2018/07 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. 鈴木氏は当時を<u>回顧</u>して、次のように語った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
回顧 (かいこ) is the correct reading for the kanji, which means 'recollection' or 'reminiscence'. The sentence means "Mr. Suzuki looked back on that time and spoke as follows."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 回顧.
This is an incorrect reading for 回顧.
This is an incorrect reading for 回顧.
2. 彼の話には多少の<u>偽り</u>があると思われた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
偽り (いつわり) is the correct reading for the kanji, which means 'lie' or 'falsehood'. The sentence means "It seemed there was some falsehood in his story."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 隔たり, meaning 'gap' or 'distance'.
This is the reading for 焦り, meaning 'impatience' or 'haste'.
This is the reading for 偏り, meaning 'bias' or 'imbalance'.
3. 私は特に<u>嫌悪感</u>は持たなかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
嫌悪感 (けんおかん) is the correct reading for the kanji, which means 'a feeling of dislike' or 'aversion'. The sentence means "I didn't particularly feel any aversion."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 嫌悪感.
This is an incorrect reading for 嫌悪感.
This is an incorrect reading for 嫌悪感.
4. 問題が解決するまで<u>自粛</u>することにした。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
自粛 (じしゅく) is the correct reading for the kanji, which means 'self-restraint' or 'self-control'. The sentence means "I decided to exercise self-restraint until the problem is resolved."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 自粛.
This is an incorrect reading for 自粛.
This is an incorrect reading for 自粛.
5. 自分を<u>戒めたい</u>と思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
戒めたい (いましめたい) is the correct reading for the kanji 戒める, meaning 'to admonish' or 'to warn'. The sentence means "I want to admonish myself."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 改めたい, meaning 'want to change' or 'want to reform'.
This is the reading for 慰めたい, meaning 'want to comfort' or 'want to console'.
This is the reading for 極めたい, meaning 'want to master' or 'want to perfect'.
6. この国の南側には、なだらかな<u>丘陵</u>地帯が広がっている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
丘陵 (きゅうりょう) is the correct reading for the kanji, which means 'hills' or 'hilly area'. The sentence means "A gentle hilly region stretches across the southern part of this country."
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 丘陵.
This is an incorrect reading for 丘陵.
This is an incorrect reading for 丘陵.
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. この商品は非常によく売れていて、どの店にも( )がほとんどない状態だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
在庫 (ざいこ) means 'stock' or 'inventory'. The sentence describes a product selling very well, leading to almost no stock in stores, making 在庫 the most suitable choice.
Why other options are incorrect:
設置 (せっち) means 'installation' or 'establishment'. It does not fit the context of product availability.
残留 (ざんりゅう) means 'residue' or 'remaining'. It refers to something left behind, not commercial stock.
所持 (しょじ) means 'possession' or 'holding'. It refers to personal possession, not store inventory.
8. 企業の海外進出は()を伴うが、成功すれば利益は大きい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
リスク (risk) is the most appropriate word. Expanding overseas inherently involves risks, but if successful, the profits are large.
Why other options are incorrect:
アウト (out) generally means 'out' (e.g., out of bounds). It doesn't convey the nuance of potential negative outcomes in business.
エラー (error) means 'error' or 'mistake'. It refers to a mistake, not an inherent uncertainty or danger in a venture.
ダウン (down) means 'down' (e.g., price down, system down). It doesn't fit the context of challenges in business expansion.
9. 不景気が続いても父の会社が倒産しなかったのは、設立以来、( ) 経営を続けてきたおかげだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
堅実な (けんじつな) means 'steady', 'sound', or 'reliable'. It describes a careful and stable management style that would help a company survive a recession. The sentence means "The reason my father's company didn't go bankrupt despite the prolonged recession is thanks to its steady management since its establishment."
Why other options are incorrect:
切実な (せつじつな) means 'earnest' or 'pressing'. It does not describe a management style.
安泰な (あんたいな) means 'peaceful' or 'secure'. While related to stability, 堅実な is a better fit for the *type* of management that ensures survival.
