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. 父は、楽しいときはいつも<u>豪快</u>に笑う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
豪快 (ごうかい) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'hearty', 'loud', or 'boisterous'. The sentence means 'My father always laughs heartily when he's happy.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 誘拐, which means 'kidnapping'.
This is the reading for 誤解, which means 'misunderstanding'.
This is the reading for 愉快, meaning 'pleasant' or 'happy'. While related to happiness, it is not the correct reading for 豪快.
2. 今回の仕事にはかなりの<u>忍耐</u>が必要だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
忍耐 (にんたい) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'patience' or 'perseverance'. The sentence means 'This job requires a considerable amount of patience.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 認定, which means 'authorization' or 'certification'.
This is the reading for 人体, which means 'human body'.
This is not a common or correct reading for 忍耐.
3. 今、アイディアを<u>募って</u>いるところですので、ご協力をお願いします。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
募って (つのって) is the te-form of 募る, meaning 'to solicit', 'to collect', or 'to recruit'. The sentence means 'We are currently soliciting ideas, so please cooperate.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the te-form of 絞る, meaning 'to wring out' or 'to squeeze'.
This is the te-form of 練る, meaning 'to knead' or 'to polish (a plan)'.
This is the te-form of 探る, meaning 'to search for' or 'to grope for'.
4. 現代の社会では、<u>膨大</u>なエネルギーが消費されている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
膨大 (ぼうだい) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'enormous', 'vast', or 'huge'. The sentence means 'In modern society, enormous amounts of energy are consumed.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 膨大.
This is the reading for 放題, meaning 'as much as one likes' or 'unlimited'.
This is the reading for 莫大, which also means 'enormous' but uses different kanji (莫大 vs 膨大).
5. <u>滞って</u>いた作業が、担当者が変わってからスムーズに進み出した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
滞って (とどこおって) is the te-form of 滞る, meaning 'to be delayed', 'to stagnate', or 'to be held up'. The sentence means 'The work that had been delayed started to proceed smoothly after the person in charge changed.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the te-form of 詰まる, meaning 'to be packed' or 'to be clogged'.
This is the te-form of 手こずる, meaning 'to have trouble with' or 'to be a handful'.
This is the te-form of 溜まる, meaning 'to accumulate' or 'to pile up'.
6. 彼の見識の高さには<u>驚嘆</u>するばかりだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
驚嘆 (きょうたん) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'admiration', 'wonder', or 'awe'. The sentence means 'I can only marvel at the depth of his insight.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 驚嘆.
This is an incorrect reading for 驚嘆.
This is an incorrect reading for 驚嘆.
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. マラソン大会が終わり、先ほど道路の交通規制が( )されました。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
解除 (かいじょ) means 'cancellation', 'release', or 'lifting (of a ban/restriction)'. It is the most appropriate word for lifting traffic regulations.
Why other options are incorrect:
解禁 (かいきん) means 'lifting a ban' or 'release (of a new product)', which is more about lifting a prohibition rather than a temporary regulation.
廃止 (はいし) means 'abolition' or 'repeal', implying a permanent termination, not a temporary lifting.
停止 (ていし) means 'suspension' or 'halt', which implies stopping something, not releasing a restriction.
8. 記事のすぐ下に写真を載せるなど( )を工夫すれば、もっと読みやすくなるだろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
レイアウト (layout) refers to the arrangement of elements on a page. 'レイアウトを工夫する' means to devise a good layout, which includes placing photos appropriately to improve readability.
Why other options are incorrect:
スケッチ (sketch) means a rough drawing.
アウトライン (outline) means a summary or main points.
ルックス (looks) refers to appearance.
9. 来春から始まる情報番組の司会に、若手のアナウンサーを( )することが決まった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
起用 (きよう) means 'appointment' or 'selection (for a role)'. It is used when appointing someone to a position or role, such as an announcer for a program.
Why other options are incorrect:
採取 (さいしゅ) means 'collection' or 'gathering (of samples, data)'.
引用 (いんよう) means 'quotation' or 'citation'.
採択 (さいたく) means 'adoption' or 'selection (of a proposal, plan)'.
10. 事件発生の連絡を受け、記者たちは急いで現場に( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
駆けつけた (かけつけた) is the past tense of 駆けつける, meaning 'to rush to' or 'to hurry to'. It perfectly describes reporters rushing to the scene of an incident.
