Nagano Entrance English study plan

Build a daily listening habit by shadowing 2 short (1–2 minute) audio clips per day, focusing on catching content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) before details.

Identify and record 5 common Japanese-English sound confusions (e.g., /l/ vs /r/, /θ/ vs /s/, vowel length) and practice minimal pairs for 10 minutes daily.

Read 3 short passages (150–250 words) and answer 5 detail questions each without a dictionary, then check answers and note unfamiliar vocabulary.

Create a personal vocabulary log of 20 high-frequency academic words encountered in listening and short reading, with Japanese translations and example sentences.

Practice note-taking during 3 longer listening passages (3–4 minutes) by writing only keywords and abbreviations, then reconstruct the main idea in 3 sentences.

Complete 2 timed short-reading sets (3 passages in 15 minutes) and review every wrong answer to classify errors as vocabulary, detail, or inference.

Learn and apply 5 question-type strategies for short reading (main idea, detail, vocabulary in context, inference, author’s purpose) using 2 passages per type.

Memorize 15 common idiomatic expressions from the vocabulary domain and use each in a spoken sentence recorded on your phone.

Read 2 long passages (500–700 words) per week, mapping the structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) and identifying topic sentences.

Practice summarizing each long passage in 3–4 sentences, then compare with a model summary to check for missed main points.

Study 25 vocabulary items per week from a frequency list, grouping them by topic (e.g., environment, education, technology) and using each in a written sentence.

Complete 20 idiom and collocation exercises (matching, fill-in-the-blank) and review mistakes to create a personal error list.

Analyze 4 long passages for inference and tone questions, underlining the evidence in the text that supports each answer.

Review 10 common grammar points (tense, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, relative clauses) by completing 5 exercises per point and correcting errors.

Use 20 newly learned vocabulary items in original sentences that demonstrate correct grammar and context.

Take a 30-minute mixed quiz covering long reading, vocabulary, and grammar, then review all errors and update your error list.

Practice 10 dialogue completion items by identifying the function of each utterance (request, apology, suggestion, refusal) and selecting the appropriate response.

Role-play 5 situational scenarios (e.g., asking for directions, ordering food, making a phone call) with a partner or by recording yourself, focusing on natural intonation and politeness.

Complete 10 sentence-reordering exercises, paying attention to discourse markers, pronoun reference, and logical flow.

Learn 10 common paragraph organization patterns (cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution) and apply each to reorder a 5-sentence paragraph.

Translate 10 Japanese sentences (5 short, 5 longer) into natural English, focusing on tense, aspect, and subject-verb agreement.

Compare your translations with model answers, noting differences in word choice and structure, and revise each translation once.

Write 2 short essays (150–200 words) on familiar topics (e.g., your hometown, a memorable experience) using a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Self-edit essays using a checklist (grammar, vocabulary variety, coherence, task response) and rewrite one essay to improve clarity and accuracy.

Take a full-length mock exam under timed conditions (listening, long reading, writing) and score it using the answer key.

Analyze mock exam errors by domain and create a prioritized list of the top 3 weaknesses to address in the final week.

Practice 2 timed essay writings (20 minutes each) on exam-style prompts, focusing on planning, paragraph structure, and time management.

Review 30 vocabulary items and 10 idioms from your error list, using flashcards and spaced repetition.

Review all error logs and vocabulary lists, focusing on the top 3 weaknesses identified in week 7.

Complete 2 timed mini-sections (15 minutes each) for listening and reading to build stamina and pacing.

Write one final timed essay (20 minutes) and self-assess using the exam writing criteria (task response, coherence, lexical resource, grammar).

Do a final review of 20 idioms and 20 grammar rules using spaced repetition, and practice 5 translation sentences.