Jun 26, 2021
Eiken... where to start!?
Hi! What level should the average 6th and 5th grade child aim for in their first Eiken test? My son (6th grade) and daughter (5th) want to take it, so whatever the "norm" is I was thinking they could try one level up as they are "hafu" kids. They are certainly not fluent in English, but they are definitely way ahead of their peers. Any experience / advice welcome. Thank you. Photo just for colour!! Additional information - the first test is free in our town and the kids get forms at school to bring home, hence they want to do it!
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
Best Answer
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on Jul 7
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on Jun 27
The English level taught in schools is supposedly for junior high school students to ideally be able to pass Eiken at: year 1 = grade 5 (the easiest), year 2 = grade 4, year 3 = grade 3. Then in high school grades pre-2, 2, and pre-1. That being said, motivated kids who go to immersion preschools etc. have passed more like 2 Kyu in elementary school, even though the topics are more mature (environment etc.) I'd recommend looking at the old tests for grades 4-5 for your kids, then if they're too easy, move up. You can download the most recent three tests to practice with on the Eiken site here: https://www.eiken.or.jp/eiken/en/downloads/
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on Jun 28
Eiken Foundation has a lot of resources that will help you and your children prepare for the test. With your kids, have a look at Eiken for Kids https://www.eiken.or.jp/eiken/eikenkids/ Like @Helloalissa says, have your children attempt the practice tests to see what levels are appropriate for them. If they aim for the Eiken 3 Kyu test, which is intended for junior high school, there are two phases - the written test and then interview either online or live. Here's a video Eiken 3 Kyu mock test. It's a good representation, as the interviewer may be a Japanese teacher. https://youtu.be/sq5QeiP7YiY
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on Jul 4
@helloalissa thank you so much, this information is so helpful. I was a bit overwhelmed where to start, thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction.
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on Jul 4
@TonetoEdo thank you so much for this information, it is invaluable. I was able to gage the kids level through those sites and we now have a way forward. I really appreciate the information and links.
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on Jul 5
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on Jul 21
Not really an answer to help, but food for thoughts. Could be worth checking to see and adjust their expectations towards the results before they take it. If they "want" to take it to "justify their identities as the hafu kids", setting their goal too high and not meeting it could impact their confidence. If they want to take it just to challenge themselves, then it is all cool. Just really hoping that this will be a positive experience regardless of the results.
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on Sep 29
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on Aug 19
@TonetoEdo totally forgot to update on this, but since I asked this question the older two have taken and passed level 4 (with flying colors) and level 3 (aced the listening / interview, but we need to work on their spelling!) and are doing pre-2 next month! Thanks again for all your help.
9 Answers