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Question 1Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Kenji gets up at six every morning. He runs for twenty minutes, eats breakfast, and leaves home at seven thirty." According to the passage, what does Kenji do right after he gets up?
- He runs for twenty minutes. Correct answer.
- He leaves home.
- He goes to bed.
- He eats breakfast.
Explanation
The passage gives the actions in order: gets up at six, then runs for twenty minutes, then eats breakfast, then leaves home at seven thirty. The action immediately after getting up is running. The other actions come later in the sequence.
Question 2Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Mika has two brothers. Her older brother is a university student, and her younger brother is in junior high school. Mika herself is a high school student." How many people in Mika's family are described as students?
- Four
- Two
- One
- Three Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage states that the older brother is a university student, the younger brother is in junior high school, and Mika is a high school student. All three are therefore students. Counting them gives three.
Question 3Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The school festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the doors open at nine, but on Sunday they open at ten." What time do the doors open on Sunday?
- At ten. Correct answer.
- At nine.
- At noon.
- At eleven.
Explanation
The passage contrasts the two days: Saturday opening is at nine, while Sunday opening is at ten. The question asks specifically about Sunday, so the correct time is ten.
Question 4Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Taro wanted to buy a new bicycle, but it cost too much. Instead, he repaired his old bicycle and rode it to school again." What did Taro finally do about his bicycle?
- He repaired his old one. Correct answer.
- He borrowed one from a friend.
- He walked to school.
- He bought a new one.
Explanation
The passage says the new bicycle cost too much, so Taro chose an alternative: he repaired his old bicycle. The word "instead" signals that the repair replaced the purchase.
Question 5Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "In many Japanese schools, students clean their classrooms themselves at the end of the day. There are no cleaners who come to do this job." What is the main point of this passage?
- Japanese schools are very dirty.
- Cleaners work only at night.
- Students clean only on special days.
- Students do the classroom cleaning themselves. Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage focuses on who does the cleaning: the students themselves, not hired cleaners. That is the central idea the two sentences support. The other options either contradict the text or add information not given.
Question 6Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Aya: Do you like summer? / Ben: Not really. It's too hot for me. I prefer autumn." What does Ben mean?
- He dislikes summer because of the heat. Correct answer.
- He likes summer more than autumn.
- He thinks autumn is too hot.
- He has never experienced summer.
Explanation
Ben answers "Not really" to the question about liking summer and gives the reason that it is too hot for him. He then says he prefers autumn. This shows he dislikes summer because of the heat.
Question 7Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The library is on the second floor. To get there, take the stairs next to the main entrance and turn left at the top." Where is the library?
- Next to the stairs on the first floor
- Outside the building
- On the second floor Correct answer.
- On the first floor near the entrance
Explanation
The first sentence directly states that the library is on the second floor. The rest of the passage only explains how to reach it. The location itself is the second floor.
Question 8Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Please bring a pencil and an eraser to the test. You do not need to bring a dictionary." What are students asked to bring?
- Nothing at all
- Only an eraser
- A dictionary and a pencil
- A pencil and an eraser Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage lists a pencil and an eraser as items to bring. It also says a dictionary is not needed. So the required items are the pencil and the eraser.
Question 9Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Emi studied hard for the English test, but she was nervous. When the results came back, she had scored higher than anyone in her class." Which word best describes how Emi probably felt when she saw her score?
- Surprised and pleased Correct answer.
- Angry
- Bored
- Disappointed
Explanation
Emi was nervous before the test, yet she scored higher than anyone in her class. A result better than expected after nervousness usually brings surprise and happiness. The passage gives no reason for negative feelings.
Question 10Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "My grandfather grows vegetables in his garden. He gives some to our neighbors, and we eat the rest at home." Why does the grandfather give vegetables to the neighbors?
- Because he grows more than his family can eat Correct answer.
- Because he cannot eat any vegetables
- Because his family dislikes vegetables
- Because the neighbors pay him money
Explanation
The passage says he gives some away and the family eats "the rest." This implies the harvest is larger than the family needs. Sharing the extra with neighbors is the natural reason.
Question 11Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The train was delayed by heavy snow. As a result, many students arrived late for the entrance ceremony." What caused the students to be late?
- They woke up late.
- They missed the bus.
- The ceremony started early.
- Heavy snow delayed the train. Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage states the train was delayed by heavy snow and that this caused students to arrive late. The phrase "as a result" marks the cause-and-effect link. The cause is the snow-related delay.
Question 12Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Soccer is popular around the world. However, in some countries baseball attracts more fans than soccer." What does the word "However" show in this passage?
