JLPT N2 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. ここは<u>省略</u>してもかまわない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
省略 (しょうりゃく) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'omission' or 'abbreviation'. The sentence means 'You may omit this part.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This reading is incorrect for 省略.
This reading is incorrect for 省略.
This reading is incorrect for 省略.
2. 研修内容は、日程も<u>含めて</u>、今日中にお知らせします。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
含めて (ふくめて) is the correct reading for the kanji 含める, meaning 'including' or 'to include'. The sentence means 'We will inform you of the training content, including the schedule, by the end of today.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 定めて, meaning 'to decide' or 'to establish'.
This is the reading for 固めて, meaning 'to harden' or 'to solidify'.
This is the reading for まとめて, meaning 'to gather' or 'to summarize'.
3. 慣れるとつい<u>油断</u>して失敗してしまう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
油断 (ゆだん) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'carelessness' or 'inattention'. The sentence means 'When you get used to it, you tend to become careless and make mistakes.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This reading is incorrect for 油断.
This reading is incorrect for 油断.
This reading is incorrect for 油断.
4. 明日は学校の<u>行事</u>に参加します。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
行事 (ぎょうじ) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'event' or 'function'. The sentence means 'Tomorrow, I will participate in a school event.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This reading is incorrect for 行事.
This reading is incorrect for 行事.
This reading is incorrect for 行事. 工事 (こうじ) means 'construction work'.
5. この世代の人たちはコンピュータの知識が<u>乏しい</u>ように思います。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
乏しい (とぼしい) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'lacking' or 'scarce'. The sentence means 'I think people of this generation lack computer knowledge.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 詳しい, meaning 'detailed' or 'knowledgeable'.
This is the reading for 貧しい, meaning 'poor'.
This is the reading for 怪しい or 妖しい, meaning 'suspicious' or 'dubious'.
問題２ の言葉を漢字で書くとき、最もよいものを１・２・３・４から一つ選びなさい。
6. A地点からB地点までの<u>きょり</u>を測った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct kanji for きょり (kyori), meaning 'distance', is 距離. The sentence means 'I measured the distance from point A to point B.'
Why other options are incorrect:
The second kanji 理 is incorrect for 'distance'.
The first kanji 拒 is incorrect for 'distance'.
Both kanji 拒 and 理 are incorrect for 'distance'.
7. <u>おどろかせて</u>しまって、すみません。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct kanji for おどろかせて (odorokasete), meaning 'to surprise' or 'to startle', is 驚かせて. The sentence means 'I'm sorry for startling you.'
Why other options are incorrect:
怖かせて (kowakasete) means 'to scare'.
焦かせて (kogasete) means 'to scorch' or 'to burn'.
騒かせて (sawakasete) means 'to make a fuss' or 'to cause trouble'.
8. 森さんは塾の<u>こうし</u>をしています。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct kanji for こうし (koushi), meaning 'lecturer' or 'instructor', is 講師. The sentence means 'Mr. Mori works as an instructor at a cram school.'
Why other options are incorrect:
The kanji 構 is incorrect in this context.
Both kanji 構 and 士 are incorrect in this context.
The kanji 士 is incorrect in this context.
9. 今日もまだ<u>うで</u>に痛みがあります。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct kanji for うで (ude), meaning 'arm', is 腕. The sentence means 'My arm still hurts today.'
Why other options are incorrect:
腹 (hara) means 'stomach' or 'abdomen'.
胸 (mune) means 'chest'.
腰 (koshi) means 'waist' or 'lower back'.
10. 姉はたくさんの友達に<u>めぐまれて</u>いる 。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct kanji for めぐまれて (megumarete), meaning 'to be blessed with' or 'to be fortunate', is 恵まれて. The sentence means 'My older sister is blessed with many friends.'
Why other options are incorrect:
The kanji 善 (zen) means 'good' and is incorrect here.
The kanji 幸 (sachi/kou) means 'happiness' or 'luck' and is incorrect here.
The kanji 喜 (yorokobi) means 'joy' and is incorrect here.
問題３ （ ）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。
11. 社長の代わりに( )社長が会見を行った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct word to fill the blank is 副 (fuku), which forms 副社長 (fuku-shachō), meaning 'vice president' or 'deputy president'. This indicates someone acting in place of the president. The sentence means 'The vice president held a press conference in place of the president.'
