JLPT N3 in 3 Months: Intensive Study Plan
(For students at an N4 level)
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### **Month 1: Build Foundations (Weeks 1–4)**
**Weekly Goals:**
- Learn 50 new vocabulary words and 20 new kanji each week.
- Master 5–7 new grammar points.
- Improve listening and reading with daily practice.
**Daily Study Plan (3–4 hours):**
1. **1 hour: Vocabulary + Kanji**
- Use Anki or WaniKani to drill new words and kanji.
- Review previous days’ cards daily.
2. **1 hour: Grammar**
- Study 1–2 grammar points daily using resources like Tae Kim’s Guide, BunPro, or the Try!
N3 textbook.
- Practice writing sentences for each grammar point.
3. **1 hour: Listening + Reading**
- Listening: 30 minutes of N3 listening drills.
- Reading: 30 minutes of N3-level texts (start with NHK Easy).
**Weekly Review (1 hour):**
- Review all new material from the week.
- Do a short mock listening and reading test.
---
### **Month 2: Strengthen Skills (Weeks 5–8)**
**Weekly Goals:**
- Learn 50 new vocabulary words and 20 new kanji each week.
- Focus on grammar in context and improve reading speed.
- Start practicing full-length mock tests.
**Daily Study Plan (3–4 hours):**
1. **1 hour: Vocabulary + Kanji**
- Continue drilling new words and kanji.
- Focus on kanji readings in context.
2. **1 hour: Grammar + Reading**
- Practice grammar in context by reading short passages from N3 materials or past papers.
3. **1 hour: Listening + Mock Tests**
- Listening: 30 minutes of N3 listening drills.
- Mock Test Practice: 30 minutes of timed reading or listening sections.
**Weekly Review (2 hours):**
- Do a full mock test under timed conditions.
- Review mistakes and focus on weak areas.
---
### **Month 3: Practice and Refine (Weeks 9–12)**
**Weekly Goals:**
- Consolidate all vocabulary and kanji.
- Focus on timed practice and improving speed.
- Refine test-taking strategies.
**Daily Study Plan (3–4 hours):**
1. **1 hour: Vocabulary + Kanji**
- Review all previously learned words and kanji.
- Focus on low-confidence items.
2. **1 hour: Mock Tests**
- Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
- Focus on time management.
3. **1 hour: Listening + Reading**
- Listening: Practice advanced N3 listening drills.
- Reading: Focus on complex passages and improving reading speed.
**Weekly Review (2 hours):**
- Analyze mock test results and focus on weak areas.
- Practice the most challenging sections of the test.
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### **Final 2 Weeks:**
- **Week 11:** Do 2 full mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Focus on time management
and reducing stress.
- **Week 12 (Exam Week):** Stop intensive studying 3–4 days before the test. Do light
reviews, rest well, and stay calm.
---
### **Recommended Resources:**
- **Vocabulary/Kanji:** Anki, WaniKani, Try! N3 Vocabulary
- **Grammar:** Tae Kim’s Guide, BunPro, Try! N3 Grammar
- **Listening/Reading:** Official JLPT Practice Tests, NHK News Easy, Mondo
- **Mock Tests:** Official JLPT Practice Tests, Try! N3 Mock Tests
