Marugoto Japanese Language and Culture Pre-Intermediate A2/B1 – JF Standard Coursebook

Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Pre-Intermediate A2/B1 is a Japanese coursebook for adult learners progressing from elementary Japanese toward the intermediate level.

Based on the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, which uses the CEFR framework, Marugoto focuses on practical communication and what learners can actually accomplish in Japanese. Each topic introduces realistic situations in which people from different cultural backgrounds interact, helping learners develop both Japanese communication skills and intercultural understanding.

At the Pre-Intermediate A2/B1 level, learners aim to express themselves about subjects directly connected to their background and everyday circumstances. They also develop the ability to briefly discuss topics that interest them, giving simple opinions and explaining their reasons.

Unlike the earlier Marugoto levels, this Pre-Intermediate volume integrates language activities and competences into a single coursebook.

Product Features

• Pre-intermediate Japanese coursebook for adult learners
• Bridges CEFR A2 and B1 levels
• Based on the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education
• Focuses on practical, real-world communication
• Uses Can-do goals throughout the course
• Helps learners express opinions and give simple reasons
• Develops communication around everyday and personally relevant topics
• Strong emphasis on natural Japanese audio input
• Approximately 3 hours 17 minutes of audio materials
• Full-color pages
• Rich photography and illustrations
• Includes intercultural learning throughout
• Portfolio system helps learners monitor progress
• Suitable for classroom study and independent learning
• 9 practical topics
• Recommended course length: approximately 60–80 hours

What You Will Learn

This level helps learners move beyond basic everyday exchanges and communicate in greater detail.

Learners practice how to:

• Talk about experiences and situations related to everyday life
• Explain personal preferences and interests
• Express simple opinions
• Give reasons for their opinions
• Handle common problems and unexpected situations
• Participate in conversations about work, relationships, travel and language learning
• Understand increasingly natural spoken Japanese

Topics

Topic 1 – Sports Matches

Learn to communicate about sporting events, matches and related experiences.

Topic 2 – Looking for a Home

Practice discussing housing, preferences and finding a place to live.

Topic 3 – Comfort Food

Talk about foods that feel familiar or comforting and explain personal preferences.

Topic 4 – Visiting Someone

Practice language and cultural conventions related to visiting other people.

Topic 5 – The Joy of Learning Languages

Discuss experiences, motivations and opinions related to studying languages.

Review & Test 1

Topic 6 – Marriage

Learn to discuss relationships, marriage and related opinions or experiences.

Topic 7 – Asking for Advice

Practice explaining problems, asking for advice and responding to other people's concerns.

Topic 8 – Problems While Traveling

Develop practical communication skills for dealing with difficulties and unexpected situations during a trip.

Topic 9 – Looking for a Job

Practice talking about work, employment and job-search situations.

Review & Test 2

Learning Approach

Marugoto does not focus only on memorizing grammar rules.

Instead, grammar, vocabulary and expressions are introduced within realistic situations, helping learners understand when, why and how Japanese is actually used.

The course provides extensive listening input and encourages learners to develop their language skills through active communication and experience.

Free Online Learning Resources

A variety of supplementary resources are available online.

For Learners:

• Audio materials
• Multilingual vocabulary index
• Expression index
• Kanji vocabulary list
• Conversation preparation notes
• Multilingual Can-do checklist
• Topic review materials

For Teachers:

• Teaching guidance
• Multilingual vocabulary index
• Expression index
• Kanji vocabulary list

Product Information

Product Name: Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Pre-Intermediate A2/B1
Japanese Title: まるごと 日本のことばと文化 初中級 A2/B1
Level: Pre-Intermediate / A2–B1
Framework: JF Standard / CEFR-based
Target Learners: Adult learners of Japanese
Number of Topics: 9
Audio Materials: Approximately 3 hours 17 minutes
Recommended Study Time: Approximately 60–80 hours
Format: Full-color Japanese language coursebook
Main Focus: Practical communication, listening, vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and intercultural understanding

Who Is This Book For?

This book is recommended for learners who have already studied elementary Japanese and want to progress toward intermediate-level communication.

It is particularly suitable if you can already manage simple everyday conversations but want to become more confident explaining situations, discussing personal interests and expressing your own opinions in Japanese.

Important Note

This is the Pre-Intermediate A2/B1 volume of the Marugoto series. Unlike the Starter A1 and Elementary A2 levels, this level is presented as a single integrated coursebook rather than separate Katsudoo and Rikai volumes.