NCEA Level 3 Japanese key terms

A person's view or judgment about a topic, which may or may not be supported by evidence. In extended texts, identifying whose opinion is being expressed helps separate fact from comment.

The main point that a speaker or writer argues for and wants the audience to accept. It is normally supported by reasons and examples rather than stated once and abandoned.

The evidence, facts, or reasoning used to support a claim. A strong response asks whether the grounds are sufficient, relevant, and clearly connected to the conclusion.

An explanation of why someone holds a view or why something happened. Reasons answer why and are often introduced by なぜなら, から, or ので.

A specific instance used to illustrate or support a general statement. Examples make abstract claims easier to follow and are commonly signalled by たとえば or 例えば.

The final judgment or decision reached after reasons and examples have been presented. In a well-structured text it usually links back to the opening claim.

A short restatement of the main points of a longer text, leaving out detail. A good summary keeps the original order of ideas and does not add new opinions.

A conclusion drawn from clues rather than from something stated directly. Listeners and readers use tone, context, and background knowledge to infer what is implied.

Examining two or more things to identify similarities and differences. In Japanese texts, comparison is often marked by より, ほど, と同じ, or に対して.

Setting two things side by side to highlight how they differ. Contrast is often signalled by 一方, に対して, or が, and helps a writer emphasise a point.

The factor that makes something happen. Distinguishing cause from result is essential in longer texts, where several factors may be mentioned at once.

What happens because of a cause or action. Japanese texts often mark results with その結果, ため, or ので, and may present them as positive or negative.

The way one thing changes or affects another. It can be positive or negative, and discussion texts often examine both sides before reaching a view.

A problem or matter that needs attention or action. In discussion texts it often introduces the issue that later proposals and solutions address.

A proposed way of dealing with a problem or challenge. Strong answers explain how the solution would work and what it would require.

An idea put forward for others to consider or accept. Proposals are often introduced with 提案する or べきだ and need reasons to be persuasive.

The perspective from which something is considered. Recognising the viewpoint helps a reader understand why certain facts are included or left out.

Supporting an idea, plan, or proposal. In discussion, 賛成 is usually followed by reasons and sometimes by conditions or limits.

Being against an idea, plan, or proposal. Stating opposition clearly and giving reasons makes an argument more convincing than simple disagreement.

A response that challenges another person's claim or reasoning. A good rebuttal addresses the original reason rather than merely repeating the opposite view.

The act of convincing someone to accept a view or take an action. It relies on clear reasons, examples, and awareness of the audience.

The surrounding words, situation, or background that gives meaning to a statement. Ignoring context often leads to misunderstanding, especially when meaning is implied rather than stated.

A group of sentences about one main idea. Paragraph breaks show where a writer moves to a new point, example, or stage of an argument.

A short title above a section or article. It signals the topic and helps readers predict what the text will cover before reading in detail.

A visual presentation of data such as a graph, chart, or table. Reading a chart means identifying what is measured, the units, and the trend shown.

A part measured in relation to the whole, often expressed as a percentage or fraction. It is common in data-based texts and requires careful reading of the base figure.

A general direction in which something changes or behaves over time. Trends are usually described with 増えている, 減っている, or 傾向がある.

A rise in number or amount. It can be expressed as 増える, 増加する, or 上昇する, and is often paired with data or a time period.

A fall in number or amount. Texts may use 減る, 減少する, or 下がる, and often compare the decrease with an earlier figure.

The beliefs a person or group holds about what is important, right, or desirable. Values often explain why people respond differently to the same issue.

Feeling that you understand and share another person's emotions or experience. In persuasive writing it can be used to connect with the reader and strengthen a viewpoint.

Something known or proven to be true, as opposed to an opinion or guess. Distinguishing fact from opinion is a core skill in reading longer texts.

The person who wrote the text. Referring to 筆者の考え helps distinguish the writer's own view from opinions that are quoted or reported.

The person producing the spoken text. Identifying the speaker's role, purpose, and audience helps you interpret tone, register, and implied meaning.

The person or people being addressed in a spoken text. Noticing how a speaker adapts to the listener helps you follow register, politeness, and intent.

The reason someone speaks or writes, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Purpose shapes the vocabulary, structure, and tone of a text.

What a speaker or writer intends the audience to understand or do. Intention may be stated directly or left for the listener to infer from tone and context.

The stance or manner a speaker shows towards a topic or listener, such as enthusiasm, doubt, or politeness. Tone of voice and word choice reveal attitude.

The most important idea in a section or whole text. Identifying key points is the first step in summarising and in responding to what was said or written.

The overall feeling or picture a text leaves with the audience. Impressions are built through word choice, tone, and the details a speaker or writer chooses to include.