Japanese has been one of the most useful languages to know in Asia because of the economic strength of Japan. While these days other languages became very important as well, Japanese is necessary if you intend of studying or working in Japan.
One thing which you will be asked often is your score in the JLPT test. Up until 2009, the JLPT consisted of 4 levels. As there was a huge difficulty gap between the old level 2, it has been split up and forms the N2 and N3 with the aim to bridge the gap between the entry levels and the proficient ones. But as a consequence, new learning material does not systematically cover the new levels of N3 and N2. Keep on reading and get some hints how you can beat the JLPT
One thing which you will be asked often is your score in the JLPT test. Up until 2009, the JLPT consisted of 4 levels. As there was a huge difficulty gap between the old level 2, it has been split up and forms the N2 and N3 with the aim to bridge the gap between the entry levels and the proficient ones. But as a consequence, new learning material does not systematically cover the new levels of N3 and N2. Keep on reading and get some hints how you can beat the JLPT
Format of the JLPT test
Interestingly, the JLPT test does not test any speaking ability. You basically spend the whole time without speaking one single word. Only listening and reading is being evaluated. (Also luckily for many, no handwriting ability of Japanese Kanji is needed).
It is also a pure multiple choice test, which means you have the option of lucky guessing in case you don’t know the answer.
One peculiar thing is that even in low level tests; words from a higher test level are being used (and explained using Hiragana). This fact can be quite confusing as its not only happening once or twice during the test but all the time. So be prepared for that.
It is also a pure multiple choice test, which means you have the option of lucky guessing in case you don’t know the answer.
One peculiar thing is that even in low level tests; words from a higher test level are being used (and explained using Hiragana). This fact can be quite confusing as its not only happening once or twice during the test but all the time. So be prepared for that.
So which level of the JLPT should you take?
We recommend you take one of the lower levels in order just to have one certificate (e.g. N4 or even N5). This will help you to show your commitment for the language to people and it also helps you for becoming familiar with the peculiarities of this test which is reflection of Japanese test taking culture.
The negative point however is the low usefulness of N5, N4 and to a certain extent N3. Neither does the Japanese ability of these levels significantly help you with daily life; employers in Japan also don’t particularity go crazy over these levels and still perceive it as non-fluency in Japanese.
The bare minimum which is acceptable in seldom cases is N3, but it is much better to aim for N2. Its like saying that either you passed N1 or N2 or you don’t not have the JLPT test.
N1 is more a nice to have and we would not recommend it unless it’s a) you’re really committed and like learning Japanese or b) it is a specific requirement in the field where you want to study or work. Otherwise, the extra effort is seldom worth it and the time preparing for N1 is better spent on doing something else.
N2 is definitely good enough to land you most jobs which require Japanese language ability regarding reading and writing on the computer. Speaking you have to train elsewhere anyways.
The negative point however is the low usefulness of N5, N4 and to a certain extent N3. Neither does the Japanese ability of these levels significantly help you with daily life; employers in Japan also don’t particularity go crazy over these levels and still perceive it as non-fluency in Japanese.
The bare minimum which is acceptable in seldom cases is N3, but it is much better to aim for N2. Its like saying that either you passed N1 or N2 or you don’t not have the JLPT test.
N1 is more a nice to have and we would not recommend it unless it’s a) you’re really committed and like learning Japanese or b) it is a specific requirement in the field where you want to study or work. Otherwise, the extra effort is seldom worth it and the time preparing for N1 is better spent on doing something else.
N2 is definitely good enough to land you most jobs which require Japanese language ability regarding reading and writing on the computer. Speaking you have to train elsewhere anyways.
Beat the JLPT
One sure way to pass your test is that you prepare halfway for the level above it. Let’s say you want to pass N2. Have also a look at the N1 preparation material and study it somewhat halfhearted. It will be enough to let you pass N2 with a breeze. If you prepare halfway for your target level, you might fail even if you need about 50% of the correct answers. So if you want to mostly rule out luck from the test taking day, have a look at the test preparation materials which are one level above your target test.
If you want to read in more details, you can do so here or write us an email with your specific questions
If you want to read in more details, you can do so here or write us an email with your specific questions
Further material
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2013/11/24/issues/is-the-jlpt-really-worth-it/
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/JLPT_Guide
http://www.jlptstudy.net/
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/JLPT_Guide
http://www.jlptstudy.net/
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