JLPT Strategy
March 2, 2008 by Marie
For those looking to take the JLPT this year, I’d like to suggest an early start. Last year, I started to study in about June, and very quickly regretted it. There were too many things to study, and there was too little time. I tried to study as much as I could, but as it turned out, I didn’t even have time to complete my JLPT reviewer, my reading comprehension and vocabulary book. I’ll still be reviewing stuff in them, but mostly in preparation for the next level of the exam.
I made the cut, and consider myself quite lucky, although I really did study hard. There are a few books I used that I found were very useful and would like to recommend:
1. Kanzen Master 2kyu Nihongo Noryoku Shiken Bunpo Mondai Taisaku (完全マスター２級 日本語能力試験文法問題対策)
This grammar compilation book was really useful for me. It did not provide me with English translations for the different grammar patterns but I found that more helpful actually. It had a lot of useful sample sentences.
2. Shin Kijun Taiou Nihongoso Matome Mondaishu 2kyu Goi (新基準対応 日本語総まとめ問題集 ２級 語彙編）
I used this book for reviewing vocabulary words. It has a very comprehensive list of words that appeared in the test.
This book prepared me well for the Reading Comprehension portion of the exam. A lot of the exam problems were similar to those found in this book. A lot of the stories are also quite interesting and I learned a lot from it. There is an accompanying grammar pattern book that could also be helpful but I did not own one.
4. ALC 予想と対策 日本語能力試験 2級受験問題集 A Compilation of Questions from the JLPT
I wasn’t able to complete this reviewer due to lack of time. I did review some of the Kanji and Vocabulary Questions and they were similar to those that came out in the test. I’d say any reviewer is good, though.
A lot of these books are in my Amazon aStore and you could purchase them from there (when it’s ready).
Preparing for the JLPT was really difficult. I spent a lot of time studying and I hardly left home on weekends, just reviewing everything I could, and cramming on grammar patterns and other things I did not even know about yet. I tried to watch as much Japanese TV as I could, mostly the more informative documentaries and news programs. Then I practiced on online mock tests as much as I could. I spent an average of 3 hours daily reviewing. These hours included studying with a teacher online as well. What I’d say is the most important is still Kanji. If you can master as much as you can, it would really help you a lot. Without Kanji, it would be very difficult to pass the exam.
With regards to levels and hours of study required, see the chart below.
|
Level |
Hours of Study Completed |
Kanji Mastered |
Vocabulary Mastered |
Notes |
|
1 |
900 |
2,000 |
10,000 |
Advanced Level |
|
2 |
600 |
1,000 |
6,000 |
Intermediate Level |
|
3 |
300 |
300 |
1,500 |
High Beginner Level |
|
4 |
150 |
100 |
800 |
Beginner Level |
Good luck! 皆さん、頑張って下さい！
I had tentatively said to myself i will do this later this year, i’m not sure if you’ve put me off or inspired me!
What level did you complete when you did it?
After attending a Japanese wedding and making my first speach in Japanese on the weekend i’m further motivated to learning Japanese quicker, i can’t wait until i’m ‘fluent’ or atleast conversational.
Hi Neil!
I hope for the latter, that it inspired you. I did Level 2 last December. I have been in Japan 5 years though, and I’ve been studying at a leisurely pace (off and on sometimes), so if you study full time seriously for about a year or so, it’s definitely doable…
Wow! A Japanese speech… I’ve never had to make one yet, I think… except for the occasional Self-Introduction speeches…
Good Luck!
Thanks Marie, i’d be aiming at level 4 at best, a FAR cry from level 2!.
I find it increasingly hard to do “set study” and fit in as much candid stuff as i can, i.e dinner with friends, all those occasions where practicing Japanese is free. I no longer have my weekly lesson as i found ordering 3 big red apples for Biji-san wasn’t all that exciting.
I work 10 to 12 hrs a day, plus then add the 3 hrs travelling time to it and opening a book is the last thing i feel like doing! Will try and utilise my time on the train more though, i’ve been slack with that lately.
That’s great!
I did Level 4 after a year of studying (back home), and passing felt like a huge accomplishment, then two years later I took Level 3, then three years later I took Level 2. There’s no rush, you’re supposed to go at your own pace. I know a lot of people who can do Level 2 after a year or so of studying, but that’s their own pace, as well.
I understand about not having enough time, but you seem to be doing great, learning by exposure is definitely one of the best ways to learn. You also get to learn and use everyday Japanese, the type that is more useful, I think.