(2016-04-07, 3:27 pm)FlameseeK Wrote: My primary goal is to be able to watch anime and read visual novels comfortably (and playing games to a certain extent). I'd also like to be able to read about these things - news, articles, reviews, etc.
I strongly suggest that you start right now if you already have a vocabulary base. There are plenty of easy VNs around and NHK Easy which is extra simple if you do the Core decks.
The Shin Kanzen Master and Sou Matome books are JLPT prep books. They are not meant to teach you grammar. In any case learning grammar from textbooks is a bad idea -- I suggest you skim through a grammar guide like Tae Kim then go and read VNs and watch anime while referring back to the DoJG or TK.
The reason being learning grammar from reading is much more organic and intuitive to the human brain than textbook exercises. That's from personal experience and is backed up by studies:
Quote:According to Krashen there are two independent systems of second language performance: 'the acquired system' and 'the learned system'. The 'acquired system' or 'acquisition' is the product of a subconscious process very similar to the process children undergo when they acquire their first language. It requires meaningful interaction in the target language - natural communication - in which speakers are concentrated not in the form of their utterances, but in the communicative act.
The 'learned system' or 'learning' is the product of formal instruction and it comprises a conscious process which results in conscious knowledge 'about' the language, for example knowledge of grammar rules. According to Krashen 'learning' is less important than 'acquisition'.
Read more here
Another good thing about reading is it creates a positive feedback loop. As you read and get better, you'll be able to feel the improvement and be motivated to do more.