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EIKEN Grade Pre-2 Plus study materials
EIKEN Grade Pre-2 Plus study resources

EIKEN Grade Pre-2 Plus practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: Library Notice Starting April 1, the second-floor study room will open at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The first-floor reading area will keep its usual hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Students who arrive before 10 a.m. may use the first-floor area. What change will start on April 1?

  1. The first-floor area will open at 10 a.m.
  2. The library will be closed on weekends.
  3. The second-floor study room will open one hour later. Correct answer.
  4. The first-floor reading area will close earlier.

Explanation

The notice says the second-floor study room will open at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., which is one hour later than before. The first floor keeps its usual hours, so its opening time does not change.

Question 2Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Hi Ken, I can't meet you at the station at 3 p.m. today. My train is delayed by forty minutes, so I will arrive around 3:40. Could you wait near the ticket gate? I'll call you when I get off the train. Mika Why is Mika going to be late?

  1. Her train is delayed. Correct answer.
  2. She cannot find the ticket gate.
  3. She missed her train.
  4. She has to work late.

Explanation

Mika writes that her train is delayed by forty minutes, which explains her later arrival time. She does not say she missed the train or that work kept her.

Question 3Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: Many people think that goldfish have a memory of only three seconds. Scientists have tested this idea, and they found it is not true. In one experiment, goldfish remembered a sound for several weeks and swam to food when they heard it. What does the paragraph say about goldfish memory?

  1. It cannot be tested by scientists.
  2. It is shorter than that of most fish.
  3. It lasts much longer than three seconds. Correct answer.
  4. It lasts only three seconds.

Explanation

The paragraph states that the three-second idea is not true and that goldfish remembered a sound for several weeks. This shows their memory lasts far longer than three seconds.

Question 4Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this sign: SWIMMING POOL Adults: 500 yen Children under 12: 250 yen Children under 3: free Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.) A man visits the pool with his wife and their 8-year-old son. How much will they pay in total?

  1. 1,500 yen
  2. 1,000 yen
  3. 1,250 yen Correct answer.
  4. 750 yen

Explanation

The two adults each pay 500 yen, which is 1,000 yen, and the 8-year-old child pays the child price of 250 yen. The total is therefore 1,250 yen.

Question 5Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this message: Tom, The science report is due on Friday, but I will be away at a tennis match on Thursday. Can we finish our part by Wednesday evening? I have already written the introduction. Sara What does Sara want Tom to do?

  1. Write the introduction for her.
  2. Ask the teacher for more time.
  3. Complete their part by Wednesday evening. Correct answer.
  4. Go to the tennis match with her.

Explanation

Sara asks whether they can finish their part by Wednesday evening because she will be away on Thursday. Her request is about the deadline, not about changing the assignment.

Question 6Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this short passage: Bees do more than make honey. As they move from flower to flower, they carry pollen, which helps plants produce fruit and seeds. Without bees, many of the fruits and vegetables we eat would become rare. What is the main point of the passage?

  1. Flowers cannot grow without honey.
  2. Bees are in danger of disappearing.
  3. Bees are important because they help plants reproduce. Correct answer.
  4. Honey is the most valuable product made by bees.

Explanation

The passage explains that bees carry pollen between flowers, helping plants produce fruit and seeds, and that many foods depend on this. That makes their role in plant reproduction the main point.

Question 7Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this schedule: City Bus - Route 7 Departs Central Station: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30 Arrives Museum: 8:25, 8:55, 9:25, 9:55 Arrives Airport: 9:10, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40 A woman takes the 8:30 bus from Central Station. When will she arrive at the airport?

  1. 8:55
  2. 10:10
  3. 9:10
  4. 9:40 Correct answer.

Explanation

The 8:30 departure from Central Station is the second bus of the morning. The second listed arrival time at the airport is 9:40, so that is when she gets there.

Question 8Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: When you visit a new city, try walking instead of taking a taxi. Walking is cheaper, and it lets you notice small shops, street art, and quiet parks that you would pass quickly by car. You may also meet local people and learn about their daily life. According to the paragraph, what is one benefit of walking in a new city?

  1. You can travel much faster.
  2. You can stay in quiet parks all day.
  3. You save money and see more details. Correct answer.
  4. You can avoid meeting local people.