安易な (あんいな) means 'easy' or 'careless'. This has a negative connotation and would not lead to business survival.
10. 品質の劣化を防ぐには、光を通さない黒い箱に入れて、光を()する必要がある。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
遮断 (しゃだん) means 'blocking' or 'cutting off'. To prevent quality deterioration, it's necessary to put the item in a black box that doesn't let light through, thus blocking the light.
Why other options are incorrect:
拒絶 (きょぜつ) means 'rejection' or 'refusal'. It refers to refusing something, not physically blocking light.
駆除 (くじょ) means 'extermination' or 'removal'. It refers to getting rid of pests or harmful things.
隔離 (かくり) means 'isolation' or 'segregation'. While related to separation, 遮断 is more direct for blocking light.
11. 久しぶりに帰省すると、町の様子が ( ) 変わっていて、驚いた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
がらりと is an adverb meaning 'completely' or 'dramatically', often used to describe a sudden and significant change. The sentence means "When I returned to my hometown after a long time, I was surprised because the town had changed dramatically."
Why other options are incorrect:
ずらりと means 'in a row' or 'lined up'. It describes arrangement, not a change.
けろりと means 'casually' or 'unconcerned'. It describes a person's attitude, not a change in scenery.
ちらりと means 'glancingly' or 'briefly'. It describes a quick look or glimpse, not a change.
12. 中村さんの勝手な行動には強い怒りを覚えたが、友人に ( )、少し気持ちが落ち着いた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
なだめられて is the passive form of 慰める (なだめる), meaning 'to console' or 'to pacify'. The sentence means "I felt strong anger at Nakamura's selfish actions, but after being consoled by a friend, I felt a little calmer."
Why other options are incorrect:
親しまれて (したしまれて) is the passive of 親しむ, meaning 'to become familiar with' or 'to be liked'. It doesn't fit the context of calming anger.
勧められ (すすめられ) is the passive of 勧める, meaning 'to recommend' or 'to advise'. It doesn't fit the context.
ゆだねられて (委ねられて) is the passive of 委ねる, meaning 'to entrust' or 'to leave to'. It doesn't fit the context.
13. 部長は昨日の会議で、新企画について大枠は説明したが、具体的な開始時期には( )しなかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
言及 (げんきゅう) means 'reference' or 'mention'. The sentence means "At yesterday's meeting, the manager explained the general outline of the new project, but did not mention the specific start date."
Why other options are incorrect:
供述 (きょうじゅつ) means 'statement' or 'testimony', often in a legal context. It's not suitable here.
告白 (こくはく) means 'confession' or 'declaration'. It's not suitable here.
通話 (つうわ) means 'telephone call'. It's completely unrelated to the context.
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.<u>すみやかに</u>片づけてください。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
すみやかに means 'promptly' or 'quickly'. 「できるだけ早く」 (as quickly as possible) is the closest in meaning. The sentence means "Please clean it up promptly."
Why other options are incorrect:
元の通りに (もとのとおりに) means 'as it was originally'. This is not a synonym for 'promptly'.
できるだけきれいに (できるだけきれいに) means 'as cleanly as possible'. This refers to cleanliness, not speed.
決めた通りに (きめたとおりに) means 'as decided'. This refers to following a decision, not speed.
15. 高橋さんの主張は<u>漠然としていた</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
漠然としていた (ばくぜんとしていた) means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. 「ぼんやりしていた」 (vague, hazy) is the closest synonym. The sentence means "Mr. Takahashi's assertion was vague."
Why other options are incorrect:
ごちゃごちゃしていた means 'messy' or 'disordered'. This is not a synonym for 'vague'.
あっさりしていた means 'light', 'simple', or 'frank'. This is not a synonym for 'vague'.
はっきりしていた means 'clear' or 'distinct'. This is the opposite of 'vague'.
