"I'm too busy with club activities to find study time, but I want to pass Eiken Grade 2 by the summer of my second year of high school."
"English isn't my strong suit, but I'm willing to try if it gives me an advantage in university entrance exams."
For high school students facing these challenges: Passing Eiken Grade 2 is entirely possible with just three months of preparation.
Eiken Grade 2 is benchmarked at a high school graduate level (CEFR B1) and may seem daunting, but with the right strategy and "templates," it's an exam that even students who struggle with English can pass.
Furthermore, for the 2025 admissions cycle, many universities, including those in the NITTO KOMASEN, MARCH, and KAN-KAN-DO-RITSU groups, are expanding preferential treatment for Eiken Grade 2 holders, such as "score conversion (where the Eiken score is treated as a full or high score on the university's exam)" and "application eligibility."
This article provides a complete guide, covering the latest university admission advantages, strategies for the new 2024 summary writing task, and a "3-Month Success Roadmap" that even students with busy club schedules can follow.
1. Why Eiken Grade 2 Now? The Overwhelming Advantages for University Admissions
In short, Eiken Grade 2 is one of the most cost-effective qualifications you can earn for university entrance exams. The number of cases where simply holding this qualification can exempt you from the actual English exam or have your score converted to full marks is rapidly increasing.
The 3 Main Types of University Admission Advantages
Type of Advantage | Description | Benefit |
① Application Eligibility | Requires Eiken Grade 2 or higher to apply. | Gives you an edge over competitors who don't have it (you can apply to schools they can't). |
② Score Conversion | Your Eiken score is converted to a score on the university's English exam, such as "80 points" or "full marks." | Allows you to allocate study time to other subjects. Eliminates the risk of a poor performance on exam day. |
③ Bonus Points | Adds +10 to +20 points to your total score during the final admission decision. | Can be the deciding factor for borderline applicants. |
[Latest for 2025] Examples of Universities Where Eiken Grade 2 is Advantageous
Preferential treatment is common at universities in the NITTO KOMASEN, MARCH, and KAN-KAN-DO-RITSU groups. Here are some examples:
- Meiji University (All-Faculty Unified Entrance Exam): With Eiken Grade 2 + a CSE score of 2088 or higher, your English exam score is converted to 90% (or 80% for a score of 1980 or higher).
- Aoyama Gakuin University (Individual Faculty Exams): Eligible to apply with an Eiken Grade 2 equivalent (CSE 1700+). Receive +5 to +15 bonus points depending on your score.
- Kansai University (General Selection): With Eiken Grade 2 + a CSE score of 1950 or higher, your English exam is converted to a high score based on the university's own scale (often effectively treated as full marks).
- Nihon University (N-Method All-Faculty Unified Exam, etc.): Depending on the faculty, Eiken Grade 2 or higher may be an application requirement or eligible for score conversion.
Note: Universities are increasingly using the "CSE score (Eiken's Common Scale for English)" as their benchmark, not just a simple "pass." The key is to aim for a higher score (e.g., CSE 1980–2150), not just a borderline pass.
2. Tackling the 2024 Renewal: Mastering the New Writing Section
Starting in fiscal year 2024, the Eiken Grade 2 writing section has expanded from one question to two.
The new addition is a "Summary Writing" task.
How to Approach the New Summary Writing Task
- Format: Read an English passage (approx. 150 words) and summarize its content in 45–55 words of English.
- Key Point: Do not include your own opinion. Extract only the "author's main claim" and "key reasons," then paraphrase (reword) them in your summary.
Strategy Tip: Connect Ideas with Conjunctions
Read the passage paragraph by paragraph and jot down the main point of each. Simply connecting these points with conjunctions like However, Therefore, and Also will help you create a logical summary.
Look on the bright side!
The increased weight of the writing section can be seen as a "lifeline for those who struggle with reading comprehension." If you can score high on the writing section—where it's possible to aim for a perfect score by memorizing templates—your chances of passing will increase significantly.
3. The 3-Month Success Roadmap for Busy Students
This is a schedule designed to help you pass by studying for "1 hour on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends."
By using the S-CBT (a computer-based test offered every weekend), you can schedule your exam to avoid conflicts with club competitions or other activities.
Month 1: Building the Foundation - Fill Gaps in Vocabulary and Grammar
- Weekdays (during spare moments): Memorize 20 words per day from the "Deru-jun Passtan Eiken Grade 2" vocabulary book. Listening to the app's audio during your commute is an efficient way to learn.
【音声アプリ対応】英検2級 でる順パス単 5訂版 (旺文社英検書)
Month 2: Turn Writing into a Strength - Master the "Ultimate Template"
During this period, focus on internalizing the "templates" for both the new summary task and the traditional opinion essay.
Using the template below, you can write a passing essay on any topic.
Eiken Grade 2 Opinion Essay Template (with English explanations)
1. Introduction
I agree with the idea that [statement of the topic] for two main reasons.
(I agree with the idea that... There are two main reasons.)
2. Reason 1
First, [your first reason]. For example, [a specific example].
(Firstly, ... For example, ...)
3. Reason 2
Second, [your second reason]. For instance, [a specific example].
(Secondly, ... For instance, ...)
4. Conclusion
Therefore, I believe that [restate your position on the topic].
(Therefore, I believe that...)
Practice applying this template repeatedly by plugging in vocabulary related to common themes like "environmental issues" or "technology."
Month 3: Practical Application - Past Papers and S-CBT Practice
Weekends: Solve past papers under timed conditions (85 minutes for Reading & Writing + 25 minutes for Listening). Pay special attention to getting used to the time allocation for the new format.
Interview Practice: Don't wait for the results of the first stage. Start practicing mock interviews with an online English tutor or a teacher at your school.
4. Scoring Points in the Stage 2 (Interview) with "Attitude"
The pass rate for the second stage is over 80%, but a common trait among those who fail is "remaining silent."
The interview includes a scoring criterion called "Attitude" (worth 3 points), which can sometimes be the deciding factor between passing and failing.
3 Rules to Avoid Losing Points
- Don't stay silent: If you couldn't hear the question, immediately ask, "Pardon?" or "Could you say that again?" You won't lose points for this.
- Make eye contact: Even if your English is not perfect, showing that you are trying your best to communicate by looking the interviewer in the eye will earn you points.
- Use greetings: Greet the interviewer cheerfully, from "May I come in?" when you enter to "Thank you!" when you leave.
5. Conclusion: Get Your Certificate by the Summer of Your Second High School Year
Eiken Grade 2 is a qualification that is definitely within reach for any high school student, even those who find English challenging, as long as they prepare correctly.
The benefits for university admissions are immense. Your hard work over the next three months can make your entrance exam season next year surprisingly easier.
Start by booking your test date with the "S-CBT" to give yourself a deadline and a clear goal!
Information on Eiken Grade 2 Prep Courses for High School Students
"I can't get my writing corrected if I study alone." "I don't have anyone to practice the interview with."
If this sounds like you, why not consider an intensive short-term course taught by Eiken preparation professionals?
- New Format Ready: One-on-one coaching on the summary writing task
- Writing Correction: Learn "useful expressions" tailored to your English level
- Native Instructors: Our staff includes former Eiken examiners
