It is JLPT season and emotions are running high as people cram at the last minute and trolls come out in droves to tell JLPT takers how pointless it is. I have seen no less than 15 tweets on how pointless the JLPT is to measure Japanese ability.
As noted in the comments of “What is the JLPT” post there is the j.test that does test actual proficiency of a persons knowledge of Japanese for day to day use. However, it is only available to take in Japan and China. So that leaves the rest of the world with the JLPT.
So then it comes down to how can a test that has tons of books over passing strategies actually test proficiency?
That is easy. Its all about the approach.
There are 3 keys to approach the JLPT to test your proficiency in Japanese.
- Don’t look at the test go in as cold as possible. Maybe look up what will be on the test, but avoid doing example test.
- Learn Japanese organically and not specifically for the JLPT.
- Work hard for an A on it following the 2 key points above.
The key to all this is if you don’t look at the test then you don’t know what is on it or how it is worded so you can’t get any preconceived strategy tips on how to pass. In fact don’t look them up at all. Use the knowledge you have to take the test. The test should be there for you to test ability to to test if you can pass a test.
If you avoid studying the test and instead focus on your regular learning habits of japanese, which should not include just JLPT stuff, you will be amazed at how much of the JLPT stuff you have actually learned. For, example in club we printed off a bunch of example JLPT questions and handed them out to the club members. Most are 3rd semster students and have no desire int he world to take the JLPT. However, by doing normal study things since the first Semester I would say everyone would have passed the test based on how quickly we moved through it. This shows actual knowledge and that club members do have some proficiency in Japanese even if only a little compared to fluent speakers.
Just remember to work hard studying Japanese with the JLPT only in your mind about when test day is. After all learning Japanese is more important than passing the JLPT. The JLPT is just a gauge for you to measure where you are at and where you need to improve.
Remember it is all in the approach. If you are taking it to pass it then why take it? If you are taking it to challenge yourself to learn Japanese and to know where you stand then you are testing knowledge to testing ability.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
So you advocate picking a level for the test and paying for it without having any idea what level you might pass, just to get an idea of your level of Japanese? This is instead of buying a MUCH cheaper set of old tests and just doing the tests at home? Does that really make sense?
Here's another idea: Get some Japanese DS test/quiz games and see how you rate on them.
I am a long way off from taking a JLPT but with the job opportunities that passing various levels open up how can ppl say it is useless.
Take the J.Test instead – http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/content/index…
As mentioned in my post J.Test isn't available outside of Japan and China. So those of us in the rest of the world can't take it. And most I am sure can't afford to fly over to Japan just to take a test. I know I can't. I will be saving for the next 2 to 3 years to just take a trip to Japan for a few weeks.
2-3 years of saving seems like a bit of overkill to me
Honestly the plane ticket should only set you back about $700-1000 roundtrip depending on the time of year and your location. You can get into most business hotels or ryokan for 50-80 bucks a night, and there are even a few hostels around Tokyo. Food and drinks and everything else in Japan is actually quite cheap.
You could easily take a frugal trip to Tokyo for 2-3 weeks for only $2000.
Yeah, but it will take at least 2 years to get the extra $2000 bucks. I barely make enough to pay for my college classes and basic expenses.
Ah, still in college. Perfectly understood then
You'll be surprised at how quickly you can save up $2000 after you finish college
I do believe that the JLPT test can be used to measure proficiency, if you learn Japanese organically. But I have no desire whatsoever to take any of the tests as I have no need to know what level I am on.