"I'm happy I passed the first stage, but I'm so nervous about the interview." "I'm embarrassed to speak English, and what if I freeze up and can't say anything?"
It's natural for anyone to be nervous about their first interview test. But don't worry. The Eiken interview isn't just a test of your English fluency. As long as you demonstrate a positive "attitude" and a willingness to communicate, you can make up for minor mistakes and aim for a passing score.
In this article, we'll provide a detailed breakdown of the procedure from entering to exiting the room, which is common to all levels, and explain how to earn points for 'Attitude,' a factor that significantly impacts your chances of passing. We've also included key strategies for each grade, from Grade 3 to Grade 1. By reading this and simulating the process, you should be able to face the test with confidence on the day.
1. What to Wear and Bring: The Basics You Might Not Know
The interview test begins the moment you enter the venue. Let's start by preparing your appearance and materials.
What Should You Wear (Attire)?
- Middle & High School Students: Your school uniform is the safest and most appropriate choice. It gives the interviewer the impression that you are a serious student.
- Elementary School Students & Adults: Casual clothes are fine, but a "clean and neat" appearance is important.
OK: Collared shirts, blouses, chinos, skirts (think business casual or smart attire).
NG: Ripped jeans, shorts, sandals, T-shirts with loud designs, etc.
Essential Items Checklist
- Test Voucher (Don't forget to attach your photo!)
- Identification (Student ID, health insurance card, passport, etc.)
- Writing Utensils (HB black-lead pencil or mechanical pencil)
- Indoor Shoes & Shoe Bag (May be required depending on the venue. Check your test voucher!)
2. [All Levels] A Complete Simulation from Entering to Exiting
The flow of the interview is essentially the same for every grade. Simply memorizing this flowchart will cut your test-day anxiety in half.
Step 1: Entering the Room
When instructed by the staff, knock on the door.
- You: (Knock, knock)
- You: "May I come in?"
- Interviewer: "Please come in."
- You: "Hello." (Say it cheerfully!)
Step 2: Handing Over the "Interview Card"
After entering, hand your card to the interviewer.
- You: "Here you are."
- Interviewer: "Thank you. Please have a seat."
- You: "Thank you." (Take a seat)
Step 3: Check & Greeting
- Interviewer: "May I have your name, please?"
- You: "My name is [Yuki Tanaka]."
- Interviewer: "Mr. Tanaka, this is the Grade [Pre-2] test, OK?"
- You: "OK."
- Interviewer: "How are you today?"
- You: "I'm fine, thank you. And you?" (This part of the conversation is not graded, but be sure to answer with a smile!)
Step 4: The Test
You will receive the "Question Card" from the interviewer, and the test will begin. (※Test content for each grade is explained later)
Step 5: Leaving the Room
When the test is over, return the question card and exit the room.
- Interviewer: "That's all. May I have the card back, please?"
- You: "Here you are."
- Interviewer: "You may go now. Have a nice day."
- You: "Thank you. Have a nice day, too. Goodbye."
Important: The test isn't over until you've left and closed the door. Stay focused until the very end!
3. How to Earn 'Attitude' Points: The Deciding Factor
For Grades 3, Pre-2, and 2, there is a separate score for 'Attitude' (out of 3 points), in addition to your English ability. This score evaluates your "willingness to actively communicate."
Three Rules for a Perfect Score
- Speak Loudly (Voice): Speaking too quietly can make you seem unconfident and may lead to a lower score. Speak clearly and confidently, even if you make a mistake.
- Make Eye Contact: Looking down or staring at the card the whole time is not good. Look at the interviewer when you speak.
- Don't Stay Silent (No Silence): This is the biggest reason for losing points. If you're stuck on an answer, use filler words instead of remaining silent.
Magic Phrases to Avoid Silence!
- When you couldn't hear the question:
- "Pardon?"
- "Could you say that again?"
- ※You won't lose points for asking once in a natural way.
- When you need time to think:
- "Well..."
- "Let me see..."
- "That's a difficult question, but..."
4. [By Grade] Quick Strategy Guide
Strategies for Eiken Grades 3, Pre-2, and 2
The format for these three grades is similar.
- Reading the passage aloud: Start reading from the title. It's important to read slowly and clearly.
- Questions about the passage: The answer to Question No. 1 is in the passage. Look for keywords like "Why" or "How" to find the answer.
- Describing the illustration: Explain "what people are doing" or "what the situation is" using the present progressive tense (is ~ing).
- Expressing your own opinion: For Questions No. 4-5, you will answer with the card turned over. The key is not just to say "Yes/No" but to provide a reason ("Because...") when asked "Why?"
Strategies for Eiken Grades Pre-1 and 1
The difficulty increases significantly from this level.
- Narration (Grade Pre-1): You will explain the story of a 4-panel cartoon. Describe each panel by explaining "who, when, where, what they did, and what happened."
- Speech (Grade 1): You will choose one of five topics and give a 2-minute speech. Your ability to structure your speech with an introduction, body, and conclusion is tested.
- Q&A: You will be asked pointed questions on social issues. Your ability to clearly state your opinion (Agree/Disagree) and defend it logically is crucial.
5. Conclusion: Lack of Practice is the Source of Anxiety
The Eiken interview test is not something to be afraid of, as long as you understand the procedure and etiquette. Many people who fail the interview don't do so because of a lack of English ability, but because they get too nervous and are unable to say anything.
Conversely, if you just do a thorough simulation beforehand, your chances of passing will increase dramatically.
For Those Who Don't Have an Interview Practice Partner
"My school teachers seem too busy to ask," or "I practice alone but don't know if I'm doing it right." If this sounds like you, why not try a practice session with a professional Eiken instructor?
ELT's "Mock Interview Lessons" offer a complete simulation from entering to exiting the room. We provide objective feedback on your "Attitude" and response habits, and teach you useful phrases for the actual test.
