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Question 1Listening comprehension
You hear a short conversation: "The movie starts at 4:30, but we should get to the theater twenty minutes early to buy tickets." What time should they get to the theater?
- 4:10 Correct answer.
- 4:50
- 4:20
- 4:30
Explanation
The speaker gives a start time of 4:30 and says to arrive twenty minutes early. Twenty minutes before 4:30 is 4:10. In listening tasks, words such as "early" or "before" signal that you must subtract from the stated time rather than simply repeat it.
Question 2Listening comprehension
You hear a student say: "A notebook is 120 yen, and a pen is 80 yen. I'll take two notebooks and one pen, please." How much will the student pay in total?
- 320 yen Correct answer.
- 280 yen
- 200 yen
- 400 yen
Explanation
Two notebooks cost 120 × 2 = 240 yen, and one pen costs 80 yen. The total is 240 + 80 = 320 yen. The question asks for the combined price, so you must add the cost of every item rather than giving the price of one item.
Question 3Listening comprehension
You hear these directions: "Go straight down this street, turn left at the second traffic light, and you will see the library next to the post office." Where is the library?
- Inside the park
- Behind the school
- Across from the station
- Next to the post office Correct answer.
Explanation
The directions state that after turning left at the second traffic light, the library is next to the post office. The phrase "next to" directly identifies the library's position. The station, school, and park are not mentioned in the directions.
Question 4Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: "I didn't go to the soccer game yesterday because I had to help my mother at her shop." Why did the boy miss the soccer game?
- He lost his ticket.
- He helped his mother. Correct answer.
- He was sick.
- He forgot the time.
Explanation
The boy uses "because" to introduce the reason he did not attend the game: he had to help his mother at her shop. In listening passages, "because" signals the cause of an action. The other options describe reasons that the boy never mentions.
Question 5Listening comprehension
You hear a notice: "The meeting was going to be at 2 p.m., but Mr. Sato changed it to 3 p.m. Please come to Room 2, not Room 1." When and where will the meeting be held?
- At 2 p.m. in Room 1
- At 3 p.m. in Room 2 Correct answer.
- At 2 p.m. in Room 2
- At 3 p.m. in Room 1
Explanation
The notice says the meeting was moved from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and that the room is now Room 2 instead of Room 1. When a listening passage contains "but" or "changed," the later information replaces the earlier information. Therefore the correct details are 3 p.m. and Room 2 together.
Question 6Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: "I practiced the piano every day for a month, but I still made mistakes in the concert. I want to try again next year." How does the girl feel?
- Angry with her teacher
- Upset but hopeful Correct answer.
- Sure she will quit
- Bored with the piano
Explanation
The girl is unhappy about her mistakes, yet she says she wants to try again next year. This combination shows that she feels upset but still has hope. "Try again" rules out quitting or losing interest in the piano.
Question 7Listening comprehension
You hear a weather report: "It's going to rain this afternoon. Don't forget to bring your umbrella when you leave." What should the listener do?
- Wear a warm coat.
- Take an umbrella. Correct answer.
- Call the school.
- Stay at home.
Explanation
The speaker warns about rain and tells the listener not to forget an umbrella. The requested action is therefore to carry an umbrella when leaving. The other actions are never mentioned, even though they might seem sensible in other situations.
Question 8Listening comprehension
You hear a teacher say: "We have fifteen students in this class, but there are only twelve chairs in the room." How many more chairs does the class need?
- Twenty-seven
- Three Correct answer.
- Twelve
- Fifteen
Explanation
The class has fifteen students and only twelve chairs, so the difference is 15 − 12 = 3. The question asks how many additional chairs are needed, not the total number of students or chairs. Subtracting the available chairs from the number of students gives the answer.
Question 9Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: "I usually take the bus to school, but today my bicycle was broken, so I walked. It took forty minutes, ten minutes longer than by bus." How long does the bus ride take?
- Forty minutes
- Ten minutes
- Twenty minutes
- Thirty minutes Correct answer.
Explanation
Walking took forty minutes, and that was ten minutes longer than the bus ride. So the bus time is 40 − 10 = 30 minutes. Phrases such as "longer than" require you to reverse the comparison and subtract the difference.
Question 10Listening comprehension
You hear a school announcement: "The gym will be closed for cleaning this Friday. The basketball club will practice in the schoolyard instead, so please bring outdoor shoes." What should basketball club members bring on Friday?
- Cleaning tools
- Indoor shoes
- Outdoor shoes Correct answer.