16. <u>妨害する</u>つもりはなかったんです。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
妨害する (ぼうがいする) means 'to obstruct' or 'to hinder'. 「じゃまする」 (to disturb, to hinder) is the closest synonym. The sentence means "I didn't intend to obstruct."
Why other options are incorrect:
だます means 'to deceive' or 'to trick'. This is not a synonym for 'obstruct'.
いたずらする means 'to play a prank' or 'to be mischievous'. This is not a synonym for 'obstruct'.
からかう means 'to tease' or 'to make fun of'. This is not a synonym for 'obstruct'.
17. 池田さんは、いつも<u>エレガント</u>な服を着ている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
エレガント (elegant) is best matched by 「上品な」 (じょうひんな), which means 'elegant' or 'refined'. The sentence means "Ms. Ikeda always wears elegant clothes."
Why other options are incorrect:
活動的な (かつどうてきな) means 'active'. This is not a synonym for 'elegant'.
地味な (じみな) means 'plain' or 'subtle'. This is the opposite of 'elegant'.
個性的な (こせいてきな) means 'unique' or 'individualistic'. While a style can be unique, it's not a direct synonym for 'elegant'.
18. <u>つかの間</u>の休息だった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
つかの間 (つかのま) means 'a moment' or 'a brief period'. 「短い」 (みじかい) meaning 'short' is the closest synonym. The sentence means "It was a brief rest."
Why other options are incorrect:
久しぶりの (ひさしぶりの) means 'long-awaited' or 'after a long time'. This is not a synonym for 'brief'.
充実した (じゅうじつした) means 'fulfilling' or 'rich'. This is not a synonym for 'brief'.
十分な (じゅうぶんな) means 'sufficient' or 'enough'. This is not a synonym for 'brief'.
19 . また<u>しくじって</u>しまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
しくじる (しくじる) means 'to fail' or 'to make a mistake'. 「失敗して」 (しっぱいして) is the closest synonym. The sentence means "I messed up again."
Why other options are incorrect:
緊張して (きんちょうして) means 'got nervous'. This is not a synonym for 'failed'.
遅刻して (ちこくして) means 'was late'. This is not a synonym for 'failed'.
誤解して (ごかいして) means 'misunderstood'. This is not a synonym for 'failed'.
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>巧み</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
巧み (たくみ) means 'skillful' or 'clever', typically used to describe a technique, method, or a person's ability in a specific craft. Option 4, 「職人の巧みな技術」 (the craftsman's skillful technique), correctly uses 巧み to describe a technique.
Why other options are incorrect:
観察力が巧み (skillful observational power) is unnatural. One would typically say 観察力が鋭い (sharp observational power).
巧みなアイディア (skillful idea) is unnatural. One would say 素晴らしいアイディア (wonderful idea) or 斬新なアイディア (innovative idea).
算数が巧み (skillful at arithmetic) is unnatural. One would say 算数が得意 (good at arithmetic).
21. <u>配属</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
配属 (はいぞく) means 'assignment' or 'deployment' to a specific post or department, especially within an organization. Option 2, describing new employees being assigned to departments, is the correct usage.
Why other options are incorrect:
配属 is used for assigning *people* to *posts/departments*, not for staffing ratios. 配置 (はいち) or 割り当てる (わりあてる) would be more appropriate.
While Japanese language instructors can be dispatched overseas, 配属 implies a more permanent assignment within an organization's structure, not just a general dispatch. 派遣 (はけん) or 派遣する would be more appropriate.
配属 is for assigning to a *position* or *department*, not for promotion to a higher *title* like "next president." 昇進 (しょうしん) or 就任 (しゅうにん) would be more appropriate.
22. <u>乗り出す</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
乗り出す (のりだす) means 'to embark on', 'to set out', or 'to start something new/challenging', often with a sense of initiative or determination. Option 3, where the government starts an investigation due to a serious labor shortage, is a correct usage.
Why other options are incorrect:
乗り出す is usually used for *actions* or *projects*, not a life stage transition. 新たな道を進む (to proceed on a new path) would be more natural.
