N4Purposes 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

Language
Knowledge Contextually-defined
3 Test words whose meaning is defined by context
expressions
(30min.)

4 Paraphrases Test words and expressions with similar meaning

5 Usage Test usage of words in sentences

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

Sentential grammar 2
2 Test sentence composition that is syntactically accurate and makes sense
(sentence composition)

Language
Knowledge 3 Text grammar Test judgment on suitability of sentences for text flow

Reading Test understanding of contents by reading easy original text of approximately
Comprehension
4 100-200 characters regarding topics and situations involving study, everyday
(60min.) (short passages) life and work
Reading

Comprehension Test understanding of contents by reading easy original text of approximately

5
(mid-size passages) 450 characters regarding topics and situations in everyday life

Test ability to retrieve necessary information from original materials such as

6 Information retrieval notices (approximately 400 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
Listening key points narrow down points based on necessary information presented in advance)

(35min.) Test ability to select appropriate verbal expressions by listening to

3 Verbal expressions circumstances while looking at illustrations

Test ability to select appropriate responses by listening to short utterances

4 Quick response such as questions