小論文(しょうろんぶん)

しょうろんぶん
noun
short essay; essay (exam)
1. short essay; essay (for exams or applications)
A brief essay, typically written as part of university entrance exams or job applications in Japan. Usually requires the writer to present and argue a position on a given topic.
入試(にゅうし)の小論文(しょうろんぶん)の対策(たいさく)をしている。
I'm preparing for the essay portion of the entrance exam.
小論文(しょうろんぶん)は八百字(はっぴゃくじ)以内(いない)で書(か)いてください。
Please write the essay in 800 characters or less.
小論文(しょうろんぶん)では自分(じぶん)の意見(いけん)を論理的(ろんりてき)に述(の)べることが求(もと)められる。
In an essay exam, you are required to state your opinion logically.

USAGE:
A key component of many Japanese university entrance exams and job applications. Unlike 作文(さくぶん) (composition), which is more open-ended and personal, 小論文(しょうろんぶん) requires a structured argument with a clear thesis. Typical length is 600-800 characters.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 小論文(しょうろんぶん)対策(たいさく) (essay exam preparation)
  • 小論文(しょうろんぶん)を書(か)く (to write an essay)
  • 小論文(しょうろんぶん)試験(しけん) (essay exam)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 作文(さくぶん): composition (less formal, more creative)
  • 論文(ろんぶん): thesis, academic paper (longer, more rigorous)
  • レポート: report (academic assignment)
general
Added 2026.3.8 15:47
15500/15669_shouronbun