This is a bit rambly, but I am at work. I'll fix it later this evening:
The point I was making is that Genki and other resources will use such vocabulary, but from the get go they will introduced as Kana. Genki avoids Kanji for the first few chapters, then slowly adds a few basic Kanji. This lets the learner can focus on the essential grammar, particles, and kana. Tae Kim takes the alternative approach of using common Kanji from the first chapter/topic. With this approach finishing RTK will be more useful and you'll learn some readings.
For example, In Genki's early chapters (chapter 2/3?) you get taught how to use as a possessive marker with sentences such as:
わたしはアリゾナのだいがくのがくせいです。
I believe you have to wait for a few more chapters before the Kanji start rolling in.
Whilst Tae Kim introduces Kanji within the first grammar point (人だ。) and the kanji for School/Student. Which is handy for those studying using RTK, but makes the guide somewhat less accessible for those who didn't.
Another point is, the words are common and the Kanji will be used; however, if you intend on tackling N4 or N5 then you need examples without the Kanji. e.g. 昨日 will be きのう at N5. I imagine N3 will be similar, but to a lesser degree. A similar point can be made regarding the Core decks, unless you utilise multiple cards for each word.
* Reading plenty of N4/N5 materials to get used to it. (Choko library, past papers, and graded readers.)
* If you still struggle, rush through the N4/N5 vocab decks on Ankiweb. You should know the majority of the words from Core; suspend or delete non-kana words from the deck.
The main concern for those two tests should be the listening section. Even if you're above the expected level, bad acoustics or speakers can make it very hard.
The point I was making is that Genki and other resources will use such vocabulary, but from the get go they will introduced as Kana. Genki avoids Kanji for the first few chapters, then slowly adds a few basic Kanji. This lets the learner can focus on the essential grammar, particles, and kana. Tae Kim takes the alternative approach of using common Kanji from the first chapter/topic. With this approach finishing RTK will be more useful and you'll learn some readings.
For example, In Genki's early chapters (chapter 2/3?) you get taught how to use as a possessive marker with sentences such as:
わたしはアリゾナのだいがくのがくせいです。
I believe you have to wait for a few more chapters before the Kanji start rolling in.
Whilst Tae Kim introduces Kanji within the first grammar point (人だ。) and the kanji for School/Student. Which is handy for those studying using RTK, but makes the guide somewhat less accessible for those who didn't.
Another point is, the words are common and the Kanji will be used; however, if you intend on tackling N4 or N5 then you need examples without the Kanji. e.g. 昨日 will be きのう at N5. I imagine N3 will be similar, but to a lesser degree. A similar point can be made regarding the Core decks, unless you utilise multiple cards for each word.
Quote:I'll tell you that I just took a practice N4 exam and was surprised at how much vocabulary and grammer I just didn't know. And the vocabulary is largely written in kana, so you don't need much kanji for that.One thing that helped me when I did N5 was to use an RTK deck in production (for only the relevant Kanji). This made the 'which is the correct Kanji for X?' section the easiest section in the exam. I had the same issues as you with the reading passages and would suggest either:
* Reading plenty of N4/N5 materials to get used to it. (Choko library, past papers, and graded readers.)
* If you still struggle, rush through the N4/N5 vocab decks on Ankiweb. You should know the majority of the words from Core; suspend or delete non-kana words from the deck.
The main concern for those two tests should be the listening section. Even if you're above the expected level, bad acoustics or speakers can make it very hard.