Study Plan, Resources, and Exercises

Intoduction

Are you an ambitious learner aiming to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 level in just three months? While this may seem like a daunting task, with the right study plan, dedication, and resources, it is entirely possible. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a detailed study plan, practical exercises, and useful resources to help you ace the N3 level in record time.

At First

How much knowledge should be their to pass N3

To pass the JLPT N3 level, you should have a solid understanding of intermediate Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading comprehension, and listening skills. Here’s a general overview of what you should know to pass the N3 level:

1. Grammar: You should be familiar with about 200 intermediate-level grammar points, including conjugations, verb forms, and sentence structures. This includes knowledge of both N4 and N3 grammar points.
2. Vocabulary: You should have a working knowledge of around 3,000 to 3,500 Japanese words, including the 1,500 words covered in the N4 level. The N3 level focuses on vocabulary used in everyday situations, as well as some specialized terms related to fields like business, technology, and culture.
3. Kanji: You should be able to read and write approximately 650 kanji characters, including the 300 kanji covered in the N4 level. This includes knowing the meanings and readings (both on’yomi and kun’yomi) for each character and being able to recognize and use them in context.
4. Reading Comprehension: You should be able to read and understand texts written using N3-level vocabulary and grammar. This includes being able to comprehend the main ideas, details, and implied meanings in various text types, such as news articles, essays, and short stories.
5. Listening Comprehension: You should have the ability to understand spoken Japanese in everyday situations and follow conversations at a natural speed. This includes understanding the main ideas and details, as well as identifying the speaker’s intent and emotions.

Are you ready now? Then..

1. Assess Your Current Language Level :

To create a targeted study plan, it’s crucial to determine your current Japanese language proficiency. This assessment will help you identify areas requiring extra attention and ensure you focus your efforts effectively.

Start by taking an online mock test or self-assessment test. Websites like JLPT Sensei (https://jlptsensei.com) and Japanesetest4you (https://japanesetest4you.com) offer mock tests designed to gauge your current level. These tests will provide you with valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses in various areas, such as grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening. Analyze your test results to identify areas where you need to focus more time and effort.

Additionally, take note of the questions or sections you found particularly challenging, as this information will be useful when designing your study plan.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan :

A well-structured study plan is the key to success when preparing for the JLPT N3 in just three months. Your study plan should outline your daily and weekly goals, dividing your study time between grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening. Allocate additional time to areas you find particularly challenging.

Begin by setting aside a specific amount of time each day for studying. For instance, you might allocate 2-3 hours per day for focused study. Break your daily study time into smaller chunks, such as 30-45 minute sessions dedicated to each aspect of the test (grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening). This will help keep your study sessions focused and manageable.

On weekends or days when you have extra time, allocate additional hours to review your progress, practice speaking, or tackle more challenging materials. Remember to schedule regular breaks and allow yourself some downtime to prevent burnout.

3. Master Grammar :

Understanding and applying grammar rules is essential for the JLPT N3. To master grammar, focus on learning essential grammar points and practicing them in context.

One effective method for learning grammar is to use textbooks specifically designed for the JLPT N3, such as the Nihongo Sou Matome N3 Grammar textbook (https://omgjapan.com/products/nihongo-so-matome-jlpt-n3-grammar). This textbook covers the most important grammar points for the N3 level and provides explanations and examples to help you understand each concept.

In addition to using textbooks, consider creating flashcards with example sentences to reinforce your understanding of each grammar point. Websites like Quizlet (https://quizlet.com) and Anki (https://apps.ankiweb.net) allow you to create digital flashcards that you can review on your computer or mobile device.

Another useful resource for practicing grammar is the website Bunpro (https://www.bunpro.jp), which offers grammar quizzes and exercises specifically tailored to your current JLPT level. These quizzes can help you gauge your understanding of grammar points and identify areas where you may need additional practice.

4. Expand Your Vocabulary :

A broad vocabulary is critical for success on the JLPT N3. To expand your vocabulary, learn new words and phrases daily and practice using them in context.

Use apps like Memrise (https://www.memrise.com/course/161044/jlpt-n3-vocabulary/) or Anki flashcards to study N3 vocabulary. These apps utilize spaced repetition techniques to help you memorize new words and phrases effectively. Try to learn a set number of new words each day, such as 10-20 words, and review previously learned vocabulary regularly to reinforce retention.

In addition to using apps and flashcards, create sentences using new vocabulary words to enhance retention further. Writing or speaking these sentences aloud will help you understand how each word is used in context and solidify your understanding of the vocabulary.

