Practise the thinking. Keep the judgement.
A Japanese exam study-note template: word, grammar, evidence
Keep Japanese vocabulary, grammar and reading notes in a consistent format, with original examples and a short retrieval task.
Use one small record per learning point
Start with four fields: Source — Learning point — Example — Check question. The source might be a lesson page or the explanation for a practice item. Keep enough information to find it again, but do not copy a whole chapter into each note.
For JLPT preparation, organise notes around vocabulary and grammar, reading, or listening, while following the current descriptions for your level. These practice notes are not an official syllabus or a complete list of material that may be tested.
Keep a word with its reading and use
For an original example, write 図書館（としょかん） and “library”, then the sentence 図書館で勉強します。 Your check can ask where the studying takes place. This connects the word’s reading to the meaning of a complete sentence.
If you confused two words, record the difference that caused the mistake. Keep a dictionary sense or teacher explanation beside your example. Avoid adding several unrelated meanings simply because they appear under the same entry.
Make the grammar note explain a relationship
Use a pair of sentences: 図書館に行きます。 and 図書館で勉強します。 In the first, に marks the destination with 行きます. In the second, で marks where the studying happens. The difference is the role of the place in the sentence.
A useful question is “Which particle fits 図書館＿勉強します, and why?” An explanation gives you something to check beyond the chosen particle. Keep examples within the material you are studying; one pair of sentences is not a complete account of either particle.
Add a reading-evidence line
For a reading note, save the relevant short sentence and state which detail supports your answer. In 雨なので、今日は家で勉強します。, the speaker will study at home today because it is raining. Your note can connect 雨なので to the reason.
Later, hide the explanation and answer your check question. If you miss it, correct the note or example before reviewing again. Keep listening notes linked to the relevant audio when you have it; reading a transcript alone does not reproduce the listening task.
Try it yourself
Complete 図書館＿本を読みます。 with に or で, and explain your choice.
Show the answer and explanation
で: 図書館で本を読みます。 The library is where the action of reading takes place.
Compare it with 図書館に行きます, where the library is the destination. The verb and the role of the place guide the choice in these examples.