VCE Japanese SL study plan

VCE Japanese SL · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Interpersonal communication & Knowledge of Japanese language and culture

Draft and memorise a 90-second self-introduction covering school, hobbies, and future plans, using polite desu/masu forms throughout
Practise 15 conversational prompt-and-response pairs aloud, recording yourself and marking where you hesitate
Build a personal vocabulary sheet of 40 high-frequency conversational phrases with readings and example sentences
Review the difference between casual and polite register by converting 10 casual sentences into desu/masu form

A recorded 90-second self-introduction plus a written transcript annotated with any grammar corrections

Week 2

Role-play 10 everyday transactional scenarios (asking directions, ordering food, making a request) with a partner or voice recorder
Listen to three short authentic dialogues and note the main idea, speaker relationship, and two supporting details for each
Identify and drill 20 common listening traps such as similar-sounding counters and particle omissions
Answer 12 short spoken-response prompts in under five seconds each to build reaction speed

A listening log for three dialogues listing main idea, relationship, and two details each, plus a self-scored response-speed sheet

Week 3

Read four short authentic texts (notice, menu, email, blog post) and summarise each in two Japanese sentences
Locate specific information in 10 notices and schedules by scanning for key kanji and numbers
Explain in writing three cultural conventions visible in the texts, such as keigo in email or seasonal greetings
Practise inferring unstated meaning from context in five short passages

A four-entry reading portfolio with Japanese summaries and a short note on the cultural convention in each text

Week 4

Write a 200-character structured opinion paragraph using a clear introduction, two reasons, and a conclusion
Convert three informal written messages into appropriately polite written Japanese
Draft a 2-minute spoken presentation on a familiar topic and rehearse it three times
Self-assess both pieces against a checklist of register, paragraph structure, and connective use

A 200-character written opinion piece and a recorded 2-minute presentation, each with a completed self-assessment checklist

Week 5

Produce a 300-character written text comparing two cultural practices, using comparison connectives accurately
Deliver a 3-minute presentation incorporating at least five domain-specific vocabulary items and one cultural reference
Practise paraphrasing when you lack a word, using three circumlocution strategies aloud
Refine pronunciation of long vowels, double consonants, and pitch patterns in 10 recorded sentences

A 300-character comparative text and a 3-minute recorded presentation with a vocabulary and cultural-reference checklist attached

Week 6

Sustain a 5-minute unscripted conversation covering at least four topic shifts
Ask five follow-up questions that extend a partner's answer rather than closing the exchange
Respond to three unexpected conversational turns without reverting to English or long pauses
Re-record your week 1 self-introduction and compare fluency and accuracy against the original

A 5-minute recorded conversation with a partner or self-simulated dialogue, plus a side-by-side comparison with the week 1 recording

Week 7

Complete two timed full-length reading and listening practice sets under exam conditions
Review every error and classify it as vocabulary, grammar, inference, or time-management
Consolidate a 60-item culture and language knowledge sheet covering register, honorifics, and common conventions
Rehearse a strategy for handling unknown vocabulary in reading passages without stalling

Two completed timed practice sets with an error-classification table and a 60-item knowledge sheet

Week 8

Run two full mock exams under strict timing and score each against the official criteria
Deliver one final polished 3-minute presentation and one 5-minute conversation without notes
Review only your top 20 recurring errors and drill them until they are automatic
Finalise a one-page exam-day checklist covering timing, register, and common pitfalls

Two scored mock exams with a written error-trend summary and a final one-page exam-day checklist

Week 2: Can sustain a 90-second self-introduction and answer 10 of 12 short prompts within five seconds with understandable accuracy

Week 4: Can write a coherent 200-character opinion paragraph and deliver a rehearsed 2-minute presentation using appropriate register

Week 6: Can hold a 5-minute conversation with at least four topic shifts and measurable improvement over the week 1 recording

Week 8: Scores at or above your target band on two timed mock exams and demonstrates error trends declining from week 7