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Aichi Entrance English study materials
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Aichi Entrance English practice questions

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

The school library will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, one hour earlier than usual, because the staff will attend a meeting. Books may still be returned in the box outside the door. Students who need to study after 4:30 may use Room 203, which stays open until 6:00 p.m. According to the notice, why will the library close early on Friday?

  1. The books are being moved to Room 203.
  2. The staff will attend a meeting. Correct answer.
  3. The building is being cleaned.
  4. A class will use the library room.

Explanation

The notice gives one reason for the early closing: the library staff will be at a meeting. Room 203 appears only as a place to study after 4:30, and the return box shows that books can still be handed in. Nothing in the passage says the building is being cleaned or that the collection is being moved.

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

Summer English Club: Room A meets on Mondays, 4:00-5:30 (beginners). Room B meets on Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 (intermediate). Room C meets on Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 (all levels). The club is closed only during the last week of August. A student whose only free time is Saturday morning should join which group?

  1. No room, because the club closes in August
  2. Room A, which meets on Monday afternoons
  3. Room B, which meets on Wednesday afternoons
  4. Room C, which meets on Saturday mornings Correct answer.

Explanation

Only Room C has a Saturday meeting, from 10:00 to 11:30, and it accepts students of all levels. Rooms A and B meet on weekday afternoons, which does not fit the free time described. The August closure covers only the last week of the month, so the Saturday group is still available.

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

After the long hike up the hill, Maya's legs were so sore that she could barely climb the last steps to the bus. In the passage, the word "barely" is closest in meaning to ...

  1. with great care
  2. only just Correct answer.
  3. very quickly
  4. without any help

Explanation

"Barely" means "only just" or "almost not": Maya did climb the last steps, but with great difficulty. The hiking context shows she was tired, not fast or careful. "Without any help" describes assistance from other people, which the sentence does not discuss.

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

When the new supermarket opened near the station, Mr. Sato's small shop lost almost half of its customers. Instead of lowering his prices, he began selling fresh vegetables grown on local farms and delivering them to homes. Within a year, his shop was busier than ever. What can be inferred about Mr. Sato's decision?

  1. He lowered his prices to compete with the supermarket.
  2. He decided to close his shop and work at the supermarket.
  3. He moved his shop closer to the station.
  4. He sold different goods instead of cutting prices. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage contrasts lowering prices with a new approach: selling local vegetables and delivering them to customers' homes. Because the shop became busier within a year, the reader can infer that changing what he offered, rather than cutting prices, was the decision that worked. The text states directly that he did not lower his prices.

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

Many students take notes with a laptop because typing is faster than writing by hand. However, research suggests that this speed can work against them: students who type tend to record lectures word for word and think less about what they are hearing. Those who write by hand must select what is important, and this choice helps them remember it later. In the passage, what does "this choice" refer to?

  1. Choosing to remember things later
  2. Choosing a faster keyboard
  3. Deciding what to write down Correct answer.
  4. Deciding whether to attend the lecture

Explanation

"This choice" points back to the idea just before it: students who write by hand must decide which parts of a lecture are important. That selection is what the writer says helps them remember the content later. Typing speed and lecture attendance are mentioned elsewhere but are not the choice being praised.

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

City Library rules: books may be kept for two weeks. If no one else has requested a book, it can be renewed once, for one more week, at the front desk or by phone. Renewal is not possible online. Books returned after the due date cannot be renewed until the late fee is paid. A student wants to keep a book for a third week. According to the rules, what must be true?

  1. The student must pay the late fee first.
  2. Another borrower must have requested the book.
  3. The student must renew it online.
  4. Nobody else must have requested the book. Correct answer.

Explanation

Renewal is allowed once, for one more week, only if no other borrower has requested the book. Late fees block renewal until they are paid, but paying a fee is not the condition that makes a third week possible. The rules also state that renewal must be done at the front desk or by phone, never online.

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

Our town's riverside park has been closed for repairs since April. The work is now finished, and the park will reopen on June 5. Please note that the new bicycles-only path is narrow, so walkers should use the path along the river. Dogs must stay on a lead in the picnic area. What is the main purpose of this notice?