Why other options are incorrect:
従 (jū) means 'to obey' or 'subordinate', but doesn't form a common title like 'vice president'.
準 (jun) means 'semi-' or 'quasi-', but 準社長 is not a standard term.
補 (ho) means 'supplement' or 'assistant', but 補社長 is not a standard term.
12. 彼の発言は( )責任だと批判された。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct word to fill the blank is 無 (mu), which forms 無責任 (musekinin), meaning 'irresponsible'. The sentence means 'His remarks were criticized as irresponsible.'
Why other options are incorrect:
不 (fu) means 'un-' or 'not', but 不責任 is not a standard word. 不安 (fuan) means 'anxiety'.
放 (hō) means 'release' or 'let go', and does not form a word meaning 'irresponsible'.
否 (hi) means 'no' or 'deny', and does not form a word meaning 'irresponsible'.
13. 週末の遊園地は、子ども( )の客でいっぱいだった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct word to fill the blank is 連れ (tsure), which forms 子ども連れ (kodomo-tsure), meaning 'accompanied by children' or 'with children'. The sentence means 'The amusement park on the weekend was full of customers with children.'
Why other options are incorrect:
込み (komi) means 'included' or 'crowded', but doesn't fit the context of 'with children'.
付き (tsuki) means 'attached' or 'with', but 子ども付き is not the natural expression for 'with children' in this context.
加え (kuwae) means 'in addition to' or 'add', and does not fit the context.
14. 友達にパーティーの招待( )を送った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct word to fill the blank is 状 (jō), which forms 招待状 (shōtaijō), meaning 'invitation letter' or 'invitation card'. The sentence means 'I sent an invitation card for the party to my friends.'
Why other options are incorrect:
書 (sho) means 'writing' or 'book', but 招待書 is not the standard term.
便 (bin) means 'mail' or 'convenience', but 招待便 is not the standard term.
紙 (kami) means 'paper', but 招待紙 is not the standard term.
15. 弟は、買ったばかりの( ) 新しい靴をはいて出かけていった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct word to fill the blank is 真 (shin), which forms 真新しい (maatarashii), meaning 'brand new' or 'spick and span'. The sentence means 'My younger brother went out wearing his brand new shoes that he had just bought.'
Why other options are incorrect:
実 (jitsu) means 'truth' or 'reality', and does not form a word meaning 'brand new'.
素 (su) means 'plain' or 'element', and does not form a word meaning 'brand new'.
本 (hon) means 'book' or 'main', and does not form a word meaning 'brand new'.
問題４ （ ）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。
16. この学校の( )は、国際交流が盛んなことだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
特色 (tokushoku) means 'characteristic' or 'feature'. It fits the context of describing a unique aspect of the school. The sentence means 'A characteristic of this school is its active international exchange.'
Why other options are incorrect:
得点 (tokuten) means 'score' or 'points'.
性能 (seinō) means 'performance' or 'capability', typically used for machines or products.
効用 (kōyō) means 'effect' or 'utility'.
17. だんだん雨が激しくなって、傘を差していたのに服が( )ぬれてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
びっしょり (bisshori) is an adverb meaning 'soaking wet' or 'drenched'. It perfectly describes the state of clothes getting completely wet despite using an umbrella. The sentence means 'The rain gradually became heavier, and even though I was holding an umbrella, my clothes got soaking wet.'
Why other options are incorrect:
すっきり (sukkiri) means 'refreshed', 'neat', or 'clear'.
ぎっしり (gisshiri) means 'packed tightly' or 'crammed'.
ぴったり (pittari) means 'perfectly' or 'exactly', often used for fitting or adhering.
18. このチームは何度も優勝し、( )成績を残している。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
輝かしい (kagayakashii) means 'brilliant', 'glorious', or 'splendid'. It is used to describe achievements or results that are outstanding. The sentence means 'This team has won championships many times and has achieved brilliant results.'
Why other options are incorrect:
力強い (chikara-zuyoi) means 'powerful' or 'strong', usually referring to physical strength or influence, not results.
分厚い (buatsui) means 'thick' (e.g., a book or wall).
限りない (kagirinai) means 'limitless' or 'endless'.