- A gym key
Explanation
Because the gym is closed, basketball practice moves to the schoolyard, and the announcement asks members to bring outdoor shoes. The change of place is the key detail: outdoor shoes suit the schoolyard, while indoor shoes are for the gym. The mention of cleaning explains why the gym cannot be used.
Question 11Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: 'I have 1,000 yen. I want to buy this book for 650 yen.' How much change will she receive?
- 1,000 yen
- 450 yen
- 650 yen
- 350 yen Correct answer.
Explanation
Change is the amount paid minus the price: 1,000 yen minus 650 yen equals 350 yen. The other amounts come from subtraction errors or from repeating the price or the amount handed over.
Question 12Listening comprehension
You hear a station announcement: 'The train to Toyama leaves at 7:15. It is now 6:50.' How many minutes are left before the train leaves?
- 25 minutes Correct answer.
- 15 minutes
- 35 minutes
- 45 minutes
Explanation
From 6:50 to 7:15 is 25 minutes, because 10 minutes brings the time to 7:00 and 15 more minutes brings it to 7:15. The other choices confuse the departure time or the current time with the waiting time.
Question 13Listening comprehension
You hear a man say: 'Take this medicine three times a day after meals.' Where is this conversation most likely taking place?
- At a pharmacy Correct answer.
- At a library
- At a train station
- At a post office
Explanation
Medicine taken after meals is typically explained by a pharmacist or medical staff, so a pharmacy is the most natural setting. Libraries, stations, and post offices do not give medicine instructions as part of their usual business.
Question 14Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'If it is sunny tomorrow, we will play tennis. If it rains, we will study in the library.' What will they do if it rains tomorrow?
- Go to the gym
- Stay home
- Study in the library Correct answer.
- Play tennis
Explanation
The boy states a clear condition: sunny means tennis, and rain means studying in the library. The question asks only about the rainy case, so the library plan is the matching result.
Question 15Listening comprehension
You hear a teacher say: 'First, wash your hands. Then cut the vegetables. After that, put them in the pan.' What should you do right after washing your hands?
- Wash the pan
- Put them in the pan
- Cut the vegetables Correct answer.
- Turn on the stove
Explanation
The teacher gives a three-step order: wash hands, cut vegetables, then put them in the pan. The word 'Then' directly links hand-washing to cutting vegetables.
Question 16Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: 'I like the bookstore near the school because it has many English books. My sister likes the one near the station because it stays open until 9 p.m.' Why does the sister like the bookstore near the station?
- It is open late Correct answer.
- It has many English books
- It is cheap
- It is near the school
Explanation
The girl gives two separate reasons: she likes the school bookstore for its English books, and her sister likes the station bookstore because it stays open until 9 p.m. The sister's reason is therefore the late closing time.
Question 17Listening comprehension
You hear a phone message: 'This is Ken. I can't meet you at the park at 3 because I have a dentist appointment. Let's meet at the station at 4 instead.' When and where will they meet?
- At 3 at the park
- At 4 at the station Correct answer.
- At 4 at the park
- At 3 at the station
Explanation
Ken cancels the original 3 p.m. park meeting and proposes a new time and place: 4 p.m. at the station. The dentist appointment explains why the first plan changed.
Question 18Listening comprehension
You hear a student say: 'I am 15 years old. My brother is two years older than me, and my sister is three years younger than my brother.' How old is the sister?
- 14 Correct answer.
- 13
- 17
- 12
Explanation
The student is 15, so the brother, who is two years older, is 17. The sister is three years younger than the brother, so 17 minus 3 equals 14.
Question 19Listening comprehension
You hear a teacher say: 'Your report is due on Friday, but if you bring it to me on Thursday, I will check it and return it to you the same day.' When will a student get the report back if he brings it on Thursday?
- On Thursday Correct answer.
- The following Monday
- On Friday
- On Saturday
Explanation
The teacher says that Thursday submission leads to checking and return on the same day. Friday is only the original due date, not the return date for a Thursday submission.
Question 20Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'Soccer practice starts at 4:00 and ends at 6:00. The English club meets from 5:00 to 6:30.' Which activity lasts longer?
- They last the same amount of time
- The English club meeting
- Soccer practice Correct answer.
- Neither lasts more than one hour
Explanation
Soccer practice runs from 4:00 to 6:00, which is two hours. The English club runs from 5:00 to 6:30, which is one and a half hours, so soccer practice is longer.
Question 21Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: 'The English test is on Wednesday, and the math test is two days later.' What day is the math test?
- Saturday
- Friday Correct answer.
