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
What わけだ Means
Use to connect evidence to a conclusion.
Start with the example
。。
Oh, you lived in Japan for ten years? That explains why your Japanese is so good.
The second sentence is a conclusion from the first.
Notice the variation
。。
This road leads to the station. That's why there are so many people.
The speaker understands the reason behind the situation.
More detail: how to apply this
means 'that is why,' 'so that explains it,' or 'it follows that.' It links information you already have to a natural conclusion.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Work backward from to the facts that make the conclusion intelligible.
presents the speaker’s explanatory conclusion: those facts account for the popularity. It is not a demand that people make the place popular.
、。。
It's inexpensive and close to the station. No wonder it's popular.
Work backward from to the facts that make the conclusion intelligible.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。。
Oh, you lived in Japan for ten years? That explains why your Japanese is so good.
The second sentence is a conclusion from the first.
Vocabulary notes
- それで
- so; because of that
- 日本語
- Japanese language
Compare in context
。。
This road leads to the station. That's why there are so many people.
The speaker understands the reason behind the situation.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
- わけだ
- that means; no wonder; naturally
Section 2 of 4
How It Differs from Simple Cause
How It Differs from Simple Cause
Start with the example
。。
Tomorrow is a holiday. So that explains why school is closed.
The focus is on the logical conclusion.
Notice the variation
、。
Because tomorrow is a holiday, school is closed.
This is a simpler cause-and-effect statement.
More detail: how to apply this
gives a direct reason.
highlights the conclusion the speaker reaches after hearing or seeing that reason.
It often feels more explanatory.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Tomorrow is a holiday. So that explains why school is closed.
The focus is on the logical conclusion.
。。
Tomorrow is a holiday. So that explains why school is closed.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Tomorrow is a holiday. So that explains why school is closed.
Showing How It Differs from Simple Cause: Everyday words.
Target signal
。。
Tomorrow is a holiday. So that explains why school is closed.
The focus is on the logical conclusion.
Vocabulary notes
- 休み
- day off; break; holiday
- わけだ
- that means; no wonder; naturally
Preview
、。
Because tomorrow is a holiday, school is closed.
This is a simpler cause-and-effect statement.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
- 休み
- day off; break; holiday
Section 3 of 4
Reading Use: Following the Writer's Logic
Work backward from to the facts that make the conclusion intelligible.
Reading Use: Following the Writer's Logic
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Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Low price is the first fact gathered.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In N3 reading, often appears after several pieces of information.
When you see it, ask what facts the writer has just gathered and what conclusion naturally follows.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It's inexpensive and close to the station. No wonder it's popular.
The conclusion gathers more than one reason.
、。。
It's inexpensive and close to the station. No wonder it's popular.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It's inexpensive and close to the station. No wonder it's popular.
Showing Reading Use: Following the Writer's Logic: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。。
It's inexpensive and close to the station. No wonder it's popular.
The conclusion gathers more than one reason.
Vocabulary notes
- わけだ
- that means; no wonder; naturally
Preview
。。
So you walk two hours every day? No wonder you're tired.
The speaker reacts to new information with a conclusion.
Vocabulary notes
- わけだ
- that means; no wonder; naturally
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 .
draws an explanatory conclusion;
limits or denies the proposed conclusion.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
draws an explanatory conclusion; limits or denies the proposed conclusion.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: That explains its high price / it is not necessarily expensive
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.