Train your ear to pick out the detail a question asks for in an N2-style exchange.
The idea
First identify whether the question asks for a time, action or place. Listen for contrast and corrections: でしたが introduces a change, せずに excludes an action, and まで marks a deadline. Keep the final instruction distinct from earlier plans. These written transcripts are original practice; use the official sample for recorded test questions.
Examples
- 会議は火曜日の予定でしたが、水曜日に変更します。The meeting was planned for Tuesday, but will be moved to Wednesday.
- 資料は印刷せずに、メールで送ってください。Please send the materials by email without printing them.
- 受付は一階ではなく、二階にあります。Reception is on the second floor, not the first.
- 申し込みは金曜日までですが、料金は当日お払いください。Registration is due by Friday, but please pay on the day.
- 青い箱には書類を、赤い箱には道具を入れてください。Put the documents in the blue box and the tools in the red box.
- 電車が遅れているため、開始を十分遅らせます。Because the train is delayed, we will start ten minutes late.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
A word mentioned in the exchange is not necessarily the answer. Friday is the registration deadline, not the payment date; check which action the question names.
Try it yourself
会議は火曜日の予定でしたが、水曜日に変更します。会議はいつですか。(火曜日/水曜日)
Show answer or example answer
水曜日
水曜日: でしたが signals that Tuesday was the old plan; the meeting is moved to Wednesday.
資料は印刷せずに、メールで送ってください。資料をどうしますか。(印刷する/メールで送る)
Show answer or example answer
メールで送る
メールで送る: 印刷せずに rules out printing and the following request specifies email.
申し込みは金曜日までですが、料金は当日お払いください。いつ払いますか。(金曜日/当日)
Show answer or example answer
当日
当日: 金曜日まで applies to registration, while the payment instruction specifies the day of the event.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
会議は火曜日の予定でしたが、水曜日に変更します。会議はいつですか。(火曜日/水曜日)
資料は印刷せずに、メールで送ってください。資料をどうしますか。(印刷する/メールで送る)
申し込みは金曜日までですが、料金は当日お払いください。いつ払いますか。(金曜日/当日)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Read each exchange aloud or have it read to you, then answer without looking back. Check the cue and explain your choice.

