Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Keeping the Same Topic
Track the main topic across multiple sentences.
Start with the example
。。
Japanese trains are convenient. The times are accurate too.
The topic remains in the second sentence.
Notice the variation
。。
This restaurant is cheap. The food comes quickly too.
The topic remains while the second sentence adds a service-related point.
More detail: how to apply this
A topic introduced with often continues across the next sentence or two, even when it is not repeated.
Repeated omission is normal when the topic is stable.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Track both the continuing broad topic and the particular category that changes under contrast.
shifts the season under discussion to summer, when tourists make the town lively. It does not deny the long winter.
。、。
This town has a long winter. However, in summer it becomes lively with tourists.
Track both the continuing broad topic and the particular category that changes under contrast.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。。
Japanese trains are convenient. The times are accurate too.
The topic remains in the second sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本
- Japan
- 時間
- time; hour(s)
Compare in context
。。
This restaurant is cheap. The food comes quickly too.
The topic remains while the second sentence adds a service-related point.
Vocabulary notes
- 出てくる
- to come out; to appear
Section 2 of 4
Signals of Contrast
Signals of Contrast
Start with the example
、。
Tokyo is lively, but Kyoto is calm.
Two topics are being contrasted directly.
Notice the variation
。、。
This place is inexpensive. On the other hand, the service is a little slow.
clearly signals a shift to a contrasting point.
More detail: how to apply this
Writers often use , , , , and to contrast two topics or two viewpoints.
At N3, seeing contrast early helps you avoid reading both sides as if they support the same claim.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Tokyo is lively, but Kyoto is calm.
Two topics are being contrasted directly.
、。
Tokyo is lively, but Kyoto is calm.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Tokyo is lively, but Kyoto is calm.
Showing Signals of Contrast: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Tokyo is lively, but Kyoto is calm.
Two topics are being contrasted directly.
Preview
。、。
This place is inexpensive. On the other hand, the service is a little slow.
clearly signals a shift to a contrasting point.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- 安い
- cheap; inexpensive
- 一方で
- on the other hand
Section 3 of 4
How Paragraphs Shift Topic
Track both the continuing broad topic and the particular category that changes under contrast.
How Paragraphs Shift Topic
。
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The first sentence describes the town’s long winter. The town remains the broad topic.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
A new name, a phrase like , or a move from one category to another often signals a topic shift.
In reading, pause when you see one of these markers and ask what the new focus is.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Yamada commutes by car. Sato uses the train.
The second sentence introduces a new person and therefore a new topic.
。。
Yamada commutes by car. Sato uses the train.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Yamada commutes by car. Sato uses the train.
Showing How Paragraphs Shift Topic: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。。
Yamada commutes by car. Sato uses the train.
The second sentence introduces a new person and therefore a new topic.
Vocabulary notes
- 山田さん
- Mr. or Ms. Yamada
- 佐藤さん
- Ms. Sato; Mr. Sato
Preview
。、。
This town has a long winter. However, in summer it becomes lively with tourists.
marks a shift in viewpoint within the same broad topic.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- しかし
- however
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
、
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare 、 and .
Repeated can contrast subjects;
and in the second assign actor and companion.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Repeated can contrast subjects; and in the second assign actor and companion.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Contrast between people's participation / joint participation
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.