Progression from JLPT 2 to 1

[Mahoujin Tsukai]

Just curious to know...

What is the jump from level 2 to 1 like? In what way(s) do the reading & listening sections increase in difficulty?

Also, is it true that level 1 tests stuff that is obscure even to a native Japanese?

To passers of JLPT1, I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences on this test level (which I hope to pass sometime soon).

Thank you

 

[Ben W Bell]

Apparently the jump from Level 2 to 1 is immense and not recommended unless you're practically fluent in the language.

 

[Mike Cash]

About the Japanese Language Proficiency Test

 

[GaijinPunch]

I think that page sums it up in the first two words:

超 difficult.

It's a *****. The sad thing? The vocabulary is the easiest part. The reading comprehension and grammar are a nightmare. If you can't sit down and read a fairly intellectual article quickly and grasp most of it, you've got little chance of passing this.

 

[Mike Cash]

I think the reason reading comprehension and grammar are a nightmare is because so few people include reading in the study regimen. It's sort of like preparing for a marathon without including any running in your workouts.

There's no reason why a person who has passed Level 2 should not be able to read a Japanese novel for personal enjoyment, and without the use of dictionaries or other reference materials. So there's certainly no reason why they shouldn't have already had fairly extensive reading comprehension practice by the time they sit Level 1.

 

[GaijinPunch]

My problem w/ the level one (at least the study materials) was there seemed to be more political yougo than I'm comfortable using. That, and my reading comprehension in English is pretty poor as well. I've always been a very slow reader, which doesn't help in a timed test.

One day, I will take the test seriously, but not until I put in enough time with the materials. At this point, the little bit of news and signs aimed at tourists which I read daily isn't going to help me too much.

 

[Ewok85]

What is the jump from level 2 to 1 like? In what way(s) do the reading & listening sections increase in difficulty?

Its painful, I passed level 2 and almost wet myself when I saw the 1st grade test material

Also, is it true that level 1 tests stuff that is obscure even to a native Japanese?

I had first year high school kids as my tutors for 2nd grade jlpt, and some of the questions stumped them. I think 1st grade is meant to be of the same level as a Japanese person who has had a full highschool education.

There's no reason why a person who has passed Level 2 should not be able to read a Japanese novel for personal enjoyment, and without the use of dictionaries or other reference materials. So there's certainly no reason why they shouldn't have already had fairly extensive reading comprehension practice by the time they sit Level 1.

On that note I recommend manga and books for adolescents like Harry Potter