The reading section rewards structure over raw speed. Here’s what to do by level, plus universal tactics that raise your first‑pass accuracy without grinding endless tests.
Core principles that work at every level
- Read the questions first and underline what is being asked (who/what/where/why/how, or paraphrase vs main idea).
- Decide SKIM, SCAN, or READ:
- SKIM: get the gist and paragraph roles.
- SCAN: locate specific numbers, names, times, or key terms.
- READ: when a question needs inference or global understanding.
- Mark discourse signals and connectors as you go (しかし、つまり、一方で、とはいえ、たとえば、結論として). They tell you what’s happening next.
- Paraphrase detection: look for synonyms and rephrasings rather than exact word matches in choices.
- Time box each item, protect the easy points, and move on before you get stuck.
N5–N4
- Read questions first; underline the target detail (time, place, preference).
- Read aloud short passages to catch particles and verb endings.
- Circle particles (は、が、を、に、で、と) and underline verb endings; these carry meaning even when a word is unknown.
- For signs/schedules, scan first: numbers, dates, open/close times, prohibitions.
- Build stamina with graded readers and short notices; summarize in one simple Japanese sentence.
N3
- Label paragraph roles fast: intro → detail → contrast → example → conclusion.
- Before answering, write a one‑sentence summary per paragraph.
- Track confusable grammar (～わけだ／～はずだ, ～ものの／～けれども at N3 scope) and note how it affects meaning.
- Alternate passages by genre (news brief, explanation, opinion) to improve transfer.
N2–N1
- Skim all questions and sort them by point density (which items yield more points per minute for you).
- Scan for discourse signals (しかし、つまり、一方で、とはいえ、要するに) to anticipate the logic move.
- For organization questions, map the text: background → claim → support → counter → conclusion.
- Handle vague choices by eliminating extreme or out‑of‑scope statements first.
Question types cheat‑sheet
- Main idea: read intro + conclusion lines; ignore shiny details.
- Detail retrieval: SCAN for the exact location; answer from the text, not memory.
- Paraphrase/synonym: find the sentence, restate it, then choose the closest wording.
- Inference: confirm with 2+ clues; avoid answers that add external knowledge.
- Organization/role: label paragraph roles and select the function that matches.
Weekly plan (all levels)
- 3 days: one timed mini‑set (2–4 items). Review mistakes the same day.
- 2 days: untimed deep dive—rewrite each wrong item’s sentence in simpler Japanese.
- 1 day: extensive reading at or just below your level; enjoy flow, no timer.
- 1 day: rest or light review; browse a graded reader.
Metrics to track
- Time per passage vs accuracy (aim for consistent time with rising accuracy).
- Unknown words per 1,000 characters (steady decline over weeks).
- Summary quality: one correct sentence per paragraph.
- Error log closure rate: % of last week’s errors you can now solve cold.
Common pitfalls
- Chasing rare words instead of structure; connectors carry the argument.
- Answering before mapping paragraph roles.
- Over‑reliance on keyword matching; JLPT loves paraphrases.
How Kanji Koi helps with reading
- Component‑grouped kanji review before reading boosts recognition speed.
- Adaptive SRS keeps collocations and frequent compounds at your fingertips.
- Guided stroke‑order reduces look‑alike confusion during scanning.
- Offline sessions let you prep on commutes with short kanji/vocab bursts.
Use Kanji Koi to create small phrase‑level cards from passages you read (verb + noun collocations, common connectors). Seeing them again in spaced intervals improves paraphrase recognition on test day.
Resources
- Official JLPT sample questions and explanations
- Graded readers by level with audio
- Connector lists by frequency and function
If kanji density slows you down, 10 minutes of component‑grouped review before reading often boosts speed and accuracy.