乗り出す is not used for requesting cooperation. 協力を求める (to ask for cooperation) or 働きかける (to appeal to) would be more appropriate.
料理に乗り出した (started cooking) is unnatural. 料理に取りかかった (started on the cooking) or 料理を始めた (started cooking) would be more natural.
23. <u>面識</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
面識 (めんしき) refers to having met someone personally or having personal knowledge of them. Option 1, stating that one knows someone's name but has no personal acquaintance, is the correct usage.
Why other options are incorrect:
面識 is for people, not places. One would say このあたりの土地は詳しくない (I'm not familiar with the land around here).
面識 is for people, not paintings. One would say 見たことのない絵 (a painting I've never seen).
面識 is for people, not writing. One would say 見慣れない文字 (unfamiliar writing).
24. <u>抜粋</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
抜粋 (ばっすい) means 'extract' or 'excerpt', specifically taking a part from a larger text, document, or collection. Option 4, referring to a document being an excerpt from a thesis, is the correct usage.
Why other options are incorrect:
For extracting ingredients from plants, 抽出 (ちゅうしゅつ) is used, not 抜粋.
For selecting specific voices/opinions from a survey, 抽出 (ちゅうしゅつ) or 選び出す (えらびだす) is used. 抜粋 is for text/data.
For selecting people from a large number of applicants, 選抜 (せんばつ) or 選ぶ (えらぶ) is used, not 抜粋.
25. <u>心当たり</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
心当たり (こころあたり) means 'having an idea', 'a clue', or 'a lead' regarding something, often a reason or a place. Option 1, expressing no idea why someone dislikes them, is the correct usage.
Why other options are incorrect:
For remembering a price, 記憶 (きおく) or 覚えている (おぼえている) is used, not 心当たり.
For knowing when one can go home, 予測 (よそく) or 見当 (けんとう) is used, not 心当たり.
For thinking of a solution, 案 (あん) or アイディア (idea) is used, not 心当たり.
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. 技術の進歩で世の中は便利になったが、便利さ ( )失ったものも少なくないのではないだろうか。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～と引きかえに」 (とひきかえに) is a grammar pattern meaning 'in exchange for' or 'in return for'. It expresses that something is gained or lost in exchange for something else. The sentence means "The world has become convenient with technological advancements, but haven't we lost quite a few things in exchange for that convenience?"
Why other options are incorrect:
「～なくしては」 means 'without X, Y cannot happen'. It expresses a necessary condition, not a trade-off.
「～と相まって」 (とあいまって) means 'combined with' or 'together with'. It expresses a synergistic effect, not a loss.
「～のみならず」 means 'not only... but also'. It expresses addition, not a trade-off.
27. わが社は、地球環境を( )、廃棄物の減量とリサイクルの推進に取り組んでいる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～べく」 is a formal grammar pattern meaning 'in order to' or 'for the purpose of'. It expresses a strong intention or goal. The sentence means "Our company is working on reducing waste and promoting recycling in order to protect the global environment."
Why other options are incorrect:
「～ようとも」 means 'even if one tries to do X'. It expresses concession, not purpose.
「～ばこそ」 means 'precisely because X'. It emphasizes the reason, not the purpose.
「～にせよ」 means 'whether X or not' or 'even if X'. It expresses concession or indifference, not purpose.
28. A:「遅れてごめん」<br/>B:「遅いよ!10分も遅刻するなんて、何考えてるの?」<br/>A:「少し遅れたぐらいで( ) そんなに怒らなくてもいいだろう。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「なにも～なくてもいい」 is a common expression meaning 'there's no need to do X' or 'you don't have to do X'. It implies that the action is excessive or unnecessary. Here, A is saying there's no need to get so angry over being a little late.
Why other options are incorrect:
「まるで」 means 'as if' or 'just like'. It doesn't fit the context of expressing that an action is unnecessary.
「ちっとも」 means 'not at all' and is used with negative verbs. It doesn't fit the nuance of 'no need to'.
