An ink jet recording apparatus has a recording mode in which recording is performed by selectively discharging black ink and color inks of colors other than black. Any abnormality in the state of discharge of the ink is performed by executing a test discharging operation. When the recording apparatus functions as a facsimile apparatus, the test discharging operation is conducted by discharging only the black ink, without discharging inks of other colors. Wasteful consumption of ink is diminished, so that the running cost of the ink jet recording apparatus is reduced.