| The listening section of the Japanese Language | | | | 3. Sashimi |
| Proficiency Test is the make or brake section of | | | | 4. Sushi |
| the test. For many students it is the hardest | | | | You answer the question and get ready for the |
| section. You need to be on the ball and answer | | | | next one. |
| questions quickly with confidence. You have only 5 | | | | The key to the listening questions is to make sure |
| to 10 seconds to answer each question before | | | | you catch and understand the question (in bold) |
| you have to move on to the next one. Second | | | | the first time. If you miss it you won't know |
| guessing or going back to the questions is | | | | what you are listening for. So you must make |
| impossible. All of the questions are conversation | | | | sure you answer each question quickly so you |
| based. This section is broken up into two parts - | | | | can catch the start of the next one. |
| questions with pictures and question without | | | | The best way to study for this section is to listen |
| pictures. The questions really do fly by so you | | | | to as much spoken Japanese as possible. I |
| have to be focused and decisive. If you get stuck | | | | recommend that you immerse yourself in |
| on one question and you really don't know the | | | | Japanese as much as you can. The cheapest way |
| answer just take a guess and move on. If you | | | | to do this is Internet radio or podcasts. I |
| miss the next question and get into a panic this | | | | recommend you listen to Japanese radio |
| section can become a nightmare. | | | | programs made for Japanese. Something like a |
| All the listening questions are structured in pretty | | | | variety radio show and has lots of conversation. |
| much the same way. You are told that two | | | | Although you will not understand most of the |
| people are talking (usually a man and a woman), | | | | conversation it is important you accustom your |
| then asked the question. A conversation is | | | | ears to spoken Japanese. This will take some time |
| spoken. The question is asked again and then you | | | | so you need to be persistent and actively listen. |
| need to answer it quickly. | | | | Active Listening |
| Here is an example of a question without a | | | | To help my Japanese listening skills improve I |
| picture in romaji. You would only hear this | | | | would listen to practice tapes and CDs of |
| conversation. A written version is not given in the | | | | Japanese conversations over and over again. I |
| test. | | | | would write any words I understood down. As I |
| 1. Otokono hito to onnanoko no hito ga | | | | listened to the conversation I would try to write |
| hanashiteimasu. Otokono hito wa nani wo | | | | down as much as I could. I would listen to the |
| kattekimashitaka? | | | | same short conversation over and over until I |
| M: Tadaima. Kattekita yo. Hai. | | | | could understand most of it. I did this everyday |
| F: Arigatou. Are, sakana jyanai.......? | | | | for about 10 minuets over a couple of months. It |
| M: un. sakana dayo. e! Nikku datta? | | | | really helped. The key for me was making my |
| F: Watashi, sashimi wo tanondakedo | | | | study sessions short, but very focused. Writing |
| M: e, sou datta? | | | | down words you understand or can catch (but |
| F: So yo! | | | | don't know the meanings of) helps you remember |
| Otokono hito wa nani wo kattekimashitaka? | | | | words for the long term. After a few months |
| 1. Sakana | | | | practice I was able to catch expressions and |
| 2. Nikku | | | | eventually whole sentences. |