Here are 5 Eiken-style proficiency test essay questions for you to practice with. There’s a range of difficulty from level pre-2 to level 1.
If you haven’t written essays before, take your time. Don’t try to write your first essay under exam conditions. Stop and think about the topic. Make some notes on a spare piece of paper before you start to write.
- What are the key words in the question?
- Look at the topic points. What ideas do they suggest?
- Have you thought about this topic before, or heard people discussing it?
- When you read the question, what’s your first reaction to it?
If you need some help, check out the post – Proficiency test essay: What you need to know to ace it.
When writing, keep these points in mind:
- Make your first sentence a statement, don’t phrase it as an answer.
- Include language from the essay question. It’s an easy way to create your topic sentence.
- Use positive phrasing – I think/I believe – rather than negative phrasing – I don’t think…
Positive phrasing is stronger and clearer. It shows you have a firm opinion. - Make sure to link your ideas. This helps keep them focused and clear.
Proficiency test essay questions
Number 1:
What, in your opinion, are the benefits of volunteerism?
- community
- economically
- politically
Number 2:
Is nationalism a boon or a bane?
- identity
- rivalry
- community
Number 3:
Many people have forecast that the future of education is online and that AI will replace teachers.
Do you think this is likely? What would be the benefits or drawbacks of this change?
- personalised tutoring
- socialisation
- education oversight
Number 4:
Are crewed space programs worthwhile? Why/Why not?
Could money used for space exploration be put to better use on Earth?
- new technology
- scientific discoveries
- climate change
- education
Number 5:
Online shopping has become the norm. What do you see as being the benefits or drawbacks of this?
- accessibility
- price
- community
- small businesses