  1. To describe the history of the park
  2. To announce the park's reopening Correct answer.
  3. To ask residents to help with the repairs
  4. To explain why the repairs took so long

Explanation

The notice first announces the date, June 5, when the park will open again after repairs, and then adds practical rules for visitors. The reasons for the length of the repairs, any request for residents' help and the park's history are not its subject. Its purpose is therefore to inform the public about the reopening.

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

The science museum sells two tickets. The Day Pass costs 1,200 yen and covers all exhibitions except the planetarium. The Full Pass costs 1,800 yen and covers everything, including one planetarium show. An adult wants to see the exhibitions and one planetarium show and wants to pay as little as possible. What should the adult buy?

  1. One Day Pass only
  2. One Day Pass and one Full Pass
  3. Two Day Passes
  4. One Full Pass Correct answer.

Explanation

The Full Pass costs 1,800 yen and includes every exhibition plus one planetarium show, so a single Full Pass satisfies both requirements. A Day Pass excludes the planetarium, and buying two passes costs more than one Full Pass. The question asks for the cheapest way to meet both conditions.

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

In a letter to the school newspaper, a student wrote: "Our school replaced the old wooden benches in the courtyard with new metal ones last month. The metal benches look modern, but on sunny afternoons they become too hot to sit on. Nobody asked students what they thought. Next time, the school should talk to the people who actually use the courtyard." What does the writer imply about the new benches?

  1. They cost more than the old benches.
  2. They are used by more students now.
  3. They are unsuitable on warm days. Correct answer.
  4. They are less modern than the old ones.

Explanation

The writer reports that the metal benches become too hot to sit on during sunny afternoons, which implies that they fail at their basic purpose in warm weather. The complaint about students not being consulted supports this criticism but does not replace it. Price, style and popularity are never raised in the letter.

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

Speaker A: "Homework should be limited to twenty minutes a night, because tired students learn little and lose interest in the subject." Speaker B: "Short homework teaches students to work quickly rather than carefully, and a difficult task done slowly is worth more." Which question do the two speakers answer differently?

  1. Whether students should study at home at all
  2. Whether teachers should mark homework
  3. How quickly students should finish a task
  4. How much homework students should receive Correct answer.

Explanation

Speaker A wants homework kept short because tired students learn little, while Speaker B defends longer, harder tasks and criticises short ones. Their disagreement is therefore about the amount of homework that is appropriate. Both accept that some work is done at home, and marking is not discussed by either speaker.

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

School Book Fair: The gym will be open for book browsing on Thursday from 12:30 to 4:00. Students in Grades 1 and 2 may visit during the lunch break. Students in Grade 3 may visit after their last class. Payment is cash only. According to the notice, when may a Grade 3 student visit the book fair?

  1. On Friday morning before classes
  2. During the lunch break on Thursday
  3. During the lunch break on Friday
  4. After their last class on Thursday Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice gives separate visiting times for each grade. Grade 3 students are allowed to visit after their last class, not during the lunch break. Matching each grade to its stated time is the key reading skill here.

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

Riko practiced the piano every morning before school for a month. On the day of the concert, her hands did not shake, and she played the piece without stopping. Afterward, her teacher said, "You looked calm." Riko smiled and thought about her early mornings. What does the passage suggest about Riko?

  1. She had never played the piece before.
  2. Her teacher was unhappy with her performance.
  3. She decided to stop practicing in the morning.
  4. Her practice made her feel calm. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage connects Riko's month of morning practice with her steady hands and calm playing. Her smile about the early mornings confirms that the practice gave her confidence.

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

The science club built a small robot. It could move forward and turn, but it could not pick up a ball. The members decided to change the robot's hands. In the passage, what does "It" in the second sentence refer to?

  1. the ball
  2. the robot Correct answer.
  3. the science club
  4. the hand

Explanation

A pronoun usually refers to an earlier noun that fits the action described. The robot is the thing that can move forward and turn, so "It" refers to the robot.

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

Science Club Orientation: Session 1 is on Tuesday, 4:00-5:00, for students in Grades 1-2. Session 2 is on Wednesday, 4:30-5:30, for students in Grades 2-3. Students who cannot attend their grade's session may join the other session after asking the teacher. A Grade 2 student has a tennis lesson on Tuesday afternoon and wants to join the Science Club. What should the student do?