Why other options are incorrect:
寄りかかった (よりかかった) means 'leaned against'.
結びついた (むすびついた) means 'connected to' or 'linked to'.
突っ込んだ (つっこんだ) means 'to plunge into' or 'to thrust into'.
11. この食品会社は、薬品や化粧品の分野にも進出し、( )経営に乗り出している。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
多角的 (たかくてき) means 'multilateral' or 'diversified'. '多角的な経営' (diversified management) refers to a company expanding into various business fields.
Why other options are incorrect:
建設的 (けんせつてき) means 'constructive'.
普遍的 (ふへんてき) means 'universal' or 'common'.
圧倒的 (あっとうてき) means 'overwhelming'.
12. 毎年8月の祭りは、県内外から集まった数千人が歌や踊りに参加し、( )行われる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
盛大に (せいだいに) means 'grandly', 'magnificently', or 'on a large scale'. It describes an event held with great fanfare and participation.
Why other options are incorrect:
鮮烈に (せんれつに) means 'vividly' or 'strikingly'.
絶大に (ぜつだいに) means 'tremendously' or 'immensely', often used with support or influence.
熱烈に (ねつれつに) means 'passionately' or 'ardently'.
13. あの人はいつも( )忙しそうに動き回っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
せかせかと means 'restlessly', 'hurriedly', or 'bustlingly'. It describes someone constantly moving around in a busy, somewhat agitated manner.
Why other options are incorrect:
のろのろと means 'slowly' or 'sluggishly'.
すいすいと means 'smoothly' or 'swiftly'.
ふらふらと means 'unsteadily', 'dizzily', or 'aimlessly'.
問題3 の言葉に意味が最も近いものを、1234から一つ選びなさい。
14. ハムを<u>スライス</u>して皿に載せた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
スライス (slice) means to cut into thin pieces. 薄く切って (うすくきって) means 'cut thinly', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
細かく切って (こまかくきって) means 'cut finely' or 'into small pieces'.
よく焼いて (よくやいて) means 'grilled well'.
軽く焼いて (かるくやいて) means 'lightly grilled'.
15. 集会が始まると、資料が<u>めいめいに</u>配られた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
めいめいに means 'to each', 'individually', or 'separately'. 一人一人に (ひとりひとりに) means 'to each person', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
グループごとに means 'for each group'.
一斉に (いっせいに) means 'all at once' or 'simultaneously'.
順に (じゅんに) means 'in order' or 'sequentially'.
16. 祖父のノートには、当時の出来事が<u>克明に</u>記されていた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
克明に (こくめいに) means 'minutely', 'in detail', or 'accurately'. 詳しく丁寧に (くわしくていねいに) means 'in detail and carefully', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
客観的に (きゃっかんてきに) means 'objectively'.
簡潔にまとめて (かんけつにまとめて) means 'summarized concisely'.
生き生きと (いきいきと) means 'lively' or 'vividly'.
17. 状況を改善する<u>手立て</u>がない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
手立て (てだて) means 'means', 'way', 'measure', or 'method'. 方法 (ほうほう) means 'method' or 'way', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
費用 (ひよう) means 'cost' or 'expense'.
時間 (じかん) means 'time'.
意志 (いし) means 'will' or 'intention'.
18. 子どものころの思い出が<u>ありありと</u>浮かんできた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ありありと means 'vividly', 'clearly', or 'plainly'. はっきり means 'clearly' or 'distinctly', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
次々と (つぎつぎと) means 'one after another'.
ぼんやり means 'vaguely' or 'dimly'.
ふと means 'suddenly' or 'casually'.
19. 部長は返事を<u>しぶっていた</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
しぶる (渋る) means 'to hesitate' or 'to be reluctant'. 'しぶっていた' means 'was reluctant to reply' or 'kept hesitating to reply'. 'なかなか返事をしようとしなかった' (did not try to reply easily/was reluctant to reply) is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'had completely forgotten to reply', which implies forgetting, not reluctance.
This means 'kept waiting for a reply forever', which is the opposite meaning.
This means 'repeatedly demanded a quick reply', which is also the opposite meaning.
