Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91134 about?

Accepted Answer

You need to have natural conversations in Japanese where you share information and explain what you think about things, doing this in different situations without a script. You'll be assessed on how well you communicate in Japanese overall, even if you stumble on some words or pronunciation—the main goal is that people understand you and the conversation flows naturally.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91134?

Accepted Answer

1. Have unscripted, real conversations in Japanese (face-to-face or online) where you share information and explain your opinions 2. Use appropriate Japanese language that fits the situation—whether it's casual with a friend or formal with a teacher 3. Keep conversations going by asking questions, checking you understand, agreeing or disagreeing, and using natural Japanese habits like fillers and pauses 4. Speak clearly enough to be understood, showing awareness of pronunciation and rhythm, even if you're not perfect 5. Show you understand Japanese cultural conventions like politeness, appropriate greetings, and gesture when it's relevant to the interaction

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91134?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You successfully have spoken interactions where you share information and justify your ideas in Japanese across different situations, and people can understand the main message despite some pronunciation or delivery issues. Merit: Your spoken Japanese is convincing, with a good range of language choices that fit the situation and audience, and you use strategies like questioning and clarification to keep conversations flowing smoothly. Excellence: Your spoken Japanese is effective, with consistently appropriate language choices, skilful use of interactive strategies, and clear communication where listeners aren't confused by any inconsistencies in your delivery.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91134?

Accepted Answer

1. Students prepare scripted or heavily rehearsed answers rather than having genuinely spontaneous conversations where they respond to questions they haven't anticipated 2. Students don't show they're actually trying to maintain the conversation—they need to ask follow-up questions, check understanding, and keep talking naturally rather than just answering and stopping 3. Students focus only on getting the grammar and vocabulary right but don't adjust their language or formality level for different situations (e.g., same tone for friends and teachers)

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