Books

The "Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 - Complete Mock Exam JLPT" is a comprehensive study guide designed for students preparing for the JLPT N5 exam. This book typically features mock exams that simulate the actual test format, providing practice in all areas tested on the JLPT N5: reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and kanji.

Key Features:

1. Mock Tests: The book contains multiple full-length mock exams, offering practice in real exam conditions.
2. Answer Keys: Each test includes an answer key, often with explanations for correct answers, to help students understand their mistakes and improve.
3. Comprehensive Coverage: The material covers essential grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and listening comprehension tasks aligned with the JLPT N4 syllabus.
4. Softcover Format: As a softcover, the book is portable and can be used in various study settings.

Ideal for:

• JLPT N5 Candidates: Anyone planning to take the JLPT N4, whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes, can benefit from practicing with this book.
• Self-Study: The mock exams are ideal for self-study or review, providing students with realistic test-taking experience.

This book helps learners to gauge their preparedness, pinpoint areas that need improvement, and familiarize themselves with the structure and timing of the actual JLPT exam.

Key Details of HSK 3:

1. Vocabulary: HSK 3 requires knowledge of 600 words. These words cover a wide range of everyday topics and situations, as well as more specific contexts like work, health, and education.
2. Grammar: HSK 3 introduces more complex sentence structures, including the use of conjunctions, comparative structures, conditional sentences, and expressions of past and future tenses.
3. Skills Tested:
   • Listening: Understanding conversations on familiar topics, including both simple and more detailed exchanges.
   • Reading: Reading longer and more varied passages, including both narrative and descriptive texts.
   • Writing: Writing short passages, focusing on simple compositions and descriptions.
4. Duration: The test typically lasts around 90 minutes and contains listening, reading, and writing sections.
5. Test Format:
   • Listening Section (30 questions): Conversations and announcements with multiple-choice questions.
   • Reading Section (30 questions): Longer passages with multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
   • Writing Section (10 questions): Completing sentences or writing short compositions.

Preparing for HSK 3:

1. Vocabulary:

• 600 words: These words are focused on topics like:
  • Daily life: 购物 (gòuwù – shopping), 餐馆 (cānguǎn – restaurant)
  • Work/Study: 工作 (gōngzuò – work), 学习 (xuéxí – study)
  • Health: 身体 (shēntǐ – body), 医院 (yīyuàn – hospital)
  • Transport: 火车 (huǒchē – train), 车票 (chēpiào – ticket)

2. Grammar:

• More complex sentence structures:
  • Comparative constructions: 比 (bǐ) for making comparisons. For example: “A 比 B 高” (A is taller than B).
  • Describing ability or likelihood: 会 (huì), 能 (néng), and 可以 (kěyǐ).
  • Past tense: Use of 了 (le) to indicate completion or change.
  • Future tense: Use of 要 (yào) or 打算 (dǎsuàn) for expressing plans and intentions.
  • Conjunctions: 但是 (dànshì – but), 因为 (yīnwèi – because), 所以 (suǒyǐ – therefore).

3. Reading:

• Longer passages and multiple-choice questions: Students will practice reading various types of texts, from news articles to short stories and letters. These passages may contain more complex sentence structures and vocabulary than HSK 2.

4. Listening:

• Listening materials will include conversations and narratives on familiar topics, with questions asking for specific details or the general meaning of the conversation.

5. Writing:

• At this level, students will be required to write short passages, including descriptions and basic narrative texts. For example, describing your routine, explaining an event, or writing about your future plans.

Suggested Textbooks for HSK 3:

1. HSK Standard Course 3 (Chinese Edition):
   • This textbook is specifically designed to prepare learners for HSK 3. It provides lessons on vocabulary, grammar explanations, listening practice, and reading comprehension.
   • The course is structured with practical exercises and sample exam questions, and includes a CD or downloadable audio files for listening practice.
   • This is the most commonly recommended textbook for learners preparing for HSK 3.
2. Integrated Chinese (Level 1, Part 2 & Level 2, Part 1):
   • This is a widely-used series that provides a thorough approach to learning Chinese at various levels.
   • The second part of Level 1 and Level 2, Part 1, together cover much of the HSK 3 content. The series is comprehensive and provides clear explanations, practice exercises, and a balance of all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
3. Chinese Made Easy (Book 3):
   • Another great textbook series that aligns well with the HSK levels. Book 3 provides a mix of vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension exercises designed to match the HSK 3 curriculum.
   • The series focuses on clear grammar explanations, vocabulary development, and cultural insights.
4. New Practical Chinese Reader (Book 3):
   • This series is another excellent resource for HSK 3 preparation. It covers vocabulary, grammar, and writing practice, and also provides cultural context alongside language learning.
   • It is designed for beginners to intermediate learners and includes both traditional and simplified character options.
5. Chinese for Beginners (by Yi Ren):
   • This book series is a good option for students transitioning from HSK 2 to HSK 3.
   • It covers vocabulary expansion and provides practical dialogues, exercises, and listening practice.
6. Apps and Online Platforms:
   • HelloChinese: An app that has interactive lessons, games, and quizzes designed for HSK 3.
   • Skritter: Helps reinforce vocabulary and characters with spaced repetition.
   • ChineseSkill: Offers a more gamified approach to learning HSK vocabulary and grammar.

What to Expect at HSK 3:

• Understand and communicate in familiar social situations with ease, such as shopping, talking about your routine, and discussing topics related to your studies or work.
• Read and understand short passages and dialogues, including some narrative and descriptive content.
• Write simple texts such as emails, notes, or short stories on everyday topics.

• Mastering 600 words.
• Regular listening exercises and comprehension practice.
• Engaging in simple conversations about a wider range of topics, and more complex writing tasks.
• Completing mock exams to familiarize yourself with the format.