top of page
Search

Should my child study for the EIKEN test?

Writer's picture: Momenta KidsMomenta Kids
Studying for Eiken?
Studying for Eiken?

​EIKEN, officially known as the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency, is a standardized English language assessment widely recognized in Japan. Backed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), it evaluates English proficiency across seven levels, from Grade 5 (beginner) to Grade 1 (advanced). 

Advantages of EIKEN for Young Learners

  1. Motivation and Achievement: Preparing for and passing EIKEN can serve as a strong motivator for students, providing clear goals and a sense of accomplishment. Achieving certification at various levels can boost confidence and encourage continued learning.

  2. Educational Opportunities: Many Japanese high schools and universities grant preferential status to applicants who have passed specific EIKEN grades, such as waiving the English portion of entrance examinations. This recognition underscores EIKEN's value in the educational landscape. c

  3. Structured Learning Path: The tiered levels of EIKEN provide a structured framework for learners to progressively develop their English skills, aligning with educational benchmarks set by MEXT.



Considerations and Potential Drawbacks


  1. Communicative Proficiency vs. Test Performance: While EIKEN assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking, high scores do not always equate to effective communication skills in real-life situations. Some students may excel in test settings yet struggle with spontaneous conversations.


  2. Age-Appropriate Content: For younger learners, especially those in elementary school, higher EIKEN levels introduce vocabulary and topics that may be beyond their cognitive and social maturity. Subjects like social sciences and politics might not resonate with their interests or experiences, potentially leading to disengagement. 


  3. Balanced Skill Development: Focusing predominantly on EIKEN preparation can result in an imbalanced skill set. Students might develop strong reading and writing abilities but lack proficiency in speaking and listening, which are crucial for genuine communication.


Recommendations for Parents

  • Holistic Approach: View EIKEN as one component of your child's English education. Encourage activities that promote all language skills, including conversational practice, interactive listening, and creative writing.

  • Age-Appropriate Learning: Ensure that the EIKEN level your child prepares for aligns with their age and cognitive development. Introducing complex topics prematurely can be counterproductive.

  • Real-Life Application: Supplement test preparation with real-world language use. Engage your child in English conversations, expose them to media in English, and provide opportunities for them to use the language in diverse contexts.

 

In conclusion, while the EIKEN test serves as a valuable benchmark within Japan for assessing English proficiency, it's essential to recognize its limitations. Achieving a particular EIKEN grade does not necessarily equate to comprehensive fluency, especially in real-world communicative contexts. Therefore, it's beneficial to incorporate EIKEN preparation as part of a broader, multifaceted approach to language learning.

 

As a general guideline, I recommend aiming for approximately eight hours of English exposure each week. This can include a variety of activities such as textbook study, watching movies, reading, test preparation, real-life interactions, reading aloud, and journal writing. By diversifying your learning methods, you can develop a more balanced and practical command of the English language.

 

Remember, tests like EIKEN are tools to aid your learning journey, not definitive measures of your proficiency. Use them wisely, stay persistent, and continue to seek out diverse opportunities to practice and improve your English skills.


Good luck, and never give up!

 

  Phillip Jacobson

 

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page