JLPT Reading: Inferring Author's Intent 2

Question 1

A JLPT reading passage ends with: 'Technology has given us speed, but perhaps we have forgotten the value of stillness.' What is the author most likely trying to convey?

Accepted Answer

Modern progress comes at the cost of losing something important.

Answer

The contrast between 'speed' and 'stillness' signals the author's concern that progress sacrifices something valuable, a classic JLPT inferential pattern.

Question 2

An author describes a character who always arrives early but is described as 'never truly present.' What is the author implying?

Accepted Answer

Physical presence does not equal emotional or mental engagement.

Answer

The irony of arriving early but being 'never truly present' is the author's device to distinguish physical attendance from genuine engagement.

Question 3

A passage about urban parks states: 'Children no longer run freely here; instead, they sit watching screens, even outdoors.' What sentiment is the author most likely expressing?

Accepted Answer

Technology is encroaching on spaces meant for physical play.

Answer

The juxtaposition of 'freely' with 'screens' and 'even outdoors' signals the author's lament about technology displacing active outdoor play.

Question 4

In a JLPT passage, an author writes about a village that resisted modernization and notes that 'its streets are quieter now, but so are its young people—gone to the cities.' What does the author imply?

Accepted Answer

Preserving tradition has an unintended cost of youth emigration.

Answer

The parallel structure of 'quieter streets' and 'quieter young people' implies that tradition preservation led to youth departure—an unintended consequence.

Question 5

An author concludes an essay on language learning with: 'One who speaks only one language sees through one window.' What is the primary intent?

Accepted Answer

Learning multiple languages broadens one's perspective and worldview.

Answer

The metaphor of a 'window' representing perspective signals the author's intent to advocate for multilingualism as a means of expanding worldview.

JLPT - Japanese Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

JLPT - Japanese Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

JLPT Reading: Inferring Author's Intent 2