JLPT N4 Writing: Write About Something You Tried for the First Time

Okay, you’ve reached N4! The writing section of the JLPT can seem daunting, but it’s really about communicating your thoughts and experiences. One great exercise to practice is writing about something you tried for the first time. It’s relatable, allows you to use simple past tense, and focuses on describing an experience—perfect for N4.

Understanding the Task

The typical N4 writing task involves a prompt asking you to write a short paragraph (around 80-120 words) about something you did. Here’s an example prompt:

例 (Rei – Example):
初めての料理をしました。 (Hajimete no ryouri o shimashita.) – I cooked for the first time.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

Let’s build some useful phrases and vocabulary you’ll need:

• 初めて (hajimete): For the first time
• 料理 (ryouri): Cooking, food
• しました (shimashita): Did / Completed (past tense) – Very important!
• とても (totemo): Very
• 楽しかったです (tanoshikatta desu): It was fun.
• うまくいきませんでした (umaku ikimasen deshita): Didn’t go well.
• ちょっと (chotto): A little, a bit
• 結果 (kekka): Result, outcome

Structuring Your Paragraph

Here’s a basic structure you can follow:

1. Introduction: State what you tried. 例: 私は初めてピザを作りました。 (Watashi wa hajimete pizza o tsukurimashita.) – I made pizza for the first time.
2. Details: Describe what happened. Use simple past tense! 例: ピザはトマトソースとチーズを使って作りました。とても簡単でした。 (Pizza wa tomato sosu to chiizu wo tsukatte tsukurimashita. Totemo kantan deshita.) – I made pizza using tomato sauce and cheese. It was very easy.
3. Result/Feeling: What was the outcome? How did you feel? 例: 結果、少し焦げ付きましたが、とても美味しかったので、頑張って食べました。 (Kekka, sukoshi koge tsukimashita ga, totemo oishikatta node, ganbatte tabemashita.) – The result was a little burnt, but because it was very delicious, I ate it with all my might.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Let’s look at some common mistakes beginner writers make:

• Overly Complex Grammar: Stick to simple sentences! Avoid using advanced grammar structures you aren’t completely comfortable with.
• Incorrect Verb Conjugation: Remember the past tense is shimashita – don’t use shita (which is incorrect!).
• Using Too Much Formal Language: Use everyday language. Things like “私は～です” (Watashi wa ~ desu) are fine occasionally, but too much can make your writing sound stiff. Instead of saying “I am doing something”, try “～しました”.

Example Correction: Instead of writing: 初めて、映画を観て、とても感動しました。 (Hajimete, eiga o mita, totemo kandou shimashita.) – I watched a movie for the first time and was very moved. A better version would be: 初めて映画を見ました。とても面白かったです。 (Hajimete eiga o mimashita. Totemo omoshirokatta desu.) – I watched a movie for the first time. It was very interesting.

Practice!

Now it’s your turn! Think about something you tried for the first time – anything from eating ramen to visiting a temple. Write a paragraph following the structure and using the vocabulary we’ve discussed. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on getting your ideas across.