Preparing for the JLPT
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.
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

Reading Kanji.

E.g.

Choosing correct Kanji

E.g.

Using the correct word in a sentence:

E.g.

Matching sentences with a similar meaning
Language Knowledge (Grammar)

Various questions:

Particles:

Verbs:

Word order:
Reading
Listening
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”.
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
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.
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.

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.

そうだったのか？ series by Ikegami Akira
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.
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.
Nihongo Sou Matome
• Specifically covers JLPT content.
• Divided into lessons, so easy to plan and schedule your studying
• Fairly easy to use with Anki
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.