Preparing for the JLPT

1. Preparing for the JLPT

2. Brief Description • JLPT = Japanese Language Proficiency Test • 5 levels (formerly 4) from N5 to N1. N5 is the easiest level, N1 the hardest. • N3, N4 and N5 have three test sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary); Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading; and Listening. • N2 and N1 have two test sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading; and Listening. • You have a short break in between test sections. • The test is out of 180 points. Each section has a minimum score required to pass that section, and the test itself also has a minimum overall score. For example: For N1, N2, N3 you need a minimum score of 19/60 for Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening respectively but the minimum passing score for N1 overall is 100/180 so even if you pass each individual section you can still fail the test.

3. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) • Reading Kanji. • E.g. • Choosing correct Kanji • E.g.

4. Using the correct word in a sentence: • E.g. • Matching sentences with a similar meaning

5. Language Knowledge (Grammar) • Various questions: • Particles: • Verbs:

6. Word order:

7. Reading

8. Listening

9. Anki • www.ankisrs.net • It is a PC/Mac/iPhone/Android “spaced learning” programme • “You remember best just before you forget”, so spaced learning maximises learning efficiency (unlike normal flashcards). • You can create “production” and “recognition” flashcards. • Japanese language support addon • Extremely flexible. You can have various information on both “sides”, add audio/pictures. • Let’s have a look • After you have been using it for a while you can build a massive deck. • Due to space learning, cards become mixed, so you never know what is coming next. • Perfect for using in conjunction with textbook “lessons”.

10. Study Material Recommendations Kanji/Vocabulary • Use together with Anki!!! • Learn Kanji and vocabulary at the same time • Put sentences from the workbook into Anki. That way you learn meaning in context. Kanji in Context

11. Study Material Recommendations Grammar • For beginner level, standard textbook like “Genki” or “Japanese for Busy People” • For more advanced level “どんな時どう使う日本語” • You can add example sentences and grammar • explanations to Anki.

12. Study Material Recommendations: Reading • First learn your Kanji! • For beginner readers: best resource is Japanese textbooks and manga! • Manga has furigana, and if it is a story you already • read, then it’s much easier to follow.

13. For more advanced readers: Read Real Japanese series. • One book has essays, the other short stories. • Both come with sentence by sentence English translation, grammatical explanations, and audio recordings for listening practice.

14. そうだったのか？series by Ikegami Akira

15. Harry Potter! Or other books you like • Find a book/series that you like and have read extensively IN ENGLISH • Buy the Japanese version • You already know the story so it’s much easier to follow, and you can even keep the English translation on hand. • Seeing how your favourite novel is translated is fun too.

16. Study Material Recommendations: Listening • You are in Japan. Talk to people. Even at your school you can use Japanese, for example at club activities or chatting to non-JTEs. You can even pick up local slang だら？ • TV: NHK news broadcasts can be switched between Japanese and English 音声切換. • Internet: Youtube/TED Talks etc. a lot of videos have both Japanese and English subtitles.

17. NihongoSouMatome • Specifically covers JLPT content. • Divided into lessons, so easy to plan and schedule your studying • Fairly easy to use with Anki

18. Final specific JLPT Recommendation • By far the best way to familiarise yourself with the test. The format is exactly the same as the test (time, no. of questions.), only the questions themselves have different content. Take it as a practice test and time yourself. Etc.