Topic Shifts and Contrast in Text
Learn to notice when a text keeps the same topic, shifts to a new one, or sets up a contrast between two ideas.
Keeping the Same Topic
A topic introduced with は often continues across the next sentence or two, even when it is not repeated. Repeated omission is normal when the topic is stable.
日本の電車は便利だ。時間も正確だ。
Japanese trains are convenient. The times are accurate too.
The topic remains 日本の電車 in the second sentence.
この店は安い。料理も早く出てくる。
This restaurant is cheap. The food comes quickly too.
The topic remains この店 while the second sentence adds a service-related point.
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