Explanation

The paragraph says walking is cheaper and lets you notice small shops, street art, and quiet parks. Both the cost saving and the extra details are stated directly.

Question 9Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: Bicycle Parking Rules Bicycles must be parked only in the marked area behind the gym. Bikes left in front of the main entrance will be moved. Owners must collect moved bikes from the office and pay a 1,000-yen fee. What happens to a bicycle left in front of the main entrance?

  1. It is sold after one week.
  2. It is moved, and the owner must pay a fee to get it back. Correct answer.
  3. It is kept in the marked area behind the gym.
  4. It is repaired by the office.

Explanation

The notice says bikes left in front of the main entrance will be moved, and owners must collect them from the office and pay 1,000 yen. Both the moving and the fee are stated.

Question 10Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Dear Students, The school festival will be held on Saturday, November 12. Each class needs two students to help set up chairs in the gym from 8 a.m. Please tell your teacher by Wednesday if you can join. Lunch will be provided for helpers. What should students do if they want to help?

  1. Come to the gym on November 12 at noon.
  2. Bring their own lunch to the festival.
  3. Ask their parents to help set up chairs.
  4. Tell their teacher by Wednesday. Correct answer.

Explanation

The email asks students who can help to tell their teacher by Wednesday. That is the required action for anyone who wants to take part in setting up.

Question 11Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: Some cities are replacing their old streetlights with LED lights. LED lights use much less electricity than the old bulbs, so the cities spend less money on power. They also last longer, which means workers do not need to replace them as often. However, LED lights are more expensive to buy at first, so smaller towns sometimes wait before making the change. What is one reason some smaller towns wait before switching to LED lights?

  1. Workers refuse to install LED lights.
  2. The starting cost of LED lights is higher. Correct answer.
  3. LED lights must be replaced more often.
  4. LED lights use more electricity than old bulbs.

Explanation

The passage says LED lights are more expensive to buy at first, and this is why smaller towns sometimes wait. The long-term savings do not remove the initial cost problem.

Question 12Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: Community Center Art Class Beginner class: Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Advanced class: Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Fee: 3,000 yen for eight lessons Students must bring their own brushes. Paper and paint are provided. Which statement is true according to the notice?

  1. Students must bring paper and paint.
  2. The fee covers eight lessons. Correct answer.
  3. Brushes are provided by the center.
  4. The advanced class meets on Tuesdays.

Explanation

The notice lists the fee as 3,000 yen for eight lessons, so the fee covers that number of classes. The other details about days and materials do not match the notice.

Question 13Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: When a company introduces a new computer system, training the staff is as important as buying good software. If workers do not understand how to use the system, they will keep doing tasks the old way or make mistakes. Good training costs time and money, but it helps the company get the full value of the new system. What does the writer suggest about staff training?

  1. It is less important than choosing software.
  2. It should be done only after several years.
  3. It is necessary for the new system to be useful. Correct answer.
  4. It can be replaced by written instructions.

Explanation

The writer says training is as important as buying good software and that without it workers make mistakes or keep old habits. This means training is necessary for the system to be used well.

Question 14Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this message: Alex, I booked the tennis court for Sunday at 10 a.m., but the weather report says it will rain. If the rain stops by 8 a.m., we will play outside as planned. If not, let's meet at the indoor court on King Street instead. I will text you at 8. Jamie What will Jamie do at 8 a.m. on Sunday?

  1. Book a new outdoor court.
  2. Text Alex about where to meet. Correct answer.
  3. Cancel the tennis match completely.
  4. Meet Alex at the indoor court.

Explanation

Jamie says, "I will text you at 8," after checking whether the rain has stopped. The text will tell Alex whether they play outside or at the indoor court.

Question 15Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: In the past, most people in this town worked in the fishing industry. Today, however, the number of fishermen has fallen, and many young people work in hotels and restaurants. The town has become popular with visitors who come to see the old harbor and eat fresh seafood. Some older residents worry that the town is changing too fast, but others are glad that new jobs are being created. What change has taken place in the town?