  1. Join only the tennis lesson this week
  2. Ask the teacher, then join Session 2 Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the following Tuesday
  4. Attend Session 1 without telling anyone

Explanation

The notice allows a student who cannot attend the grade's session to join the other session after asking the teacher. Since Tuesday is impossible, the Grade 2 student should ask and attend on Wednesday.

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

Last year our class used paper cups at the school festival. We threw away four large bags of cups. This year we borrowed 120 plastic cups and asked visitors to return them to a washing station. At the end, only three cups were missing. The work was not easy, but our class agreed to do it again. What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. A small change cut waste at the festival. Correct answer.
  2. The school festival was canceled last year.
  3. Visitors refused to return the cups.
  4. Paper cups are cheaper than plastic cups.

Explanation

The passage contrasts last year's four bags of paper cups with this year's reusable cups, showing that one change reduced waste. The final sentence shows the class valued the result.

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

Many students in my class say they want to visit other countries. However, few of them have talked with someone from another country. Last month, our English class started video calls with students in Australia. At first, we were nervous and used short answers. By the third call, we were asking questions about school lunches and favorite sports. The calls did not make us perfect speakers, but they made us want to speak more. Why does the writer mention the first and third video calls?

  1. To explain why the class stopped making calls
  2. To prove that Australian students speak faster
  3. To show the students became more relaxed Correct answer.
  4. To compare school lunches in two countries

Explanation

The writer describes nervous short answers on the first call and questions by the third call. This contrast shows the students growing more comfortable, not becoming perfect speakers.

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

Dear Ms. Tanaka, Thank you for agreeing to talk to our class about your work at the animal hospital. Our class is studying how animals help people. Could you bring a photo of the animals you care for? The talk is on Friday, June 14, from 10:30 to 11:15 in Room 203. Please arrive ten minutes early so we can test the microphone. Sincerely, Koji Mori What does Koji ask Ms. Tanaka to do?

  1. Change the date of the talk
  2. Teach the class in Room 203 all day
  3. Bring a photo of the animals Correct answer.
  4. Bring a microphone from home

Explanation

Koji's letter asks Ms. Tanaka to bring a photo of the animals she cares for. The other details give the date, room, and arrival time, not additional requests.

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

When Daiki first joined the cooking club, he went only because his friend Yuto was a member. He stood at the back, cut vegetables slowly, and let others decide what to cook. One day, the group had to make lunch for the teachers. Yuto was absent, and Daiki found himself telling the others how to boil the noodles and when to add the sauce. The teachers said the lunch was delicious. Daiki still cuts vegetables slowly, but now he arrives early. What change in Daiki does the passage show?

  1. He began to cook faster than Yuto.
  2. He grew more involved in the club. Correct answer.
  3. He stopped attending the cooking club.
  4. He decided to become a teacher.

Explanation

At first Daiki stood back and let others decide; later he gave directions and arrives early. These details show greater involvement, not a change in speed or career plans.

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

Text A: Our town should build a new sports center. Young people have few places to play indoors in winter. A sports center would give them a safe place to exercise and meet friends. Text B: A new sports center would cost a lot of money. The town already has a gym at the elementary school, but it is often closed in the evening. Before building, the town should open the school gym more often. Which idea do both texts support?

  1. A new sports center is too expensive to build.
  2. Young people should play sports outside.
  3. Indoor sports space is limited in the town. Correct answer.
  4. The school gym should be closed in winter.

Explanation

Text A says young people have few indoor places in winter. Text B says the school gym is often closed in the evening. Both point to limited indoor sports space, although they propose different responses.

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

Aya's class planted beans in small pots in April. They put the pots by the window, but the plants grew toward the light and bent sideways. The class turned the pots a little every morning. After two weeks, the bean plants stood straighter. Aya wrote in her notebook, "Plants change direction to get light." Why did the class turn the pots every morning?

  1. To give the plants less water
  2. To make the beans grow faster than before
  3. To move the plants outside
  4. To make the plants grow straight Correct answer.

Explanation

The plants bent toward the light, so the class turned the pots to balance their growth. The result was straighter plants, which supports the stated reason.

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

Bicycle Parking Notice: Students must park bicycles in the north lot. Each bicycle needs a blue sticker from the school office. Bicycles without a sticker may be removed. Stickers are free and are given out before school and during lunch. A student's bicycle has no blue sticker. According to the notice, what should the student do?