- It introduces a contrasting idea. Correct answer.
- It shows a result.
- It adds a similar idea.
- It gives an example.
Explanation
"However" is a transition word that signals contrast between two statements. Here it contrasts the worldwide popularity of soccer with the stronger baseball following in some countries. It does not add, exemplify, or show result.
Question 13Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The museum is free for students. Adults must pay five hundred yen, but children under twelve can enter without paying." Who must pay to enter the museum?
- Adults Correct answer.
- Everyone
- Children under twelve
- Students
Explanation
The passage says students enter free and children under twelve enter without paying. Only adults are described as having to pay five hundred yen. Therefore adults are the group that must pay.
Question 14Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Hana practices the piano for an hour every day. Her teacher says she is improving quickly, but Hana still feels she needs more practice." What does Hana think about her own playing?
- She thinks she should practice more. Correct answer.
- She thinks piano is boring.
- She thinks she is already perfect.
- She thinks her teacher is wrong.
Explanation
The passage says Hana still feels she needs more practice, even though her teacher praises her progress. Her own view is that she should practice more. She does not argue with the teacher or call piano boring.
Question 15Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Because the road was closed for repairs, the bus took a longer route. The trip took forty minutes instead of the usual twenty." Why did the trip take longer than usual?
- The bus stopped for a long time.
- The road was closed for repairs. Correct answer.
- The driver got lost.
- The bus left late.
Explanation
The passage opens with "Because the road was closed for repairs," which directly gives the cause of the longer route. The longer route explains why the trip doubled to forty minutes.
Question 16Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Ken: I heard you joined the tennis club. / Mei: Yes, I did. I was worried at first because I had never played before, but now I really enjoy it." How did Mei's feelings about tennis change?
- She has always disliked it.
- She has always loved it from the start.
- She enjoyed it at first but now dislikes it.
- She was worried at first but now enjoys it. Correct answer.
Explanation
Mei says she was worried at first because she had never played, but now she really enjoys it. This describes a change from worry to enjoyment. The word "but now" marks the shift.
Question 17Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "In Japan, people bow when they meet. Bowing shows respect. The depth of the bow can change depending on the situation." What is the passage mainly about?
- How to greet people in other countries
- The history of Japanese schools
- The meaning and use of bowing in Japan Correct answer.
- Why Japanese people dislike meeting others
Explanation
The passage explains that Japanese people bow when meeting, that bowing shows respect, and that the depth varies. All three sentences describe the custom of bowing. That is the main idea.
Question 18Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The sign says: 'Do not enter. Staff only.'" A student sees this sign on a door. What should the student do?
- Enter the room quietly.
- Ask a staff member to enter with them.
- Take the sign down.
- Not enter the room. Correct answer.
Explanation
The sign has two instructions: "Do not enter" and "Staff only." Together they mean that only staff may go in. A student should therefore stay out of the room.
Question 19Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Although the concert started at seven, the band did not appear on stage until seven thirty. The audience waited patiently." What happened at seven thirty?
- The band appeared on stage. Correct answer.
- The tickets were sold.
- The concert ended.
- The audience left.
Explanation
The passage says the band did not appear until seven thirty, which means they came on stage at that time. The concert started at seven, and the audience waited. So seven thirty marks the band's appearance.
Question 20Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Riku looked at the sky and saw dark clouds. He picked up his umbrella before leaving home." Why did Riku take his umbrella?
- He expected it might rain. Correct answer.
- He always carries it for fashion.
- He wanted to sell it.
- The sun was very bright.
Explanation
Dark clouds are a sign of possible rain, and Riku took his umbrella after seeing them. This shows he expected rain. The passage gives no other reason for taking the umbrella.
Question 21Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Some people believe that studying abroad is always the best way to learn a language. Others point out that learners can also improve greatly by using movies, books, and conversation partners in their own country." What is the writer's attitude toward studying abroad?
- The writer refuses to discuss the topic.
- The writer insists that studying abroad is the only good method.
- The writer presents it as one option among several. Correct answer.
- The writer says studying abroad never helps.
Explanation
The passage presents two viewpoints: one claims studying abroad is always best, and the other notes that learners can improve at home too. By giving both sides, the writer treats studying abroad as one option rather than the only one.
Question 22Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The town built a new shopping center near the station. At first, shops in the old street lost customers. However, the town then improved the old street with lights and benches, and visitors began to return." What is the overall result described?
- The old street became permanently empty.
- The old street recovered after improvements. Correct answer.
- The station was moved.
- The new shopping center was closed.
