Teacher Discussion Forums

[Eigo-Mike]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me anything about the Eiken test?

A student of mine is planning on taking the level 2 test next week! and wants pointers - it`s a bit late for that, but afterwards, she wants to move through Level pre-1 and 1.

[Lorikeet]

I didn't know a thing about it, but I did a websearch. It was very interesting. Apparently it is a test organized by the "Society for Testing English Proficiency and is also known as the STEP test, at least on the eiken webpage. Among the more interesting articles I found were:

http://www.eiken.or.jp/english/
http://www.infonet.co.jp/Aso/win/int-news/1997/in970703.htm
http://www.a2001.com/english/shop/nagase/eiken.html ( to see what is on sale )
http://www.jalt.org/test/hir_new.htm (Briefly mentioned--more information about other tests and testing in Japan in an interview with Michihiro Hirai)

Anyway, you can probably get some good information from others in Japan. I just had some interesting time reading

[Eigo-Mike]

Thanks

I had a look around too, and hit some of the same sites.

I really want to find out about what the focus of the actual testing is on.

The TOEIC test focuses on grammar, which annoys me since I know two students that took the test. One I knew would do well as he has fantastic grammatical ability, but zero, absolutely zero, communicative ability. After practicing about 100 quick-fire grammar questions with me, he got one wrong, but couldn`t understand why.

The other student can have detailed discussions with me about life, the universe and everything, but is weak in grammar.

This indicates why I hate the TOIEC test. (I also find it to be HIGHLY america-specific). While I understand that American English is the most widely understood, some things are just plain WRONG to teach to people who don`t understand that the meaning can be vastly different.

After looking at some Japanese "pass the eiken test-style" books, I figure it`s also grammar-focussed.

Thanks again Lorikeet.

Anyone else give us some more info?

[TokyoDan]

Hello,

The "written" section of the Eiken tests are grammar based. Level one includes an essay.

I believe from level 2 and up there is a speaking component. Level 2 they describe a simple picture and then get followup questions. Level pre-1 they basically tell a story based on a 4 picture storyboard and then get followup questions. Level one they get a card with five topics, one minute to choose and prepare, two minute speech and then followup questions.

If you have any other questions I'll try to answer them, but I'm really busy now.

http://www.eiken.or.jp/english/evaluate/contents.html