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
Core meaning
Understand how highlights the most important element in a sentence.
Start with the example
。
This is exactly the answer we were looking for.
strongly singles out the exact item.
Notice the variation
。
Now is precisely the time to act.
highlights the timing as especially important.
More detail: how to apply this
is an emphasis marker.
It highlights the word before it and gives it special importance.
In English, the force may sound like “this is exactly…”, “it is because… that…”, or “only when… can…”.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Locate the element directly before to identify the writer’s central emphasis.
Deep thinking is the result the writer attributes to that quiet time. The emphasis reveals what the writer values.
、。
It is precisely because there is quiet time that one can think deeply.
Locate the element directly before to identify the writer’s central emphasis.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This is exactly the answer we were looking for.
strongly singles out the exact item.
Vocabulary notes
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
Compare in context
。
Now is precisely the time to act.
highlights the timing as especially important.
Vocabulary notes
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
Section 2 of 4
Common patterns
Common patterns
Start with the example
、。
It is precisely because I failed that I am who I am now.
〜 emphasizes the real reason behind the result.
Notice the variation
、。
Only by reading every day does reading ability improve.
〜 marks the condition that makes the result meaningful.
More detail: how to apply this
Three high-value patterns are worth memorizing: / for strong focus, 〜 for “precisely because…”, and 〜 for “only after doing… can…”.
These appear often in essays, speeches, and reflective writing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It is precisely because I failed that I am who I am now.
〜 emphasizes the real reason behind the result.
、。
It is precisely because I failed that I am who I am now.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It is precisely because I failed that I am who I am now.
Showing Common patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
It is precisely because I failed that I am who I am now.
〜 emphasizes the real reason behind the result.
Vocabulary notes
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
Preview
、。
Only by reading every day does reading ability improve.
〜 marks the condition that makes the result meaningful.
Vocabulary notes
- 毎日
- every day
- 読んで
- reading and
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
Section 3 of 4
Reading notes
Locate the element directly before to identify the writer’s central emphasis.
Reading notes
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Having quiet time is the reason being highlighted.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When appears, ask yourself what the writer is spotlighting.
It often reveals thesis statements, emotionally important points, or contrastive persuasion.
This is especially useful in opinion writing and motivational text.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It is small efforts that lead to major change.
The focused item is presented as the key cause of change.
、。
It is small efforts that lead to major change.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It is small efforts that lead to major change.
Showing Reading notes: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
It is small efforts that lead to major change.
The focused item is presented as the key cause of change.
Vocabulary notes
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
- 大きな
- big
- つながる
- to lead to; to connect
Preview
、。
It is precisely because there is quiet time that one can think deeply.
The sentence stresses that quiet time is exactly what allows deeper thought.
Vocabulary notes
- こそ
- exactly; precisely; indeed
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 .
emphasizes the uniquely relevant focus;
adds a case without that same emphasis.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
emphasizes the uniquely relevant focus; adds a case without that same emphasis.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Now is precisely the time to speak / is speaking now too
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.