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N1 Reading Patterns

24 advanced N1 reading patterns: concessions, inference, limits and argument structure, with examples and quizzes.

Reading pattern collection

Showing 24 of 24 patterns

Patterns and examples are independently authored study material, not official JLPT transcripts.

#001 · Concession and counterargument

〜とはいえ

Granted / nevertheless

Example 1

制度は改善されたとはいえ、課題は依然として残る。

→ Although the system improved, issues remain.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#002 · Concession and counterargument

〜ものの

Although / even though

Example 1

調査は行ったものの、十分な資料は得られなかった。

→ Although a survey was conducted, sufficient data was not obtained.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#003 · Concession and counterargument

〜にもまして

Even more than

Example 1

昨年にもまして、今年は対応の速さが求められる。

→ Speed of response matters even more this year than last.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#004 · Concession and counterargument

〜をよそに

Ignoring / despite

Example 1

周囲の心配をよそに、本人は平然としていた。

→ Ignoring others' concerns, the person remained calm.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#005 · Concession and counterargument

〜にひきかえ

In sharp contrast to

Example 1

兄が慎重なのにひきかえ、弟は思い切りがいい。

→ Unlike his cautious older brother, the younger one is bold.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#006 · Concession and counterargument

〜までもなく

Without even needing to

Example 1

言うまでもなく、安全が最優先されるべきだ。

→ Needless to say, safety should come first.

Reading tip

In argumentation, find the writer's position after acknowledging an opposing view.

#007 · Inference and judgment

〜に相違ない

Undoubtedly / must be

Example 1

これだけ準備したのだから、成功するに相違ない。

→ Given all this preparation, it must succeed.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#008 · Inference and judgment

〜にたえる

Worthy of / bear

Example 1

この作品は繰り返し読むにたえる。

→ This work is worth rereading.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#009 · Inference and judgment

〜とあって

Given that / because

Example 1

人気作家の講演とあって、会場は満員だった。

→ Since it was a talk by a popular author, the venue was packed.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#010 · Inference and judgment

〜から察するに

Judging from

Example 1

表情から察するに、彼は納得していないようだ。

→ Judging from his expression, he seems unconvinced.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#011 · Inference and judgment

〜と見られる

Is believed / considered

Example 1

今回の変化は一時的なものと見られる。

→ This change is considered temporary.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#012 · Inference and judgment

〜を禁じ得ない

Cannot help but feel

Example 1

結果を知り、驚きを禁じ得なかった。

→ I couldn't help feeling surprised when I heard the result.

Reading tip

Distinguish facts, inferences, and degrees of certainty.

#013 · Conditions and limitations

〜ない限り

Unless

Example 1

本人が説明しない限り、真相は分からない。

→ Unless the person explains, we won't know the truth.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#014 · Conditions and limitations

〜をもって

By means of / on the basis of

Example 1

一度の失敗をもって、能力を判断すべきではない。

→ One failure alone shouldn't determine someone's ability.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#015 · Conditions and limitations

〜といえども

Even / although

Example 1

専門家といえども、間違えることはある。

→ Even experts sometimes make mistakes.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#016 · Conditions and limitations

〜にしては

For / considering

Example 1

初めてにしては、よくできている。

→ It's very good for a first attempt.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#017 · Conditions and limitations

〜を除いて

Except for

Example 1

特別な場合を除いて、申し込みは受け付けない。

→ Applications are not accepted except in special cases.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#018 · Conditions and limitations

〜ないことには

Unless / without first

Example 1

現場を見ないことには、判断できない。

→ We can't judge without seeing the site.

Reading tip

Watch for exceptions, necessary conditions, and limits on a claim.

#019 · Argument framing and citations

〜にほかならない

Nothing other than

Example 1

今回の成果は、全員の努力の結果にほかならない。

→ This achievement is nothing other than the result of everyone's effort.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.

#020 · Argument framing and citations

〜に即して

In accordance with

Example 1

実情に即して、制度を見直す必要がある。

→ The system must be reviewed in light of actual conditions.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.

#021 · Argument framing and citations

〜を踏まえて

In light of / based on

Example 1

調査結果を踏まえて、方針を決める。

→ We will decide the policy based on survey findings.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.

#022 · Argument framing and citations

〜をめぐって

Concerning / over

Example 1

新たな規制をめぐって、意見が分かれている。

→ Opinions are divided over the new regulation.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.

#023 · Argument framing and citations

〜という観点から

From the viewpoint of

Example 1

公平性という観点から、この案を評価する。

→ We assess the proposal from the perspective of fairness.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.

#024 · Argument framing and citations

〜からして

Judging from even

Example 1

説明の仕方からして、準備が不足している。

→ Even the manner of explanation suggests inadequate preparation.

Reading tip

Identify quoted claims, supporting evidence, and the writer's conclusion.