「いっさい」 means 'absolutely no' or 'not at all' and is used with negative verbs, often stronger than ちっとも. It doesn't fit the nuance of 'no need to'.
29. (海岸で)<br/> A:「あれ?イヤリングが片方ないです 。たんでやねえ、一緒に探して。」<br/>B:「( )、こんな広い場所でどうやって探すの?」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ったって」 (a colloquial form of ～と言ったって) means 'even if one says X, Y is the reality' or 'even if one tries to do X, it's difficult/impossible'. Here, B is expressing that even if they try to search, it's impossible in such a wide place.
Why other options are incorrect:
「～のかどうか」 means 'whether or not to do X'. It expresses uncertainty, not difficulty or impossibility.
「～わりには」 means 'considering that X, it's Y'. It expresses a discrepancy, not the inherent difficulty of the action itself.
「～っていうより」 means 'rather than X'. It expresses a preference or a more accurate description, not difficulty.
30. 富士山頂から見た景色のなんと美しかった( )。本当に感動した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「なんと～ことか」 is a grammar pattern used to express strong emotion, surprise, or admiration, similar to 'how X it is!' or 'what a X!'. The sentence means "How beautiful the scenery seen from the summit of Mt. Fuji was! I was truly moved."
Why other options are incorrect:
「～のか」 is used for questions or to express uncertainty. It doesn't convey strong emotion.
「～わけだ」 means 'that means' or 'no wonder'. It expresses a logical conclusion, not an exclamation.
「～ものだ」 expresses general tendency, recollection, or strong advice. It doesn't fit the exclamatory nature of the sentence.
31. うちの猫は、突然甘えてきたり、( )、呼んでも無視してどこかに行ってしまったりする。本当に気まぐれだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～かと思えば」 is a grammar pattern used to describe a situation where one thing happens, and immediately after, a contrasting or unexpected thing happens. It conveys a sense of surprise or capriciousness. The sentence means "My cat suddenly comes to cuddle, and just when you think that, it ignores you when called and goes somewhere. It's truly capricious."
Why other options are incorrect:
「そうだと思って」 means 'thinking that it's so'. It doesn't convey the sudden, contrasting change.
「こうだと見て」 means 'seeing it as such'. It doesn't fit the grammar or meaning of a sudden shift in behavior.
「こうかと見れば」 means 'if one looks at it this way'. It doesn't fit the grammar or meaning of a sudden shift in behavior.
32. 一人暮らしを始めてからは、誰にも何も言われない( )、だらしない生活をするようになってしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～のをいいことに」 is a grammar pattern meaning 'taking advantage of the fact that X' or 'using X as an excuse'. It often implies a negative consequence or a selfish act. The sentence means "Since I started living alone, taking advantage of the fact that no one says anything to me, I've started living a sloppy life."
Why other options are incorrect:
「～のがよければ」 means 'if X is good'. It doesn't fit the context of taking advantage of a situation.
「～といいものだから」 means 'because it's a good thing that X'. It doesn't fit the context of a negative outcome.
「～とよさそうなのに」 means 'even though it seems good that X'. It expresses a contrast, but not the nuance of taking advantage.
33. (インタビューで)<br/> A:「新聞記者から弁護士に転職しようと思われたのはなぜですか。」<br/> B:「事件の取材で被害者の方のお話を( )、大変なご苦労があることを知り、そういう方たちの力になりたいと思うようになったんです。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「聞かせていただく中で」 (きかせていただくなかで) means 'while being allowed to humbly hear'. The speaker (B) is humbly receiving the action of the victims telling their stories (聞かせる: to let hear/tell), and this is happening 'in the process of' (中で) the interview. This is the most appropriate honorific/humble expression.
Why other options are incorrect:
「聞いてくださる」 would mean the victims are listening to B, which is incorrect. 「一方で」 means 'on the other hand', which doesn't fit the flow.
While 「聞かせてくださる」 means the victims are allowing B to hear, 「一方で」 means 'on the other hand', which doesn't fit the context of a continuous action leading to a realization.
