December 10, 2012
Jesse Takes the JLPT!
Jesse here;
On a fine yet chilly Sunday afternoon, the second of December, I, along with thousands of other students across the world, undertook the challenge that is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), level N3.
Funabashi Daigaku, where Jesse took his test.
The JLPT is a standardized test aimed to measure someone’s level of Japanese skill. There are currently five levels of the test, starting with the easiest at level N5, containing basic grammar and about 100 kanji, all the way up to level N1, with complex and rarely used grammar and vocabulary, and around 2000 kanji. As I was taking level N3, the middle level, I only needed to know some moderately complex grammar and vocabulary and about 600 kanji. Still, this is a lot to study for, and in preparation for this, I wrote several thousands of copies of kanji and words, as well as going to night classes for two nights a week.
At Seiritsu, we use the Ask Publishing 'Nihongo So Matome' series, as well as numerous other books, to help students prepare specifically for the test. They are also very useful when learning Japanese for everyday use.
As I took my seat among the ranks of students, the examiner began to explain the test, and what you could and could not do. The test consists of three sections: Vocabulary and kanji, grammar and reading comprehension, and listening. After the introduction, we started on the kanji and vocabulary section. This was probably my weakest area, but I didn’t feel as if I went too horribly, and after the break in between sections, I was ready to tackle the grammar and reading comprehension. Again, it was difficult, and I don’t think I was the only one struggling, but in the next section, listening, I made up for it. As the test is aimed at not only people who have lived or do live in Japan, but also at people who live overseas, the listening is very clear and sharp, usually much more so than regular Japanese conversation, making it easier. After this grueling 4 hour long ordeal, everyone let out a sigh of relief, collected their things, and headed home for a well deserved rest. It was tough, but it was certainly worth it.