  1. The fishing industry has grown quickly.
  2. Young people have stopped working.
  3. Tourism has become a bigger source of work. Correct answer.
  4. Visitors are no longer allowed in the harbor.

Explanation

The passage says many young people now work in hotels and restaurants and that the town attracts visitors. This shows tourism has become a larger source of employment than before.

Question 16Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this announcement: Book Sale - Saturday, May 20 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., City Library, Second Floor Hardcover books: 200 yen each Paperback books: 100 yen each Buy five books and get one paperback free. A woman buys three hardcover books and four paperback books. What is the total price?

  1. 1,000 yen Correct answer.
  2. 1,100 yen
  3. 700 yen
  4. 900 yen

Explanation

Three hardcover books cost 600 yen and four paperback books cost 400 yen, giving 1,000 yen. The free-book offer requires five books, and she has seven, so one paperback is free, which would make the price 900 yen.

Question 17Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: Sleep experts say that looking at a bright screen before bed can make it harder to fall asleep. The light from phones and computers tells the brain that it is still daytime. They recommend putting devices away at least thirty minutes before going to bed and reading a paper book instead. Why do the experts suggest putting devices away before bed?

  1. Bright screens can trick the brain into thinking it is daytime. Correct answer.
  2. Phones make too much noise at night.
  3. Reading paper books helps people wake up early.
  4. Paper books are cheaper than phones.

Explanation

The paragraph explains that light from screens tells the brain it is still daytime, which makes falling asleep harder. That is the reason experts advise putting devices away.

Question 18Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: Volunteers Needed We are looking for people to help clean the riverbank on Sunday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. Gloves and bags are provided. Please wear shoes that can get dirty. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. To join, send an email to the park office by May 30. Which person can join the cleanup?

  1. A 16-year-old who wears old shoes Correct answer.
  2. A 12-year-old who brings gloves
  3. A person who emails the office on June 2
  4. A person who arrives without sending an email

Explanation

The notice requires volunteers to be at least 15 and to wear shoes that can get dirty. A 16-year-old wearing old shoes meets both conditions, and gloves are provided.

Question 19Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: A study asked two groups of students to learn a list of words. One group read the list four times. The other group read it once and then tested themselves three times by trying to remember the words. On a test the next day, the second group remembered more words. This suggests that testing yourself is a better way to study than simply reading the same material again and again. What did the study find?

  1. Reading a list four times was the best method.
  2. Students who tested themselves remembered more. Correct answer.
  3. Both groups remembered the same number of words.
  4. Testing yourself works only for short lists.

Explanation

The passage reports that the group that tested themselves remembered more words on the next day's test. The conclusion drawn is that self-testing is a better study method than repeated reading.

Question 20Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Dear Mr. Sato, Thank you for your order. The desk you ordered will arrive on Tuesday between 1 and 4 p.m. Please make sure someone is home to receive it. If this time is not convenient, call us at least one day before delivery to choose another time. The delivery team cannot leave the desk outside. What must Mr. Sato do if he is not home on Tuesday afternoon?

  1. Pick up the desk at the store himself.
  2. Ask the team to leave the desk outside.
  3. Call the company at least one day before delivery. Correct answer.
  4. Pay an extra delivery charge.

Explanation

The email tells customers to call at least one day before delivery if the time is not convenient. That is the step Mr. Sato must take if nobody can be home.

Question 21Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: Many supermarkets now sell fruit that looks unusual, such as apples with small marks or carrots with strange shapes. In the past, such fruit was often thrown away because shoppers preferred perfect-looking produce. Now some stores sell it at a lower price under names like "funny fruit." Supporters say this reduces waste, though some farmers doubt that the lower prices cover their costs. What concern do some farmers have?

  1. Supermarkets are throwing away too much fruit.
  2. Unusual fruit is too expensive to grow.
  3. The lower prices may not cover their costs. Correct answer.
  4. Shoppers refuse to buy any fruit with marks.

Explanation

The passage states that some farmers doubt the lower prices cover their costs. Their concern is about money, not about shoppers refusing to buy the fruit.

Question 22Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: Workshop: Starting a Small Garden Saturday, July 8, 1-4 p.m. Place: Green Community Hall, Room 2 Cost: 2,500 yen (members of the Green Club: 2,000 yen) The workshop is limited to 20 people. To reserve a place, visit the hall office or call 555-0192. Payment is made on the day. People who cancel less than two days before the workshop must still pay the full cost. Which statement is true?

