JLPT Reading Strategies: Master Comprehension

The reading section of the JLPT tests your ability to understand written Japanese at increasing levels of complexity. This guide provides comprehensive strategies for mastering reading at every JLPT level.

Reading Section Overview

The Three-Stage Reading Process

Stage 1: Preview (30 seconds per passage)

1. 1Read the questions first: Know what information you're looking for
2. 2Identify question types: Main idea? Detail? Inference? Author's opinion?
3. 3Scan for keywords: Note any proper nouns, numbers, or specialized terms in questions
4. 4Predict content: Based on questions, anticipate what the passage will discuss

Stage 2: Read Strategically (varies by passage length)

1. 1First sentence of each paragraph: Often contains the main idea
2. 2Last sentence of passage: Often contains conclusion or summary
3. 3Transition words: Signal structure and relationships
4. 4Don't get stuck: Skip unknown words if context is clear

Stage 3: Answer with Evidence (1-2 min per question)

1. 1Return to relevant sections: Don't rely on memory alone
2. 2Find textual support: The answer is in the text
3. 3Eliminate wrong answers: Often easier than finding right answer
4. 4Check for traps: Partially correct answers, opposite meanings

Question Type Strategies

1. Main Idea Questions (主旨)

Key phrases: この文章で筆者が言いたいことは何か、この文章のテーマは何か

Strategy:

• Look at the first and last paragraphs
• Find the thesis statement (usually early in the text)
• Avoid answers that are too specific (details, not main idea)
• Avoid answers that are too broad (beyond the scope of the passage)

2. Detail Questions (詳細)

Key phrases: 〜によると、〜について正しいのはどれか

Strategy:

• Locate the specific information mentioned in the question
• Read the surrounding context carefully
• Beware of paraphrased answers - same meaning, different words
• Watch for qualifiers: all, some, never, always

3. Inference Questions (推論)

Key phrases: 〜から推測できることは、〜と考えられるのはどれか

Strategy:

• The answer is NOT directly stated but implied
• Look for logical conclusions based on evidence
• Avoid answers that require outside knowledge
• Choose the most logical and supported inference

4. Author's Opinion/Attitude (筆者の意見)

Key phrases: 筆者はどう考えているか、筆者の立場は

Strategy:

• Look for evaluative language: 良い、悪い、重要、問題
• Find opinion markers: 思う、考える、〜べきだ、〜ではないだろうか
• Distinguish between facts presented and author's views
• Note tone: positive, negative, neutral, critical, supportive

5. Vocabulary in Context (語彙)

Key phrases: 「〜」とはどういう意味か、「〜」の使い方として正しいのは

Strategy:

• Read the sentence containing the word carefully
• Look at surrounding sentences for clues
• Try substituting each answer choice - does it make sense?
• Be aware of multiple meanings - context determines correct one

6. Information Retrieval (情報検索)

Key phrases: 〜について知りたい場合、〜はどれか

Strategy:

• These often use advertisements, schedules, notices
• Scan for specific information (dates, prices, conditions)
• Read ALL conditions carefully - trap answers violate one condition
• Match criteria systematically

Essential Discourse Markers

Understanding how ideas connect is crucial for reading comprehension:

Addition/Elaboration

• また (also, moreover)
• さらに (furthermore)
• その上 (in addition)
• つまり (that is, in other words)
• 例えば (for example)

Contrast/Concession

• しかし (however)
• だが/けれども (but)
• 一方 (on the other hand)
• 〜にもかかわらず (despite)
• とはいえ (having said that)

Cause/Result

• だから/したがって (therefore)
• その結果 (as a result)
• 〜ため (because)
• なぜなら (because)
• そのため (for that reason)

Conclusion/Summary

• このように (in this way)
• 結局 (in the end)
• 要するに (in short)
• 以上のことから (from the above)
• 〜と言える (it can be said that)

Text Structure Recognition

Common Japanese Text Structures:

1. 起承転結 (Introduction-Development-Turn-Conclusion)

Traditional Japanese essay structure:

• 起: Introduction of topic
• 承: Development of main points
• 転: Turning point or new perspective
• 結: Conclusion

2. Problem-Solution

• Statement of problem
• Analysis of causes
• Proposed solution(s)
• Evaluation/conclusion

3. Comparison-Contrast

• Introduction of items being compared
• Points of similarity
• Points of difference
• Conclusion/evaluation

4. Chronological/Narrative

• Time sequence markers: まず、次に、その後、最後に
• Events in order
• Often used in reports and explanations

Daily Reading Training Program

N5-N4 Level (30 min/day)

N3 Level (45 min/day)

N2-N1 Level (60+ min/day)

Recommended Reading Resources

By Level

Building Reading Speed

Speed Reading Exercises:

1. 1Timed reading: Set a timer and track characters per minute
2. 2Finger tracking: Use your finger to maintain pace
3. 3Chunking practice: Read phrase groups, not word-by-word
4. 4Reduce subvocalization: Don't "say" every word in your head
5. 5Expand eye span: See more characters per fixation

Speed Targets by Level:

• N5: 100-150 characters/minute
• N4: 150-200 characters/minute
• N3: 200-250 characters/minute
• N2: 250-350 characters/minute
• N1: 350-400+ characters/minute

Common Reading Mistakes

• Reading too slowly: You'll run out of time - practice speed
• Stopping at every unknown word: Use context, keep moving
• Not previewing questions: You'll miss key information
• Over-relying on kanji meaning: Context changes meaning
• Ignoring passage structure: Structure helps predict content
• Choosing the first "correct" answer: Read ALL options

Test Day Reading Strategy

1. 1Allocate time wisely: Short passages: 3-5 min, Medium: 7-10 min, Long: 12-15 min
2. 2Do easier passages first: Build confidence and save time
3. 3Mark difficult questions: Return to them if time allows
4. 4Never leave blanks: Guess if necessary - no penalty for wrong answers
5. 5Check your answers: If you finish early, review marked questions

Reading improvement comes from consistent, extensive practice. Read something in Japanese every single day, and you'll see significant progress within months. 読めば読むほど上手になる！