「聞いていただく」 means 'to humbly listen'. While grammatically possible, 「聞かせる」 (to let hear/tell) is more natural when someone is actively telling their story, and the listener is humbly receiving it.
34. 条件の折り合いがつかず、すぐに契約を結ぶのが難しい現状では、A社とは、時間はかかっても、根気よく交渉を重ねていく( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～しかあるまい」 is a formal and somewhat literary expression meaning 'there is no choice but to do X' or 'X is the only option'. It conveys a sense of inevitability or resignation. The sentence means "Given the current situation where conditions cannot be met and it's difficult to sign a contract immediately, with Company A, there is no choice but to patiently continue negotiations, even if it takes time."
Why other options are incorrect:
「～どころではなかろう」 means 'it's not the time/place for X'. It doesn't fit the context of the only available option.
「～などあるものか」 means 'there's no way X could happen'. It expresses strong denial, not a necessary course of action.
「～ことすらない」 means 'not even X'. It expresses a lack of even a basic action, not the only option.
35. A:「ねえ、昨日、ABC デパートにいたでしょう?見かけたよ。」<br/>B:「ええ!気づいたなら声をかけて( )。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～ばよかったのに」 is a common grammar pattern used to express regret or disappointment that something did not happen, or that someone should have done something. Here, B is expressing regret that A didn't call out to them. 「声をかける」 means 'to call out to someone'. Since A is doing the action for B, it's 「声をかけてくれる」.
Why other options are incorrect:
This means 'You thought I called out to you, didn't you?'. This doesn't fit B's expression of regret.
「声をかけてもらう」 means 'to have someone call out to you'. So, this means 'I thought you called out to me, but you didn't'. While grammatically possible, option 3 is a more direct expression of regret.
This means 'You should have had me call out to you, right?'. This doesn't fit the context of B's regret about A's action.
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. 妹は、来月初に ___ ___ _★_ ___ そうだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 「妹は、来月初に引っ越しするのを機に今まで欲しいと思いつつ<u>買えずにいた</u>ソファを買うことにしたそうだ。」 This sentence uses several grammar patterns: - 「～のを機に」: 'taking the opportunity of X'. - 「～と思いつつ」: 'while thinking X' or 'despite thinking X'. - 「買えずにいた」: 'had been unable to buy' (combines potential form with continuous state). - 「～ことにした」: 'decided to do X'. The full sentence means: "My younger sister decided to buy the sofa she had wanted but been unable to buy, taking the opportunity of moving early next month."
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase is the conclusion of the sentence and cannot be placed at the ★ position.
This phrase sets the condition for the action and should come earlier in the sentence, not at the ★ position.
This phrase describes the sister's long-standing desire and should precede the action of being unable to buy, not at the ★ position.
37. 私の故郷は、自然に囲まれたのどかな所 ___ ___ _★_ ___ 周りに田んぼしかない、ただの田舎町だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 「私の故郷は、自然に囲まれたのどかな所であると言えば<u>聞こえはいいがに</u>要するに周りに田んぼしかない、ただの田舎町だ。」 This sentence uses the pattern: - 「～と言えば聞こえはいいが」: 'it sounds good to say X, but (the reality is different)'. - 「要するに」: 'in short', 'in essence'. The full sentence means: "My hometown, if you say it's a peaceful place surrounded by nature, it sounds good, but in short, it's just a rural town with nothing but rice fields around."
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase is part of the larger grammar pattern 「～と言えば聞こえはいいが」 and cannot stand alone at the ★ position.
This phrase means 'in short' and should follow the contrasting statement, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase is a formal copula and should precede 「と言えば」 to form the correct grammar pattern, not at the ★ position.