19. Aホテルは大通りに( )いて、分かりやすい場所にある。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
面して (men shite) means 'facing' or 'fronting'. It is used to describe a building or place that faces a street, park, or other area. The sentence means 'Hotel A faces the main street and is in an easy-to-find location.'
Why other options are incorrect:
当たって (atatte) means 'to hit' or 'to be exposed to', not typically used for a building facing a street.
触れて (furete) means 'to touch' or 'to mention'.
合わせて (awasete) means 'to combine' or 'to match'.
20. それは、問題点を的確にとらえた( ) 質問だった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
するどい (surudoi) means 'sharp' or 'keen'. When used with questions or observations, it implies being insightful and precise in identifying key issues. The sentence means 'That was a keen question that accurately grasped the problem points.'
Why other options are incorrect:
にぶい (nibui) means 'dull' or 'blunt'.
けわしい (kewashii) means 'steep' or 'severe'.
ゆるい (yurui) means 'loose' or 'lenient'.
21. このいすは、大きさがちょうどいいし、色や( )も気に入っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
デザイン (dezain) means 'design'. It fits naturally with 'color' (色) when talking about aesthetic preferences for furniture. The sentence means 'This chair is just the right size, and I also like its color and design.'
Why other options are incorrect:
インテリア (interia) means 'interior' or 'interior design', referring to the overall decor of a room, not a specific item's appearance.
スペース (supēsu) means 'space'.
リビング (ribingu) means 'living room'.
22. 一つの考え方に縛られず、( ) 思考を持つことで、新しい発想が生まれるだろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
柔軟な (jūnan na) means 'flexible' or 'adaptable'. Having flexible thinking (柔軟な思考) is essential for generating new ideas without being constrained by a single viewpoint. The sentence means 'By not being bound by a single way of thinking and having flexible thoughts, new ideas will likely be born.'
Why other options are incorrect:
快適な (kaiteki na) means 'comfortable' or 'pleasant'.
円満な (enman na) means 'harmonious' or 'peaceful', often used for relationships or situations.
順調な (junchō na) means 'smooth' or 'favorable', referring to progress or conditions.
問題５ 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。
23. 森さんはこの辺りに店を<u>所有</u>しているらしい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
所有 (shoyū) means 'ownership' or 'possession'. Therefore, '所有している' means 'to own' or 'to possess'. '持っている' (motte iru) also means 'to have' or 'to possess', making it the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'Mr. Mori seems to own a shop around here.'
Why other options are incorrect:
探して (sagashite) means 'looking for'.
借りて (karite) means 'borrowing'.
建てて (tatete) means 'building'.
24. 佐藤さんは<u>おそらく</u>来ないと思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
おそらく (osoraku) means 'probably' or 'most likely'. たぶん (tabun) also means 'probably' or 'maybe', making it the closest synonym. The sentence means 'I think Mr. Sato probably won't come.'
Why other options are incorrect:
当然 (tōzen) means 'naturally' or 'as a matter of course'.
やはり (yahari) means 'as expected' or 'after all'.
絶対 (zettai) means 'absolutely' or 'definitely'.
25. まだ<u>収納して</u>いない物がたくさんある。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
収納する (shūnō suru) means 'to store' or 'to put away'. しまう (shimau) also means 'to put away' or 'to store', making it the closest synonym. The sentence means 'There are still many things I haven't put away.'
Why other options are incorrect:
集めて (atsumete) means 'gathering' or 'collecting'.
預けて (azukete) means 'depositing' or 'entrusting'.
返して (kaeshite) means 'returning'.
26. 妹は母に似て<u>小柄</u>だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
小柄 (kogara) means 'small-built' or 'petite', referring to a person's physical size. Therefore, '体が小さい' (karada ga chiisai), meaning 'small in stature' or 'small-bodied', is the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'My younger sister is small-built, like my mother.'
Why other options are incorrect:
声が小さい (koe ga chiisai) means 'has a small voice'.
力が弱い (chikara ga yowai) means 'is weak' (physically).
心が弱し (kokoro ga yowashi) means 'is weak-hearted' or 'is timid'.