- Monday
- Wednesday
Explanation
The English test is on Wednesday, and 'two days later' moves the date forward by two days: Thursday is one day later, and Friday is two days later. Therefore the math test is on Friday.
Question 22Listening comprehension
You hear a student say: 'The regular ticket is 500 yen, but students pay half price.' How much is a student ticket?
- 100 yen
- 750 yen
- 500 yen
- 250 yen Correct answer.
Explanation
Half price means dividing the regular price by two. 500 yen divided by 2 is 250 yen, so a student ticket costs 250 yen.
Question 23Listening comprehension
You hear a man say: 'Please put your bags under the seat in front of you and fasten your seat belt.' Where is this announcement most likely heard?
- At a hospital
- At a train station
- In a classroom
- On an airplane Correct answer.
Explanation
Asking passengers to put bags under the seat and fasten seat belts is a standard safety instruction on an airplane. Train stations and classrooms do not normally use this combination of instructions.
Question 24Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'The first bus leaves at 8:10 and comes every fifteen minutes. I want to take the third bus.' What time does the third bus leave?
- 8:25
- 8:40 Correct answer.
- 8:10
- 8:55
Explanation
The first bus is at 8:10, so the second is at 8:25 and the third is at 8:40. Adding fifteen minutes twice to 8:10 gives 8:40.
Question 25Listening comprehension
You hear a school announcement: 'The library will close at 4:30 today because the teachers have a meeting. Please return books before 4:00.' Why will the library close early?
- The books are being cleaned.
- There is a school holiday.
- The students are on a trip.
- The teachers have a meeting. Correct answer.
Explanation
The announcement directly gives the teachers' meeting as the reason the library closes early. The instruction about returning books is separate from the cause of the early closing.
Question 26Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'I should have practiced more for the speech contest. I forgot my lines in front of everyone.' What does the boy mean?
- He will practice more tomorrow.
- He won the speech contest.
- He wishes he had practiced more. Correct answer.
- He forgot to go to the contest.
Explanation
The phrase 'I should have practiced more' expresses regret about a past action. Forgetting his lines in front of everyone shows that he is unhappy with his performance.
Question 27Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'I usually read the sports page first, but today I read the front page because there was a story about my school.' Which page did he read first today?
- The last page
- The sports page
- The comics page
- The front page Correct answer.
Explanation
The boy says he usually reads the sports page first, but 'today' he read the front page first. The word 'but' marks a change from his usual habit.
Question 28Listening comprehension
You hear a woman say: 'Your total is 1,200 yen. Would you like a bag?' Who is the woman most likely?
- A bus driver
- A store clerk Correct answer.
- A doctor
- A teacher
Explanation
Asking for a total and offering a bag are typical actions at a store checkout. This language belongs to a store clerk, not to a teacher, doctor, or bus driver.
Question 29Listening comprehension
You hear a museum announcement: 'The museum closes at six, but we stop selling tickets at 5:30.' It is 5:40 now. What can a visitor do?
- They must leave at 5:30.
- They can enter for free.
- They cannot buy a ticket. Correct answer.
- They can buy one until six.
Explanation
The museum stops selling tickets at 5:30, and it is now 5:40. Even though the museum closes at six, no new ticket can be bought after 5:30.
Question 30Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: 'The concert was supposed to start at 7, but it started at 7:40. I was glad I brought a book.' What does she mean?
- She forgot her book.
- She waited by reading. Correct answer.
- The concert started early.
- She read during the concert.
Explanation
The concert started forty minutes late, so she had to wait. Saying she was glad she brought a book implies that she read while waiting.
Question 31Listening comprehension
You hear a radio announcer say: 'Tomorrow will be sunny in the morning, but it will rain in the afternoon. If you go out after lunch, please take an umbrella.' What should you take if you go out in the afternoon?
- a hat
- a jacket
- an umbrella Correct answer.
- sunglasses
Explanation
The announcer says it will rain in the afternoon and tells listeners who go out after lunch to take an umbrella. Therefore, the item to take is an umbrella, not the other items.
Question 32Listening comprehension
You hear a teacher say: 'The science test will be in Room 202, not Room 101. Please go to Room 202 after lunch.' Where should students go for the science test?
- Room 202 Correct answer.
- the library
- Room 101
- the teacher's office
Explanation
The teacher clearly says the science test will be in Room 202, not Room 101, and tells students to go there after lunch. So Room 202 is the correct location.
Question 33Listening comprehension
You hear a woman say: 'I work at a hospital. I help doctors and take care of patients every day.' Who is the woman most likely?
