This practice set is based on the article:
When Scholarships Feel Too Complicated: For Those Who Are About to Give Up on Studying Abroad
(link to original article)
Level：TOEIC 700–850 / IELTS 6.0–6.5
Target：日本人の留学希望者や留学中の人で、奨学金の壁・情報のグレーゾーンに悩んでいる方
Reading Passage（本文抜粋・編集版）
“I wanted to go to a university in an English-speaking country after high school, but my father was against it and refused to pay the tuition. I also didn’t really understand scholarships, so in the end I just gave up. I went on leave from university, fell into a dark place, and even now I sometimes think, ‘If only I had done proper research back then…’ and regret it.”
(Posted on X, anonymous)
Many Japanese students dream of studying abroad, but the path becomes unclear when money, scholarships, and family expectations mix into a grey zone. The article describes real scholarship options for 2025 and gives three practical steps for moving forward when you feel stuck: (1) write down your current situation; (2) list all possible paths—even the unlikely ones; (3) talk with someone neutral who won’t try to sell you a program.
Questions
Q1. According to the first quote, why did the student give up on studying abroad?
A. Because she failed her language exam.
B. Because her father refused to pay tuition and she didn’t understand scholarships.
C. Because she didn’t like living abroad.
D. Because she found a job in Japan instead.
Q2. What is described as a “grey zone” in the passage?
A. A comfortable part-time job abroad.
B. A state where scholarships, money and future plans are unclear.
C. The time after graduation when you rest.
D. The process of applying for a visa.
Q3. Which of the following is not one of the three steps recommended for moving forward?
A. Write down your current situation.
B. List possible paths, even if unrealistic.
C. Avoid talking to family or advisors.
D. Talk with someone neutral who isn’t trying to sell you something.
Q4. What is the best explanation for “mapping your options” as used in the article?
A. Drawing a physical map of schools abroad.
B. Listing possible study paths, scholarship types and timelines.
C. Ignoring all scholarship rules and trying something new.
D. Memorizing every scholarship application guideline.
Q5. Writing Task (30–40 words)
Write about one scholarship or support option you want to research for your study abroad plan.
Start with: “One support option I will investigate is…”
Answer Key（解答編リンク）
Answer Keyはこちら（別記事）：
👉 Answer Key – “Scholarships That Almost Made Me Give Up”
