JLPT 2006
December 04, 2006
Yesterday was my first experience at writing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. I had been preparing for this test pretty much for a few months. It paid off. Although I know of a few questions where I had to guess and a few where I know I put the wrong answer, the test was actually fairly easy.
I went for the easy road and took level 3 - a lower intermediate level. My initial goal of level 2 was stomped when I looked at the test earlier this year and realized I would’ve had my ass kicked, 6 months or no 6 months of study. I’ll be preparing for level 2 next year. Considering the rate of studying I’ve been doing it might be possible. I’ll get the results from yesterday’s test in March. (Yes, 4 month wait).
My test took place in Konan University in Hyogo. Although it’s a smaller campus out in the middle of nowhere, a lot of people did the test there. Most of the examinees were south east asian - I heard a lot of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai being spoken. Most examinees seemed young as well. I’m guessing they’re studying in Japan. I felt old and out of place but then again that goes for many situations.
The actual test writing time is not that much - about 190 minutes in total. What made it a whole day affair were the rules being broadcast before each test section. I’ve never been to a more militant exam before. Your standard, “Don’t look at other peoples’ answers. Don’t take test materials with you.” applied. The test proctors all carried yellow and red cards to give to people if you break rules. Unfortunately I forgot my Manchester United jersey so I couldn’t play up to that. All the rules were broadcast via CD. The actual proctors did not say anything more than, “Pencils down please” and “Do not open your question book”.
And that was my first JLPT experience. I hope in a year’s time I will be just as pleased with my results from the level 2 test.
My day wasn’t over yet. I attended Yamamoto sensei’s 忘年会 (bounenkai) party. I can honestly say it was one of the better parties I’ve been to this year. I met Lothar whom I haven’t seen in probably two years or so, along with other students from Yamamoto sensei’s school. In addition, I met her family, her nieces and nephews (absolutely adorable kids), and the teachers in training who will be helping out. I will confirm that imbibing beer helps people speak foreign languages. I think I had half a dozen beers but I felt absolutely fine. Now that I think about it, the restaurant must have watered stuff down. Regardless, I was able to speak Japanese most of the night with some spazzes of English in between.
