Precise formal vocabulary · concession · purpose versus measurement
Choose the exact relationship, not a nearby meaning
A formal word may imply correction, acceptance, continuation, or encouragement. Those differences determine whether it fits a sentence. Use the object of the verb and the outcome the writer wants to distinguish close candidates.
Concessive expressions acknowledge one fact while allowing something apparently unexpected. In the grammar example, expertise is acknowledged without treating experts as incapable of mistakes. Preserve both halves when paraphrasing.
Separate the illustration from the claim
An abstract passage may introduce an example to make a larger distinction. The library example below supports an argument about indicators and purposes; it is not simply a comment about borrowing books.
Look for what the writer still accepts after stating a criticism. Here numerical indicators remain useful. An answer claiming all numbers are wrong would erase that qualification. A careful answer keeps the scope of the criticism intact.
Worked examples
Read each question, choose an answer, and open the explanation to follow the reasoning. These examples come from the game’s original beta question set.
Kanji: attend to the complete sound
「顕著」の読み方は？
- けんちょ
- けんしょ
- げんちょ
- けんじょ
Show answer and explanation
Answer: けんちょ
顕著 is けんちょ, conspicuous or marked.
顕著 is けんちょ. Compare the initial consonant and the final combined sound with each distractor. Associate the word with a marked or conspicuous difference rather than memorizing the two characters separately.
Question n1-kanji-001 · Original beta practice
Vocabulary: correct a defect
制度の不備を＿＿するには、運用だけでなく規則の改定も必要だ。
- 是正
- 助長
- 踏襲
- 容認
Show answer and explanation
Answer: 是正
是正 means correct a defect. 助長 would worsen or encourage it, while 踏襲 and 容認 would leave it in place.
The sentence wants to address a defect in a system through revised rules. 是正 fits correction. Words meaning encouragement, following precedent, or acceptance would not communicate the intended repair.
Question n1-vocabulary-001 · Original beta practice
Grammar: acknowledge a fact without making it absolute
専門家＿＿、判断を誤ることはある。
- といえども
- に即して
- をもって
- にひきかえ
Show answer and explanation
Answer: といえども
といえども means even though someone is an expert, making a concession about expertise.
といえども introduces a concession: even an expert can make a mistaken judgment. The latter clause is compatible with expertise, but challenges an assumption that expertise guarantees correctness.
Question n1-grammar-001 · Original beta practice
Reading: distinguish a measure from its purpose
行政の成果を数値で示すことには、説明を明確にする利点がある。だが、測りやすいものが重要なものとは限らない。図書館の貸出冊数は数えられても、そこで得た知識が人の暮らしをどう変えたかは容易に数えられない。指標は目的に近づくための手掛かりであって、目的そのものではない。この区別を失うと、成果を高めるはずの工夫が、数値だけを高める工夫へとすり替わる。筆者が「測りやすさ」に注意を促しているのはなぜですか。
- 測れる指標が本来の目的に置き換わるおそれがあるから
- 数値化された情報は例外なく誤っているから
- 目的を定めると測定ができなくなるから
- 測れない成果には公共的な価値がないから
Show answer and explanation
Answer: 測れる指標が本来の目的に置き換わるおそれがあるから
The criticism is that easily measured targets can displace the actual purpose. The writer still recognizes numerical indicators as useful.
The passage first recognizes the clarity of numbers. It then distinguishes measurable borrowing counts from changes in people’s lives. The warning is that optimizing an indicator can replace pursuing the underlying purpose, not that all measurement is useless.
Question n1-reading-001 · Original beta practice
Put this into practice
- Select N1 and explain the nuance of the correct vocabulary choice and one near alternative.
- For each reading passage, summarize the main claim separately from its supporting example.
- Return to difficult items after a break and try to reconstruct the reasoning before revealing the explanation.
All five tiers are available in the Archive. Your character’s RPG level is separate from your selected Japanese practice level.