  1. Payment must be sent before the workshop.
  2. The workshop has space for 20 more people after reservations.
  3. Members of the Green Club pay 2,000 yen. Correct answer.
  4. People who cancel one day before pay nothing.

Explanation

The notice lists the cost as 2,500 yen, with a reduced price of 2,000 yen for Green Club members. That matches the first statement exactly.

Question 23Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Dear Team, The client has moved our meeting from Friday to Monday at 2 p.m. The room we usually use is being painted, so we will meet online instead. Please send me your slides by Sunday evening so I can combine them into one file. I know the change is sudden; if Monday does not work for you, tell me today and we will find another time. What does the writer ask the team to do?

  1. Send their slides by Sunday evening. Correct answer.
  2. Paint the meeting room before Monday.
  3. Reserve the usual meeting room for Monday.
  4. Visit the client's office on Friday.

Explanation

The writer asks team members to send their slides by Sunday evening so the files can be combined. The other details in the email are reasons for the change, not tasks for the team.

Question 24Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this library card notice: CITY LIBRARY CARD Borrow up to 10 books for 14 days. DVDs: up to 3, for 7 days. Renew online once if no one is waiting. Lost card: 300 yen to replace. A member borrowed 4 books and 2 DVDs on May 1. What is the latest date the books can be returned without renewal?

  1. May 15 Correct answer.
  2. May 22
  3. May 29
  4. May 8

Explanation

The notice sets a 14-day loan period for books, and DVDs have a separate 7-day limit. Counting 14 days from May 1 gives May 15, so the books are due then regardless of the DVDs.

Question 25Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: Some coffee shops now give customers a discount if they bring their own cup. The shops save money on paper cups, and less waste goes into the trash. Customers like the idea, but some forget their cups and end up paying the full price. According to the passage, why do the shops offer the discount?

  1. To reduce costs and waste from paper cups Correct answer.
  2. To sell their own cups to customers
  3. To attract more customers to their stores
  4. To make coffee taste better

Explanation

The passage states directly that shops save money on paper cups and that less waste goes into the trash. Both the cost saving and the waste reduction are given as reasons for the discount.

Question 26Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this message: Ken, I have two tickets for the baseball game on Sunday. My brother cannot come, so the extra ticket is yours if you want it. Let me know by Friday so I can meet you at the station. - Yuki What does Yuki want Ken to do?

  1. Choose a different day for the game
  2. Reply before Friday about the ticket Correct answer.
  3. Meet her brother at the station
  4. Buy two tickets for the game

Explanation

Yuki offers Ken a free extra ticket and asks him to let her know by Friday. The reply is what she needs in order to plan the meeting at the station.

Question 27Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this short passage: Penguins cannot fly, but their wings work well as flippers in the water. They spend much of their lives at sea, hunting fish, and come to land mainly to lay eggs and raise their young. What does the passage say penguins mainly use their wings for?

  1. Keeping eggs warm
  2. Flying over the sea
  3. Catching insects on land
  4. Swimming in the water Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage explains that penguin wings act as flippers in the water, which is how they move while hunting at sea. Their wings are not used for flying.

Question 28Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this store sign: SPRING SALE - TODAY ONLY Buy one shirt, get a second shirt at half price. Sale items cannot be returned. A customer buys two shirts priced at 2,000 yen each. How much does the customer pay in total?

  1. 1,000 yen
  2. 4,000 yen
  3. 2,000 yen
  4. 3,000 yen Correct answer.

Explanation

The first shirt costs the full 2,000 yen, and the second is half price, which is 1,000 yen. Adding them gives 3,000 yen in total.

Question 29Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: Many students listen to music while they study. However, a recent survey found that students who studied in a quiet room remembered more of what they read than students who listened to songs with words. The researchers believe that words in songs compete with reading for the brain's attention. What did the survey find?

  1. Songs without words are the best way to study.
  2. Quiet study led to better memory than songs with words. Correct answer.
  3. Music always helps students remember more.
  4. Students who never listen to music get better grades.

