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
Start with structure signals
Read short connected texts that mix plain and polite forms.
Start with the example
。、。
Tomorrow is a day off. So I think I will get up slowly in the morning.
is plain style, and marks the second sentence as a thought.
Notice the variation
、。
Before going to the station, I bought things like water and bread at the convenience store.
gives time order, and / marks examples in a list.
More detail: how to apply this
In a short passage, first locate time words, topic markers, and final predicates.
Then look for grammar signals such as , , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Connect a sentence’s grammar to the next sentence’s reason or result; do not stop at recognizing the ending.
is the resulting choice: go to bed early. The passage links an obligation to a practical response.
。、。
I have to get up at seven. So I will go to bed early.
Connect a sentence’s grammar to the next sentence’s reason or result; do not stop at recognizing the ending.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
Tomorrow is a day off. So I think I will get up slowly in the morning.
is plain style, and marks the second sentence as a thought.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
- ゆっくり
- slowly; leisurely
- 起きる
- to wake up
Compare in context
、。
Before going to the station, I bought things like water and bread at the convenience store.
gives time order, and / marks examples in a list.
Vocabulary notes
- コンビニ
- convenience store
- パン
- bread
- など
- and so on; etc.
Compare in context
。。
I tried asking the teacher. I do not have to submit the homework today.
The second sentence uses the full chunk .
Vocabulary notes
- 聞いて
- hearing; listening and
Section 2 of 4
Watch tone and point of view
Watch tone and point of view
Start with the example
「」。、。
My mother said, “I will come home early.” But she will probably be late.
The quote is plain, and marks a prediction.
Notice the variation
。。
My friend said they would try the cake. That was because it looked delicious.
The second sentence explains why the friend wanted to try it.
More detail: how to apply this
N5 passages may switch between polite and plain language.
This often happens because the writer is quoting someone, reporting a thought, or using casual narration.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My mother said, “I will come home early.” But she will probably be late.
The quote is plain, and marks a prediction.
「」。、。
My mother said, “I will come home early.” But she will probably be late.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My mother said, “I will come home early.” But she will probably be late.
Showing Watch tone and point of view: Everyday words.
Target signal
「」。、。
My mother said, “I will come home early.” But she will probably be late.
The quote is plain, and marks a prediction.
Vocabulary notes
- たぶん
- probably
- 遅くなる
- to become late
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Preview
。。
My friend said they would try the cake. That was because it looked delicious.
The second sentence explains why the friend wanted to try it.
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
Preview
、。
Because the child looked sleepy, my father went home early.
gives the observed reason for the action.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
Section 3 of 4
Read grammar chunks as units
Connect a sentence’s grammar to the next sentence’s reason or result; do not stop at recognizing the ending.
Read grammar chunks as units
。
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The first sentence gives a requirement: get up at seven. Read the long obligation ending together.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
The fastest way to improve is to recognize common grammar chunks quickly.
Treat patterns like 〜, 〜, 〜, and 〜 as units.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because it is raining today, I do not have to go to school.
Read as one meaning unit.
、。
Because it is raining today, I do not have to go to school.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because it is raining today, I do not have to go to school.
Showing Read grammar chunks as units: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because it is raining today, I do not have to go to school.
Read as one meaning unit.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
Preview
、。
On days off, I do things like read books and listen to music.
The repeated pattern lists representative actions.
Preview
。、。
I have to get up at seven. So I will go to bed early.
The obligation chunk explains the reason for the next sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- だから
- so; therefore
Section 4 of 4
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
Which reading fits?
More detail: what changes and why
In 、, which reading fits?
connects simultaneous actions by the same people.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
connects simultaneous actions by the same people.
Which reading fits?
Supported meaning: Drinking and talking overlapped
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.