38. 入社2年目でプロジェクトのリーダーに指名されたときは___ ___ _★_ ___先輩方の厳しくも温かいサポートのおかげで、無事に務めることができました。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 「入社2年目でプロジェクトのリーダーに指名されたときはこんな大役が私ごとき<u>新人に務まるのかと</u>不安でいっぱいでしたが先輩方の厳しくも温かいサポートのおかげで、無事に務めることができました。」 This sentence uses the patterns: - 「こんな大役が」: 'such a big role'. - 「私ごとき」: 'someone like me' (self-deprecating). - 「～務まるのかと」: 'whether I could handle it' (expressing doubt). - 「不安でいっぱいでしたが」: 'was full of anxiety, but'. The full sentence means: "When I was appointed project leader in my second year at the company, I was full of anxiety, wondering if someone like me, a newcomer, could handle such a big role, but thanks to the strict yet warm support of my seniors, I was able to fulfill my duties without incident."
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase introduces the subject of the doubt and should precede 「私ごとき」, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase expresses the speaker's feeling and should follow the doubt, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase modifies 「新人」 and should precede it, not be at the ★ position.
39. 都市開発事業を、地域住民の同意を得る___ ___ _★_ ___、北市の住民が市長を訴えた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 「都市開発事業を、地域住民の同意を得ることなしに<u>進めた</u>として、北市の住民が市長を訴えた。」 This sentence uses the patterns: - 「～ことなしに」: 'without doing X'. - 「～として」: 'on the grounds that', 'as'. The full sentence means: "The residents of Kita City sued the mayor, on the grounds that he proceeded with the urban development project without obtaining the consent of the local residents."
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase is part of the grammar pattern 「～ことなしに」 and should precede the verb, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase is part of the grammar pattern 「～ことなしに」 and should precede 「なしに」, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase means 'on the grounds that' and should follow the action that is being cited as the reason for the lawsuit, not be at the ★ position.
40. 政府が発表した数字によると、昨年4月1日 ___ _★_ ___ ___一昨年と比べて15万人少なく、過去最低とな った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct sentence order is: 「政府が発表した数字によると、昨年4月1日現在<u>における</u>15 歳未満の人口は一昨年と比べて15万人少なく、過去最低となった。」 This sentence uses the pattern: - 「～現在における」: 'as of X (time/date), concerning Y'. The full sentence means: "According to figures announced by the government, as of April 1st last year, the population under 15 years old was 150,000 fewer than the year before last, reaching a record low."
Why other options are incorrect:
This particle marks the subject and should follow the noun phrase 「15 歳未満の人口」, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase means 'currently' or 'as of now' and should precede 「における」, not be at the ★ position.
This phrase is the subject of the sentence and should follow 「における」, not be at the ★ position.
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 【41】 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
横暴な小説係
マルチタスク (注1)という言葉が世の中に行き渡るようになって久しいけれども、自分自身の実態には程違い身の処し方である。いや、テレビをつけながら、傍らに読みかけの文庫本を置き、上うわの空そら(注2)でスマートフォンを眺めつつ、晩ごはんは何にしようか、と考えているようなことはたくさんある。そういうことをやたらしてしまうために、わたしは、自分が同時にいろんなことをやるとすべての物事の達成率が著しく下がってしまっていることを熟知している。
なので以前、自分しか見ないメモ帳には、分別のある自分が「スマホを見るときはテレビを【41】 と書いていた。守ったり、守らなかったりだ。
一日のうちに、いろいろな自分が出没しては退場していく。家事をしている自分、風呂で休んでいる自分、テレビを見たり本を読んだりと娯楽に接している自分、そして仕事をしている自分なとそれぞれに淡々とがんばっているが、中にはひどい【42】もいる。
わたしがいちばん持て余しているのは「小説を書く係の自分」である。それを職業にしているのに身も蓋もない情けない話なのだが、本当にこいつは扱いにくい。ゲラ(校正紙)を見る係は心配性なので一日のノルマを越えて仕事をしたりもするし、書評係などは、真面目すぎて気の毒なぐらい考え込む時がある。随筆係は、ぐずぐずしたところはあるが、そんなに 時間帯や備品のコンディションは問わない。
【43】、小説係は「まずお茶とお菓子だ」などと要求し、真夜中でないと仕事はしないとわがままである。しかもすぐに気が散って、動物の画像を検索したがる。そして落ち込みやすい。「文筆課の他の係を見習えよ」とわたしは思う。しかし、 この係を中心に結成された文筆課なので、今更組織図から【44】
ダメな社内ベンチャーのようなものである。今日もわたしは、小説係のためにお茶を作り、お菓子を調達し、「とにかく書かないと出来不出来はわからないよ」と【45】
(注1)マルチタスク : 複数の作業を同時に処理すること
(注2)上うわの空そら:集中できていない状態
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author knows that multitasking reduces productivity. Therefore, a "sensible self" would write a memo to "turn off the TV when looking at the smartphone" to avoid multitasking. 「～ように」 here indicates a purpose or a command/request, meaning 'so that I turn off' or 'to turn off'.