Explanation
The passage describes a sequence: the old street lost customers, then the town improved it, and visitors began to return. The overall result is recovery of the old street. The improvements are the key turning point.
Question 23Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Mai says she will join the volunteer group if she finishes her homework by Saturday. She has not started her homework yet, and today is Friday." What can we reasonably conclude?
- Mai will certainly not join the group.
- The volunteer group has been canceled.
- It is uncertain whether Mai will join the group. Correct answer.
- Mai will certainly join the volunteer group.
Explanation
Mai's joining depends on a condition: finishing her homework by Saturday. Since she has not started and little time remains, the outcome is not guaranteed. The passage supports uncertainty, not a definite yes or no.
Question 24Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "When the school asked students to reduce paper use, some teachers printed fewer handouts. Others argued that printed materials help students focus better than screens. The discussion continued at the next staff meeting." What does the passage suggest about the paper issue?
- The issue involved competing concerns and was not settled. Correct answer.
- The school decided to buy more printers.
- Students refused to attend class.
- Everyone agreed to stop using paper.
Explanation
The passage shows two positions: reducing paper versus the benefits of printed materials for focus. It ends by saying the discussion continued, which means the issue was not resolved. Competing concerns remained.
Question 25Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The poster reads: 'Library Book Sale - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own bag. All books 100 yen.' A student arrives at 4 p.m. on Saturday with no bag. What is the student's situation?
- The student must pay more than 100 yen per book.
- The student can buy books but must return Sunday.
- The student has arrived after the sale ended. Correct answer.
- The student can buy books cheaply and get a free bag.
Explanation
The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, so arriving at 4 p.m. is after it closes. The bag instruction and the 100 yen price do not change the closing time. The student is therefore too late.
Question 26Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The school festival is on Saturday. Students who want to join the cooking club's curry stand should sign up by Wednesday. We will meet in the home economics room after school on Thursday to practice." What should a student do to join the curry stand?
- Come to the festival on Saturday morning
- Sign up by Wednesday and practice on Thursday Correct answer.
- Practice in the cooking club every day
- Bring curry to the home economics room
Explanation
The passage gives two linked instructions. First, interested students must sign up by Wednesday; second, they meet to practice on Thursday after school. Only an answer that includes the Wednesday deadline matches the text.
Question 27Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "My sister woke up early to catch the first bus, but she missed it by two minutes. She had to wait thirty minutes for the next one, so she reached the station just before her train left." How did the missed bus affect her?
- She missed her train and had to go home
- She had to wait half an hour and arrived at the station just in time Correct answer.
- She arrived at the station two hours early
- She decided to take a taxi instead
Explanation
The text states she waited thirty minutes for the next bus and still reached the station just before the train left. The missed bus caused a delay but not a missed train.
Question 28Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Yuta: Are you coming to the picnic on Sunday? / Sara: I'd love to, but I have to help my mother at her shop that day." What does Sara mean?
- She does not like picnics
- She wants Yuta to help at the shop
- She will come after the shop closes
- She cannot go because she has another duty Correct answer.
Explanation
Sara says she would love to come, which shows interest, but she explains that she must help at her mother's shop. The phrase "I'd love to, but" signals that she is declining because of another obligation.
Question 29Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The notice on the gym door says: 'Gym closed for cleaning from Monday to Wednesday. Open as usual on Thursday.'" A student wants to use the gym on Tuesday. What should the student do?
- Use the gym before Monday only
- Come on Tuesday but wait outside the door
- Ask the cleaning staff to let him in
- Use the gym on a different day because it is closed Correct answer.
Explanation
The notice says the gym is closed Monday through Wednesday, so Tuesday is unavailable. The only reasonable action is to choose another day, such as Thursday, when it reopens.
Question 30Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Taro's class planted rice in May. In summer, the students watched the plants grow and pulled weeds. In autumn, they cut the rice and dried it in the sun." What is the main idea of the passage?
- Students planted rice in autumn
- Students followed the rice through the seasons Correct answer.
- Rice grows best in cold weather
- Weeds are useful for rice plants
Explanation
The passage lists activities in May, summer, and autumn, showing the yearly cycle of rice growing. Each season brings a different task, which supports the idea of following the rice through the seasons.
Question 31Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Please return library books by the due date. If you need more time, bring the book to the desk and ask for a renewal. You may renew a book once for two more weeks." What can a student do if she needs more time?
- Keep the book without telling anyone
- Return the book and pay a fine
- Ask at the desk to keep the book two more weeks Correct answer.
