Eiken exams revised for 2024

Wondering how many other teachers have caught notice of this news from a few days ago.

Basically some of the times will be extended to accommodate the newer writing sections. Pretty much entirely revised, no more firstly, secondly. Instead, students will mainly need to summarize a text, or reply to an email (grade 3/pre-2).
Eiken 3 reading is going from 50 minutes to 65.

Details on their website, scroll down: https://www.eiken.or.jp/

What do you think of these new changes?

9 comments
  1. I think its going to make the EIKEN prep business boom hard for the rest of this year as everyone panics trying to pass the easy version of the test

    I also think it makes the EIKEN a little bit less of a joke

  2. So closer to TOEIC or GTEC.

    While this is a good step, I wonder if anyone who implemented this has ever tried to get Japanese students to summarize anything.

  3. For a long time, I’ve hated the EIKEN reliance on very simple, hackable patterns. The “firstly, secondly” thing is an example, that frankly I’m tired of hearing students use in conversation. The interview tests get pretty formulaic too. The Cambridge Assessment system is a lot more organic and natural than EIKEN’s.

    So I’m happy for this change.

  4. I think these changes are good. I have two reasons. First, it is good for students. Second, it is interesting.

  5. Didn’t there used to be an email task at… some point in the past? I have a vague memory.

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