  1. Pay a small fee at the school office.
  2. Park the bicycle in the north lot without a sticker.
  3. Get a blue sticker from the school office. Correct answer.
  4. Leave the bicycle at home until next year.

Explanation

The notice states that every bicycle needs a blue sticker and that stickers are free from the school office before school and during lunch. Therefore, a student without a sticker should get one from the office rather than park the bicycle in the lot. The notice also warns that bicycles without stickers may be removed.

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

Kenji's grandmother gave him a small cactus. She told him, 'This plant is sturdy. It can live for weeks without water.' Kenji was worried because he often forgot to water plants, but the cactus grew well. In the passage, what does the word 'sturdy' most nearly mean?

  1. Quick to grow
  2. Brightly colored
  3. Hard to damage Correct answer.
  4. Pleasant to smell

Explanation

The grandmother says the cactus can live for weeks without water, which shows that it is strong and not easily harmed. In this context, 'sturdy' describes the plant's ability to survive rough conditions, not its color, speed of growth, or smell.

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

Every Saturday, Hana helps at the community garden. She pulls weeds, waters the tomatoes, and gives vegetables to elderly neighbors. At first she went because her mother asked her to, but now she says Saturday morning is her favorite time of the week. What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. The neighbors are too old to garden alone.
  2. Hana works at a pet shop on Saturday mornings.
  3. Hana's mother grows tomatoes for the neighbors.
  4. Hana now enjoys her Saturday garden work. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph explains that Hana first helped because her mother asked, but now she calls Saturday morning her favorite time. That change shows she has come to enjoy the work, which is the main idea. The details about tomatoes and neighbors support this idea but are not the main point.

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

The school has two after-school art clubs. The Drawing Club meets on Mondays from 4:00 to 5:30 in the art room and is open to second- and third-year students. The Photography Club meets on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:00 in the computer room and is open to all years. Both clubs are free, but a student may join only one. A first-year student wants to join a club that meets for 90 minutes. Which action is allowed?

  1. The student can join both art clubs this year.
  2. The student can join the Drawing Club on Monday.
  3. The student can join the Photography Club on Friday. Correct answer.
  4. Neither club accepts first-year students.

Explanation

The Photography Club meets from 4:30 to 6:00, which is 90 minutes, and it is open to all years, including first-year students. The Drawing Club is open only to second- and third-year students, and students may join only one club.

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

When the teacher announced that the class would perform a play, Sora looked down at his desk. He had never spoken in front of a large group. That evening, he practiced his two lines in front of the mirror ten times. On the day of the play, his voice was quiet, but he said every word without stopping. What can be inferred about Sora?

  1. He was nervous but tried hard. Correct answer.
  2. He forgot most of his lines.
  3. He wanted a larger role in the play.
  4. He enjoyed speaking in front of others.

Explanation

Sora looks down when the play is announced and practices his two lines many times, which suggests he is anxious about speaking. He nevertheless says every word, so he is making an effort despite his nervousness. The passage does not show that he wants a bigger role, forgets his lines, or enjoys performing.

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

The town pool was old and often closed for repairs. Last spring, the mayor suggested building a new pool, but some residents worried about the cost. They formed a group to study the plan and found that repairs were becoming more expensive each year. In the end, the town decided to build the new pool. In the passage, what does 'They' refer to?

  1. The mayor's office
  2. Workers at the town pool
  3. Residents who worried about the cost Correct answer.
  4. The repairs to the old town pool

Explanation

The pronoun 'They' comes after 'some residents worried about the cost,' and the next clause says this group formed a study group. Grammatically and logically, 'They' refers to those worried residents, not to the repairs, the mayor's office, or the pool workers.

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

Story Contest: Write a story about a trip. Stories must be 400-600 words. Send your story to room 105 by May 20. The winner will read the story at the school festival. All students may enter, but each student may send only one story. Which action follows the contest rules?

  1. A student sends a 300-word story to room 105 on May 18.
  2. A student sends a 500-word story to room 105. Correct answer.
  3. A student sends a 700-word story to room 105 on May 20.
  4. A student sends two 400-word stories to room 105.

Explanation

The rules allow stories of 400 to 600 words, one story per student, sent to room 105 by May 20. A 500-word story sent to room 105 follows the word limit and the place rule, so it is acceptable. The other choices break the word limit or the one-story rule.

