I`m applying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test which takes place in December 3rd. I`m going for level 3 out of 4 which is advanced Beginner. After 2 years in Japan, you`d think I`d be better than that by now but I am naturally lazy.
It`s the level that one smug man who passed the highest level calls near useless but the act of applying to take it is proving great motivation to reach that level. It`s the kanji of course. They`re unimited. I think with 3 months of dedicated study I should know enough built on what I`ve already learnt to pass.
I`ve found a couple of sites that are really useful for information and help:
Anyone know of any else or any advice for taking it?
I think for those that do not reside in Japan, which actually constitutes the bulk of JLPT examinees, the Listening component has proved to be “the killer component”. I’m taking the same level as you are, and I only fear for my listening comprehension abilities. My friends who took JLPT 3 last year and have studied Japanese as a subject for 3 times as long as I have either had borderline passes or failed the Listening section.
But for your case, because of your environment, I think there should be no problem. 2 years? I am envious.
[...] So where to place yourself? Take the easy route and get a guaranteed ‘Pass’, or challenge and see how far you get it with a harder level. What level are you signing up for this year? [...]
Here is some nice stuff:
http://www.manythings.org/japanese/vocabulary/jlpt4-adj.html
http://www.spurrymoses.com/jlpt/4/jlpt4_vocab-list.html
My advice is twofold.
Do your best to study a little every day. The cumulative effects of 1 hour a day tend to be better than studying for, say, 3.5 hours each Saturday and Sunday.
Be sure to practice in all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking). While you won’t be tested on your speaking ability, I do feel that you get more complete understanding if you study everything at once.
Good luck.
i’ve found Remembering the Kana and Remembering the Kanji from James W. Heisig very helpful. in fact, i wouldn’t recommend anything else i’ve tried. thats how good they are. if you can’t find the book anywhere, i can send you the PDFs. good luck!