27. 鈴木さんは<u>無口</u>だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
無口 (mukuchi) means 'taciturn' or 'quiet', referring to someone who doesn't talk much. Therefore, 'あまり話さない' (amari hanasanai), meaning 'doesn't talk much', is the closest in meaning. The sentence means 'Mr. Suzuki is quiet.'
Why other options are incorrect:
あまり笑わない (amari warawanai) means 'doesn't laugh much'.
あまり怒らない (amari okoranai) means 'doesn't get angry much'.
あまり食べない (amari tabenai) means 'doesn't eat much'.
問題 6 次の言葉の使い方として最も近いものを、１・２・３・４から一つ選びなさい。
28. <u>温暖</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
温暖 (ondan) means 'mild' or 'temperate', typically referring to climate or weather. Option 3 uses 温暖 correctly to describe a region's climate as mild, making it easy to live in and abundant in agricultural products. The sentence means 'This region is mild and easy to live in, and agricultural products like vegetables and fruits are abundant.'
Why other options are incorrect:
温暖 is not used to describe a person's personality. 温厚 (onkou) or 穏やか (odayaka) would be more appropriate for a mild personality.
温暖 is not used for the temperature of food. 温かい (atakai) would be appropriate for 'warm'.
温暖 is not used for the temperature of a room. 暖かく (atatakaku) would be appropriate for 'warm'.
29. <u>振り向く</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
振り向く (furimuku) means 'to turn around' or 'to look back'. Option 1 correctly uses 振り向く to describe turning one's head or body to look behind after being called. The sentence means 'Someone called me from behind, so when I turned around, it was the section chief.'
Why other options are incorrect:
左右を振り向く is unnatural. 左右を確認する (to check left and right) or 左右を見る (to look left and right) would be correct.
上を振り向く is unnatural. 上を見る (to look up) or 上を仰ぐ (to look up at) would be correct.
下を振り向く is unnatural. 下を向く (to look down) would be correct.
30. <u>用途</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
用途 (yōto) means 'use' or 'purpose'. Option 4 correctly uses 用途 to refer to the intended purpose of an object. The sentence means 'Although it's not its original purpose, I think this container can be used as a vase.'
Why other options are incorrect:
時間の用途 is unnatural. 時間の使い方 (how to use time) or 時間の有効活用 (effective use of time) would be correct.
会社での私の用途 is unnatural. 会社の私の役割 (my role at the company) or 会社の私の仕事 (my job at the company) would be correct.
才能は多くの用途に生かされる is unnatural. 才能は多くの分野で生かされる (talent can be utilized in many fields) or 才能は多くのことに生かされる (talent can be utilized for many things) would be correct.
31. <u>甘やかす</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
甘やかす (amayakasu) means 'to spoil' or 'to pamper' (a child, etc.). Option 2 correctly uses 甘やかす in the passive voice to describe someone being spoiled by their parents. The sentence means 'Perhaps because Mr. Hayashi was spoiled by his parents for a long time, he is selfish and causes trouble.'
Why other options are incorrect:
甘やかす is not used for the difficulty of an exam. 易しくなっている (has become easier) or 緩くなっている (has become lenient) would be more appropriate.
風邪を甘やかす is unnatural. 風邪をこじらせる (to let a cold get worse) or 風邪を無理しない (not to overdo it with a cold) would be more appropriate.
甘やかす is not used for making food sweet. 甘くした (made sweet) would be correct.
32. <u>行方</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
行方 (yukue) means 'whereabouts' or 'destination'. It is often used when someone's location is unknown. Option 1 correctly uses 行方 to refer to the unknown whereabouts of two people. The sentence means 'These two people in the photo seem to be involved in the incident, but their whereabouts are still unknown.'
Why other options are incorrect:
行方 is unnatural here. 行き先 (destination) or 方面 (direction) would be more appropriate.
行方 is unnatural here. 前方 (ahead) or 正面 (in front) would be more appropriate.
行方 is unnatural here. 行動 (actions) or 過ごし方 (way of spending time) would be more appropriate.
問題７ 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。
33. 南極の氷を調べること( )数十万年前の地球の気候を知ることができるそうだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
によって (ni yotte) means 'by means of' or 'due to'. It indicates the method or cause. Here, it means 'by investigating the ice in Antarctica'. The sentence means 'It is said that by investigating the ice in Antarctica, one can learn about the Earth's climate hundreds of thousands of years ago.'
