Due to the good reviews of the Kanzen Master series of 2kyuu and 1kyuu level review books for the JLPT, I think I will get some to study for those tests. However, I was wondering which to get. I have already bought a grammar book as well as one with a few practice tests for 2kyuu, so I was considering the vocabulary, kanji, and reading comprehension books. However, with the help of the site "JLPT Kanji Project", I am wondering if I would need the Kanzen Master kanji book as well? If anyone who has used this book could give me some input on how helpful it is, I would appreciate it! Also, any additional reviews on the other books I mentioned would be great as well. Thanks!

For reference, I have used the grammar books (3kyuu = red // 2kyuu = green // 1kyuu = yellow) and the listening practice / kanji one for 2kyuu (blue). I think all of thee books are good, but I bought the 1/2kyuu vocab book which I haven't used at all. I believe in picking up words naturally, or from a list. A book on vocab isn't really much help in my opinion.

I had a look at the ２級 reading practice book and the ２級 listening book (the one yorkii mentioned) at the weekend. The reading book seemed pretty dense, not necessarily that much fun, but I'm going to pick up a copy to prep for the test.

The blue listening book surprised me as the aim seems to be to write down sentences that you hear (using the appropriate kanji). Pretty worthwhile in itself, however as we don't have to write any kanji for the test, to me this book doesn't seem to be 100% focused on the test. That said, the exercises themselves are great for putting Heisig to use!

Can anyone describe how Kanzen master grammar 1kyuu is setup?

Is there Japanese sentences with English translation, with explanation?

And does anyone have some reviews about the reading comprehension books? Any use to them SRS wise?

Kanzen Master grammar books are basically split up into grammar points. Each grammar point is presented with one or two synonyms. For example, にともなう is presented with the synonym と一緒に since the meanings are comparable. You also get some quick info how the grammar structure is used.. if it's only put after nouns, if it is put after a certain verb conjugation etc. Then you get several example sentences illustrating its use. Of course, the sentences are of the same level as the JLPT in question.

Overall, I'd say the grammar books are very good and useful.

cloudstrife543 Wrote:Can anyone describe how Kanzen master grammar 1kyuu is setup?

Is there Japanese sentences with English translation, with explanation?

I have the 2級 book, and there are no English translations (there's no english at all) - I expect it's the same in the 1級 book as well.

I generally find the meaning is understandable from the example sentences and the brief 意味 explanation, however some subtle grammar points are still a bit difficult.
I've found jgram.org pretty helpful so far.

avparker Wrote:

cloudstrife543 Wrote:Can anyone describe how Kanzen master grammar 1kyuu is setup?

Is there Japanese sentences with English translation, with explanation?

I have the 2級 book, and there are no English translations (there's no english at all) - I expect it's the same in the 1級 book as well.

I generally find the meaning is understandable from the example sentences and the brief 意味 explanation, however some subtle grammar points are still a bit difficult.
I've found jgram.org pretty helpful so far.

How come jlpt 2 grammar are not included in the jlpt grammar for lvl 1 on that website. Maybe they infer you went to 2 before 1 i guess? So you'd have to end up goign through 4-1 lvls to get it all?

People prepare for JLPT1 when they can already pass JLPT2. It would ridiculous to make all study material inclusive. The whole point of having levels is that it's progressive.

Jarvik7 is correct.

If you want all the grammar up to level 1, just merge the 4 levels.
And if you want to look up a specific grammar point the search is quite good.

I have also used Kanzen Master 2kyuu, but I have yet to pass the test (in December). I found this links very helpful in addition to the Japanese-only explanations:

http://www.geocities.com/ryuchan1/grammar2.html
http://www.tanos.co.uk/jlpt/jlpt2/grammar/

Basically it contains an English translation for all the Kanzen 2kyuu entries. Sometimes it's very rough, but you'll have to get the "feeling" for when to use what from actual texts anyway.

If you need more information on grammar points, I recommend getting the A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar books. The books include everything. Example sentences, example translations of the structure, notes on how, when, where it's used. Comparisons with other grammatical points, highlighting differences. The books are amazing.

The books are.... obtainable online. I don't dare to post links here since the forum isn't very prone to piracy, but if people want them, I guess you can send me a mail.

Tobberoth Wrote:If you need more information on grammar points, I recommend getting the A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar books. The books include everything. Example sentences, example translations of the structure, notes on how, when, where it's used. Comparisons with other grammatical points, highlighting differences. The books are amazing.

Wholeheartedly agree.

Last year I passed JLPT3 grammar section just by cramming the the Kanzen book. While it got me the marks I needed I didn't really understand all the nuances of the grammar points and didn't enjoy studying it really. I've since had to restudy most of what i "learnt".

I've just in the last few days started using the Dictionaries of Japanese Grammar in conjunction with the Kanzen JLPT2. It's a huge difference than just using the Kanzen book alone. I understand grammar points much better and am almost starting to like learning grammar (NB - i did say "almost").