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>作動</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
作動 (さどう) means 'operation', 'action', or 'functioning'. It is typically used for machines, devices, or systems. Option 4 correctly uses it for a safety device on a gas stove.
Why other options are incorrect:
作動 is not used for a child's actions like dancing. A more appropriate word would be 動き出した (started moving).
作動 is not typically used for market movements. A more appropriate word would be 動いている (moving).
While a factory operates, 作動 is more specific to a mechanism or system within it, not the entire factory starting up. A more appropriate word would be 稼働した (started operating).
21. <u>しぶとい</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
しぶとい means 'tenacious', 'stubborn', 'persistent', or 'unyielding'. Option 3 correctly uses it to describe a sister who doesn't give up easily and challenges repeatedly despite failure.
Why other options are incorrect:
しぶとい is not used to describe a body feeling heavy or difficult to move due to fever. A more appropriate word would be だるくて (sluggish).
While the box is strong, しぶとい is more about tenacity in character or resistance to being overcome, not physical durability in this context. A more appropriate word would be 丈夫で (durable).
しぶとい is not used to describe persistent dampness. A more appropriate phrase would be 湿気がひどくて (humidity is terrible).
22. <u>備え付ける</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
備え付ける (そなえつける) means 'to furnish', 'to equip', or 'to install'. It refers to providing something as standard equipment or fixtures. Option 1 correctly uses it for a computer provided in a dorm room.
Why other options are incorrect:
備え付ける is not used for placing food on a table. A more appropriate word would be 並べて (arranged).
備え付ける is not used for keeping money at home. A more appropriate phrase would be 用意しておく (prepare/keep ready).
備え付ける is not used for a car being kept in a garage. A more appropriate phrase would be 停めてあった (parked).
23. <u>基調</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
基調 (きちょう) means 'basic tone', 'keynote', or 'underlying theme'. It is often used to describe a dominant color, theme, or principle. Option 4 correctly uses it to describe white as the dominant color for the room's furniture.
Why other options are incorrect:
基調 is not used for choosing a house based on environmental richness. A more appropriate phrase would be 基準にして (as a standard).
基調 is not used for a team being well-organized around a captain. A more appropriate phrase would be 中心に (centered around).
While a novel can be based on a true story, the common phrase is '実話を基にした' (based on a true story), not '基調に書かれた'.
24. <u>かさばる</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
かさばる means 'to be bulky', 'to be unwieldy', or 'to take up much space'. Option 2 correctly uses it to describe luggage in a paper bag being bulky and difficult to carry.
Why other options are incorrect:
かさばる is not used for someone's head blocking a view. A more appropriate phrase would be 邪魔になって (became an obstruction).
かさばる is not used for costs increasing. A more appropriate word would be かさんでしまった (accumulated/increased).
かさばる is not used for anxiety increasing. A more appropriate word would be 募ってきた (grew stronger).
25. <u>交錯</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
交錯 (こうさく) means 'mixing', 'crossing', 'intertwining', or 'being complicated'. It is often used for abstract things like thoughts, emotions, or information. Option 1 correctly uses it to describe various thoughts intertwining in one's mind.
Why other options are incorrect:
While items might get mixed, 交錯 is not typically used for physical items getting mixed up after scattering. A more appropriate phrase would be 混ざってしまった (got mixed up).
While roads cross, the more common and natural verb for roads intersecting is 交差する (こうさする).
交錯 is not used for people of different ages interacting. A more appropriate phrase would be 交流する (interact).
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. 私は、Tシャツ( )ジーンズといったカジュアルな格好が好きだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The pattern 'AにBといった' means 'A, B, and so on' or 'things like A and B'. It is used to give examples of a category. Here, T-shirts and jeans are examples of casual attire.
Why other options are incorrect:
を is a particle for direct objects and does not fit this grammatical structure.
While など means 'etc.', 'Tシャツなどジーンズ' would be grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning of 'T-shirts and jeans, etc.' as examples of casual wear.
ほど means 'to the extent of', 'about', or 'as much as'. It does not fit the context of giving examples.
27. 大波海岸に面している夏原町では、海の町( )新鮮な魚料理が楽しめます。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ならではの」 means 'unique to ~' or 'only ~ can do/have'. It emphasizes that something is characteristic or special to a particular place, person, or thing. Here, fresh fish dishes are unique to a seaside town.
