Effective Death Certificate Writing

Overview

This lecture details how to write a strong "death certificate" (personal statement/letter of intent) for Japan's 2025 university admissions, emphasizing logical structure, research themes, and critical analysis over superficial achievements.

Importance of the Death Certificate

• The death certificate is crucial, determining about 60% of pass/fail in comprehensive entrance selection.
• Its structure and content also influence success in interviews.
• Many prep schools sell formulaic guidance, but true success comes from understanding the actual requirements.

Core Components of the Death Certificate

• Three elements: research theme (topic), writing style (logic/professor-oriented), and story (narrative).
• Consistency among theme, style, and story is essential for passing.
• Avoid relying solely on achievements, dreams, or activities; logical explanation is more important.

Research Topic Development

• Clearly separate analytical device (method/theory) and subject of analysis (what you examine).
• Choose from problem-finding/problem-solving, explanatory, or evaluation/principle types.
• Use academic concepts to explain otherwise unexplainable phenomena for depth.

Nine-Step Structure (Nan Step) for Logical Argument

• 1. State the societal/personal premise.
• 2. Dig deeper into the premise.
• 3. Explain (not "solve") the premise.
• 4. Introduce essential (root) issues.
• 5. Study cases/comparisons (other cities, examples).
• 6. Apply academic/previous research concepts.
• 7. Address limitations and unresolved points (limits).
• 8. Justify why university study is needed to advance.
• 9. Summarize and highlight research motivation/fit with the university.

Writing Process & Practical Advice

• Build logic before writing—spend months structuring arguments and creating logic maps.
• Only write the actual essay at the end when structure and plot are set.
• Downsizing (cutting) for word limits must preserve logical steps, not just delete content.
• Volunteer experience and achievements are not mandatory for success—focus on critical analysis.

Case Study: City & People Relationship

• Example: using films and urban sociology to analyze how cities influence people and vice versa.
• Show multi-layered, circular relationship between society and individuals.
• Highlight limitations and the necessity of further academic study.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Death certificate — Personal statement/letter of intent for university admission.
• Analytical device — The method, lens, or theory used to examine a subject.
• Problem-finding/problem-solving type — Essay type focused on identifying and solving issues.
• Nan Step — Nine-step structured method for logical argumentation in essays.
• Logic map — Visual outline to ensure logical flow and connections in writing.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Decide on a research theme, clearly separating analytical device and analysis subject.
• Map out a nine-step logical structure for your essay before writing.
• Construct logic maps to check connections and reasoning before drafting text.
• When downsizing for limits, preserve logical flow rather than removing steps.
• Optional: Review successful essays for structure, not just content.