Why other options are incorrect:
にとって (ni totte) means 'for' or 'to' (in relation to someone/something), indicating a perspective.
に関して (ni kanshite) means 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
に対して (ni taishite) means 'towards' or 'in contrast to'.
34. この曲は、私には難しすぎて ( )弾けそうにない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
とても (totemo) is used with negative forms to mean 'not at all' or 'cannot possibly'. 'とても～そうにない' means 'it doesn't seem possible at all'. The sentence means 'This song is too difficult for me; I don't think I can play it at all.'
Why other options are incorrect:
だんだん (dandan) means 'gradually'.
今にも (imaにも) means 'at any moment' or 'soon', often used for something about to happen.
必ず (kanarazu) means 'surely' or 'without fail'.
35. 入社試験の面接で、緊張の( )、声が震えてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～のあまり (no amari) means 'so much... that' or 'due to excessive...'. It expresses that something happened as a result of an extreme state or feeling. The sentence means 'Due to extreme nervousness during the job interview, my voice trembled.'
Why other options are incorrect:
わけで (wake de) means 'that's why' or 'as a result'.
ことに (koto ni) is used to express a feeling or judgment, e.g., 驚いたことに (to my surprise).
中を (naka o) means 'through the middle of' or 'inside'.
36. 森川動物園は、森川駅からバスで30分( )行ったところにある。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ほど (hodo) means 'about' or 'approximately' when referring to quantity, degree, or extent. Here, it indicates an approximate travel time. The sentence means 'Morikawa Zoo is located about 30 minutes by bus from Morikawa Station.'
Why other options are incorrect:
など (nado) means 'etc.' or 'and so on'.
などに (nado ni) is a combination of など and the particle に, not suitable here.
ほどに (hodo ni) is less common in this context and implies a degree or comparison rather than a simple approximation.
37. (メールで)<br/>4月20日に新入生歓迎会を聞きますので、ぜひご参加ください。なお、場所は( )、お知らせします。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～次第 (shidai) means 'as soon as' or 'once...'. It indicates that something will happen immediately after a condition is met. '決まり次第' means 'as soon as it's decided'. The sentence means 'We will hold a freshman welcome party on April 20th, so please join us. The location will be announced as soon as it is decided.'
Why other options are incorrect:
決まったおかげで (kimatta okage de) means 'thanks to it being decided', implying a positive result, which doesn't fit the future announcement.
決まって以来 (kimatte irai) means 'ever since it was decided', implying a continuous state from a past decision.
決まる一方で (kimaru ippō de) means 'while it is being decided' or 'on the one hand it is decided, but on the other hand...', implying a contrasting or ongoing situation.
38. この地域のみかんの生産量は、2000年から2003年にかけて一時減少した()、再び増加し、 2010年には過去最高となった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ものの (mono no) means 'although' or 'but'. It indicates a concession or a contrast, fitting the pattern of a temporary decrease followed by an increase. The sentence means 'The production volume of mandarins in this region temporarily decreased from 2000 to 2003, but it increased again and reached a record high in 2010.'
Why other options are incorrect:
として (toshite) means 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.
のかどうか (no ka dō ka) means 'whether or not'.
からには (kara ni wa) means 'since' or 'now that', indicating a reason or condition for a subsequent action.
39. (育児書で)<br/>赤ちゃんの熱が少しあると心配になるかもしれませんが、熱が多少あっても、元気に遊んでいるなら、( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
慌てることはありません (awateru koto wa arimasen) means 'there is no need to panic' or 'you don't have to worry'. This fits the context of reassuring parents about a baby's slight fever if the baby is still energetic. The sentence means 'You might worry if your baby has a slight fever, but if they are still playing energetically even with some fever, there is no need to panic.'
Why other options are incorrect:
慌てざるを得ません (awatezaru o emasen) means 'cannot help but panic' or 'must panic'.
慌てずにはいられません (awatezu ni wa iraremasen) means 'cannot help but panic'.
慌てるに違いありません (awateru ni chigai arimasen) means 'must surely panic'.