Explanation

The survey compared students in a quiet room with students hearing songs that had words, and the quiet group remembered more. The researchers explain this by saying words in songs compete with reading for attention.

Question 30Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: LOST AND FOUND Items left on trains are kept at the station office for 30 days. After that, they are sent to the city center. Bring an ID card when you come to collect your item. What happens to an item after 30 days?

  1. It is sold at the station office.
  2. It is thrown away.
  3. It is returned to the train.
  4. It is sent to the city center. Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states that items are kept at the station office for 30 days and then sent to the city center. Nothing in the notice says they are destroyed or sold.

Question 31Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Dear Ms. Tanaka, Thank you for joining our cooking class. Please arrive 10 minutes early on the first day so we can check your name and give you an apron. Wear closed shoes, as the kitchen floor can be wet. What are students asked to do on the first day?

  1. Bring their own apron
  2. Wear sandals in the kitchen
  3. Arrive ten minutes before the class Correct answer.
  4. Pay the class fee at the kitchen

Explanation

The email asks students to arrive 10 minutes early on the first day for a name check and an apron. The apron is provided, and closed shoes are required because the floor may be wet.

Question 32Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: When a city builds a new road, traffic often becomes faster for a few years. But studies show that wider roads can actually increase the number of cars. Drivers who avoided the old, crowded road now decide to drive, and soon the new road is as busy as the old one. Some planners therefore prefer to spend the money on buses and trains instead. What is the main point of the passage?

  1. Cities should stop building any roads.
  2. Buses are always slower than cars.
  3. Wider roads may not solve traffic problems for long. Correct answer.
  4. Traffic studies are usually wrong.

Explanation

The passage explains that wider roads attract more drivers, so the benefit disappears after a few years. This is why some planners prefer to invest in public transport instead.

Question 33Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: COMMUNITY GYM Members: 400 yen per visit Non-members: 700 yen per visit Monthly pass (members only): 5,000 yen A member plans to visit the gym 10 times this month. Which is cheaper, and by how much?

  1. Paying per visit is cheaper by 1,000 yen.
  2. The monthly pass is cheaper by 1,000 yen. Correct answer.
  3. The two choices cost exactly the same.
  4. Paying per visit is cheaper by 2,000 yen.

Explanation

Ten visits at the member rate cost 4,000 yen, while the monthly pass costs 5,000 yen. The per-visit total is therefore 1,000 yen less than the pass.

Question 34Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: When you write a business email, put the most important information in the first two lines. Many readers open dozens of messages a day and may only read the beginning. Details such as dates and prices should come next, and polite closing words can go at the end. According to the paragraph, where should dates and prices appear?

  1. After the main point, in the details Correct answer.
  2. In a separate message
  3. In the subject line only
  4. At the very end of the email

Explanation

The paragraph advises putting the main point first and then adding details such as dates and prices. Closing words belong at the end, after those details.

Question 35Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this announcement: SCHOOL TRIP TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM Date: October 18. Meet at the school gate at 8:15 a.m. The bus leaves at 8:30. Cost: 1,500 yen (includes entrance and bus). Bring your own lunch. Sign up at the school office by October 10. What is NOT included in the 1,500 yen?

  1. The trip itself
  2. The bus ride
  3. Entrance to the museum
  4. Lunch Correct answer.

Explanation

The announcement says the cost includes entrance and bus, but students must bring their own lunch. Lunch is therefore the item not covered by the fee.

Question 36Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: For years, this town's summer festival was organized by a small group of older residents. Last year, the group announced it could no longer do all the work. A group of high school students offered to help, and they used social media to find more volunteers. As a result, the festival was held as usual, and the number of visitors was the highest ever recorded. What was the result of the students' help?

  1. The older residents stopped attending the festival.
  2. The festival was held and had record visitors. Correct answer.
  3. The festival moved to a different town.
  4. The festival was cancelled for one year.

Explanation

The passage says that because of the students' help the festival was held as usual and visitor numbers reached the highest ever recorded. The students also used social media to attract more volunteers.

Question 37Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Hi Sam, The report you sent is good, but the sales figures in section 3 do not match the ones in our meeting notes. Could you check them and send a new version by Wednesday? Everything else can stay the same. - Maria What does Maria want Sam to do?