Why other options are incorrect:
なり can mean 'as soon as', 'in one's own way', or 'just as it is'. It does not fit the context.
なくして means 'without ~'. It does not fit the context.
ながらに means 'while remaining in ~ state' or 'as it is'. It does not fit the context.
28. 昨日、水月滝を見に行った。さすが日本有数の水量を誇るだけあって、( )見事な 滝だった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
なかなか (with an adjective) means 'quite', 'considerably', or 'rather'. It expresses a degree of something, often with a sense of admiration or surprise. 'なかなか見事な滝' means 'quite a magnificent waterfall'. The preceding 'さすが...だけあって' (as expected from...) reinforces this.
Why other options are incorrect:
あえて means 'dare to' or 'venturing to'.
まさか means 'by no means', 'impossible', or 'you don't say!'. It expresses disbelief.
かえって means 'on the contrary', 'rather', or 'instead'.
29. (メールで)<br/>映画の情報、ありがとうごさいます。教えてもらわなかったら、( )と ころでした。明日早速見に行きます。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ところでした」 means 'was just about to ~' or 'almost ~'. It implies that something almost happened but was avoided. '見逃すところでした' means 'I almost missed it'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'did not miss', which contradicts the 'almost' meaning.
This is the potential form, meaning 'can overlook/miss'. It does not fit the 'almost happened' context.
This is the negative potential form, meaning 'could not miss'. It also contradicts the intended meaning.
30. 最近、多くの地域で和紙職人の高齢化が進んでおり、このままでは、せっかくの伝統技術 が( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～かねない」 means 'might ~', 'could ~', or 'there is a risk of ~'. It expresses a negative possibility or a strong likelihood of something undesirable happening. Given the aging of artisans, there's a risk the traditional technique might be lost.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'seems to have been lost', implying it's already lost or appears to be, not a future risk.
This means 'is on the verge of being lost'. While close, 「～かねない」 emphasizes the *risk* or *possibility* more strongly in a warning context.
This means 'must not be lost'. This is a statement of obligation/prohibition, not a prediction of what might happen.
31. 会社の先輩は、「わからないことがあったら、何でも間いて。」と言ってくれるが、会議や 外出でほとんど席にいないので、( )聞けない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The pattern 「～ようにも～ない」 (volitional form + にも + negative verb) means 'even if one tries to ~, one cannot ~'. It expresses that despite the intention or desire to do something, it's impossible due to external circumstances. Here, even if the speaker wants to ask, they can't because the senior is never there.
Why other options are incorrect:
This is a conditional or a repeated action, not fitting the meaning of inability despite desire.
This means 'in order to ask' or 'as for asking'. It does not fit the context.
This means 'without asking'. It does not fit the context.
32. 西清さんは元銀行員。支店長を( )、夢であった和菓子職人を目指し、45歳で退職。その10年後、大ヒット商品の「七色だんこ」を生み出した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～までになったが」 means 'reached the point where ~ but'. It indicates that someone achieved a certain status or level, but then something else happened (in this case, they quit to pursue a dream). It highlights the contrast between achieving a high position and then leaving it.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'until entrusted with'. It does not fit the flow of the sentence.
This means 'to the extent of being entrusted with'. It does not fit the context.
This means 'if one becomes entrusted with'. This is a conditional, not a statement of fact followed by a contrasting action.
33. 母:「ねえ、たけしの次の対戦相手、去年優勝してるんだって。勝つのは難しいかな。」<br/>父:「そんなの( ) わかんないよ。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「やってみなきゃ (わからない)」 is a colloquial contraction of 「やってみなければ (わからない)」, meaning 'unless you try (you won't know)'. The father is saying that you won't know if Takeshi can win unless he actually tries.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'He's doing it, they say'. It does not fit the context of not knowing the outcome.
This phrase is grammatically awkward and does not fit the meaning of 'unless you try'.
This is a volitional form + と, meaning 'if I try to do it'. It does not fit the context.
34. A:「昨日、取引先の人と食事したんだけど、プライベートなことまでいろいろ聞かれて困っちゃった。」<br/>B:「そんなのは、いちいち本当のことを言わずに適当に( )。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ておけばいい」 means 'you should just ~' or 'it's fine if you just ~'. It suggests a simple, practical solution. B is advising A to just give vague or appropriate answers without telling the whole truth.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'Looks like they'll answer'. It does not fit the advice context.
