#001 · Reasons and consequences
〜ことから
Based on the fact that
Example 1
道がぬれていることから、夜中に雨が降ったと考えられる。
→ Because the road is wet, it appears to have rained overnight.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
N3 Reading Patterns
24 N3 reading patterns covering causes, contrast, viewpoints 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.
#002 · Reasons and consequences
〜ため（に）
Due to / because
Example 1
工事のため、この道路は通れません。
→ This road is closed due to construction.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
#003 · Reasons and consequences
その結果
As a result
Example 1
練習を続けた。その結果、記録が伸びた。
→ I kept practicing; as a result, my performance improved.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
#004 · Reasons and consequences
〜によって
Depending on / by
Example 1
交通手段によって、所要時間が異なる。
→ Travel times differ depending on the means of transport.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
#005 · Reasons and consequences
〜に伴って
Along with
Example 1
人口の増加に伴って、住宅が不足してきた。
→ Housing has become scarce as the population has grown.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
#006 · Reasons and consequences
〜せいか
Perhaps because
Example 1
疲れていたせいか、すぐに眠ってしまった。
→ Perhaps because I was tired, I fell asleep immediately.
Reading tip
Find text evidence before inferring causality.
#007 · Contrast and concession
〜ものの
Although
Example 1
便利なものの、利用料金が高い。
→ Although convenient, the usage fee is high.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#008 · Contrast and concession
〜一方で
On the other hand
Example 1
利用者は増える一方で、職員は減っている。
→ Users are increasing while staffing is decreasing.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#009 · Contrast and concession
〜にもかかわらず
Despite
Example 1
雨にもかかわらず、大勢の人が集まった。
→ Despite the rain, many people gathered.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#010 · Contrast and concession
〜反面
On the flip side
Example 1
オンライン授業は便利な反面、交流しにくい。
→ Online classes are convenient, but make interaction harder.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#011 · Contrast and concession
〜とはいえ
Even though / that said
Example 1
春とはいえ、朝晩はまだ寒い。
→ Even though it's spring, mornings and evenings are still cold.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#012 · Contrast and concession
〜といっても
Although one says
Example 1
旅行といっても、日帰りの予定だ。
→ It's a trip, although it's only a day trip.
Reading tip
A contrasting clause may overturn the preceding claim.
#013 · Viewpoint and degree
〜わけではない
Not necessarily
Example 1
高い商品が必ず良いわけではない。
→ Expensive products are not necessarily good.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#014 · Viewpoint and degree
〜とは限らない
Not always / not necessarily
Example 1
経験が多ければ成功するとは限らない。
→ Having experience doesn't guarantee success.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#015 · Viewpoint and degree
〜にとって
From the perspective of
Example 1
子どもにとって、遊ぶ時間も大切だ。
→ Playtime is important for children.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#016 · Viewpoint and degree
〜にすぎない
Nothing more than
Example 1
この数字は一つの目安にすぎない。
→ This figure is only a guideline.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#017 · Viewpoint and degree
〜ほど
To the extent / the more
Example 1
忙しくなるほど、時間の使い方が重要になる。
→ The busier one gets, the more important time management becomes.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#018 · Viewpoint and degree
〜ばかり
Nothing but / only
Example 1
彼は不満ばかり言っている。
→ He does nothing but complain.
Reading tip
Separate the writer's judgment from facts and identify negation scope.
#019 · Argument structure
つまり
In other words
Example 1
予約がいっぱいだ。つまり、今日は入れない。
→ The bookings are full; in other words, we can't get in today.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.
#020 · Argument structure
たとえば
For example
Example 1
身近な工夫がある。たとえば、電気をこまめに消すことだ。
→ There are simple measures, such as switching off lights.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.
#021 · Argument structure
このように
In this way / thus
Example 1
このように、小さな行動にも意味がある。
→ Thus, even small actions matter.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.
#022 · Argument structure
それに対して
In contrast
Example 1
都市では人口が増える。それに対して、地方では減っている。
→ City populations are growing, whereas rural populations are shrinking.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.
#023 · Argument structure
〜ということだ
It means that / reportedly
Example 1
このお知らせは、来月から料金が変わるということだ。
→ This notice means prices will change next month.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.
#024 · Argument structure
以上のことから
Based on the above
Example 1
以上のことから、計画の変更が必要だと考える。
→ Based on the above, I think we need to change the plan.
Reading tip
Look for restatements, examples, and summaries to identify the main argument.