Languages at Leicester

Japanese Language Proficiency Test Prep-course Levels N5 and N4

This 2-weekend course aims to prepare participants to successfully take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at levels N5 and N4. The training intends to further develop and consolidate participants' Japanese language skills in five areas: grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading comprehension and listening comprehension. Participants taking this course should have completed a Beginners level for JLPT N5 and a Post-beginners level or an Intermediate level for JLPT N4, or equivalent training.

Key information

New courses starting May 2023

  • Course: Saturdays 10.00am - 4.00pm*
    Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
    Timeline: Session 1 on 20 May - Session 2 on 17 June 2023
    Lengths: 2 weeks 1 month apart (20 learning hours)
    Fees: £65

*It comprises 5 teaching hours over two Saturdays, from 10.00am to 12.00pm and from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

This course is taught in a small group. It requires a minimum of 7 and it can have up to a maximum of 12 students. Course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.

Please note that courses taught on-campus could be moved online if the Covid-19 situation prevents face-to-face teaching, and for as long as it is required. This decision will be made by the Government and/or the University of Leicester to guarantee the safety of students and staff.

The course runs for over 2 Saturdays, 1 month apart from each other. The full course comprises 20 learning hours (10 guided learning hours + 10 hours of independent learning). Lessons are five hours long and take place once a week. There is an hour lunch break.

Enrol now

Entry level

N5

You can already manage in basic situations using the present tense, and you have knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana and some basic Kanjis. You have already achieved a level similar to the CEFR A1 level or completed the Beginners (level 1) or you have enough knowledge to be on track with the group.

N4

You are already knowledgeable in Hiragana, Katakana and Kanjis. You have already achieved a level similar to the CEFR A2 or completed the Post-beginners (level 2) or the Intermediate level (level 3) or you have enough knowledge to be on track with the group

The following resources offer further information on N5 to N1 levels and self assessment:

Course content

The course will provide information about general exam instructions and each subject’s question type. You will be asked to answer sample questions and receive feedback from your tutor. A mock exam will be conducted following real exam instructions so that you will be able to familiarise yourself with the exam setting.

Day 1

  1. General information of JLPT-objectives and levels日本語能力試験の概要
  2. Language Knowledge 言語知識 (vocabulary 文字語彙)
    • Explaining Exam Question types 問題形式の説明
    • Kanji list -reading 漢字の読みリスト
    • Kanji list -writing 漢字の書きリスト
    • Vocabulary list 語彙リスト
    • Sample questions 例題
    • Assignment 宿題
  3. 言語知識(文法)
    • Explaining Exam Question types 問題形式の説明
    • Grammar lists 文法項目リスト(Examples例文、Connection review接続、Conjugation review活用の確認、Particle review助詞)
    • Sample questions 例題
    • Assignment 宿題
  4. 言語知識(読解)
    • Explaining Exam Question types 問題形式の説明
    • Sentence structures 文構造 (Sentence phrases 句、Particles 助詞、Grammar tense 動詞の時制、Adjectives modifications 形容詞の修飾)
    • Demonstrative pronoun and how it works 指示代名詞とその働き
    • Subject problem and how to find it 省かれている主語を探す
    • Sample questions 例題
    • Assignment 宿題

Day 2

  1. 聴解
    • Explaining Exam Question types 問題形式の説明
    • Vocabulary list and pronunciation practice 語彙リストと発音練習
    • Phrase list and pronunciation practice 表現リストと発音練習
    • Sample questions 例題
    • Assignment 宿題
  2. Exam instructions 試験一般の注意事項など
  3. Mock exam 模擬試験

    4. The mock exam will be conducted following the real exam instruction

    Level 言語知識（文字語彙）
    Language Knowledge(Vocabulary)    		 言語知識（読解・文法）
    Language Knowledge (Grammar & Reading)    		 聴解
    Listening
    N4 25分/minutes 55分/minutes 35分/minutes
    N5 20分/minutes 45分/minutes 30分/minutes
  4. Wrap up and feedback まとめとフィードバック

Resources

The tutor will provide the necessary course materials.

Our approach

The tutor - Junko Tamaki has 20 years of experience of teaching Japanese. She has taught in universities in Japan and the UK. She has been teaching all the levels (Beginners to Advanced) at Languages at Leicester, University of Leicester since 2007. She has delivered JLPT training at Japanese languages schools in Tokyo for all the levels. A member of BATJ (The British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language) and NKG (Nihongo Kyoiku Gakkai [The Society for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language]).

This course is taught in Japanese and English, which is used when necessary or requested by students in particular situations or grammar explanations. The programme aims to develop the language skills in five areas, which are assessed when taking JLPT exams. These skills are grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading comprehension and listening comprehension. The training also supports comprehensive and productive skills through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of the Japanese language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise these skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. For each guided learning hour, students would be expected to do another 3 independent learning hours per week. The group size is limited to 12 students and planned to allow intensive interactive practise with individual feedback and advice on progress.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

General enquiries and enrolments: lalenquiries@leicester.ac.uk

Junko Tamaki, Language Leader, Japanese Tutor: jt369@le.ac.uk

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