【Kyotsu Test Listening】Section 1: Mastering Short Sentences!
Hello! How is your Kyotsu Test listening practice going? Many students feel that listening is their weakest area, but don't worry. You can dramatically improve your ability to understand the "short sentences" found in Section 1 just by picking up a few simple tips.
In this chapter, we will break down the keys to accurately catching short sentences and securing those points with confidence. Let’s start here and build your listening skills!
1. Focus on the First Word! Don't Miss the "5W1H"
The most important part of a short sentence (especially a question) is the very first step. Unlike Japanese, English often puts the conclusion or the most important information right at the beginning.
The moment you hear one of these "5W1H" words, decide what kind of information you need to look for:
・Who: Focus on the people involved.
・Where: Focus on the location or direction.
・When: Focus on the time, day, or season.
・What: Focus on objects or actions.
・Why: Look for the reason (e.g., "Because...").
・How: Focus on the method or extent (e.g., price, duration).
【Pro Tip】
It might feel difficult at first, but that's okay. Start by practicing just catching that "first word." Even just doing this often helps you eliminate half of the answer choices right away.
2. Watch Out for "Traps"! Catching Negative Words
A common mistake in short sentences is missing "negatives." Overlooking just one word can flip the entire meaning of a sentence.
・Be careful with not just not, but also words like hardly (almost not) and never (not once).
・A particularly common challenge is distinguishing between can and can't. In the negative can't, the final "t" sound is often barely audible, but it is characterized by a "pronounced, slightly longer 'can'" sound.
【Fun Fact】
Because English speakers use negatives to emphasize that something is *not* the case, these words are often spoken louder and more slowly. If you hear a word stressed, it’s a good hint that it might be a negative!
3. Avoid the Pitfalls of Numbers and Time
Section 1 of the listening test frequently tests your ability to hear numbers. Specifically, these two areas trip up many students:
① The difference between "-teen" and "-ty"
For example, the difference between thirteen (13) and thirty (30).
・In -teen, the "teen" part is stressed and held longer.
・In -ty, the first part (the number) is stressed, and the "ty" is spoken quickly and lightly.
② Telling time
Instead of just saying six fifteen for 6:15, you might hear a quarter past six. Similarly, half past six means 6:30.
【Common Mistake】
Be careful not to jump to the conclusion of "7 o'clock" just by hearing the "7" in a quarter to seven (15 minutes until 7 = 6:45)!
4. Understanding Linking Sounds
Many students say, "I know the words, but I can't catch them in a sentence!" The reason is usually linking sounds. English has a natural flow where sounds at the end of one word blend into the beginning of the next, changing how they sound.
・Check it out. → Not "check-it-out," but "che-ke-ra-out"
・Fill in the blank. → Not "fill-in," but "fi-lin"
・Not at all. → Not "not-at-all," but "no-ra-roll"
【Pro Tip】
This isn't really about "studying"—it's about getting used to the rhythm. Try "shadowing" by mimicking your favorite English songs or short phrases out loud. Your ears will naturally start to adjust.
5. Steps to Solving Section 1
When you tackle short sentence questions, try following these steps:
1. 【Preparation】 Before the audio plays, quickly scan the illustrations or choices. (Predict what the topic is.)
2. 【Focus】 Don't miss that first word (the question word, etc.).
3. 【Judgment】 Check the verbs (what happened) and whether there is a negative.
4. 【Decision】 If you get stuck, don't dwell on it—move on to prepare for the next question. (This is the most important part!)
Summary: The Secret to This Section
・The "first word" is a treasure trove of information!
・Keep your ears peeled for emphasis on negatives and numbers.
・Practice saying phrases yourself to get used to linking sounds.
Short sentences are the perfect way to build your foundational listening strength. Even just 5 minutes a day will help you build a habit of exposing your ears to English. Even if it sounds like gibberish at first, there will come a day when you suddenly think, "Aha, I get it!" Let’s work hard, one step at a time!