Standard entrance exam!

Knowing society from current affairs January 19 14:30

The exam season has begun in earnest.


In recent years, current affairs issues have become a staple of entrance exams for junior high school entrance exams, and at many schools, questions are based on social events that occurred in the previous year.


Major cram schools even create prediction questions for countermeasures.


What kind of problems are expected this year?

current affairs keywords

First of all, let's take a look at the "keywords" listed by major cram schools as measures for this year's junior high school entrance exam.

They all represent events in 2022, such as "Russia's invasion of Ukraine", "yen depreciation", "price increase rush", and "150th anniversary of the opening of the railway".



So, what kind of questions are expected to appear from these keywords?

Keyword 1 “price increase rush”

Last year saw a series of price increases.

This trend is likely to continue.



So, first of all, let's talk about the forecast problem related to the "price increase rush" that hit households directly.

Anticipation problem


Some companies left the sales price of the product unchanged without raising the price.

What do you think these companies would have done?

An example answer is "I reduced the weight and volume of the product."



We asked Mr. Shigeo Tamai, who is in charge of social studies at a major cram school that created the prediction questions, to explain.

Mr. Tamai:


"From the consumer's point of view, the price may not seem to have changed, but in reality, the price has been raised. As a company, we will raise the price of the part that cannot be recovered by reducing the cost. However, I think that we are doing it in a way that does not affect sales.”

This move, which reduced the amount of content without changing the price, was also called a "stealth price increase."



It's likened to a fighter plane that's hard to detect by radar.



Because consumers don't notice it.



In addition to this, it is said that there are methods such as changing to cheaper raw materials and reviewing the manufacturing process.



It seems that it is necessary not only to think as a consumer, but also to think from the perspective of a company.

Mr. Tamai


“I think it is important to deepen understanding by not only shining light on things from one direction, but also looking at them from different angles.”

Keyword 2 "Russia's invasion of Ukraine"

Then there is the prospective issue, which is also related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Expected Problems


The price of "something" has risen sharply due to the increase in demand for construction worldwide and the invasion of Ukraine, and the completion of housing and public facilities is being delayed in Japan.

Answer "something" in two kanji.


(For reference, a table about the import destinations of "something" in 2020 is posted.)

The correct answer is "wood".

Mr. Tamai:


“Timber prices have skyrocketed, especially in 2021. There used to be an oil shock when oil prices surged.

So what exactly was the factor behind the rise in wood prices in 2021?

Mr. Tamai


“In countries such as the United States and China, the coronavirus has calmed down and they have started to resume economic activities. Remote work has become common in the United States, so it is said that construction demand has increased. increase"

In 2022, Russia, a thriving timber exporter, will invade Ukraine.



Russia has banned the export of some timber to Japan, which has imposed sanctions on this.



As a result, the amount of timber available in the world has decreased.

Keyword 3 “150 years since the opening of the railway”

Next is a prediction problem about railroads.

In 1873, the first railway in Japan opened between Shimbashi and Yokohama.



Last year marked the 150th anniversary since then.



Also, the West Kyushu Shinkansen opened in September last year.



For this reason, it is said that questions will be set with an awareness of the role of railways.

Anticipation Problems


Some of the "certain strengths" of Japanese railways may surprise foreigners.


Explain what it's good for and why it's possible.


(For reference, the timetable and a picture of the operation control room are posted.)

A sample answer would be, "The advantage is that the operation time is accurate. This is because the operation control room grasps the driving situation and issues instructions."

Mr. Tamai


"One of the points is whether you can see the fact that the train runs on time as an advantage."

In Japan, it is natural for trains to arrive on schedule, but overseas, it is sometimes difficult to operate on time.



These familiar topics are topical issues.

Mr. Tamai talks about the importance of this.

Mr. Tamai:


“It is important to have the ability to perceive the news and what is happening around you as your own. I think we will be able to find out."

In "Migake, curiosity!" of "Weekly Maruwaki News" (broadcast at 8:25 am on Sundays), we will delve into the news every week on topics such as current affairs presented in the entrance examination.



Let's think together about "why?"


On the corner homepage, you can also review the past.



Please take a look at the link below.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/maruwaka-migake/