The Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association has decided to create a new level between the pre-2nd and 2nd grade of the Practical English Proficiency Test (Eiken).Up until now, the level had been set with the goal of obtaining a pre-1nd grade in the first year of high school and a 2nd grade upon graduation from high school, but this has been reconsidered after some people said that there was a big barrier between the pre-2nd grade and the 2nd grade. The aim is to start both Eiken (conventional type) and Eiken S-CBT in 2.
According to the Japan English Language Proficiency Association, the maximum score for the new class will be around 2 points, which is between 2600 points for 2nd grade and 2,400 points for semi-2,500nd grade, and is expected to be at a level of about A2 of the CEFR (European Framework of Reference for Languages). We will develop this in the future.
It takes about one year to advance to the Eiken exam from grade 5 to grade pre-2, but only from grade pre-1 to grade 2 takes nearly two years.Students taking the exam voiced their dissatisfaction, saying, ``The barriers are so high that it's difficult to maintain motivation during this period,'' and ``Accumulating small successes will have a greater educational effect.''
The Japan English Proficiency Testing Association emphasizes the benefits of the new level, saying that it can present high school students and other learners with familiar goals, increase their motivation, and objectively demonstrate that they have English proficiency suitable for second-year high school students. .
