Ace Japan's most popular English speaking exam. Learn the structured question-card format for Grades 1, Pre-1, 2, and 3, study sample story boards, and pass your interview with high marks.
Visit Official Eiken SiteEiken is Japan's national English benchmark, taken by over 4 million students each year to earn entry into prestigious high schools and universities. The second stage of the test is a highly structured face-to-face 1-on-1 interview card reading.
In Eiken Grade Pre-1 and Grade 2, the examiner will hand you a "Question Card". You must read a short passage and describe a 3-panel or 4-panel story to the examiner. Here is an authentic sample layout.
The interview takes between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the Grade. It is sat in a private room with one examiner. Your manners, posture, and politeness (known as Attitude) are graded along with your English vocabulary and pronunciation.
The examiner will ask you to read the short, printed passage on your Question Card aloud.
You must focus on clear pronunciation, linking words naturally, and raising your voice at the end of questions or lowering it at periods.
First, the examiner will ask you one direct comprehension question about the passage (e.g. "According to the passage, why are schools changing their menus?").
Next, you will have 1 minute to prepare a short narrative describing the sequence of pictures on the card. You must use past continuous and past simple tenses to explain what the people are doing and thinking.
The examiner will ask you to hand back the Question Card and will ask you two or three general opinion questions related to the core topic of the card.
For example, you might be asked: "Do you think schools should ban sugary snacks?" or "Should families eat dinner together every day?" You must state your opinion and back it up with two clear reasons.
Watch this simulation of the Eiken Grade Pre-1 speaking test to observe the exact room layout, greetings, and interview procedure.
Japanese Eiken exams evaluate your greeting, politeness, and eye contact. Knocking on the door, saying "Excuse me," and sitting only when invited will secure full marks in this unique category.
Did you read the passage with natural English rhythm? The examiner listens for appropriate word stress, sentence pausing, and pronunciation clarity.
Raters look for precise vocabulary. Avoid basic repetitive words. Show you can use simple past, past continuous, and indirect speech during the picture description.
Did you answer the questions directly? You must answer the passage question using the exact facts from the card, and give personal reasons for your opinion answers.
The speaking section is officially called the 'Secondary Stage' (Niji Shiken). It is a face-to-face, 1-on-1 interview conducted in English by a certified examiner.
You are graded on reading aloud, answering questions about a short passage, telling a story based on a sequence of pictures, and expressing personal opinions. Attitude and manners (attitude) are also assessed.
No, Eiken qualifications do not expire and are valid for life, although some academic institutions or employers may require a certificate from a test taken within the last two years.