40. (就職説明会で)<br/>「就職活動とは、企業に応募することです。この企業で働きたいと思っていても、応募( )、何も進みませ ん。まずは応募しましょう。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ないことには (nai koto ni wa) means 'unless/if... not'. It indicates that something will not happen unless a certain condition is met. '応募しないことには' means 'unless you apply'. The sentence means 'Job hunting means applying to companies. Even if you want to work for this company, nothing will progress unless you apply. First, let's apply.'
Why other options are incorrect:
してみるより (shite miru yori) means 'rather than trying to do it'.
できるといいし (dekiru to ii shi) means 'it would be good if I could do it, and...'
するのではなく (suru no de wa naku) means 'rather than doing it'.
41. 先月、エアコンを( )使っていたら、電気代が2万円を超えてしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～たいだけ (tai dake) means 'as much as one wants to' or 'to one's heart's content'. Here, it implies using the air conditioner without restraint, leading to a high electricity bill. The sentence means 'Last month, because I used the air conditioner as much as I wanted, my electricity bill exceeded 20,000 yen.'
Why other options are incorrect:
使いすぎて (tsukai sugite) means 'used too much', which is also a possible cause for a high bill, but '使いたいだけ' emphasizes the user's desire/lack of restraint.
使ったまま (tsukatta mama) means 'while still using' or 'left as is after using'.
使いつづけたり (tsukai tsuzuketari) means 'continued to use, among other things'.
42. 山川:「ごめんね。田村さんに借りたCD、今日返そうと思っていたのに、持ってくるの忘れちゃった。」 <br/>田村:「ああ、別に急がないから、次に会うときに( ) 。 J
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～てくれればいい (te kurereba ii) means 'it would be fine if you do...' or 'you can just do...'. It expresses that the speaker is fine with the listener doing something at their convenience. The sentence means 'Yamagawa: "Sorry. I was planning to return the CD I borrowed from Tamura today, but I forgot to bring it." Tamura: "Oh, no rush, you can just bring it next time we meet."
Why other options are incorrect:
持ってきてくれるはずだ (motte kite kureru hazu da) means 'you are supposed to bring it' or 'you should bring it', which sounds like an expectation or obligation.
持ってきてあげるつもりだ (motte kite ageru tsumori da) means 'I intend to bring it for you', which is the speaker's intention, not a request or suggestion to the listener.
持ってきてあげたほうがいい (motte kite ageta hō ga ii) means 'it would be better if you brought it for me', which is a stronger suggestion than what the context implies.
43. まだ読んでいない本が10冊もあるから、しばらく本は( )と決めていたのに、面白そうな本を見つけて、つ い買ってしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～ずにおこう (zu ni okou) means 'to decide not to do something for a while' or 'to leave something undone'. Here, it means 'to decide not to buy books for a while'. The sentence means 'I had decided not to buy books for a while because I still have 10 unread books, but I found an interesting-looking book and ended up buying it.'
Why other options are incorrect:
買うべきじゃなかった (kau beki ja nakatta) means 'I shouldn't have bought it', which is a past regret, not a prior decision.
買わないでいたんだ (kawanai de ita n da) means 'I had been not buying them', which describes a past state, not a decision.
買っていないだろう (katte inai darō) means 'probably haven't bought', which is a conjecture.
44. 昨日、天気がよかったので公園に出かけた。春の日ざしが暖かく、風が気持ちよくて、ベンチに座っていると、つい( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
～てしまいそうになった (te shimaisō ni natta) means 'almost ended up doing something' or 'was about to do something unintentionally'. Here, it means 'I almost fell asleep'. The sentence means 'Yesterday, the weather was nice, so I went to the park. The spring sunlight was warm, and the wind felt pleasant, so as I sat on the bench, I almost fell asleep.'
Why other options are incorrect:
眠そうだった (nemusō datta) means 'looked sleepy', which describes an appearance, not an action about to happen.
眠そうにしていた (nemusō ni shite ita) means 'was looking sleepy', similar to option 1.
眠っていそうだった (nemutte isō datta) means 'seemed to be sleeping', which is a conjecture about someone else's state.
問題 8 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。
45. 優しい子になってほしい。娘の ___ _★_ ___ ___ 込めたからだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is: 娘の 名前を 優子に したのは そういった願いを 込めたからだ。 (Musume no namae o Yūko ni shita no wa sō itta negai o kometa kara da.) The `_★_` part is '優子に'. The sentence means 'I want her to become a kind child. That's why I named my daughter Yuko, putting such a wish into it.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase comes after the `_★_` part and is the object of 込めた.
