Yamanashi Entrance English cheat sheet

Numbers, times, and prices are usually stated once and then restated differently: 9:45 may reappear as "a quarter to ten" or "fifteen minutes before ten."

Signal words that reverse expectation: but, however, actually, in fact, to be honest - the answer usually follows these, not precedes them.

Japanese entrance listening often tests direction and location: turn right at the second corner, go straight past the post office, it's across from the bank.

When asked "What will the man do next?", the correct option is an action not yet performed; options describing things already done are distractors.

Reason questions (Why is the woman upset?) require matching an emotion word to a cause clause: because, since, that's why.

Listen for contrast pairs: cheaper/more expensive, earlier/later, closer/farther; the second value mentioned usually corrects the first.

Spelling and proper nouns (names, street names, days) are commonly tested in dictation or fill-in items; write as you listen, not after.

If two speakers disagree, the answer often reflects the second speaker's view, introduced by "Actually, I think..." or "Well, I'd rather...".

Read the source passage twice: first for the overall claim, second to mark two or three quotable supporting details.

Paraphrase rather than copy: change word class or sentence structure (The city built new parks → New parks were constructed by the city).

A summary task requires the source's ideas only; adding your own opinion is penalized unless the prompt asks for it.

When two sources are given, the task usually asks for comparison: use both, whereas, while, in contrast, and state which point each source supports.

Cite the source by content, not by page: "According to the article, ..." or "The passage states that ..." keeps the frame clear.

Keep the source's stance: if the passage reports a study's findings, do not upgrade them to proven fact in your summary.

Response structure: brief statement of the source's main point, supporting details in the source's order, then the required comment or application.

Time split for a combined task: roughly one third reading and note-taking, two thirds writing and checking.