In this practice page, you will practice understanding the main idea of Japanese news articles by focusing on headlines and leads. You will listen to recorded examples and answer questions to check your comprehension. This will help you quickly grasp the key information in news stories.
Understanding Headlines and Leads
A news headline gives the main topic, and the lead sentence provides the most important details. In Japanese news, the lead often answers when, where, and what happened. For example, «見出し» means 'headline', and «リード» means 'lead (opening sentence)'. When you read a news article, start by looking at the headline to get the topic, then read the lead to find the key facts. This strategy helps you understand the main idea quickly.
Asking and Answering About the Main Idea
When discussing a news article, you might ask about the headline or lead. For instance, «この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。» means 'The headline of this article is 'Earthquake', right? Let's read the lead.' This shows how to confirm the topic and suggest reading the lead. Then, someone might respond with the lead content, as in «「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。»: 'It says, 'Yesterday, there was an earthquake in Tokyo.'' After that, you can check understanding with «いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。»: 'We quickly understood when, where, and what happened, didn't we?' And agree to look for more details with «はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。»: 'Yes. Let's look for answers to other questions too.'
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
見出し
headline
midashi
リード
lead (opening sentence)
rīdo
いつ
when
itsu
どこで
where
doko de
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。
The headline of this article is 'Earthquake', right? Let's read the lead.「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。
It says, 'Yesterday, there was an earthquake in Tokyo.'いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。
We quickly understood when, where, and what happened, didn't we?はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。
Yes. Let's look for answers to other questions too.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Confirm the Headline
You are discussing a news article with a partner. One person asks about the headline, and the other responds with the lead. Use the recorded lines to guide your conversation.
Your task: Read the following exchange aloud with a partner. Person A says «この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。», and Person B replies with «「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。». Then Person A says «いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。», and Person B says «はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。». After reading, answer: What is the headline topic? What does the lead say happened?
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Correct Response
You will hear a question about a news article and must choose the correct reply from the options.
Your task: Person A asks «この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。». Which of the following is the correct reply? Option 1: «「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。». Option 2: «いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。». Option 3: «はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。». Choose the best reply and explain why.
Recall with Correct Roles: Summarize the Main Idea
You will recall the main idea of the news article by summarizing the headline and lead. Then, you will switch roles with a partner and repeat the exchange.
Your task: First, summarize the main idea in English: What is the headline topic? What does the lead say happened? Then, with a partner, read the exchange again, but this time Person B starts with «この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。» and Person A replies with «「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。», then Person B says «いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。» and Person A says «はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。». After the role swap, answer: Did the main idea change?
Common questions
What is the difference between a headline and a lead in Japanese news?
A headline is a short title that gives the main topic, while a lead is the opening sentence that provides key details such as when, where, and what happened. In the recordings, «見出し» means 'headline' and «リード» means 'lead (opening sentence)'.
How can I practice identifying the main idea in Japanese news?
Start by reading the headline to get the topic, then read the lead to find the main facts. Use the recorded exchange «この記事の見出しは「地震」ですね。リードを読みましょう。», «「昨日、東京で地震がありました。」と書いてあります。», «いつ、どこで、何があったか、すぐにわかりましたね。», and «はい。他の質問の答えも探してみましょう。» to practice asking and answering about the headline and lead. This helps you quickly grasp the main idea.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: identifying main idea in newsChecked September 2026
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