This phrase comes before the `_★_` part and is the object of したのは.
This phrase comes after the `_★_` part and forms the structure 'XにしたのはYからだ'.
46. 日本で携帯電話が発売されて約20年。いまや携帯電話は___ ___ _★_ ___ 定着したといえるのではないか。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is: いまや携帯電話は 生活 に欠かせない 道具 として 定着したといえるのではないか。 (Ima ya keitai denwa wa seikatsu ni kakasenai dōgu toshite teichaku shita to ieru no de wa nai ka.) The `_★_` part is '道具'. The phrase '生活に欠かせない道具として' means 'as an indispensable tool in daily life'. The sentence means 'It has been about 20 years since mobile phones were released in Japan. Now, it can be said that mobile phones have become established as an indispensable tool in daily life.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase comes after '生活' and before '道具'.
This particle comes after '道具'.
This word comes before 'に欠かせない'.
47. 私は、スケジュール ___ ___ _★_ ___ 常も考えながら作業をしている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is: 私は、スケジュール どおりに 仕事を進める には どうすればいいか 常も考えながら作業をしている。 (Watashi wa, sukejūru dōri ni shigoto o susumeru ni wa dō sureba ii ka tsunemō kangaenagara sagyō o shite iru.) The `_★_` part is 'には'. The phrase 'スケジュールどおりに仕事を進めるにはどうすればいいか' means 'how to proceed with work according to the schedule'. The sentence means 'I am working while always thinking about how to proceed with work according to the schedule.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase comes after the `_★_` part.
This phrase comes before the `_★_` part.
This phrase comes before the `_★_` part.
48. 筋肉トレーニングを ___ ___ _★_ ___ 効果は全く違います。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is: 筋肉トレーニングを しているとき 今自分がどこを鍛えているのか 意識するのと しないのでは 効果は全く違います。 (Kin'niku torēningu o shite iru toki ima jibun ga doko o kitaete iru no ka ishikisuru no to shinai no de wa kōka wa mattaku chigaimasu.) The `_★_` part is '意識するのと'. The phrase '意識するのとしないのでは' means 'depending on whether you are conscious of it or not'. The sentence means 'When doing muscle training, the effects are completely different depending on whether you are conscious of which part of your body you are training or not.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase comes after 'しているとき' and before the `_★_` part.
This phrase comes after '筋肉トレーニングを'.
This phrase comes after the `_★_` part.
49.「みるく屋」は、A市に ___ ___ _★_ ___ です。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is: 「みるく屋」は、A市に 住んでいる人なら 知らない人はいないくらい 有名な お菓子屋さん です。 ("Mirukuya" wa, A-shi ni sunde iru hito nara shiranai hito wa inai kurai yūmei na okashiya-san desu.) The `_★_` part is '有名な'. The phrase '知らない人はいないくらい有名な' means 'so famous that there's no one who doesn't know it'. The sentence means '"Mirukuya" is a confectionery shop in A City that is so famous that there's no one living there who doesn't know it.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase comes after 'A市に'.
This phrase comes after '住んでいる人なら' and before the `_★_` part.
This phrase comes after the `_★_` part.