- a teacher
- a doctor
- a nurse Correct answer.
- a cook
Explanation
A person who works at a hospital, helps doctors, and takes care of patients is a nurse. The other jobs do not match this description.
Question 34Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'I left my umbrella on the train. It is blue with a white handle. My name is on it, too.' What does the boy's umbrella look like?
- It is black with a red handle.
- It is green with a yellow handle.
- It is white with a blue handle.
- It is blue with a white handle. Correct answer.
Explanation
The boy describes his umbrella as blue with a white handle, so that is the correct appearance. The other color combinations do not match what he says.
Question 35Listening comprehension
You hear a man say: 'Go straight down this street. Turn left at the second corner. The post office is next to the bank on your right.' Where is the post office?
- across from the school
- next to the bank Correct answer.
- behind the station
- inside the bank
Explanation
The man says the post office is next to the bank on the right after turning left at the second corner. Therefore, next to the bank is the correct location.
Question 36Listening comprehension
You hear a teacher say: 'For homework, write a short essay about your favorite season. Use at least fifty words. Bring it to class next Monday.' What is the homework?
- write an essay about a favorite season Correct answer.
- draw a picture of a season
- read a book about seasons
- memorize a poem about seasons
Explanation
The teacher assigns a short essay about the student's favorite season, using at least fifty words, to bring next Monday. Reading, drawing, or memorizing is not assigned.
Question 37Listening comprehension
You hear a boy say: 'I meant to call you before your party, but I lost my phone. I am sorry I could not come.' Why did the boy not call the girl?
- He did not want to go.
- He forgot her number.
- He lost his phone. Correct answer.
- He was busy at school.
Explanation
The boy apologizes and says he lost his phone, which is why he could not call before the party. He does not say he forgot the number, was busy at school, or did not want to go.
Question 38Listening comprehension
You hear a shop clerk say: 'This shirt is 2,000 yen. If you buy two shirts, you get 500 yen off the total.' How much do two shirts cost?
- 4,500 yen
- 3,500 yen Correct answer.
- 4,000 yen
- 5,000 yen
Explanation
Two shirts at 2,000 yen each cost 4,000 yen. With 500 yen off the total, the price becomes 3,500 yen.
Question 39Listening comprehension
You hear a student say: 'The first class starts at 8:45 and lasts 50 minutes. There is a 10-minute break after each class. The second class is also 50 minutes. When does the third class start?'
- 10:25
- 10:35
- 10:55
- 10:45 Correct answer.
Explanation
First class ends at 9:35, and after a 10-minute break the second class starts at 9:45. The second class ends at 10:35, and another 10-minute break means the third class starts at 10:45.
Question 40Listening comprehension
You hear a girl say: 'The movie starts at 6:30. It takes 20 minutes to walk to the theater. I also want to buy popcorn before the movie, and that takes 10 minutes. What time should I leave home?'
- 6:20
- 6:00 Correct answer.
- 6:10
- 5:50
Explanation
The movie starts at 6:30. Walking takes 20 minutes and buying popcorn takes 10 minutes, so she needs 30 minutes in total. Leaving at 6:00 gives exactly 30 minutes before the start.
Question 41Reading comprehension
Read this notice and answer the question.
Toyama City Library - Summer Reading Club
Open to students in grades 7–9. Meetings: every Saturday in July, 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your own book. Free. Sign up at the front desk by June 30.
According to the notice, what must a student do to join the Summer Reading Club?
- Pay a small fee at the first meeting.
- Sign up by June 30. Correct answer.
- Come to the library every day in July.
- Hand in a book at the front desk in July.
Explanation
The notice says to sign up at the front desk by June 30, so registering before the end of June is the required action. It also states that the club is free, that students bring their own book, and that meetings are on Saturdays only, which rules out the other three choices as stated requirements.
Question 42Reading comprehension
Read this passage and answer the question.
Ken's sister Mina bought a new bicycle last week. She rides it to school every morning now.
What does the word 'She' in the second sentence refer to?
- the bicycle
- Mina Correct answer.
- Ken
- Ken's mother
Explanation
The pronoun 'She' stands for the person who now rides the bicycle to school, and the only female person named just before it is Mina. A pronoun of this kind refers back to a person already mentioned, and here that person must also be able to ride the bicycle.
Question 43Reading comprehension
Read this paragraph and answer the question.
Many students in Toyama walk to school. In winter, the roads near the sea can be icy, so some schools ask students to wear boots and to walk slowly on the slopes. Teachers say students should leave home ten minutes earlier in January and February.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
- Walking is faster than taking a bus.
