Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 5 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 5
Text 1: Message about evening plans
Read short connected texts that mix the grammar from lessons 120–138.
Start with the example
、。、。、。
It looks like rain, so I changed the meeting place to a shop near the station. It is a shop about a five-minute walk from the station, and even just drinks is fine. If it looks like you can come, please contact me by six.
Key patterns: 〜, , , potential.
More detail: how to apply this
This message mixes appearance, limitation, and potential.
Read for practical meaning first: what changed, what is still possible, and what the reader should do next.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Extract the reason for the change, the new arrangement, and the reader’s next action as separate pieces of information.
The reader should contact the writer by six if attendance looks possible. This deadline applies to contacting, not necessarily to arriving at the shop.
、。、。、。
It looks like rain, so I changed the meeting place to a shop near the station. It is a shop about a five-minute walk from the station, and even just drinks is fine. If it looks like you can come, please contact me by six.
Extract the reason for the change, the new arrangement, and the reader’s next action as separate pieces of information.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。、。、。
It looks like rain, so I changed the meeting place to a shop near the station. It is a shop about a five-minute walk from the station, and even just drinks is fine. If it looks like you can come, please contact me by six.
Key patterns: 〜, , , potential.
Vocabulary notes
- だけで
- with only; just by
Section 2 of 5
Text 2: Diary entry
Text 2: Diary entry
Start with the example
。、、。、。
Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Key patterns: affected passive, 〜, .
More detail: how to apply this
This short diary uses passive, giving and receiving, and .
Notice how the writer’s feelings become clear through grammar, not just vocabulary.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Key patterns: affected passive, 〜, .
。、、。、。
Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Showing Text 2: Diary entry: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、、。、。
Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Key patterns: affected passive, 〜, .
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
- ばかり
- just; only
Section 3 of 5
Text 3: Office front desk note
Extract the reason for the change, the new arrangement, and the reader’s next action as separate pieces of information.
Text 3: Office front desk note
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、。
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Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The appearance of likely rain is the reason for changing the arrangement. Rain is predicted, not confirmed as already falling.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
This front-desk message combines an inference with honorific and humble verbs.
states the teacher’s absence, is respectful, and presents an expected return.
and describe the speaker’s offered action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Professor Tanaka is not here at the moment. It seems that they will return around three. If it is urgent, I will come to you and explain.
marks an inference, rather than the form. and refer respectfully to the teacher; presents the speaker’s visit humbly.
。。、。
Professor Tanaka is not here at the moment. It seems that they will return around three. If it is urgent, I will come to you and explain.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Professor Tanaka is not here at the moment. It seems that they will return around three. If it is urgent, I will come to you and explain.
Showing Text 3: Office front desk note: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。。、。
Professor Tanaka is not here at the moment. It seems that they will return around three. If it is urgent, I will come to you and explain.
marks an inference, rather than the form. and refer respectfully to the teacher; presents the speaker’s visit humbly.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中先生
- Teacher Tanaka; Mr./Ms. Tanaka
Section 4 of 5
How to review a paragraph
How to review a paragraph
Start with the example
、、。
If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
More detail: how to apply this
For N4 reading, do not translate word by word first.
Start with the situation, then identify target grammar, then return to details.
This order is faster and more accurate.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
In this example, the message is: If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
、、。
If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
Showing How to review a paragraph: Everyday words.
Target signal
、、。
If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
Vocabulary notes
- それから
- and then; after that
Section 5 of 5
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Read the example
Your turn · decide before revealing
What is the relationship to the meeting?
More detail: what changes and why
In , what is the relationship to the meeting?
connects an earlier action to later usefulness.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
connects an earlier action to later usefulness.
What is the relationship to the meeting?
Supported meaning: Printing was preparation for it
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.