EIKEN Grade Pre-2 Plus

It is a newer EIKEN grade positioned between Grade 3 and Grade Pre-2. It suits learners who can already manage basic everyday English but find full Pre-2 material demanding, such as junior-high or early high-school students, or adults returning to study. It bridges the gap rather than replacing either neighbouring grade.

It follows the EIKEN pattern: a written paper covering reading, listening, and writing, plus a separate interview-style speaking test. Writing includes responding to an email or message and giving an opinion. Speaking involves reading a passage aloud, answering questions, describing an illustration, and giving an opinion. Confirm the exact section order for your administration on the official site.

The official body publishes the current section timing and question counts, and these can differ between computer-delivered and paper-based administrations. Check the official EIKEN site before you plan your pacing practice, and always rehearse with the timing of the specific test type you have booked.

Expect longer passages, less familiar vocabulary, and writing tasks that ask you to justify an opinion rather than just describe. It is a clear step up from Grade 3 but does not yet require the full range of Pre-2. If Grade 3 felt comfortable and Pre-2 practice feels overwhelming, this is the right level.

Retake rules and any restrictions on consecutive sittings are set by the official body and can change, so verify them on the official EIKEN site. In practice, most candidates simply rebook for a later administration. Treat a failed attempt as diagnostic: identify which sections fell short before scheduling the next one.

Start with vocabulary and core grammar, because weak word knowledge slows reading and listening at the same time. Then add timed reading and listening practice. Leave writing and speaking until you can produce accurate short sentences, then practise under time pressure and review your errors by category.

Two common causes: answering the email prompt without covering every point it asks about, and writing an opinion essay with no clear reasons or examples. Keep sentences short and accurate. A simple, well-organised answer scores better than an ambitious one with broken grammar or missing content points.

Record yourself reading passages aloud and answering questions, then listen back for hesitation and pronunciation problems. Practise describing illustrations in a fixed order, such as people, actions, then place. For the opinion question, prepare a habit of giving a view plus one reason and one example.

The official EIKEN website publishes the current fee, scoring and pass criteria, and administration schedule. Because this grade is new, details may be updated, so rely on the official source rather than older guides or forum posts. Check it again shortly before you register.