School Clean-Up as Daily Practice in Japan

A foreign education researcher visits several schools in Japan and observes a daily routine in which time is formally allocated for maintaining classrooms and common areas. Although no nationwide law compels schools to adopt this routine, she notices that schools across the country follow a similar pattern with little variation. She compares this situation with practices in other regions.

Which statement best describes the status of school clean-up in Japan according to the passage? Choose one. (1)回答を選択It is limited to private schools in large cities.It is not nationally mandated but is practiced in every school.It is optional and adopted by only a small number of schools.It is required by national law and strictly regulated.

Time is set aside for cleaning (2)回答を選択every dayonce a monthonce a weekonly before school festivals in Japanese schools.

A teacher argues that the routine is effective because both educators and learners take part. According to the passage, who actively participates in school clean-up in Japan? Choose one. (3)回答を選択External cleaning staffOnly studentsOnly teachersStudents and teachers alike

In this context, the term used in the passage to refer to school clean-up in Japan is (4).

Contrasting Views in Western Countries

At an international conference, participants discuss how schools handle maintenance tasks. Some describe systems in which cleaning is handled after school hours by designated personnel, while others mention that students may associate such tasks with punishment. The discussion highlights differences in attitudes and responsibilities.

In many Western countries, cleaning and maintenance are primarily the responsibility of (5)回答を選択local government officialsparents on a rotating basisschool janitors or contracted cleaning staffstudents during homeroom.

Students in some Western contexts may view chores like cleaning as tedious or punitive because they can be assigned in response to (6)回答を選択achieving high gradesbreaking school rulesparticipating in sports eventsvolunteering for school clubs.

A principal notes that damage to school property increases maintenance costs and affects how safe the school appears. According to the passage, what serious problems are mentioned in many countries outside Japan? Choose one. (7)回答を選択Frequent teacher strikesGraffiti and school vandalismLack of textbooksOvercrowded classrooms

Such problems often cost substantial amounts of money in (8).

Answer whether the following statements are true or false.

1. In some Western countries, having students clean their schools might be considered a form of child abuse. (9)回答を選択FalseTrue
2. In Japan, students generally refuse to participate in cleaning activities. (10)回答を選択FalseTrue
3. Graffiti and vandalism can create the perception that the learning environment is unsafe. (11)回答を選択FalseTrue

Educational Benefits and Values

A group of foreign teachers working in Japan initially feel surprised when they see students mop classrooms and clean toilets. Over time, however, they begin to recognize certain positive outcomes associated with these activities. The passage emphasizes character development and community-related qualities rather than academic achievement.

Foreign teachers are especially surprised to see students clean (12).

Despite their initial reaction, many foreign teachers come to recognize the (13)回答を選択financial profitsinherent benefitslegal riskspolitical consequences of these activities.

A student council proposes abolishing daily clean-up and hiring additional staff instead. Based on the passage, which quality would most likely be weakened by such a change? Choose one. (14)回答を選択Improving standardized test scoresIncreasing cafeteria revenuePracticing teamworkReducing homework time

The passage states that students should be responsible for the (15).

Which combination of qualities is explicitly mentioned as beneficial for all students? Choose one. (16)回答を選択Creativity, artistic talent, and independence onlyPhysical strength, competition, and obedienceRespect for their environment, teamwork, and responsibilityTechnological skills, coding ability, and leadership

If students develop respect for their environment and a sense of community through cleaning, these qualities are presented as beneficial regardless of (17)回答を選択academic majoragegendernationality.