Bridge
Time: Thursday: 18:00-20:00
Tutor: Nahoko Mulvey
Course book: * Minna No Nihongo Chukyu (1), W/CD/ Honsatsu
* Minna No Nihongo Chukyu (1) English Translation & Grammatical Note
Prerequisites:
This is a lower intermediate course which links Vantage level with Higher level. The Bridge course
aims at students who completed OPAL Vantage Japanese course last year as well as students who have
finished studying all the elementary grammar and are able to conduct a conversation with a reasonable
fluency. Most importantly, this course aims to build up conversational skills, while revising and
consolidating what students learnt at elementary level. The textbook, Minna No Nihongo Chukyu, is
organized according to various functions (for example the first chapter is ‘how to ask politely what
you normally hesitate to ask’, the second chapter is ‘how to ask for an explanation of what you don’t
understand’, etc.), so that the students will gain confidence in communicating and in expressing
themselves on a wider range of actual occasions they will encounter in Japan, while increasing the
amount of useful vocabulary. The course also emphasises development of other skills, such as
listening, writing and reading. Participants are expected to do a substantial amount of homework and
preparation for each lesson, which will amount to at least an additional three hours’ work per week.
Regular attendance is essential to maintain classroom rapport. A high level of commitment and
dedication will be appreciated. Kanji knowledge is not essential, but a beginner’s knowledge of kanji
(around 100 – 150 characters) will be advisable.
Course material:
The course is taught in Japanese using the textbook
Minna No Nihongo Chukyu (1), W/CD/ Honsatsu (ISBN: 9784883194681
Publisher: 3A Network)
Minna No Nihongo Chukyu (1)/ English Translation & Grammatical Note (ISBN: 9784883194926
Publisher: 3A Network)
We also use other printed exercises and audio/video material.
Course description:
Please note that you will be provided with a detailed ‘week-by-week’ course syllabus and a self-study
guide at the beginning of each term.
Structural content:
The textbook contains 12 lessons and consists of the following sections:
(1) Grammar and practice drills: The grammar points introduced in each lesson are demonstrated in
the form of sentence patterns. Grammar terminology is avoided.
(2) Speak and listen: Communication scenes are set out and model dialogues and conversation
exercises are provided.
(3) Read and Write: There are twelve different reading texts selected to pique readers’ interest and
enable them to enjoy reading.
(4) Challenge: Discussion based on what you have written on a topic.
Communicative content:
 How to ask for things politely
 Ask for an explanation of unknown words
 How to apologise politely, after explaining your situation
 How to leave a message or to receive it
 How to ask for directions or to teach a direction
 How to negotiate to get permission
 How to accept an invitation or to refuse it politely
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How to explain situations
How to choose what you want to buy, comparing the differences of the items.
How to respond calmly to what other people misunderstood
How to make suggestions or to accept them
How to apologise when somebody complains
Japanese basic Assessment framework
Continuous assessment (participation, coursework)
Progress test at the end of Michaelmas term
Two-hour examination at the beginning of Trinity term
Project to be presented by the end of week 5 during Trinity term
15%
15%
35%
35%
Final marks & recommendation:
50 – 59 Pass
60 – 69 Good Pass
70 – 79 Pass with merit
80 + Distinction
Learning outcomes:
We will complete all 12 chapters of the textbook. The students will learn a wider range of expressions
and vocabulary needed for various occasions, and they will be able to use them fluently with
confidence. The students will also be able to read and write more complex sentences on different
topics. They will find themselves more confident in using various forms. By the time they complete
the course, the students will be ready to start aiming at JLPT Level 2. (*Level 2 needs knowledge of
1000 kanji).