【Modern Japanese】 How to Analyze Logical Texts: Fundamentals for Conquering the Common Test
Hello everyone! Do you ever feel like, "I read a passage, but in the end, I have no idea what the point was..."? Actually, logical texts (such as critical essays) have "rules for decoding." Once you learn these rules, you will be able to accurately grasp the author's message, no matter how difficult the topic is.
It might feel challenging at first, but don't worry. Let's take it one step at a time, like solving a puzzle!
1. Understand the "Skeleton" of a Logical Text
Logical texts aren't written randomly. Basically, they are composed of the following three parts. We call this the "blueprint" of the text.
(1) Introduction (The Beginning)
This is the "Problem Statement" part. It presents the theme to be discussed, such as "Why can't modern people let go of their smartphones?" Your first step is to confirm what question the author is pondering.
(2) Body (The Core)
This part explains the author's thoughts in detail, using specific examples (concrete details) or comparisons with other viewpoints (contrast) to address the question raised in the introduction. This is the longest section and is the part most frequently tested.
(3) Conclusion (The End)
This is a summary of the "Author's Claim." After explaining everything in the body, the author reinforces their point by saying, "Therefore, this is what I think!" The author's most important message is often written near the end of the text.
Tip: If you get lost, just take a look at the "end of the passage." The answer (the conclusion) is often hidden right there!
2. Master the Ultimate Weapon: "Conjunctions"
Conjunctions act as a "compass" when reading. By looking at conjunctions, you can predict what kind of information will come next. Let's learn the four most important groups!
① Adversative (However, but, nevertheless)
These are the most important! If you see, "A. However, B," the point the author really wants to make is B (the part that follows). Make sure to mark these.
Example: "Studying is hard. However, you also gain a lot from it." (The point is that "you gain a lot.")
② Clarification/Illustration (In other words, for example, namely)
These are signals that explain difficult topics in a simpler way. Even if you don't understand the previous content, reading after "in other words" gives you a chance to understand it!
③ Causality (Therefore, as a result, because)
These connect "cause" and "effect." If a question asks "Why?", look around these words.
④ Addition/Parallelism (Also, furthermore, in addition)
These signal that the discussion is continuing in the same direction. Since it’s just additional information, it's okay to speed up your reading here.
Pro-tip: Simply marking conjunctions with symbols like "○" or "△" will make the structure of the text clear at a glance. This is a pro-level technique!
3. The Catch between "Abstract" and "Concrete"
The culprit that makes logical texts difficult is "abstract" language. Let’s tackle it.
- Abstract: Summarized, difficult words (e.g., communication, cultural diversity)
- Concrete: Easy-to-understand, visible examples (e.g., messaging on LINE, the Japanese custom of using chopsticks)
Authors progress their discussion in a cycle of "Abstract (main idea) → Concrete (easy example) → Abstract (summary)." If you panic because you encounter a difficult word (abstract), look for the "concrete example" that follows immediately after. You’ll likely think, "Oh, so that’s what it means!"
Common Mistake: Focusing too much on the "concrete examples" and feeling satisfied with just those. Concrete examples are merely "tools for explanation." Never forget that what is truly important is the "abstract claim" the author is trying to make using those tools.
4. Finding the Author’s True Intent through "Contrast"
When an author wants to emphasize their own idea (A), they sometimes intentionally bring up an opposing idea (B). This is called contrast.
Example: "In the past (B), things were inconvenient. In contrast, the present (A) is very convenient."
In this case, the author wants to talk about the "present (A)." By bringing up the "past," they make the features of the "present" stand out. Once you find an "A vs. B" schema, make sure to clarify which side the author supports (their claim).
Tip: If you learn common contrast patterns—such as "Western vs. Japanese," "Science vs. Humanities," or "Body vs. Mind"—your reading speed will increase dramatically!
5. "Three Commandments" for the Common Test
① Leave your own opinions at the door!
The Common Test is not asking for "your impressions." Answer only by identifying "what the author is saying," based on evidence (grounds) found within the text.
② Look for keywords
Words that appear repeatedly in the text (keywords) are the protagonists of the passage. When you find them, circle them.
③ Spot the "paraphrasing" in the questions
Correct answer choices paraphrase the content of the text using "different words." Check how the words in the text correspond to the words in the options, like putting together puzzle pieces.
Key Takeaway:
The secret to logical texts is to read using "conjunctions" as hints, organize the relationship between "abstract and concrete," and use "contrast" to reveal the author's claim. It’s okay to start slowly. While keeping this "template" in mind, try working on your next past exams or practice exercises!