N1　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

Contextually-defined
Vocabulary

2 Test words whose meaning is defined by context

expressions

3 Paraphrases Test words and expressions with similar meanings

4 Usage Test usage of words in sentences

Sentential grammar 1
5 Test judgment on grammar formats that suit sentences
(selecting grammar form)
Grammar

Sentential grammar 2
6 Test sentence composition that is syntactically accurate and makes sense
Language (sentence composition)
Knowledge
・
Reading 7 Text grammar Test judgment on suitability of sentences for text flow

(110min.) Test understanding of contents by reading text of approximately 200

Comprehension
8 characters, such as descriptions and directions for various topics including
(short passages) everyday life and work

Comprehension Test understanding of causal relations or reasons by reading text of

9
(mid-size passages) approximately 500 characters, such as reviews, commentary and essays

Comprehension Test understanding of outline or author’s ideas by reading text of

10 (long passages) approximately 1,000 characters, such as commentary, essays and novel
Reading

Test understanding through comparison and integration by reading multiple

11 Integrated comprehension texts (approximately 600 characters in total)

Thematic comprehension Test understanding of overall intended points and ideas by reading abstract
12 and logical text of approximately 1,000 characters, such as editorials and
(long passages) reviews
Test ability to retrieve necessary information from such materials as
13 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)
(60min.)
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