5. Strengthen Your Kanji Skills (500 words):

Memorizing kanji can be challenging, but it’s crucial for the JLPT N3. Focus on learning kanji radicals and understanding the meaning and readings of each character.

Use apps like the Kanji Study app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindtwisted.kanjistudy&hl=en&gl=US) or textbooks like the “Kanji Look and Learn” (https://omgjapan.com/products/kanji-look-and-learn) to study N3 kanji. These resources present kanji in a structured format and include mnemonics and illustrations to help you remember the characters.

Practice writing the kanji by hand to improve your recognition and retention. Copying each character several times will help you become familiar with the strokes and stroke order, making it easier to recognize and recall kanji during the test.

6. Improve Your Reading Comprehension (500 words):

Reading comprehension is a significant component of the JLPT N3. Practice reading texts and answering questions to build your skills.

Start by reading articles on NHK News Web Easy (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/), a website that offers simplified news articles in Japanese. These articles are written using N3-level vocabulary and grammar, making them an ideal resource for building reading comprehension skills.

Additionally, work through the Nihongo Sou Matome N3 Reading Comprehension textbook (https://omgjapan.com/products/nihongo-so-matome-jlpt-n3-reading-comprehension) to practice JLPT-style reading questions. This textbook includes a variety of texts, such as short stories, essays, and news articles, as well as questions designed to test your comprehension.

7. Hone Your Listening Skills (500 words):

Developing strong listening skills is vital for the JLPT N3. Listen to Japanese audio regularly and practice answering questions based on the content.

Use resources like the “Shadowing: Let’s Speak Japanese!” book series (https://omgjapan.com/products/shadowing-lets-speak-japanese-beginner-to-intermediate-edition) to practice listening and speaking simultaneously. This technique, called “shadowing,” involves listening to native speakers and repeating their speech as accurately as possible. This practice can help improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation, and speaking speed.

Another useful resource for developing listening skills is the JapanesePod101 website (https://www.japanesepod101.com). This website offers audio lessons and podcasts at various difficulty levels, including N3-level content. Listen to the lessons and podcasts regularly to expose yourself to different accents, speaking speeds, and vocabulary.

8. Track Your Progress and Adjust Your Study Plan :

Regularly tracking your progress is essential to ensure you’re making steady progress toward your goal of passing the JLPT N3 in three months. Set aside time each week to review your progress, analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Take additional mock tests or quizzes periodically to gauge your improvement and identify any lingering weak areas. Websites like JLPT Sensei (https://jlptsensei.com) and Japanesetest4you (https://japanesetest4you.com) offer a variety of quizzes and practice tests that you can use to track your progress.

If you find that you’re struggling with a specific aspect of the test, such as kanji or listening, allocate additional study time to address these areas. Conversely, if you notice significant improvement in a particular area, you may choose to reduce the time spent on that topic and focus on others.

Don’t be afraid to adjust your study plan as needed. Remember that everyone learns at a different pace, and your study plan should reflect your unique learning style and needs.

Conclusion:

Passing the JLPT N3 in just three months is an ambitious goal, but with a well-structured study plan, dedication, and the right resources, it is achievable. By following the detailed study plan, practical exercises, and useful resources outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to acing the N3 level in record time. Remember to stay focused, track your progress, and adjust your study plan as needed to ensure you’re making steady progress toward your goal. Good luck, and happy studying!

A 2hours Time table Chart

Creating a timetable chart can help you visualize and organize your study plan for the JLPT N3. Here’s a sample timetable chart that you can use as a starting point and modify according to your personal preferences and availability:

Here’s a sample timetable chart for studying two hours a day for the JLPT N3. You can modify this timetable according to your personal preferences and availability:

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
7:00-7:30	Grammar	Vocabulary	Grammar	Vocabulary	Grammar	Review	Break
7:30-8:00	Kanji	Reading	Kanji	Reading	Kanji	Review	Break
8:00-8:30	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break
18:00-18:30	Listening	Grammar	Listening	Grammar	Listening	Catch-up	Break
18:30-19:00	Vocabulary	Kanji	Vocabulary	Kanji	Vocabulary	Catch-up	Break

This timetable chart provides two hours of focused study time each day, with a 30-minute study session dedicated to each aspect of the test (grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening). On Saturdays, the study sessions focus on reviewing the material covered during the week and catching up on any missed study sessions. Sundays are designated for rest.

Feel free to modify this timetable chart to suit your personal preferences, schedule, and study goals. You can adjust the duration of study sessions, add or remove breaks, or rearrange the subjects to create a study plan that works best for you.

While these are general guidelines for passing the JLPT N3, it’s essential to keep in mind that each individual’s language proficiency may vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on your specific weaknesses and strengths when preparing for the exam.