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
Three common connectors
Distinguish simple contrast, unexpected contrast, and result.
Start with the example
。、。
The preparation was sufficient. However, the result was not good.
marks plain contrast without strong surprise.
Notice the variation
。、。
I left home early. However, the train had stopped.
Unexpected turn.
More detail: how to apply this
signals a straightforward contrast.
introduces a result that goes against expectation.
marks a consequence or result.
These words are common in essays, reports, and formal explanations.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Name the actual premise and consequence before labeling a connector’s role.
Resubmission becoming necessary is the result. This sentence gives a requirement, not proof that the corrected materials have already been submitted.
。、。
There was an error in the materials. As a result, resubmission became necessary.
Name the actual premise and consequence before labeling a connector’s role.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
The preparation was sufficient. However, the result was not good.
marks plain contrast without strong surprise.
Vocabulary notes
- しかし
- however
Compare in context
。、。
I left home early. However, the train had stopped.
Unexpected turn.
Vocabulary notes
- ところが
- however; but unexpectedly
Compare in context
。、。
A typhoon was approaching. Therefore, the event was canceled.
gives an objective, report-like consequence.
Vocabulary notes
- そのため
- for that reason; therefore
- イベント
- event
Section 2 of 4
Nuance differences
Nuance differences
Start with the example
。、。
I took the medicine. But unexpectedly, the fever did not go down.
highlights an outcome that goes against expectation.
Notice the variation
。、。
There was an error in the materials. As a result, resubmission became necessary.
sounds more formal and detached than casual .
More detail: how to apply this
However is not always enough.
often implies surprise or disappointment.
can sound more objective and formal than , which is more common in speech.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I took the medicine. But unexpectedly, the fever did not go down.
highlights an outcome that goes against expectation.
。、。
I took the medicine. But unexpectedly, the fever did not go down.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I took the medicine. But unexpectedly, the fever did not go down.
Showing Nuance differences: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
I took the medicine. But unexpectedly, the fever did not go down.
highlights an outcome that goes against expectation.
Vocabulary notes
- ところが
- however; but unexpectedly
Preview
。、。
There was an error in the materials. As a result, resubmission became necessary.
sounds more formal and detached than casual .
Vocabulary notes
- そのため
- for that reason; therefore
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Name the actual premise and consequence before labeling a connector’s role.
Reading focus
。
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The error in the materials supplies the fact that motivates the next development.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Use connectors as road signs.
Before reading the next sentence, predict whether you should expect contrast, an unexpected development, or a consequence.
This makes longer passages easier to process.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The new system is convenient. However, users also have concerns.
The writer shifts from a benefit to a concern.
。、。
The new system is convenient. However, users also have concerns.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The new system is convenient. However, users also have concerns.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。、。
The new system is convenient. However, users also have concerns.
The writer shifts from a benefit to a concern.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- しかし
- however
- 利用者
- user
Preview
。、。
The snow became heavier. As a result, the number of buses decreased.
A formal cause-result chain is spread across two sentences.
Vocabulary notes
- そのため
- for that reason; therefore
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Read the passage
。、。。、、。
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do the two connectors organize this account?
More detail: what changes and why
Read: 。、。。、、。 How do the two connectors organize this account?
links the continuing rain to rising water.
contrasts the expected flooded fields with , the actual unharmed result.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
links the continuing rain to rising water. contrasts the expected flooded fields with , the actual unharmed result.
How do the two connectors organize this account?
Supported meaning: そのため links rain to rising water; ところが introduces the unexpectedly unharmed fields
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.