Another early December is here. This could only mean one thing:

JLPT Season

This is it, the highest and final level: the dreaded Level 1. If I pass this test, I will never have to worry about the JLPT ever again, though I'm thinking I may habitually start studying for it every fall since I have donated so much of the last four fall seasons to ( Read more... )

It's been a bit rough getting back into the swing of things having returned to Japan a second time. I felt like I was just getting into the swing last time when we had to leave, so it may take longer this time especially with work.

However, staring me in the face this fall are three very clear-cut goals:

• Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test ( Read more... )

Just for reference:

Level 3Level 2Level 1
Vocabulary1,500 words6,000 words10,000 words
Kanji300 characters1,000 characters1,945 characters

Since coming to Japan:
In 2006, I owned Level 3.
In 2007, I passed Level 2 by a slim margin.
In 2008, I owned Level 2.
In 2009....well I'd be extremely lucky to pass Level 1 even by a slim margin.

The test was a success and I can say I've conquered JLPT Level 2.

I found the answers posted online the day after the test and I'm predicting 326 / 400 points, or 81.5%, meeting my initial hope of 80%.

Now, onto Level 1......where to start?

Early December. It's that time of the year again ( Read more... )

February 6th, 2008 has seen two major developments (other than it being "Super Tuesday")

1. I've received the results of my Japanese test and I passed.
2. Leizel and I have at last decided to stay in Japan a third year with the JET program and hope for a transfer

Now perhaps I can relax and enjoy life.

It is over. The exam is taken ( Read more... )

The JLPT test is exactly one month from today. I'm buckling down in the home stretch to get as much studying and practice done as possible. On top of that, I'm the busiest at school that I've ever been. These two things combined are the reason you haven't heard from me in awhile...and, other than a long entry which I will be posting shortly, you ( Read more... )

Last night, I took my first practice test of the JLPT Level 2. I have three months remaining to study for the test, so I wanted to benchmark how far I'd come so far. If I'd taken it the day I started studying last year, I would've gotten around 15% or 20% (mainly from correct multiple choice guessing). Last night, I scored 60.8%. Passing is 60 ( Read more... )

I recently got some very good news. I've been accepted into a JET Program-funded 11 day Japanese class in Osaka. It's during Summer vacation so I'm free to participate. The best part is that this program is geared towards people right around my level (between level 3 and level 2 of the JLPT test), so it's really optimal for me. Another bonus: ( Read more... )