問題 9 次の文章を読んで、文章全体の内容を考えて、（ 50 ）から（ 54 ）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
「のぼり」
シルバージョゼ
それを見たのは、日本に着いた日、空港からホテルへバスで向かっているときだった。高さは【 50 】。青い布に白い字で 「夏祭り」と書かれた大きな長方形の旗が道路沿いに一定間隔で何本も立っていたのだ。初めて見る、面白い光景だった。
このとき、「この旗は何だ?」と思った。しかし、街を歩くと、あちこちに似たような旗があり、それらを見ているうち こ、「これは広告だ。」と気づいた。旗にはそれぞれ、「お弁当」、「食べ放題」、「本日特売日」といった短い言葉が書 かれている。【 51 】旗も色が派手で高さがあり、1本でもよく目立つ。そのため自然と目が行く。また、何本か同じ旗が 並んで立っていると、まるで一つの大きな看板のように見える。さらに、旗はどこにでも簡単に立てられるから、街のあち こちで【 52 】。私はこの旗に強い関心を持った。
【 53】、この旗は「のぼり」というそうだ。サイズは縦180センチ、横60センチのものが多い。布の上部と片方の 端に棒が通してあり、風が吹かなくても見えるようになっている。今の形ののぼりは、600年ぐらい前にはすでにあり、 当時は戦いで自分の軍と敵の軍とを見分けるために使われていたらしい。時代は変わり、今はそのような目的で使われるこ とはない。だが、今も、情報を一瞬ではっきりと伝えたいときにのぼりを使うのは【 54 】。のぼりの特徴をとらえ、広告 に応用した発想に感心した。
English Summary & Annotations
【 50 】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage describes the author's first impression of the flags. '2メートルくらいだっただろうか' (2 metersくらいだっただろうか) means 'I wonder if it was about 2 meters'. This expresses the author's estimation and slight uncertainty, which is natural for a first impression. The later part of the passage confirms the typical size is 180cm, which is close to 2 meters.
Why other options are incorrect:
This phrase implies asking if it was something like 2 meters, which doesn't fit the narrative flow of the author's observation.
This means 'I heard it was about 2 meters', which implies receiving information from someone else, not a personal observation.
This means 'it was thought to be about 2 meters', which is too formal and objective for a personal impression.
【 51 】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes the characteristics of 'the flags' in general. 'どの旗も' (dono hata mo) means 'every flag' or 'any flag'. This fits the context of describing the general features that make them effective advertisements. The sentence means 'Every flag is brightly colored and tall, standing out well even individually.'
Why other options are incorrect:
このように (kono yō ni) means 'in this way' or 'like this', referring to something already mentioned, but it doesn't fit before '旗も'.
あのように (ano yō ni) means 'in that way' or 'like that', referring to something distant or previously mentioned, but it doesn't fit before '旗も'.
そちらの (sochira no) means 'that side's' or 'your side's', referring to a specific direction or party, which is out of context.
【 52 】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes the widespread use of the flags. '使われている' (tsukawarete iru) is the passive form, meaning 'are being used' or 'are used'. This fits the context of observing that the flags are commonly seen everywhere. The sentence means 'Furthermore, since the flags can be easily set up anywhere, they are used all over the city.'
Why other options are incorrect:
使っていく (tsukatte iku) means 'to continue using' or 'to use from now on', which doesn't fit the general observation of their current widespread use.
使おう (tsukaō) is the volitional form, meaning 'let's use' or 'intend to use', which is not appropriate for describing a general phenomenon.
使わせる (tsukawaseru) is the causative form, meaning 'to make someone use' or 'to let someone use', which is incorrect here.
【 53 】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The paragraph shifts from the author's personal observations to factual information about the flags. '調べてみたところ' (shirabete mita tokoro) means 'as a result of trying to investigate' or 'upon investigation'. This indicates that the following information was discovered through research. The sentence means 'Upon investigation, I learned that these flags are called 'nobori'.'
Why other options are incorrect:
以上から (ijō kara) means 'from the above' or 'based on the above', used for drawing a conclusion from previous statements, not for introducing new information from research.
旗といえば (hata to ieba) means 'speaking of flags', used to change the topic or introduce related information, but it doesn't imply research.
しかしながら (shikashinagara) means 'however' or 'nevertheless', used for contrast, which is not the case here.
【 54 】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence discusses how the purpose of 'nobori' has changed over time, but their effectiveness in conveying information quickly remains. '変わらないようだ' (kawaranai yō da) means 'it seems that it hasn't changed' or 'it seems to remain the same'. This fits the context of stating that the fundamental utility of 'nobori' for quick information transfer is still relevant. The sentence means 'The times have changed, and they are no longer used for such purposes. However, even now, it seems that using nobori when you want to convey information clearly and instantly has not changed.'
Why other options are incorrect:
変わらないこともない (kawaranai koto mo nai) is a double negative meaning 'it's not that it hasn't changed' or 'it might change', which contradicts the intended meaning of continued effectiveness.
変えないでおきたい (kaenai de okitai) means 'I want to leave it unchanged', expressing a desire, not an observation of fact.
変えなければならない (kaenakereba naranai) means 'must change', which is the opposite of the intended meaning.