JLPT.

うけなかった。＊　After reviewing some practice tests, I realized that I really am not ready for N3 and there's no point in faking my way through an exam for a certificate to say I am. I knew when I signed up that it would take a ton of studying (漢字や文法や単語など), and I've been so busy with work that I haven't put in the time. 勉強時間が足らなかったほど、忙しかったんだ。 だから昨日、試験をうける代わりに、アパートを掃除したり、会社の仕事をしたりした。 The listening section (聴解—懲戒!) alone probably would have sunk me. 残念だけど、しょうがいね。 Next time.

＊この動詞の漢字をグーグーるしたけど、意味が違う漢字を見つけたから、仮名で書いたほうがいいと思う。

今年の日本語能力試験。(JLPT)

今年の日本語能力試験は、フィラデルフィアでも受けられる！素晴らしい。僕は新しい４級を受けるといい。沢山勉強すると、３級もできるかも知れない。 JLPT in Philadelphia this year! I may be able to shoot for new-4 or even, with a ton of study, new-3. My bad luck that they changed the numbering on me after last year (when I achieved 4). But　しょがない. 「いい天気ですから、散歩しましょう。」

Uh-oh. The guide to the new test says it features コミュニケーション能力をより重視した試験になります—increased emphasis on communication skill. I don't like the sound of that! 壊い。

ガイドによると、新しい試験の３級の必要な能力（できなきゃならないこと）はこれ:

• One is able to read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics.
  
• One is also able to grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines.
  
• In addition, one is also able to read slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available to aid one’s understanding.
  
• One is able to listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near - natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved.

That sounds not completely infeasible, 沢山漢字と文法を学んだり、会話を練習したりしておけば. だけど無理かもしれない。 I'll try to read more 朝日.

Google Booksで「完全マスター」が読めるの。

知ってる？ 「完全マスター」の日本語能力試験の勉強の本は、今Google Booksで読めるんだ。　凄いね！

Kanzen Master (完全マスター) is a series of book sI've heard spoken of highly as a JLPT learning aid. Expensive to buy and/or ship from Japan, but there are previews available (including their English books) on Google Books. Just previews, but still it's a big help.

Ｃlick here to preview 完全マスター (new window)