The Eiken speaking section (Eiken Interview / secondary exam) is one of the most high-stakes components for learners in Japan. Passing Eiken Grade Pre-1 or Grade 1 requires precise structural discipline. In this guide, we reveal the exact templates and formulas required to master the picture card stories and short speeches, helping you secure your path to passing.
Understanding the Eiken Interview Structure
The speaking exam is structured differently between Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1, but both focus heavily on structured output, logical layout, and grammatical precision under strict timers:
- Eiken Grade Pre-1: Candidates receive a card containing 4 pictures showing a sequential story. You have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to narrate the story in the past tense. This is followed by 4 Q&A questions.
- Eiken Grade 1: Candidates choose one of five topics. You have 1 minute to prepare a short speech and 2 minutes to deliver it, followed by a 4-minute Q&A session with two examiners.
The Golden Grammar Rule for Pre-1 Narration
Always tell the story in the **past continuous** and **simple past** tenses. Examiners specifically look for structures like "A man was reading a book when..." to award high grammar marks.
Grade Pre-1: The 4-Panel Picture Story Narration Blueprint
To score high on your narration, use clear transition markers at the start of each panel. This shows chronological control. Use the following structured timeline:
| Panel | Narrative Transition Phrase | Grammatical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Panel 1 | "One day, a young student was thinking of..." | Set the scene, introduce characters using past continuous. |
| Panel 2 | "A few hours later, when they got to..." | Describe the action, people's expressions, and dialogue cards. |
| Panel 3 | "The next morning, it turned out that..." | Highlight the problem or the conflict in the storyline. |
| Panel 4 | "In the end, looking at the outcome, they realized..." | Describe the characters' final feelings (disappointed, happy, shocked). |
Grade 1: The 2-Minute Speech Formula
For Grade 1, preparing a 2-minute speech in just 1 minute is highly challenging. You must select your topic immediately (within 10 seconds) and jot down exactly two main supporting arguments. Structure your speech using this **Three-Part Outline**:
Speech Structure Notes
- Introduction (approx. 20s): Paraphrase the topic and state your position clearly. "Today, I would like to argue that..."
- Body Points (approx. 80s): Give two arguments, supported by examples. "First of all... Furthermore, it is widely known that..."
- Conclusion (approx. 20s): Reiterate your stance. "In conclusion, based on these two main points..."
Before you go...
Eiken is a test of confidence and structure. When narrating pictures, focus on characters' feelings and actions using past tenses. In Grade 1 speeches, maintain a formal tone, state your main points clearly, and support them with solid examples. Practice with a timer to build confidence and pacing.