Speaker
Description
How much do the first 2,000 words matter for EIKEN success? This presentation explores the strong link between high-frequency vocabulary knowledge and EIKEN performance. A lexical analysis shows that most EIKEN test content relies on these core words. Data from Japanese university learners reveal a significant correlation between receptive vocabulary knowledge and EIKEN Pre-2 scores. Practical classroom implications and a ready-to-use diagnostic tool will also be introduced.
Abstract section 2: Contribution/research questions
This study addresses the following research questions:
(1) To what extent does receptive knowledge of the first 2,000 high-frequency words relate to performance on the EIKEN Pre-2 reading test?
(2) Can the Multifaceted Receptive Vocabulary Assessment Test (MRVAT) serve as a practical indicator of learners’ EIKEN performance?
By examining these questions, the study provides empirical evidence linking high-frequency vocabulary knowledge to standardized test outcomes.
Abstract section 1: Relevance
Research in second language acquisition consistently highlights the central role of high-frequency vocabulary in reading and listening comprehension. Studies on lexical coverage suggest that mastery of the most frequent 2,000 words is foundational for successful language use. However, the relationship between high-frequency vocabulary knowledge and performance on widely used proficiency tests such as EIKEN has received limited empirical attention. By examining this relationship, the present study contributes to vocabulary research and language assessment literature while offering practical implications for classroom-based diagnostic assessment and vocabulary-focused instruction in Japanese university EFL contexts.
Abstract section 3: Content/method
Participants were 28 L1 Japanese pre-intermediate university EFL learners who completed both the Multifaceted Receptive Vocabulary Assessment Test (MRVAT) and the EIKEN Pre-2 reading test. MRVAT measures receptive knowledge of high-frequency vocabulary at the 2,000-word level. Test scores were converted into percentages and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and EIKEN performance.
Abstract section 5: References
Author (2021). Research paper
Author (2022). Research paper
Author (2024). Research paper
Author (2024).Research paper
Author (2026). Research paper
JACET (2016). Basic Vocabulary for Japanese University Students New JACET8000.
Abstract section 4: Outcomes/results
The mean MRVAT score was 42.43% (SD = 12.79), while the mean EIKEN Pre-2 reading score was 56.04% (SD = 20.65). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between receptive vocabulary knowledge and EIKEN performance (r = .526, p = .004). These findings indicate a moderate association between knowledge of the first 2,000 high-frequency words and standardized test performance. The results provide empirical support for the role of high-frequency vocabulary in EIKEN outcomes and suggest that MRVAT may serve as a practical diagnostic indicator of learners’ test performance.
| Title | Can Vocabulary Knowledge Predict EIKEN Performance? |
|---|---|
| Teaching Context | General |