Why other options are incorrect:
「消してもかまわない」 means 'it's fine to turn off'. This doesn't fit the context of a rule or instruction for oneself.
「消せなくて」 means 'cannot turn off'. This contradicts the idea of a rule or intention to improve productivity.
「消さないのではないか」 means 'isn't it that I don't turn off?'. This is a question or speculation, not a directive for a memo.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage describes different "selves" (自分) as if they are people or "departments." The author then says "among them, there are some terrible ones." 「やつ」 (colloquial for 'person' or 'thing', often with a negative nuance) fits here. The option `1) やっ` is likely a typo for `やつ`.
Why other options are incorrect:
「そいつら」 means 'those guys' (plural). While the author refers to multiple 'selves', the phrasing 「中にはひどい【42】もいる」 suggests a general reference to a type of 'self', where a singular or general term like 'やつ' is more fitting than a plural demonstrative.
「そんなやつ」 means 'such a guy'. While grammatically possible, the simpler 「やつ」 is more direct given the context of "some terrible ones" without needing the demonstrative 'そんな'.
This is the plural form of 「そんなやつ」. Similar to option 2, the plural demonstrative doesn't fit as naturally as the general singular 'やつ' in this context.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The preceding paragraph describes other "departments" (proofreading, book review, essay writing) as diligent or manageable. This paragraph then introduces the "novel writing department" as difficult and demanding. 「が」 (but, however) is the most natural conjunction to introduce this contrast.
Why other options are incorrect:
「ゆえに」 means 'therefore' or 'consequently'. It implies cause and effect, which is not the relationship between the paragraphs.
「とはいえ」 means 'although that is so' or 'nevertheless'. While it expresses concession, 「が」 is a more direct and common way to introduce a simple contrast here.
「また」 means 'also' or 'again'. It implies addition, not a contrast between the characteristics of different 'selves'.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author states that the "novel writing department" is difficult to manage. However, because the "writing department" (文筆課) was formed *around* this "novel writing department," it's impossible to remove it now. 「～わけにもいかない」 means 'cannot do X (even if one wants to, due to circumstances)'.
Why other options are incorrect:
「外すべきではなかった」 means 'should not have removed'. This implies a past mistake, but the context is about a current inability to remove it.
「外していないはずだ」 means 'it should not have been removed' or 'it must not have been removed'. This expresses a presumption about a past action, not a current constraint.
「外したとは思えない」 means 'I don't think it was removed'. This expresses disbelief about a past action, not the author's current dilemma.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The author is describing their daily routine of dealing with the "novel writing department." After preparing tea and snacks, they encourage it by saying "you won't know the outcome unless you write." The plain form 「励ます」 (to encourage) fits the continuous action described by 「今日もわたしは～」 (Today too, I...).
Why other options are incorrect:
「励ましたいのに」 means 'even though I want to encourage'. This implies a desire that isn't fulfilled, which contradicts the author's active encouragement.
「励ますからだ」 means 'because I encourage'. This explains a reason, but the sentence is describing the action itself as part of a routine.
「励ましただろうか」 means 'did I encourage?'. This is a rhetorical question, which doesn't fit the narrative of the author's consistent actions.