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

The city planted trees along the main street. At first, shop owners complained that the trees blocked their signs. Two years later, however, the street was cooler in summer, and more people walked there. Some shops even reported more customers. What changed the shop owners' opinion?

  1. The city removed the shop signs.
  2. The trees made the street more pleasant for walking. Correct answer.
  3. The shop owners moved their shops to a different street.
  4. The trees grew taller than the signs.

Explanation

Shop owners first complained because the trees blocked signs, but later the street was cooler and more people walked there, and some shops gained customers. This shows that the trees changed the street into a more pleasant place for walking, which changed the owners' opinion. The passage does not say the signs were removed or the shops moved.

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

When Riku moved to a small town, he missed the city's bright lights and fast trains. He thought the town was quiet and boring. One evening, his neighbor invited him to help carry food to a summer festival. Riku worked beside people he had never met, and they laughed together under paper lanterns. Walking home, he noticed that the stars were brighter than any he had seen in the city. He did not say the town was boring again. What does the last sentence suggest about Riku?

  1. He plans to return to the city soon.
  2. He is angry with his neighbor for inviting him to the festival.
  3. He still prefers the city's bright lights.
  4. He has begun to see value in his new town. Correct answer.

Explanation

Earlier Riku calls the town quiet and boring and misses the city, but after the festival he notices the bright stars and stops calling the town boring. This change suggests that he is beginning to appreciate his new home. There is no evidence that he remains devoted to city lights, plans to leave, or is angry with his neighbor.

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

Text A: Our school should start at 8:30, not 8:00. Students who arrive early are often sleepy and cannot concentrate in first period. Starting later would let them get more sleep. Text B: Starting school later may help some students, but many parents leave for work before 8:00. If school starts later, younger children may be left alone in the morning. The school should consider families before changing the time. Which idea is supported by both texts?

  1. The school should start at 8:30.
  2. All parents leave for work before 8:00.
  3. Students do not need more sleep.
  4. Starting later may help some students. Correct answer.

Explanation

Text A argues that a later start would let sleepy students get more sleep, and Text B says a later start may help some students while raising concerns about families. Both therefore accept that starting later could benefit some students. Text B does not support a definite 8:30 start, and neither text says all parents leave before 8:00 or that students need no sleep.

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

According to the library notice, what must students do to complete the Summer Reading Challenge?

  1. Borrow three books and write a short comment about each. Correct answer.
  2. Attend both joining days in the second-floor meeting room.
  3. Write a story about a book and read it at the ceremony.
  4. Return all borrowed books to the front desk by August 25.

Explanation

The notice states that participants borrow at least three books and write a short comment about each one. Completed forms must reach the front desk by August 25, and the ceremony is only for giving a prize. The two joining dates are choices, not both required.

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

What can be inferred about Yuta from the passage?

  1. His mother told him never to make lunch again.
  2. He got better at making lunch over the week. Correct answer.
  3. He made lunch for the first time on Saturday.
  4. He found that making lunch was too difficult to learn.

Explanation

Yuta's lunches improved from soft rice on Monday to a lunch he liked by Friday, which shows growing skill through practice. The passage does not say he failed to learn or that his mother forbade him from cooking. Saturday was not his first time making lunch.

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

A school trip schedule says: 8:15 meet at the gym; 8:30 bus leaves; 10:00 arrive at the museum; 10:15-11:45 museum tour; 12:00-12:45 lunch in the park; 1:00-2:00 free time; 2:15 bus leaves; 3:30 return to school. Where will the students be at 12:20?

  1. They will be eating lunch in the park. Correct answer.
  2. They will be on the bus to the museum.
  3. They will be enjoying free time.
  4. They will be touring the museum.

Explanation

The schedule lists lunch in the park from 12:00 to 12:45, so at 12:20 the students are in that period. The museum tour ends at 11:45, and free time does not begin until 1:00. The bus ride to the museum happens in the morning.

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

Why does Emi avoid saying that color alone improved memory?

  1. Because the colored words were also different words. Correct answer.
  2. Because the words were shown for only one minute.
  3. Because her classmates did not enjoy the test.
  4. Because blue and green are the same color.

Explanation

Emi notices that each color was used with different words, so the word itself may have made some easier to remember. This means color might not be the only cause of the result. A careful conclusion must consider that other factor.

