TOKYO, Feb 20 (News On Japan) –
With greater than 4.4 million candidates annually, the Eiken English proficiency take a look at is one among Japan’s largest language examinations, however controversy has emerged after some test-takers obtained zero factors on a abstract query, prompting confusion and concern.
The Practical English Proficiency Test, broadly generally known as Eiken, drew over 4.4 million candidates in fiscal 2024 throughout a broad vary of age teams. However, posts circulating on social media have raised doubts about grading in a single part of the examination.
One consumer wrote, “Zero points for the summary. That’s simply unbelievable.” Another commented, “My student also got zero.”
The reactions heart on the first-stage examination for Grade 1, whose outcomes have been introduced on Monday this week, with specific consideration targeted on the scoring of the abstract query.
The abstract part requires examinees to learn an English passage and condense its key factors right into a written response. It is included in ranges from Pre-2 Plus by means of Grade 1.
Ichinose Yasushi, a full-time teacher at Toful Seminar, stated he was shocked to search out that solely the abstract part had been marked as zero.
“I have taken many different exams, but this is honestly the first time I’ve ever received zero points,” Ichinose stated. “I felt it might have been a bit too strict.”
The query paper instructed test-takers: “Summarize in 90 to 110 words.”
According to the Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association, which administers Eiken, till fiscal 2024 the phrase rely for responses had been offered as a tenet. From this fiscal 12 months, nonetheless, the permitted phrase vary has been clearly specified. As a consequence, responses that didn’t fall throughout the designated phrase rely could have been awarded zero factors. Ichinose acknowledged that this might have been the case for him as nicely.
Experts have additionally voiced issues.
Mizumoto Atsushi, a professor within the Faculty of Foreign Language Studies at Kansai University, questioned the method. “Whether matching the specified word count truly measures English proficiency is debatable,” Mizumoto stated. “From the perspective of test validity, there are considerable issues.”
Public opinion, nonetheless, stays divided.
One individual stated, “If it’s written in the question, it’s probably normal for test-takers to follow it.” Another commented, “If the grading standards changed, I wish they had clearly announced that.”
Eiken’s position has expanded in recent times, with some universities granting full marks in English entrance examinations to candidates who maintain sure Eiken grades, whereas others substitute Eiken outcomes for their very own English exams. As a consequence, the take a look at more and more carries implications that immediately have an effect on college admissions outcomes.
In response to inquiries from JNN, the Japan English Language Proficiency Test Association said, “Eiken is increasingly utilized in university and high school entrance examinations, and its evaluations have taken on a public character that directly affects pass or fail decisions.”
The affiliation added that it conducts “strict and objective evaluations.”
Source: TBS