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
Cause and result are often separated
Identify explicit and implicit cause-effect links in connected text.
Start with the example
。、。
Heavy rain had been falling since morning. As a result, the game was canceled.
An explicit result marker links the cause sentence to the outcome.
Notice the variation
。、。
The road in front of the station is under construction. Therefore, the bus will take a different route.
introduces the response taken because of the situation.
More detail: how to apply this
In reading passages, the cause does not always appear in the same sentence as the result.
You may need to connect one sentence that explains a problem with a later sentence that gives the outcome or response.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Build the chain of stated events, distinguishing an explicit cause from a contextual link or an unsupported sole-cause claim.
Delivery changing to tomorrow is the subsequent response or consequence. The second link is supplied by the connected situation, rather than a repeated cause marker.
。。
Because of the snow, the highway was closed. Delivery was changed to tomorrow.
Build the chain of stated events, distinguishing an explicit cause from a contextual link or an unsupported sole-cause claim.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
Heavy rain had been falling since morning. As a result, the game was canceled.
An explicit result marker links the cause sentence to the outcome.
Vocabulary notes
- そのため
- for that reason; therefore
Compare in context
。、。
The road in front of the station is under construction. Therefore, the bus will take a different route.
introduces the response taken because of the situation.
Vocabulary notes
- そこで
- there; so then
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Section 2 of 4
Common signals
Common signals
Start with the example
。、。
Errors were found in the materials. As a result, the presentation was postponed.
clearly marks the later consequence.
Notice the variation
。。
The battery was dead. The machine did not work.
Cause and result without an explicit connector.
More detail: how to apply this
Look for result markers such as , , , and .
Also watch for nouns like , , and .
Even without explicit markers, real-world logic often links one event to the next.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Errors were found in the materials. As a result, the presentation was postponed.
clearly marks the later consequence.
。、。
Errors were found in the materials. As a result, the presentation was postponed.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Errors were found in the materials. As a result, the presentation was postponed.
Showing Common signals: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
Errors were found in the materials. As a result, the presentation was postponed.
clearly marks the later consequence.
Vocabulary notes
- 資料
- materials; documents
- その
- that
- 発表
- announcement; presentation
Preview
。。
The battery was dead. The machine did not work.
Cause and result without an explicit connector.
Vocabulary notes
- 機械
- machine
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Build the chain of stated events, distinguishing an explicit cause from a contextual link or an unsupported sole-cause claim.
Reading focus
。
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Snow is explicitly named as the cause of the highway closure.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When a question asks why something happened, scan backward.
When it asks what happened because of a situation, scan forward.
This habit is especially useful in short articles and notices.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because of the snow, the highway was closed. Delivery was changed to tomorrow.
The consequence is recovered by scanning forward from the cause.
。。
Because of the snow, the highway was closed. Delivery was changed to tomorrow.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because of the snow, the highway was closed. Delivery was changed to tomorrow.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。。
Because of the snow, the highway was closed. Delivery was changed to tomorrow.
The consequence is recovered by scanning forward from the cause.
Vocabulary notes
- 配達
- delivery
- 明日
- tomorrow
Preview
、。
Because the number of users increased, the reception hours were extended.
The omitted subject can still be inferred from the policy context.
Vocabulary notes
- 利用者
- user
- した
- did
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Which distinction matters between and ?
More detail: what changes and why
Which distinction matters between and ?
The first places events in time;
makes the stronger sole-cause claim.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The first places events in time; makes the stronger sole-cause claim.
/
Supported meaning: Sequence/association versus exclusive causal attribution
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.