How To Pass The JLPT N5 Exam On Your First Try

The results of Japanese Language Proficiency Test for last December 2017 was made available online last January 24, 2018 at 10AM (Japan Time). And guess what - your Nihon fan,Steemit blogger PASSED!

It was never an easy test, I tell you. It was different from all the Japanese tests I took when I was in college. The pressure, the chills when I took the exam, whoah I could still remember it.

The JLPT N5 is composed of three test sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary); Language Knowledge (Grammar)・Reading; and Listening.

In order to pass the N5 exam you need to pass each section, see details below for the cut off score :

Section	Range of Score	Pass Mark
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading	0 - 120 points	38 points
Listening	0 - 60 points	19 points
Overall	0 - 180 points	80 points

As stated in the official JLPT Website :

In order to pass, (1) total score needs to be at or above the point required for passing (overall pass mark) and (2) score in each scoring section needs to be at or above the minimum point required for passing (sectional pass mark). If there is even one scoring section where the score is below the sectional pass mark, examinees are determined to have failed, no matter how high the total score he/she might have.

With that, you really need to master all the sections in order to pass.

Let me share with you some tips on how to pass the N5 exam on your first try!

1. Choose the right review materials.

Choosing the right materials for review is one og f the most crucial thing to do in preparing for the N5 exam. A wide array of review materials will only cause confusion on which one to study and might even delay your review process. In my case, I used the Mikiko Iwasiki’s Systematic Japanese Review Book. I acquired this from my current employer since Nihongo training is one of our benefit. For those, who want to have these - I have no idea where to buy these books but you can use the free review materials from Meguro Learning Center website.

2. Maximize you review time by downloading review apps like Japanese 1

Downloading apps helps a lot in reviewing Japanese lessons, specially for Kanji and grammar. The Japanese 1 helped a lot. The app has a Kanji, Hiragana/Katakana, grammar, vocabulary and particle quizzes fit for N5 exam. You can use the app on your spare time, or while waiting for something or even while commuting. With that, you’ll be familiar and will be able to register the Kanji’s and vocabulary on your long term memory.

If using desktop, you can use Memrise. Memrise can help you memorise Kanji and vocabulary retention. You can play games, or even watch videos of native speakers.

3. Have a study plan

Since in JLPT exams requires you to pass all the sections and have the overall pass mark, it’s really important to master all the sections. Planning your study schedule will help you to even out and fill out you weakness. For example, if you know that you have a weak vocabulary then you can allocate more time studying and improving your vocabulary.

4. Take mock exams

Taking mock exams do help a lot to ease your nervousness in taking the exam and to gauge your skill level. By taking the mock exams, you will eventually know your weak points and your strength. Thus, giving you hints on what to study more. Also, by taking mock exams you’ll get used with the whole exam process. For example, the listening exam - most of the question patterns are just the same with the old ones.

Download the free sample questions and exams from the official JLPT website and take the sample tests. Aside from that, for the listening -there a lots of sample questions and tests uploaded in Youtube.

You can also use other review books.

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I hope these study tips will help you on passing the JLPT N5 exam.

がんばってください！

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