N2　Purposes of test items

Test section Composition of test items

(test time) Type of test items Purpose

1 Kanji reading Test reading of words written in kanji

2 Orthography Test kanji for words written in hiragana

Vocabulary

3 Word formation Test knowledge of derivative and compound words

Contextually-defined
4 Test words whose meaning is defined by context
expressions

5 Paraphrases Test words and expressions with similar meaning

6 Usage Test usage of words in sentences

Language
Sentential grammar 1
Knowledge 7 Test judgment on grammar formats that suit sentences
(selecting grammar form)
・
Grammar

Reading
Sentential grammar 2
8 Test sentence composition that is syntactically accurate and makes sense
(105min.) (sentence composition)

9 Text grammar Test judgment on suitability of sentences for text flow

Test understanding of content by reading text of approximately 200 characters,

Comprehension
10 such as descriptions and directions regarding various topics including everyday
(short passages) life and work
Test understanding of causal relations, reasons, outline or author’s ideas by
Comprehension
11 reading text of approximately 500 characters, such as relatively easy reviews,
(mid-size passages) commentary and essays
Reading

Test understanding through comparison and integration by reading relatively

12 Integrated comprehension easy multiple texts (approximately 600 characters in total)

Thematic comprehension Test ability to grasp overall intended points and ideas by reading text of
13 (long passages)
approximately 900 characters, such as reviews with relatively clear logical
development
Test ability to retrieve necessary information from such materials as
14 Information retrieval advertisements, brochures, magazines and business documents (approximately
700 characters)
Test understanding of contents by listening to coherent text (test ability to
Task-based
1 extract necessary information to resolve specific issues and understand
comprehension appropriate action to take)

Comprehension of Test understanding of contents by listening to coherent text (test ability to

2 key points narrow down points based on necessary information presented in advance)

Listening
Comprehension of Test understanding of contents by listening to coherent text (test
3 general outline understanding of speaker’s intention and ideas from overall text)
(50min.)
Test ability to select appropriate responses by listening to short utterances
4 Quick response such as questions

Test understanding of contents through comparison and integration of multiple

5 Integrated comprehension information sources by listening to relatively long text