This means 'It's because you were able to answer'. It blames A for answering, not offering advice.
This means 'It's just that you answered'. It is a statement of fact, not advice.
35. 適切な目標を設定するのは難しいと言われている。目標があまりに高すぎると、やる気を ( )からだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～おそれがある」 means 'there is a risk/danger of ~' or 'there is a fear that ~'. It expresses a negative possibility. If goals are too high, there's a risk of losing motivation.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'must not lose'. This is a prohibition, not a consequence.
This means 'is in the process of losing'. This implies it's already happening, not a future risk.
This means 'is about to lose'. While similar to risk, 「おそれがある」 is a more formal and common expression for potential negative outcomes. The 'PP' seems like a typo.
問題6 次の文の_★_に入る最もよいものを、1234から一つ選びなさい。
36. 民話「鶴の恩返し」は、わなにかかって苦しんでいる ___ ___ _★_ ___ おじいさんに美しい布を織って恩返しをするというお話です。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sequence is 'ところを助けられた鶴が助けてくれた'. The '★' position is '鶴が'. The full sentence means: 'The folk tale 'Tsuru no Ongaeshi' is a story about a crane that was helped when it was suffering in a trap, and that crane repays the old man who helped it by weaving beautiful cloth.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'ところを' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '助けられた' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '助けてくれた' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
37. 新人が仕事中に居眠りしているのを発見。上司として、見なかった ___ ___ _★_ ___ 注意するさとにした
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sequence is 'ことにしてほうっておくわけにもいかず起こして'. The '★' position is 'わけにもいかず'. The phrase '～わけにもいかない' means 'cannot possibly ~' or 'cannot afford to ~'. '見なかったことにしてほうっておくわけにもいかず' means 'as a boss, I couldn't just pretend I didn't see it and leave it alone'. The sentence means: 'I discovered a new employee dozing off during work. As a boss, I couldn't just pretend I didn't see it and leave it alone, so I decided to wake them up and warn them.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing '起こして' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing 'ほうっておく' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing 'ことにして' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
38. 株式会社トモカワ。短期的な成果が重視されがちな ___ ___ _★_ ___ 工作機械メーカーである。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sequence is '時代にあってい目先の利益だけでなく日本の将来を見据えながら着実に成長を続けている'. The '★' position is '日本の将来を見据えながら'. The phrase '～を見据える' means 'to keep an eye on ~' or 'to look ahead to ~'. The sentence means: 'Tomokawa Co., Ltd. is a machine tool manufacturer that, in an era where short-term results tend to be emphasized, continues to grow steadily while looking ahead not only to immediate profits but also to Japan's future.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing '時代にあってい' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '目先の利益だけでなく' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '着実に成長を続けている' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
39. 犯罪心理学者でもある小説家大石竜也が描く巧みな心理描写は、 犯罪心理学に精通した ___ ___ _★_ ___ ものである。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sequence is '専門家にして初めて書ける'. The '★' position is '初めて'. The phrase '～にして初めて' means 'only when one is ~' or 'only after ~'. It emphasizes that something is possible only for a specific type of person or under specific conditions. Here, the intricate psychological descriptions can only be written by an expert in criminal psychology.
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing '専門家' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing 'にして' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '書ける。' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
40. 自分の人生に関わる選択は自分でしたい。たとえその結果失敗したとしても、 自分が___ _★_ ___ ___ 経験として受け入れられると思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sequence is '決めたことならそれはそれでひとつの'. The '★' position is 'それは'. The phrase 'それはそれで' means 'that in itself' or 'that's fine as it is'. It implies accepting something as it is, even if it's not ideal, because there's a reason for it. The sentence means: 'I want to make choices about my own life myself. Even if the result is failure, if it's something I decided, then that in itself, I think, can be accepted as one experience.'
Why other options are incorrect:
Placing 'ひとつの' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing '決めたことなら' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
Placing 'それで' at '★' would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and illogical.