  1. Change the meeting notes to match the report
  2. Send the report to the sales team
  3. Check the sales figures and resend the report Correct answer.
  4. Rewrite the whole report from the beginning

Explanation

Maria points out a mismatch in the sales figures in section 3 and asks for a corrected version by Wednesday. She also says everything else can stay the same.

Question 38Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this paragraph: Some zoos now give animals objects to play with, such as boxes with food hidden inside. These tasks take time and effort, similar to searching for food in the wild. Zookeepers report that animals with such activities show less repeated, restless behavior. Why do zoos give animals these objects?

  1. To make the animals easier to photograph
  2. To reduce the amount of food they need
  3. To teach animals to perform for visitors
  4. To copy the effort of finding food in nature Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph compares the objects to searching for food in the wild and notes the time and effort involved. The result is less restless, repeated behavior in the animals.

Question 39Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this timetable: FERRY - ISLAND LINE Departs Harbor: 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 Crossing time: 90 minutes Last ferry back from Island: 18:30 A visitor takes the 10:00 ferry to the island. What is the earliest ferry she can take back?

  1. 11:30
  2. 16:00
  3. 13:00 Correct answer.
  4. 18:30

Explanation

The 10:00 ferry arrives at the island 90 minutes later, at 11:30. The next departure from the island in the timetable is 13:00, so that is the earliest return ferry.

Question 40Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: When people first learn a new language, they often translate every word into their own language. This is slow, but it helps beginners feel safe. Later, however, learners who stop translating and start guessing meaning from the situation improve faster. They make more mistakes at first, but they also speak more fluently within a few months. What does the passage suggest about guessing meaning?

  1. It works only for written language.
  2. It causes learners to stop speaking.
  3. It should be avoided until learners are advanced.
  4. It can help learners improve faster later on. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage says that learners who stop translating and guess from the situation improve faster, even though they make more mistakes at first. The result is greater fluency within a few months.

Question 41Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP DAY Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet at the park entrance. Gloves and bags are provided. Children under 10 must come with an adult. Lunch is served at noon for everyone who takes part. Which statement is true?

  1. Children under 10 can join only with an adult. Correct answer.
  2. The clean-up starts at noon.
  3. Participants must bring their own gloves.
  4. Lunch is only for adults.

Explanation

The notice states that children under 10 must come with an adult. Gloves and bags are provided, the clean-up begins at 9 a.m., and lunch is for everyone who takes part.

Question 42Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this message: Rina, The concert starts at 7 p.m., but the doors open at 6:15. My train arrives at 6:00, so let's meet outside the station at 6:10. If I am late, wait by the ticket machines. - Hana Where will they meet?

  1. By the ticket machines at 6:00
  2. Inside the concert hall
  3. Outside the station Correct answer.
  4. At Hana's train platform

Explanation

Hana suggests meeting outside the station at 6:10, with the ticket machines as a backup place if she is late. The backup plan applies only in that case.

Question 43Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: In many countries, food that is still safe to eat is thrown away by stores because it is past its best date or looks imperfect. Some charities now collect this food and give it to families in need. The stores save money on waste removal, and the charities receive food at no cost. However, the charities say they still need more drivers and cold storage. What problem do the charities mention?

  1. They lack drivers and cold storage. Correct answer.
  2. Stores refuse to give them any food.
  3. The food is no longer safe to eat.
  4. Families will not accept the food.

Explanation

The final sentence states that the charities still need more drivers and cold storage. The passage also makes clear the food is safe, and that stores do give it away.

Question 44Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: A town in the north decided to turn an old railway line into a path for walkers and cyclists. At first, some shop owners worried that closing the area to cars would bring fewer customers. Two years later, however, shops near the path reported more sales, especially on weekends, because visitors stopped to buy food and drinks. The town is now planning a second path. Why are the shop owners' early worries now considered unnecessary?

  1. Visitors on the path brought more business to nearby shops. Correct answer.
  2. The railway line was reopened for trains.
  3. Weekend sales fell as expected.
  4. The town built a large parking area for cars.

