JLPT N4 Writing: Write About Your Goals for the Next Year

Understanding the Task

The JLPT N4 writing section asks you to write a short paragraph (around 80-120 words) about a specific topic. For this task, you’ll be writing about your goals for the next year. This isn’t just about listing things; it’s about explaining why those goals are important to you and how you plan to achieve them.

Think of it like talking to a friend – you want to share your aspirations in a natural, easy-to-understand way. Don’t worry about making perfect sentences! The point is to communicate your ideas clearly.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• 目標 (mokuhyou) – Goal: 例えば、日本語を上達させるために、毎日30分勉強する。 (Tatakara, nihongo o joutatsu sasu tame ni, mainichi sanjuppun benkyou suru – For example, to improve my Japanese, I’ll study for 30 minutes every day.)
• 次に (tsugi ni) – Next / In the future: 次に、もっと難しい本を読もうと思っている。 (Tsugi ni, motto muzukashii hon o yomou to omotte iru – Next, I’m thinking of reading more difficult books.)
• 〜ために (～tame ni) – In order to: 私は健康のために運動する。(Watashi wa kenkou no tame ni onigama suru – I exercise for my health).
• 〜よう (～you) – I plan to / I’m going to: 明日、映画を見ようよ。 (Ashita, eiga o mimou yo – I’m going to watch a movie tomorrow.)
• もっと (motto) – More/Further : もっと日本語を勉強したい。(Motto nihongo o benkyou shitai- I want to study more Japanese).
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) – Wonderful / Amazing

Example Paragraph (With Mistakes & Corrections!)

Original (with mistakes): 私は、来年、日本語を上達させるのが目標です。毎日勉強すると思います。英語も勉強したいです。日本に行くために、私はたくさんお金を貯めたいです。それは素晴らしいことだと思います。

Corrected: 来年の目標は、日本語の上達です。毎日30分勉強しようと思っています。また、英語も勉強したいです。将来、日本へ行けるように、たくさんお金を貯めるつもりです。それは素晴らしいと思います。

(Translation: My goal for next year is to improve my Japanese. I plan to study for 30 minutes every day. I also want to study English. To be able to go to Japan in the future, I will save a lot of money. I think that’s wonderful.)

Structure Your Paragraph

Here’s a suggested structure you can follow:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences): State your main goal clearly. (例：私の目標は、来年の夏に日本語能力試験N4に合格することです。)
2. Reason (1-2 sentences): Explain why you want to achieve this goal. (例：日本語を勉強することで、日本文化をより深く理解したいからです。)
3. Plan (2-3 sentences): Describe how you plan to reach your goal – be specific! (例：毎日英語の勉強と日本語の勉強をします。また、日本語ネイティブの人たちと話す機会を作りたいです。)
4. Conclusion (1 sentence): Reiterate your commitment. (例：必ず達成するつもりです!)

Tips for Success

• Don’t overthink it! Focus on clear communication, not perfect grammar.
• Use the vocabulary provided above. It’s good practice to incorporate them into your writing.
• Keep it concise. Stay within the word limit.
• Write in present tense (like I plan to…). Past or future tense is less common in this type of prompt.

Good luck with your N4 writing! 頑張って！(Ganbatte!)