Responding to the Rise of 'Critical Thinking Questions' in High School Entrance Exams! Gakken Releases 'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams (English/Math/Japanese/Science/Social Studies)' Based on Nationwide Exam Analysis

Gakken Inc. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo / President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami), a subsidiary of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo / President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara), has released the 'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams (English/Math/Japanese/Science/Social Studies)' on July 9, 2026.

The Growing Number of 'Critical Thinking Questions' in High School Entrance Exams

In the past, high school entrance exam questions could be answered sufficiently by accurately memorizing terms and formulas. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of questions that assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and think critically. Questions requiring students to interpret data and graphs, organize multiple pieces of information to make judgments, or express their own opinions are becoming more common. As a result, students are now expected not only to 'know' facts but also to 'think and solve' problems. These 'critical thinking questions' are difficult to tackle through rote memorization or one-answer-per-question learning alone, making them a key differentiator in scores. Therefore, preparing for these questions has become essential, especially for students aiming at top-tier or competitive high schools.

What is the 'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams' Series?

As questions assessing 'critical thinking' become more prevalent in entrance exams, there have been few specialized materials designed for intensive practice in this area. To address this gap, Gakken has newly published the 'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams' series, specifically focused on critical thinking. For the development of this series, Gakken conducted a thorough analysis of public high school entrance exams across Japan, carefully examining the characteristics and trends of critical thinking questions in each subject. The series features a carefully selected collection of high-quality questions that effectively train students in skills such as interpreting data and graphs, organizing conditions, and comparing and evaluating information—skills increasingly demanded in recent exams.

▲ Available in five subjects

Two-Step Structure: Learning 'How to Solve' Problems

Critical thinking questions cannot be mastered simply by memorizing solution patterns, as is often sufficient for knowledge-based questions.

Therefore, this series adopts a two-step structure:

・ STEP 1: Learn the approach and solution method ・ STEP 2: Practice with real entrance exam questions

In STEP 1, 'Example Problems' include step-by-step guides that illustrate the thinking process, enabling students to smoothly understand the solution methods. In STEP 2, 'Practice Problems' allow students to repeatedly work on similar themes, thereby developing the ability to fully solve critical thinking questions. This structured approach enables students to gradually build their skills by understanding the thought process, rather than tackling difficult exam questions immediately.

▲ Sample page from the main book (Science)

Comprehensive Full-Color Answer Explanations

Critical thinking questions are inherently difficult to solve through simple recall of textbook knowledge. The answer explanations in this series provide detailed, full-color guidance on the tips and thought processes needed to solve these complex problems.

Additionally, the explanations include thorough coverage of related background knowledge. This structure helps students deepen their understanding, acquire the necessary perspectives and ways of thinking for critical thinking questions, and develop the ability to respond to a wide variety of question types.

▲ Sample page from the supplementary booklet (Science)

Mastering the methods for solving critical thinking questions is difficult in a short period, making early preparation crucial.

The summer vacation, when students can secure dedicated study time, is the perfect opportunity to begin preparing for these types of questions.

Why not start strengthening your 'critical thinking skills' this summer to gain an edge in the entrance exams?

[Product Overview]

'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams – English'

'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams – Math'

'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams – Japanese'

'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams – Science'

'Critical Thinking Questions for High School Entrance Exams – Social Studies'

Price: 1,650 JPY (tax included)

Release Date: July 9, 2026

Format: B5 size

Digital Edition: Not available

ISBN: 978-4-05-306369-4 (English) / 978-4-05-306374-8 (Math) / 978-4-05-306375-5 (Japanese) / 978-4-05-306376-2 (Science) / 978-4-05-306377-9 (Social Studies)

Publisher: Gakken Inc.

[Details and Purchase Links]

▼ 'English'

・ Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130636900

・ Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/025Cc7Xs

・ Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18625995/

▼ 'Math'

・ Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130637400

・ Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/0jeE4eT5

・ Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18626012/

▼ 'Japanese'

・ Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130637500

・ Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/04TRUrLq

・ Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18626011/

▼ 'Science'

・ Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130637600

・ Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/038TAoUa

・ Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18626014/

▼ 'Social Studies'

・ Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130637700

・ Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/0d2Iuul0

・ Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18626015/

Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・ President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami ・ Date of Incorporation: January 13, 2009 (Company name changed on October 1, 2022) ・ Capital: 50 million JPY ・ Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・ Business: Publishing and content, global operations, medical and nursing publishing, products for kindergartens and schools, classroom-related services, e-commerce and online services, and advertising

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・ President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara ・ Date of Incorporation: March 31, 1947 ・ Capital: 19,817 million JPY ・ Sales: 199.1 billion JPY, 82 consolidated subsidiaries (as of fiscal year ending September 2025) Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470) ・ Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・ Phone: 03-6431-1001 (main) ・ Business: Holding company established in 1946, operating in education, healthcare, and welfare Education: Classroom and tutoring services including 'Gakken Juku', publishing and content such as learning materials, and school and kindergarten supplies Healthcare and Welfare: Service-oriented housing for the elderly, dementia group homes, childcare and after-school care support Global: Operations in over 150 countries