CSET — Japanese

The CSET — Japanese exam is broken down into three subtests. The first subtest has 5 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with general linguistics; and 15 multiple-choice questions, and 3 short-answer questions dealing with linguistics of the Japanese language. The second subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions dealing with literary and cultural texts and traditions; and 10 multiple-choice questions, 1 short-answer question, and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with cultural analysis and comparisons. The third subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Japanese language listening comprehension; 10 multiple-choice and 1 short-answer question on Japanese language reading comprehension; 1 short-answer question and 1 extended constructed-response question on Japanese language and written expression, and 2 short-answer questions on Japanese oral expression.

The first CSET — Japanese subtest is broken down into a section on general linguistics, and a section on Japanese language and linguistics. The general linguistics portion covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The section dealing specifically with the Japanese language covers language structures, error analysis, the ability to contrast Japanese language with English, and sociolinguistics, including an understanding of the formation of dialects.

The second CSET — Japanese subtest covers literary and cultural texts of the Japanese language. Included in this is understanding of the major movements, genres, writers, and works. It also includes analysis of literary and cultural texts including novels, plays, and music. The second section of the second subtest requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products of Japan. This includes knowledge of Japanese architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — Japanese subtest has sections on listening comprehension of Japanese, written expression in Japanese, and oral expression in Japanese. The listening comprehension section tests literal comprehension, inferential and interpretive comprehension, and the ability to critically analyze spoken Japanese to determine the speaker's point of view and the appropriateness of the speaker's tone to the given audience. The written communication section tests the candidate's ability to literally translate Japanese to English, to understand inference and interpretation in written Japanese, and to critically analyze Japanese texts, and to write fluently in Japanese. The final section is on oral communication in Japanese. This section tests the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in Japanese in unusual circumstances.