問題7 次の文章を読んの中に入るのよいものを、1・2・3・4から 一つ選びなさい
Reading Passage
「自然には直線がありません」 子どもの頃テレビから聞こえた言葉に、幼いながらはっ としたことを覚えている。その情報が正しいのかを確かめるために、それ以来自然をよく観察 するようになった。地を這う蟻や、道ばたの植物、切り立った崖の岩に、たしかに完全な直線 と呼べるものは【41】。そして自分の身体にも直線が存在しないことに気づいた。爪の一枚 から歯の一本、耳の内部にいたるまで、全ての輪郭はゆるやかな弧を描いている。
【42】、身の回りには直線が溢れてもいた。机や鉛筆、黒板、箸やマグカップ、お菓子の箱 に直線は存在していた。自然の造形と人工の造形に明確な差異があることを理解したのは【43】。大人になるにつれて、そんな人工物の表面を覆う「装飾」に関心を持つようになった。植物や動物、空や星をかたどった色とりどりの模様に目を奪われたのだ。装飾の歴史は古く、紀元前に作られた土器の模様は、装飾が人類にとっていかに根源的な行為であるかを示している。
【44】 最古の装飾は魔除けのために用いられたのだという。そうと知って最初の うちは、人の手跡を残すことが魔除けのために重要なのだと考えていた。しかし、た とえば縄文土器がその模様から火焔土器と呼ばれるように、他の渦や縞の模様も、雲の流れや水の波紋など自然の織り成すかたちに着想を得たものである。つまり人間は、土器という人工 の造形に自然のかたちを刻むことで魔除けとしたのだ。自分たちの手作った自然とは異質な造形を自然に溶け込ませることが、邪悪なものを遠ざける道であったのである。
歴史上、装飾は余分なものとして排除されたこともあった。しかし実のところ、装飾は私た ちの造形と自然の造形とをつなぐ架け橋という至要な役割を【45】。
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence is 'たしかに完全な直線と呼べるものは【41】。' meaning 'Indeed, what could be called a perfect straight line was [blank].' '見つけられなかった' (みつけられなかった) means 'could not be found' or 'was unable to find'. This fits the context that the author observed nature and confirmed the absence of perfect straight lines.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'became unable to find'. It implies a change from being able to find to not being able to, which isn't the context.
This means 'tried not to find'. This implies intentional avoidance.
This means 'did not try to find'. This implies a lack of effort.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding sentence states that there are no straight lines in nature. The following sentence states that straight lines are abundant in man-made objects. '一方で' (いっぽうで) means 'on the other hand' or 'meanwhile', indicating a contrast or a different aspect. This fits the transition from natural forms to artificial ones.
Why other options are incorrect:
むしろ means 'rather' or 'instead'. It is used for preference or correction.
しかも means 'moreover' or 'furthermore'. It is used to add more information or emphasize.
それどころか means 'on the contrary' or 'far from it'. It is used for a stronger contradiction.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence is '自然の造形と人工の造形に明確な差異があることを理解したのは【43】。' meaning 'It was [blank] that I understood there was a clear difference between natural and artificial forms.' 'その時のことである' (そのときのことであった) means 'it was at that time' or 'that was when it happened'. This phrase is used to refer back to a specific point in time when something occurred or was realized.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'It was only about that time'. It implies approximation or limitation.
This means 'It was because it was that time'. It implies a reason.
This means 'It was for that time'. It implies a purpose.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The blank precedes a sentence about the oldest decorations being used for warding off evil. The previous paragraph discussed the author's interest in '装飾' (decoration) and its ancient history. 'こうした' (こうした) means 'such' or 'these kinds of', referring back to the previously mentioned topic (decoration and its history).
Why other options are incorrect:
その他の means 'other'.
例の means 'that (familiar) one' or 'the usual'.
以下のような means 'as follows' or 'like the following'. It is used to introduce examples or details that come *after*.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence is '装飾は私た ちの造形と自然の造形とをつなぐ架け橋という至要な役割を【45】。' meaning 'Decoration plays a very important role as a bridge connecting our creations and natural forms, and it [blank].' '持っているのだ' (もっているのだ) means 'it does possess' or 'it is that it possesses'. The 'のだ' (or 'んだ') particle adds emphasis or explanation, confirming the role of decoration.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'should possess'. This is a recommendation or obligation.
This means 'want it to possess'. This expresses a desire.
This means 'it's fine if it possesses'. This expresses permission or indifference.