Reading Comprehension (long passages)
What long reading demands
The long passage, often 400-600 words, may be a narrative, a student essay, or an expository text with a graph or opinion. Nagano items ask about main idea, reason, pronoun reference, paragraph order, and the writer's purpose. You need stamina and structure, not perfect understanding of every word.
Core rules
- Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to build a map.
- Track pronouns: 'it,' 'they,' 'this' usually point to the previous noun phrase. Draw an arrow.
- Separate fact from opinion. Words like 'should,' 'I believe,' and 'best' signal opinion.
- For 'why' questions, find a cause word: because, so, therefore, since.
- For main idea, choose the option that covers the whole passage, not one vivid detail.
Worked example
A passage describes a student who joined a cleanup at a Nagano river. At first he thought one person could not help; after seeing 200 volunteers, he changed his mind and started a school club. Question: Why did he start the club? The detail '200 volunteers' is tempting, but the cause is his changed belief: 'he realized small actions add up.' The correct option paraphrases that belief. The option 'He wanted to clean the river alone' is true of the early part but not the reason for the club.
Traps
- Choosing a true statement that does not answer the question.
- Over-inferring beyond the text; if the passage does not say it, it is not the answer.
- Spending equal time on every paragraph; questions often target two or three.
- Missing contrast: 'however' changes the main point.
Exam habit
After reading, write a six-word summary. Then answer detail questions by returning to the line.