How to prepare for the JLPT examinations optimally

• The JLPT Japanese LanguageProficiency Test strikes fear in many hearts. This Japanese Language Proficiency Exam is the major stumbling block for many dreaming about a future in Japan. But fearing it will not allow you to enjoy studying for it and is a sure shot way to disaster. However, here are a few tips to help you prepare for this examination:

• Pick up the right materials: There are many books, apps and study guides around and many people would recommend one over the other. But in the end, it all depends upon your spending power. Try to get a blend of printed books as well as an online app to help you prepare easily. The advantage of an app is that you can refresh your course and its knowledge whenever you have even a little bit of time.

• Study in the correct order: Most books break up the study of Japanese into five parts namely, grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening and kanji. The most difficult part of them is generally the reading one and it is natural to want to spend more time on it to become better. But to spend time on it, you shall first need to study kanji, then grammar and finish the vocabulary parts. Once you have learnt these parts you will be able to understand a lot more in the reading parts as well as increase your speed and comprehension. The listening part should be tackled in the end. Although learning these three parts itself will provide you with the required passing marks in the JLPT but proficiency in the reading and listening skills will help you in the long run.

• Tackle the test strategically: The way you approach the test is a major task and can help you break it or not. The JLPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test has two parts, the first part contains grammar, kanji, vocabulary and the reading sections. This first part of the Japanese Language Proficiency Exam will tax your brain and leave you drained, though you will surely feel relieved that it is over. While the second part is the listening section that has multiple choice questions where even if you do not know the answer, there is a chance to get it right.