- Students learn about the sea in class.
- Students should take care on winter roads. Correct answer.
- Schools close when the roads are icy.
Explanation
Every sentence deals with the same point: winter roads can be icy, and students are told to wear boots, walk slowly and leave earlier. The main idea must cover the whole paragraph, so a statement about care on winter roads fits all three sentences at once.
Question 44Reading comprehension
Read this passage and answer the question.
Aya looked at the clock and then at the rain outside. She picked up her umbrella and put it back on the shelf. Then she called her friend Emi. 'Can you take me to the station in your car?'
Why did Aya put the umbrella back on the shelf?
- Because her friend was going to drive her. Correct answer.
- Because the rain outside had stopped.
- Because the station was quite close.
- Because her umbrella was broken.
Explanation
Right after putting the umbrella away, Aya asks Emi for a ride to the station in a car. Readers are expected to link the two actions: if she will travel by car, she will not need the umbrella, so the decision to ride explains the decision to leave it behind.
Question 45Reading comprehension
Read these instructions and answer the question.
First, cut the paper into a square. Next, fold it in half to make a triangle. After that, fold the two corners down. Finally, open the top and press the shape flat.
Which step comes right after folding the paper in half?
- Cutting the paper into a triangle.
- Cutting the paper into a square.
- Opening the top and pressing the shape flat.
- Folding the two corners down. Correct answer.
Explanation
The passage marks the order with 'First', 'Next', 'After that' and 'Finally', so the step that directly follows folding the paper in half is the one introduced by 'After that'. That step is folding the two corners down.
Question 46Reading comprehension
Read this passage and answer the question.
The robot moved in a jerky way at first, shaking and stopping. After the students changed the battery, it ran smoothly across the floor.
In the passage, what does 'smoothly' most nearly mean?
- With loud noise
- In an unusual way
- At a very high speed
- Without any trouble Correct answer.
Explanation
The word is contrasted with the earlier movement, which was jerky and kept stopping. After the new battery, the robot moves evenly and without problems, so 'smoothly' means without any trouble rather than fast or noisy.
Question 47Reading comprehension
Read this message and answer the question.
Dear students, the bicycle parking area behind the gym will be closed from Monday to Wednesday next week. Please use the area in front of the library. Do not leave bicycles near the main gate.
What is the writer's main purpose?
- To describe the gym and the library.
- To tell students where to park next week. Correct answer.
- To ask students to come to school by bus.
- To explain how to buy a new bicycle.
Explanation
The message announces that the usual parking area is closed and then gives students another place to leave their bicycles. Its purpose is therefore practical guidance about parking during the change, not description or persuasion.
Question 48Reading comprehension
Read the two texts and answer the question.
A: Our class grew tomatoes on the roof last year. We watered them every morning, but many plants died in August.
B: This year the science teacher put a shade cloth over the plants. We also water them in the evening. The tomatoes are bigger now.
What can be inferred about the tomatoes this year?
- They died in August like last year's plants.
- They are being grown inside the classroom.
- They are watered only in the morning.
- They are doing better because the care changed. Correct answer.
Explanation
Text B reports two changes in care, a shade cloth and evening watering, and then says the tomatoes are bigger now. Putting these facts together, the improved growth follows the new care, which is the only conclusion both texts support.
Question 49Reading comprehension
Read this passage and answer the question.
When Mr. Sato handed back the test papers, Hiro said nothing. He put his paper in his bag without looking at it and stared out of the window.
What do Hiro's actions most strongly suggest?
- He wanted to ask the teacher about the test.
- He was happy with his score and wanted to show everyone.
- He was disappointed and did not want to see his score. Correct answer.
- He had forgotten to bring his notebook to class.
Explanation
Hiro's silence, his quick hiding of the paper and his turning to the window all show that he does not want to deal with the result. A reader infers a negative feeling such as disappointment, since a pleased student would look at the score and talk about it.
Question 50Reading comprehension
Read this timetable and answer the question.
School Festival, Saturday: doors open at 9:30 a.m. The chorus sings at 10:00. The brass band plays at 11:15. The art room show is open all day.
A student arrives at 10:45 a.m. What can she still see or hear?
- The chorus, which starts at 10:00.
- Only the art room show, because the music is over.
- The opening of the festival at 9:30.
- The brass band, which starts at 11:15. Correct answer.
Explanation
Arriving at 10:45 a.m. means anything scheduled after that time is still ahead, and the brass band plays at 11:15. The chorus and the opening have already finished by 10:45, so only the later events remain.