Japanese: Mastering Expository Texts!
Hello everyone! As you reach the third year of junior high school, Japanese reading comprehension texts start to get a bit tougher, don't they? "Expository texts" (expository and argumentative essays) in particular tend to be longer and more abstract (dealing with intangible or complex concepts).
However, every expository text follows a "logic rule." Once you know these rules, you can solve even the most difficult texts like a puzzle. In this guide, we’ll organize the key reading comprehension points you need to master for your third year!
1. Grasp the Overall Structure (The Three-Part Composition)
Expository texts are basically built from three parts. This is called the "Three-Part Composition."
① Introduction (Beginning): This sets the scene and poses a "question" (problem statement) about what will be explained.
② Body (Middle): This is the part that explains in detail using specific examples (facts) or data. It’s packed with the crucial evidence that supports the author’s perspective.
③ Conclusion (End): This contains the summary of the entire text and the "answer" (claim/thesis) that the author wants to convey most of all.
Pro-tip: First, read the "Introduction" to see what the topic is, then take a quick peek at the "Conclusion" to grasp "what the author is trying to say." Once you've done that, read the "Body"—you'll find it much harder to get lost!
2. Conjunctions are "Signposts for the Text"
When you're reading, "conjunctions" tell you how the previous sentence connects to the current one. Make sure you learn these essential signposts:
・"However," "But" (Contrast):
This is the most important one! It flips the previous content, and what follows is what the author truly wants to say (their real intent). Make it a habit to underline this part.
・"In other words," "That is to say" (Paraphrasing):
These simplify difficult points. This is your best chance to understand the content!
・"For example" (Illustration):
These introduce specific examples. If the content gets too difficult, read these examples to help build a mental image.
・"Therefore," "Consequently" (Cause and Effect):
This follows a flow from reason to result. You can use these to follow the author’s logical line of thinking.
3. Clearly Separate "Facts" from "Opinions"
The biggest trap in third-year reading comprehension is reading based on your own assumptions. Organize the text by separating it into these two elements:
・Fact: Data from a graph, historical events, or results of an experiment—things that remain the same no matter who looks at them.
・Opinion: What the author thought based on those facts. Pay attention to phrases like "should," "isn't it the case that...", or "I think that..."
💡Tip: If a test asks, "What is the author's opinion?", it is a golden rule to find it in the "Opinion" parts of the text, not your own thoughts!
Fun Fact: If you find a "Contrast," you win!
In expository texts, authors often compare two things to emphasize their own opinions.
For example: "Japan in the past" vs. "Japan today," or "Western culture" vs. "Eastern culture." This is called "Contrast." Once you identify what is being compared, the structure of the text will become clear instantly.
4. Track Keywords and "Paraphrasing"
Throughout a text, the author will repeat important words while changing their form. This is called "paraphrasing."
(Example) If the author wants to say "Reading" is important…
"Reading books," "Engaging with printed culture," "Borrowing the wisdom of predecessors."
Even if the words change, the content they point to is the same. Find these frequently appearing, important words (keywords) and circle them.
Common Mistakes (Watch Out!)
● Ignoring demonstratives (this, that, those):
If you keep reading without knowing what "this" refers to, the second half of the text will be total gibberish. Whenever you see a demonstrative, always look back at the preceding content and confirm what it refers to.
● Prioritizing your own experience:
Deciding, "Because I think this, that must be the answer!" is a no-go. Treat a Japanese test as a game where you have to answer "what is written in the text."
5. "Step-by-Step" to Improve Reading Comprehension
It might feel difficult at first, but if you practice using these steps, you'll be fine!
1. Look at the title: Get a rough idea of what the text is about.
2. Number the paragraphs: Be conscious of the text's organization.
3. Check the conjunctions: Understand the flow of the text (reversals, summaries, etc.).
4. Find the author's claim: Look for expressions at the end of sentences like "isn't it the case that..." or "I think..."
5. Summarize the essence: Try to state the main point in one sentence: "Regarding [topic], the author states that [claim]."
★ Key Takeaway:
An expository text is essentially the process of finding the "answer (conclusion)" to a "question (introduction)." Use conjunctions as your map and follow the author's "paraphrasing" to get to the truth!
It’s okay to go slowly at first. Try reading one sentence at a time as if you were having a conversation with the author. I’m rooting for you!