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| Japanese Tests Many ALTs decide to take a Japanese test while in Sendai. It can be a good way to measure your progress, and sometimes provide additional motivation to study. There are a number of different standardized tests available, each with a slightly different focus. Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) The JLPT is probably the most widely recognized qualification of Japanese language ability. Itfs definitely the most popular test among ALTs. It's held only once a year, in December, but luckily Sendai is the test site for Tohoku. There are four levels to the test, ranging from the beginner-intermediate yonkyuu ( 4) to advanced ikkyu (1). For more information, see JLPT Communication Square: http://momo.jpf.go.jp/jlpt/e/about_e.html or Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en/ Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) Aimed at those hoping to use Japanese in the business environment, this test includes an oral component, unlike the JLPT. The test is held twice a year, and Sendai is one of the test sites. See JETRO for more information: http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/bjt/ Test of Practical Japanese (J-Test) The J-Test is held every year in February, April, June, September and November. There are six levels to the test (A - F), with A being the most difficult and F the easiest. Beginners who have completed an elementary course should be able to complete level E (400 points and above). Level E is roughly the equivalent of sankyuu (3) on the JLPT and Level F (300 points and above) is the equivalent of yonkyuu ( 4). In the Level E/F test, there is a 30 minute listening section and a 60 minute reading section. For sample questions, see: http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/index.php?id=5 Levels A - D are for advanced and intermediate levels. Level C (600 points and above) is equivalent to nikyuu (2) on the JLPT, and Pre-Level B (700 points and above) is equivalent to ikkyu (1). For sample questions, see http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/index.php?id=6 You can download sample listening questions at http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/mydownloads/ Test fees are Y2,300 for the Level E/F test and Y2,800 for the Level A ? D test. The tests are held roughly every two months, but not in every location. For further information, see http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/content/index.php?id=11 Kanji Kentei The Kanji kentei is a test of kanji reading ability that all your students take regularly. Shogakko students usually take from Levels 10 to 5 (10 is the easiest level), Chugakko students take Levels 5 to 3, and Koukou students take Levels 4, 3, Pre-2 and 2. University students should be able to do 3, Pre-2 and 2. You can ask your school Kokugo teacher if youfd like to take the test (probably not at the same level as your students!) or check out http://www.kanken.or.jp for sample questions, kanji games, and test information. |