Eiken Grade Pre-2 Level: A Complete Guide for Students to Pass Quickly with Past Paper Strategies

"I passed Eiken Grade 3, but the Grade Pre-2 past papers look so difficult that I'm losing motivation."

"I want to get Grade Pre-2 by the end of 9th grade to help with my high school applications."

For those with such concerns, Eiken Grade Pre-2 is one of the most effective 'assets' for high school admissions.

However, the step up from Grade 3 (junior high school level) to Grade Pre-2 (intermediate high school level) involves a sudden increase in both 'vocabulary size' and 'abstractness of topics,' making it a common stumbling block for many students.

This article explains a study strategy to overcome this 'gap from Grade 3' and pass in the most efficient way.

It also covers how to tackle the new email writing task introduced in the 2024 academic year and the specific advantages the certification offers in high school entrance exams.

1. A Different World from Grade 3! The 'Grade Pre-2 Wall' Explained with Numbers

Why do so many middle school students struggle with Grade Pre-2?

The biggest reason is that the required vocabulary nearly doubles.

Eiken Grade 3 vs. Grade Pre-2 Level Comparison Chart

Quick Tip:

It's natural to not know the words. First, get a vocabulary book like 'Deru-Jun Passtan' and start by learning '20 new words a day'.

Overcoming this hurdle will make your English classes in high school surprisingly easier.

2. Practical Benefits for High School Admissions: How Grade Pre-2 Boosts Your Academic Profile

"Is it really worth the effort to get Grade Pre-2?"

The answer is YES. For high school entrance exams in Japan, Grade Pre-2 is a powerful asset.

Preferential Treatment in Public and Private School Entrance Exams (Examples for the 2025 Academic Year)

• Osaka Prefectural Public High School Entrance Exams:

  Holding an Eiken Grade Pre-2 certificate guarantees your English exam score will be treated as 80% (72 out of 90 points). This provides a huge sense of security, ensuring a minimum score even if you don't perform well on the test day.

• Preferential Treatment for Private School Applications in Tokyo and Kanagawa:

  Many private high schools will add '+1 to +2 points' to your school report card scores (naishinten). This can often make it possible to apply for a more advanced course that was previously out of reach due to your grades.

※Preferential measures vary by prefecture and school. Always check the application guidelines for your target schools.

3. New for 2024! Conquering the New 'Email' Writing Task

Starting in the 2024 academic year, an 'Email Question' has been added to the Grade Pre-2 writing section.

It is now a two-part section, along with the traditional 'opinion essay,' requiring specific preparation.

How to Tackle the New Format: Email Writing

• Task: Read an email from a friend or similar contact and write a reply (40–50 words).
• Key Point: The topics are centered on everyday interactions, such as 'declining an invitation' or 'asking for details'.

A Foolproof Template Even Middle Schoolers Can Use!

Even students who are not used to free-form writing can get a passing score using the following template.

1. Greeting

Hi [Name], Thanks for your email.

(Hi [Name], thanks for your email.)

2. Body

I'd love to go, but I can't because I have homework.

(I'd love to go, but I can't because I have homework.)

Could you tell me what time we should meet?

(Could you tell me what time we should meet?)

3. Closing

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Teaching this structure and explaining that 'you only need to change the middle part' makes the task much less intimidating.

4. The 'Past Paper Cycle' for Students to Pass in the Shortest Time

For busy middle school students juggling club activities and cram school, an efficient study method is essential.

Sample 1-Week Study Schedule (30-Minute Weekday Plan)

Key Point:

If you try to solve past papers with a timer right away, you'll get discouraged by the difficulty. The key to staying motivated is to start with a rule that 'it's OK to use a dictionary' so you can experience the satisfaction of solving the problems.

5. Success Story: How Student 'A' Passed in 3 Months After Retiring from His Club

Student A (9th Grade, Soccer Club)

He started studying in October after retiring from his club. He began from a state of 'knowing almost no vocabulary' but made it a habit to listen to a vocabulary app on the bus to school every day.

He had his writing corrected by his cram school teacher and memorized the template.

As a result, he successfully passed the January exam, received bonus points on his school report, and was accepted into his first-choice public high school.

Grade Pre-2 is an exam you can pass not with 'talent,' but with 'strategy and consistency.'

6. Conclusion: Looking Beyond High School Entrance Exams

Studying for Eiken Grade Pre-2 is about more than just getting a certificate.

The 'intermediate high school level' English proficiency you gain will smooth your transition into high school studies and give you a significant head start for university entrance exams.

Why not take the first step together, starting with just 'buying one vocabulary book'?

Information on Our Eiken Preparation Course

At ELT, we offer an 'online from home' Eiken preparation course designed for busy middle school students.

• Hybrid Instruction: Bilingual Japanese instructors explain grammar clearly, while native English-speaking instructors provide practical guidance for writing and the interview.
• Schedule Management: We create a 'backward-planning curriculum' tailored to your club activity schedule.
• High School Admissions Support: We provide comprehensive guidance for your academic path, including strategies for improving your school report scores.