- Borrow a second copy of the same book
Explanation
The passage explains the renewal procedure: bring the book to the desk and ask. A renewal adds two weeks and can be done once.
Question 32Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Nao: How was your trip to Kyoto? / Leo: It rained every day, so we couldn't visit the gardens. Still, the old temples were wonderful." What is Leo's overall feeling about the trip?
- He thought the gardens were the best part
- He wants to go again next week
- He was disappointed about the rain but happy with the temples Correct answer.
- He hated the whole trip because of the weather
Explanation
Leo mentions a problem (rain stopped the garden visits) but uses "Still" to contrast it with praise for the temples. This shows mixed feelings leaning positive.
Question 33Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The city library has a new service. Students can reserve a study room online. Each room holds four people, and reservations last for two hours." Which statement is true about the study rooms?
- Rooms can be kept for a whole day
- Only one student may use a room at a time
- Reservations must be made at the desk
- A group of four can book a room for two hours Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage states each room holds four people and reservations last two hours. It also says reservations are made online, not at the desk.
Question 34Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Many students bring their own lunch to school. Some buy bread at the school shop. Recently, the school started offering a hot lunch set for three hundred yen." Why does the passage mention the school shop?
- To show that bread is cheaper than lunch sets
- To complain that the shop is too crowded
- To explain where the hot lunch is cooked
- To list one of several lunch choices for students Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage describes different ways students get lunch: bringing it, buying bread, or buying the new set. The shop is mentioned as one option among these.
Question 35Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "When I first joined the brass band, I could not play a single note well. My senior taught me slowly, and I practiced every morning. A year later, I played a solo at the school concert." What does the writer mainly want to say?
- Steady practice with help can lead to real improvement Correct answer.
- Seniors should play solos at concerts
- Morning practice is easier than evening practice
- Some people cannot learn to play music
Explanation
The writer contrasts early failure with a later solo, crediting slow teaching and daily practice. The message is that effort and support produce growth.
Question 36Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "A: Did you finish the group report? / B: I wrote my part, but we still need the graphs. Our leader said she would make them by Friday." What is the current situation with the report?
- The whole report is finished
- The leader has finished the graphs already
- Nobody has written anything yet
- One part is done, but the graphs are still being made Correct answer.
Explanation
B says her own part is written, then notes the graphs remain and the leader will make them by Friday. So the report is partly done, with work still in progress.
Question 37Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The town festival used to be held only on the main street. This year, because the street is being repaired, the festival will move to the riverside park. Organizers say the park has more space for food stands." What is the reason for the change of place?
- Fewer food stands are planned this year
- The park is closer to the train station
- The main street is too small for visitors
- The main street cannot be used because of repairs Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage states directly that the street is being repaired, which forces the move. More space in the park is mentioned as a benefit, not the cause.
Question 38Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Some students take notes by hand. Others type them on a tablet. Research from one school found that students who wrote by hand remembered more, but the same students took fewer notes than the tablet users." Which conclusion is best supported?
- Students should never use tablets in class
- Handwriting may help memory even though it produces fewer notes Correct answer.
- Taking more notes always improves memory
- Typing always produces better test scores
Explanation
The passage reports a trade-off: handwriting was linked to better memory but fewer notes. The careful word "may" matches the limited, single-school finding.
Question 39Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Kenji: I heard you are moving to Sendai. / Aya: Yes, my father's new job starts in April. I'm excited, but I'll miss my friends here." How does Aya feel about the move?
- Only angry about her father's job
- Worried that she will fail at school
- Both excited and sad about leaving friends Correct answer.
- Only happy, with no mixed feelings
Explanation
Aya names two emotions: excitement about the move and sadness about leaving friends. The word "but" joins these opposite feelings, showing a mixed response.
Question 40Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The sign in the train station reads: 'Escalator out of service. Please use the stairs or the elevator behind the ticket gate.'" A traveler with a heavy suitcase needs to go up. What is the best action based on the sign?
- Ask staff to carry the suitcase up the stairs
- Wait until the escalator is repaired
- Carry the suitcase up the stopped escalator
- Use the elevator behind the ticket gate Correct answer.
Explanation
The sign offers two alternatives: stairs or the elevator behind the ticket gate. For a heavy suitcase, the elevator is the sensible choice among the options given.
Question 41Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The science club wanted to grow plants on the roof. The principal first worried about water leaking into the building. After the students showed a plan using special boxes, he allowed the project." What does this passage show about the principal?
- He refused the project from the start
- He designed the special boxes himself
- He changed his mind after seeing a solution Correct answer.