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

What does Nao's request at the end suggest about her?

  1. She believes the cooks should play sports.
  2. She now wants to report on more than sports. Correct answer.
  3. She hopes to become the newspaper editor.
  4. She plans to stop writing for the newspaper.

Explanation

After writing about the cafeteria workers, Nao asks for another story about school workers. This shows that her interest has widened beyond her original wish to cover sports. The passage does not mention wanting to be editor or leaving the newspaper.

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

What is one difference between the two lost-and-found services?

  1. Only teachers may use the school office.
  2. The community center keeps items longer. Correct answer.
  3. The community center keeps items for one month.
  4. The school office is open on weekends.

Explanation

The school office keeps items for one month, while the community center keeps them for three months. Therefore, the community center holds lost items for a longer time. The notices do not say the school office is open on weekends or limited to teachers.

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

What does the captain mean by "turned the tide"?

  1. The club had a serious problem.
  2. The situation changed in a helpful way. Correct answer.
  3. The club practiced near the water.
  4. The practice ended earlier than usual.

Explanation

The captain uses "turned the tide" after Mei and her friend join, giving the club enough players for doubles. The expression means that the situation changed in a positive direction. It is not a literal comment about water or practice time.

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

What is the main purpose of the passage about the tool library?

  1. to explain how to build a drill
  2. to describe a service and its benefit Correct answer.
  3. to tell a story about a library worker
  4. to complain about the price of tools

Explanation

The passage explains that the tool library lends tools and that families save money by borrowing instead of buying. Its main purpose is to describe this service and its advantage. It does not teach construction or tell a personal story.

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

How does Text B respond to the idea in Text A? Text A: Some people say school uniforms save time because students do not choose clothes each morning. Text B: Uniforms may save time, but they can be expensive for families. A school in our city rents uniforms to students.

  1. It denies that uniforms save any time.
  2. It ignores the topic and discusses sports.
  3. It argues that uniforms are always cheaper.
  4. It accepts one benefit but raises a cost concern. Correct answer.

Explanation

Text B agrees that uniforms may save time, then adds that they can be costly for families. This is a response that accepts one benefit while raising a different concern. It does not reject the time-saving point entirely or claim uniforms are always cheaper.

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

What is the main idea of the passage about the river?

  1. Rivers should be hidden behind walls.
  2. Parking spaces are more useful than parks.
  3. A changed space can help a whole town. Correct answer.
  4. Shop owners were right to worry.

Explanation

The passage shows that replacing concrete and parking with grass, trees, and access to the river brought more people and activity to the area. Its main idea is that changing a neglected space can benefit the town. The outcome contradicts the shop owners' early worry.

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

The West Branch Library will hold a used-book sale on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the meeting room. Books cost 100 yen each, and bags are provided. All money will go to the children's reading corner. Volunteers should arrive at 9:30 a.m. to help set up. According to the notice, what should volunteers do?

  1. Come on Sunday, June 9, instead.
  2. Pay 100 yen for each book.
  3. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to set up. Correct answer.
  4. Bring their own bags for the books.

Explanation

The notice gives a separate instruction for volunteers: they should come at 9:30 a.m. to help set up before the sale. The bag and price details apply to shoppers, not volunteers, so the volunteer task is to arrive early and set up.

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

Many students in Aichi take the train to school. On rainy days, the trains are often crowded, so some students leave home ten minutes earlier. They also keep a small folding umbrella in their bags so they do not get wet while walking from the station. What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Trains in Aichi are always late on rainy days.
  2. Students change their routines to manage rainy-day travel. Correct answer.
  3. Folding umbrellas are more useful than raincoats.
  4. Walking from the station is faster than taking the train.

Explanation

The passage focuses on what students do when rain makes trains crowded: they leave earlier and carry a folding umbrella. These are changes to their usual travel routine. It does not claim trains are always late or compare umbrellas with raincoats.

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

The school's cooking club planned to make miso soup for the culture festival. At first, they wanted to use a family recipe, but it was too salty. After testing three versions, they found one that everyone liked. In this passage, what does the word 'versions' refer to?

  1. Tickets for the culture festival
  2. Family members who shared recipes
  3. Large pots used for cooking
  4. Different tries of the recipe Correct answer.

