Need N3 by year-end

Going into N4 next month, 2-3 one-to-one lessons a week. N5 foundation is pretty decent or solid.

(Actually my job need N2 but it seems impossible).

Any recommendations for me to have a solid foundation? Since I need to go to Japan very soon.

4 comments
  1. Study to the exam if that’s the primary goal

    Take some practice tests and analyze what parts you’re lacking in and then focus on those

  2. >(Actually my job need N2 but it seems impossible).

    Mate, I don’t want to be mean, but if they say you ‘need’ N2, then there’s no point you unilaterally settling on N3. If N2 seems impossible in that timeframe, then you will need more time.

    As for how to have a solid foundation; not much I can tell you. Keep working hard. Try to talk when you can. Pick up a book if that seems possible. There are no ‘tricks’, no ‘secret method’ that makes everything quicker but is just being hidden from you.

    At least for JLPT, you can usually find books with past tests. Try those, they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect. They tend to have patterns (like in reading where most of the information you need in long-form texts will be found near the end, so you can ignore large swathes of what’s written), and picking those up will help you score more points.

    Though, ultimately, knowing the language is what’s most important.

  3. The obvious thing is just spend as much time studying as you can. You can’t really shortcut the hours.

    Use resources that are more JLPT specific, such as choosing JLPT based vocabulary decks instead of core or manga specific ones. Books like Shin Kanzen Master are oriented towards test prep. There’s lots of past tests for practicing, and Youtube videos have a decent amount of practice listening tests. Prioritize reading and listening skills as there’s no writing or speaking portion of the test.

    Source: I’ve never taken a JLPT test so take that with a grain of salt. I am semi-aiming for N3 this year though as a stretch goal, so I do believe it’s possible with enough study time and consistent practice.

  4. Too bad you can’t do N3 and N2 in the same testing round! I managed to pass, barely, N3 after two months of focused study, starting with a good conversational/grammar background but not much kanji (familiarity with 100-200). It was basically a lot of kanji flashcards (30+ mins./day) and studying from the Kanzen Master books (2 hours/day), plus listening whenever I could. If you could study that amount I think you have a good shot of N2 by December. Anyway, you can start, and then give yourself some mock tests along the way before it’s time to register. 頑張れ!

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