Struggling with JLPT N3/N2 Reading Speed? Focus on "Claim, Reason, and Contrast"

The more diligent a student is, the more they tend to get stuck on the Reading section. They try to translate every sentence perfectly, but the JLPT isn't a translation test—it’s an information retrieval game.

To finish on time and score high, you need to stop reading everything and start looking for these three structural pillars.

1. Claim: What is the main point?
The author's core message is usually tucked away at the end of a paragraph or following specific signal words.

Look for: "Tsumari" (In short), "Yousuru ni" (Essentially), "Kekkyoku" (After all).
The sentences following these words are high-value zones that often contain the direct answer to the questions.

2. Reason: Why does the author say that?
Every claim needs support. Identifying the "why" is crucial for solving logic-based questions.

Look for: "Nazenara" (Because), "To iu no wa" (The reason is).
Be aware that the reason doesn't always follow a signal word; it can also appear immediately after a concrete example or the conclusion itself.

3. Contrast: Not A, but B
This is where the JLPT creates its trickiest questions. Contrast markers help you distinguish what the author is rejecting versus what they are supporting.

Look for: "Shikashi" (However), "Ippou de" (On the other hand), "A de wa naku B" (Not A but B).
Simply separating the "negative" from the "positive" will help you eliminate incorrect options instantly.

Summary: Stop Reading More, Start Focusing Better
Don't just try to read faster. Instead, train your eyes to jump to the most important parts of the text.

A solid foundation in vocabulary and grammar is required to make this scanning effective.
At Rapid Japanese (Beta), you can test your knowledge with 100 Vocabulary and 100 Grammar questions for free. Build your core skills and watch your reading speed improve.

[▼ Take the 100-Question Challenge for Free]
https://rapid-jt.com/