Explanation

The club tested three attempts at making the soup, changing the recipe until everyone liked one. In this context, 'versions' means different forms or tries of the recipe, not pots, people, or tickets.

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

When Mei joined the tennis club, she could not hit the ball over the net. Her coach told her to practice swinging without the ball for a week. Mei felt bored, but she followed the advice. By the next month, her serves were strong and steady. What can be inferred about Mei?

  1. She quit the tennis club after one week.
  2. She was the strongest player from the start.
  3. She improved by practicing basic movements patiently. Correct answer.
  4. She ignored her coach and practiced serves.

Explanation

Mei followed a boring but basic practice routine and later showed strong, steady serves. This suggests that patient practice of fundamentals helped her improve. The passage does not say she quit, ignored the coach, or started as the best player.

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

City Hall notice: The English Conversation Circle meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 204. Participation is free. Bring a notebook. On the fourth Wednesday, there is a special movie night in the same room from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. What is different about the fourth Wednesday?

  1. The event costs money to attend.
  2. The event moves to a different room.
  3. The event is only for advanced speakers.
  4. The event starts earlier and ends later. Correct answer.

Explanation

Regular meetings run from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., while the fourth-Wednesday movie night runs from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. It therefore begins earlier and finishes later. The notice says the room is the same and does not mention a fee or a level requirement.

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

The student council wants to reduce food waste in the cafeteria. Last month, students threw away about 40 kilograms of rice each week. The council asks students to take only as much rice as they will eat and to return unused packets to the counter. Why did the writer include the number 40 kilograms?

  1. To show the waste problem is serious Correct answer.
  2. To advertise a new lunch menu
  3. To complain about the cafeteria staff
  4. To teach students how to cook rice

Explanation

The number gives a concrete measure of how much rice is wasted each week, which supports the council's request to reduce waste. It is not a cooking lesson, a complaint about staff, or an advertisement.

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

To borrow a book from the mobile library, first check the route map on the town website. Next, stand at a marked stop when the blue van arrives. Then show your library card to the driver and choose your books. Finally, return them to the same van within three weeks. According to the passage, what should a person do right after choosing books?

  1. Stand at a marked stop
  2. Return the books within three weeks Correct answer.
  3. Check the route map on the website
  4. Show a library card to the driver

Explanation

The steps are: check the map, stand at the stop, show the card, choose books, and finally return them. Right after choosing books, the borrower must return them within three weeks. Showing the card and checking the map happen earlier.

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

Text A: Our class should plant flowers behind the gym. The area is sunny, and flowers would make the school look brighter. Text B: Flowers behind the gym would need water every day during summer vacation. Few students are at school then. Vegetables in the school garden are already cared for by the local community. How does Text B respond to the idea in Text A?

  1. It explains how to water flowers in summer.
  2. It points out a problem with Text A's idea. Correct answer.
  3. It agrees that flowers are the best choice.
  4. It suggests moving the gym to a sunnier place.

Explanation

Text B raises a care problem: flowers would need daily water during summer vacation, when few students are present. This challenges Text A's suggestion by showing a practical difficulty. It does not agree, give a watering plan, or discuss moving the gym.

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

Kenji's essay was chosen for the city contest. When his teacher announced it, Kenji smiled but looked at his shoes. After class, he asked, 'Could you check it once more before we send it? I want to make sure the facts are right.' What does Kenji's behavior most suggest?

  1. He is pleased but wants to be careful. Correct answer.
  2. He does not want to enter the contest.
  3. He thinks the teacher made an error.
  4. He is angry about the announcement.

Explanation

Kenji smiles when he hears the news, which shows pleasure, but he also asks for another check because he cares about accuracy. His behavior suggests pride mixed with caution, not refusal, anger, or a claim that the teacher was wrong.

Question 50Reading comprehension (short and long passages, information retrieval)

Some people say that keeping a pet at home teaches children responsibility. However, a pet also needs time and money, and children often lose interest after a few months. Families should discuss who will feed and walk the pet before bringing it home. What is the author's main point?

  1. Pets are too expensive for most families.
  2. Responsibility cannot be taught at home.
  3. Children should never keep pets at home.
  4. Families should plan pet care before getting a pet. Correct answer.

Explanation

The author accepts that pets may teach responsibility but warns about time, money, and fading interest. The closing advice is that families should decide who will care for the pet before bringing it home. That makes planning the main point.