Reading Patterns

Note: signals a direction of argument opposite to the previous sentence; The following information is often more important when finding the main idea.

Note: the result after ところが is contrary to the prediction from the previous sentence, stronger than a normal opposing conjunction.

Note: used to place two sides or two objects parallel; Don't assume that every case is "the opposite".

Note: emphasize results that are contrary to expectations even though previous conditions already exist; writing is better than のに.

Note: そのため connects cause with effect; そこで usually connects the situation with the action/solution that follows.

Note: is a word that connects logical conclusions, often found in writing; The following sentence is a consequence derived from the previous sentence.

Note: take a fact or characteristic as a basis to infer a cause, name or conclusion.

Note: Nのため／普通形＋ため can indicate cause or purpose; If the latter is an unwanted result, it is usually the cause.

Note: mark paraphrase or summary sentences; The following information often restates the main idea in a more understandable way.

Note: というのは often opens with an explanation; ということは often infer conclusions from the information just mentioned.

Note: the following is only an illustrative example, the example should not be identified with the author's entire argument.

Note: often refers to previously stated content; look up the previous paragraph to know what “like this” is.

Note: the formal writing of “that is,” often gives a conclusion or equivalent expression.

Note: offer speculation or opinion in the form of a rhetorical question; Not necessarily a question that needs a direct answer.

Note: partial negation, not the entire negation of the previous clause; This is where it's easy to get the main idea question wrong.

Note: solid judgment based on grounds; is still the opinion of the writer, not the obvious truth in all cases.

Note: lower the level or limit the scope, meaning “just/no more”; should not be translated into complete negation.

Note: asserting that the nature or cause is nothing more than what is stated; shades of emphasis and solemnity.

Note: negate the degree "not... very", milder than not at all; Please pay attention to the accompanying level words.

Note: can mean “for” or “in contrast to”; need to look at the noun and the structure of both sides to determine.

Note: there is always an object as a comparison standard; The conclusion of increase/decrease is only meaningful when that standard is clearly defined.

Note: the formal spelling of “in/in”, usually refers to a setting, area or location, not a course of action.

Note: add information in the same direction as the previous argument; is not always an indication of the most important idea.

Note: connect two elements in the same direction; The part with も is usually additional information for A, not the opposite of A.

Note: not only A but also B, in which B is often surprising or of greater magnitude.

Note: mark the implementation sequence, helping to identify the role of each example or argument step.

Note: the conclusion is drawn from the entire content just mentioned, not just from the sentence immediately before.

Note: often signals the conclusion at the end of a paragraph/article; Check the previous arguments instead of just reading the conclusion.

Note: attribute the source of information to the person/document mentioned; The following point of view may be a quote but is not necessarily the author's point of view.

Note: can refer to medium/intermediary or period of time throughout; Context determines understanding.

Note: emphasizing the previous cause is the reason that makes the following conclusion necessary; stronger than just using だから.

Note: negate the idea "always/necessarily", still admitting the possibility of being true in some cases; not a complete negation.

Note: reference to the result of a previous series of events; When reading a long paragraph, connect it to the cause, not just the sentence immediately before.

Note: state the perspective, interests or evaluation of an object; different from ～に対して which is a direction of action or contrasting two sides.

Note: refers to the event that initiates a change; not necessarily the sole or direct cause.

Note: the condition in the previous clause does not change the conclusion of the following clause; Often used to emphasize the author's position.

Note: acknowledge part of the idea first and then move on to limitations or information that contradicts expectations; writing is better than けれども.

Note: negate necessity or always true; often appears when the author modifies a conclusion that is too absolute.

Note: two changes occur at the same time or one change leads to another change; Common in writing and news.

Note: emphasize specific grounds such as data, facts or survey results; different from ～をもとに which tends to be used as a foundation/raw material.