Explanation

The passage contrasts the owners' early fear of fewer customers with the later result of more sales near the path. Visitors walking and cycling stopped to buy food and drinks, especially at weekends.

Question 45Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this email: Dear Mr. Ito, Thank you for your order of 20 chairs. Unfortunately, the blue model is out of stock until June 5. We can send the gray model this week at the same price, or hold your order for the blue chairs in June. Please tell us which you prefer by May 30. What is Mr. Ito asked to decide?

  1. Whether to pick up the chairs at the store
  2. Whether to pay a higher price for the blue chairs
  3. Whether to cancel his order completely
  4. Whether to take gray chairs now or wait for blue ones Correct answer.

Explanation

The email offers two choices: gray chairs this week at the same price, or blue chairs held until June. Mr. Ito must say which he prefers by May 30.

Question 46Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: Researchers gave two groups of people the same short article to read. One group read it on paper, and the other read it on a screen. Both groups remembered the main idea equally well. However, when asked where a specific detail appeared, the paper readers were more often correct. The researchers believe that paper allows readers to remember the layout of a page, which helps them locate details later. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. People who read on paper remember nothing from screens.
  2. The two groups performed the same in every way.
  3. Screens are better than paper for understanding main ideas.
  4. Paper reading may help readers remember where details were. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage reports that paper readers were more often correct about where a detail appeared, and it explains this through memory of page layout. Main-idea understanding, by contrast, was equal.

Question 47Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this notice: WORKSHOP: PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, June 3, 1-4 p.m., Room 5 Fee: 2,000 yen (students 1,000 yen) Bring: a short speech you have written (3 minutes or less) Cancellations after May 31 cannot be refunded. A student cancels on June 1. What happens?

  1. The student can join the next workshop for free.
  2. The student gets half of the fee back.
  3. The student gets the full fee back.
  4. The student gets no refund. Correct answer.

Explanation

Cancellations after May 31 cannot be refunded, so cancelling on June 1 means no money is returned. The student rate of 1,000 yen is irrelevant to the refund rule.

Question 48Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this passage: Many people believe that longer working hours lead to more work being done. Yet several studies of office workers have found that people who work more than 50 hours a week complete no more tasks than those working 40 hours, and they make more mistakes. One possible reason is that tired workers take longer to finish each task and must correct errors later. What do the studies suggest about working more than 50 hours a week?

  1. It is necessary for workers who want to be promoted.
  2. It helps workers avoid making mistakes.
  3. It does not increase completed work and raises error rates. Correct answer.
  4. It produces more tasks but of lower quality.

Explanation

The studies found no increase in completed tasks beyond 40 hours and a rise in mistakes. The passage explains this by saying tired workers take longer and must fix errors.

Question 49Reading comprehension (short and medium passages, information retrieval)

Read this school notice: LIBRARY HOURS CHANGE Starting May 6, the school library will open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. and will close at 6:00 p.m. as before. Students who need to study before class may use the Reading Room next to the main office, which opens at 7:45 a.m. Books borrowed before May 6 can still be returned at the front desk during library hours. A student wants to study at school at 8:00 a.m. on May 10. What should the student do?

  1. Ask the main office to open the library early.
  2. Return borrowed books at the front desk at 8:00 a.m.
  3. Wait at the library door until 8:30 a.m.
  4. Use the Reading Room, which is open at that time. Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice says the library opens at 8:30 a.m. from May 6, so it is closed at 8:00 a.m. It also states that the Reading Room opens at 7:45 a.m. for students who need to study before class. Therefore the Reading Room is the place a student can use at 8:00 a.m. on May 10.

Question 50Listening comprehension (dialogues, announcements, longer talks)

You hear a woman in a shop saying: "I'd like to return this jacket. I bought it yesterday, but the zipper is broken." What does the woman want to do?

  1. Exchange the jacket for a warmer one
  2. Get her money back for a damaged item Correct answer.
  3. Have the zipper repaired at the shop
  4. Buy a different jacket in a larger size

Explanation

The key phrase is "I'd like to return this jacket" together with the reason that the zipper is broken. When a customer returns a faulty item soon after buying it, the purpose is to get a refund rather than to repair or upgrade it. Nothing in the line mentions size or a warmer model, so only the refund reading fits.