Coming from a spoiled Japanese education background, I find it really hard to study using this series!
I commenced my Japanese studies with a combination of Minna no Nihongo and Genki. Those books provided very thorough explanation and drills that made all the vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical points stick in my mind. That's why, I thought that both the learning paar and the subsequent N4 exam were enjoyable and smooth.
Now, I planned studying from January to June, preparing for my N3 exam. The only series I could find was Nihongo Sou,matome. Let me give you a break-down of how each book in the series:
Grammar: this one is horrible! No explanation of grammatical points. Very little examples. And, to make things worse, some examples have some un-explained grammar!
However, I found that studying those grammatical pints using Dictionary of Japanese Grammar is superb!
Vocabulary: nothing special. I don't think that it's worth studying from as SRS is much better for studying vocabulary.
Listening: this one is good. No objections.
Reading Comprehension: I found that it was really tough! Needs more explanation. I think I'll re-read this book just before the exam
Kanji: it's just OK. However, I still prefer my KO2001 Deck
Now, I do have a lot of other drills and mock tests, but the question remains: is my current studying method adequate?
I commenced my Japanese studies with a combination of Minna no Nihongo and Genki. Those books provided very thorough explanation and drills that made all the vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical points stick in my mind. That's why, I thought that both the learning paar and the subsequent N4 exam were enjoyable and smooth.
Now, I planned studying from January to June, preparing for my N3 exam. The only series I could find was Nihongo Sou,matome. Let me give you a break-down of how each book in the series:
Grammar: this one is horrible! No explanation of grammatical points. Very little examples. And, to make things worse, some examples have some un-explained grammar!
However, I found that studying those grammatical pints using Dictionary of Japanese Grammar is superb!
Vocabulary: nothing special. I don't think that it's worth studying from as SRS is much better for studying vocabulary.
Listening: this one is good. No objections.
Reading Comprehension: I found that it was really tough! Needs more explanation. I think I'll re-read this book just before the exam
Kanji: it's just OK. However, I still prefer my KO2001 Deck
Now, I do have a lot of other drills and mock tests, but the question remains: is my current studying method adequate?