- He wanted the club to stop all activities
Explanation
The principal's worry is described first, followed by his permission once a plan was shown. This sequence shows a change of mind based on evidence.
Question 42Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Our school recycles paper, cans, and bottles. However, last year we found that many cans were thrown into the paper box. This year, the student council put pictures of each item above the boxes." Why were pictures added?
- To help students put waste in the correct box Correct answer.
- To show which items can be sold
- To make the hallway more colorful
- To reduce the number of boxes
Explanation
The problem was wrong sorting: cans ended up in the paper box. Pictures above each box give a visual guide so students sort correctly.
Question 43Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "Miki: Should we study at the library or at the cafe? / Sora: The library is quieter, but it closes at five. The cafe is open late, though it's noisy." What is Sora doing?
- Saying the cafe is better in every way
- Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of two places Correct answer.
- Refusing to study with Miki
- Recommending that they stop studying
Explanation
Sora gives one strength and one weakness for each place: quiet but early closing, late but noisy. This is a comparison rather than a final choice.
Question 44Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "In the past, most students in this town walked to school. Now, about half come by bicycle, and some come by bus from distant areas. The town has built new bicycle parking areas near the school gate." What can be inferred about the change?
- Walking to school is now against the rules
- The school now serves students who live farther away Correct answer.
- Fewer students attend the school than before
- Bicycle parking was removed from the school
Explanation
The passage mentions buses for students from distant areas and new bicycle parking. Together these suggest the student body now includes people who live farther away.
Question 45Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The writer says that learning a language is like learning to swim: reading a book about swimming does not make you a swimmer. You have to get into the water." What point is the writer making about language learning?
- Books about swimming are badly written
- You must actually use the language, not just read about it Correct answer.
- Swimming is harder than learning a language
- Language learners should avoid the water
Explanation
The comparison works by matching two ideas: reading about swimming is not swimming, and reading about a language is not using it. The analogy stresses practice over theory.
Question 46Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The article states that remote work reduced commuting time for many employees. It also notes, however, that some new workers felt isolated because they had fewer chances to talk with colleagues in person." Which statement best reflects the article's view?
- Commuting time increased for most employees
- Remote work is good for everyone without problems
- Remote work has benefits but also social costs Correct answer.
- New workers prefer to work alone
Explanation
The article presents a gain (less commuting) and a drawback (isolation from colleagues). A balanced answer must acknowledge both sides.
Question 47Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "A local bakery sells bread at a low price after seven in the evening. The owner says, 'We would throw the bread away otherwise. Selling it cheaply is better than wasting it.' Some customers now wait until seven to buy." What is the owner's main reason for the low evening price?
- To avoid throwing away unsold bread Correct answer.
- To attract famous customers to the shop
- To make customers come earlier
- To raise prices during the morning
Explanation
The owner's quoted words give the reason directly: the bread would otherwise be thrown away. The low price is a way to reduce waste, not a marketing trick.
Question 48Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The report notes that a new road shortened the trip to the hospital by ten minutes. It adds that ambulance crews still prefer the old route during morning rush hour because the new road becomes crowded with commuters." What does the report suggest about the new road?
- It is faster in general but not always the best choice Correct answer.
- It is useless for ambulances at all times
- It is closed during the morning rush hour
- It made the old route shorter as well
Explanation
The report gives two facts: the road saves ten minutes, yet crews avoid it at rush hour because of traffic. The careful conclusion is that it helps generally but not in every situation.
Question 49Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The student council proposed starting classes thirty minutes later so students could sleep more. A teacher replied, 'More sleep may help, but many students take the train, and later classes would mean later club activities and later homework.'" What is the teacher's main concern?
- A later start would push other daily activities later Correct answer.
- Students do not need more sleep
- The train schedule cannot be changed by anyone
- Club activities should be cancelled
Explanation
The teacher accepts the possible benefit of sleep but points to a chain of effects: later classes lead to later clubs and homework. The concern is about knock-on timing problems.
Question 50Reading Comprehension
Read the passage: "The essay argues that school uniforms reduce differences between students from rich and poor families. It then admits that uniforms cannot hide differences in shoes, bags, or phones. The writer concludes that uniforms are 'a small but real help.'" Why does the writer use the phrase "a small but real help"?
- To argue that uniforms solve all inequality
- To prove that shoes are more important than uniforms
- To show that uniforms have no value at all
- To claim a modest benefit while admitting clear limits Correct answer.
Explanation
The writer first gives a benefit, then a limitation, and the conclusion balances both. "Small" accepts the limit; "real" keeps the benefit. This is a qualified, moderate claim.