるが、景気が回復してきている ___ ___ _★_ ___ 現状である。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence structure is: 景気が回復してきている <u>と実感できる</u> <u>までに至らない</u> <u>企業もまだ多い</u> <u>というのが</u> 現状である。 * と実感できる (to jikkan dekiru): 'can actually feel' * までに至らない (made ni itaranai): 'has not reached the point where' * 企業もまだ多い (kigyō mo mada ōi): 'there are still many companies' * というのが現状である (to iu no ga genjō de aru): 'that is the current situation.' The full sentence means: 'The government is promoting policies for economic recovery, but the current situation is that there are still many companies that have not reached the point where they can actually feel the economy recovering.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
This option does not form a grammatically correct or natural sentence in combination with the given parts.
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
「やるねえ、あの子」と友人。彼女は企業の管理職である。理屈ばかりで身体が動かない若者が多いとぼやき(注1) 「ああいうのが一人、部下に【42】」と言った。「ほんとほんと」と私。
【43】だって若いころは、考えることと身体が動くことの間に時差がなかった。駆け出しの編集者時代、ロケやスタジオ撮影の現場では、指示されるより先に走りだしたものだ――。友人に向かって自画自賛しながら、頭の隅で思っていた。本当は今だって、そうじゃなきゃマズイんじゃないか、と。
フリーランサー(注2)の私は、一生、管理職になることはない。アルバイトか店主かは知らないが、あの若者と同 じ立場なのだ。【44】いつの間にか、ひどく腰が重くなっている(注3)。
よし、明日からは臨戦態勢(注4)でいくぞ。見習うべきは【45】。思わず苦笑した。しかし気分は悪くない。若 者よ、ありがとう。
(注1) ぼやく: 不満に思っていることを独り言のように言う
(注2) フリーランサー:組織に所属せず個人で仕事をしている人
(注3)腰が重くなっている:行動を起こすのが遅くなっている。
(注4)臨戦態勢:ここでは、いつでも動けるように準備ができている状態
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes the narrator's realization that the young person noticed them peeking and reflexively came out. 「飛び出してきたのだろう」 (tobidashite kita no darō) means "they must have rushed out" or "they probably rushed out." This expresses the narrator's inference or understanding of the situation. The context implies the narrator understood *why* the young person came out.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option means 'There were times when they would rush out.' This implies a past habit, not a specific instance.
This option means 'They might have rushed out.' This expresses possibility, but the text states the person *did* rush out.
This option means 'It was to the extent that they rushed out.' This emphasizes the degree, but the nuance of the narrator's realization is better captured by のだろう.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～たらなあ」 (tara nā) is a common expression used to express a strong wish or desire, often for something that is unlikely or impossible. The friend, a manager, is complaining about passive young employees and wishes she had a proactive one like the young person from the shop. 「ああいうのが一人、部下にいたらなあ」 (ā iu no ga hitori, buka ni itara nā) means "I wish I had one of those (proactive people) as a subordinate."
Why other options are incorrect:
This option means 'Even if I had one.' This implies a hypothetical situation, but lacks the strong wishful nuance.
This option means 'To think I had one!' This expresses surprise or realization about something that *did* happen, not a wish.
This option means 'I had one, but...' This implies a past fact with a nuance of regret or explanation, not a wish.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence that follows, 「駆け出しの編集者時代、ロケやスタジオ撮影の現場では、指示されるより先に走りだしたものだ――。」 (In my days as a rookie editor, at location shoots and studio filming, I would run before being told to...), describes the narrator's own past experience. Therefore, the pronoun referring to the narrator, 私 (watashi), is the correct choice.
Why other options are incorrect:
彼女 (kanojo) means 'she/her'. This refers to the friend.
部下 (buka) means 'subordinate'. This refers to the friend's subordinates.
あの子 (ano ko) means 'that child/young person'. This refers to the young person from the okonomiyaki shop.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding sentence states that the narrator is a freelancer and will never be a manager, putting them in a similar position to the young person. The following sentence states that they have become slow to act. 「なのに」 (nanoni) means 'and yet', 'despite that', or 'although'. It introduces a contrast or unexpected outcome. The narrator is in a similar position to the proactive young person, *yet* they have become slow to act. This contrast makes 「なのに」 the most suitable connector.
Why other options are incorrect:
すると (suru to) means 'then' or 'thereupon'. It indicates a consequence or sequence.
こうして、 (kō shite,) means 'thus' or 'in this way'. It indicates a result or method.
それどころか (sore dokoro ka) means 'on the contrary' or 'far from it'. It indicates a stronger contradiction or an even more extreme situation. While there is a contrast, 「なのに」 fits the nuance of a personal, somewhat regrettable, unexpected change.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The narrator resolves to be proactive ("臨戦態勢でいくぞ") and then states who they should learn from. 「見習うべきはあの若者だ」 (minarau beki wa ano wakamono da) means "The one I should learn from is that young person." This is a direct statement of realization and determination.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option means 'Is it because of that young person?' This is a question, not a statement of who to learn from.
This option means 'I heard it's that young person.' This implies hearsay, not a personal realization.
This option means 'I thought it was that young person.' This implies a past belief that might have changed, which doesn't fit the context of a new resolution.