The Test « HEC – The Hokkaido English Challenge

The Test

The Hokkaido English Challenge is based on a twenty-minute test, administered by the entrant’s Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and captured on video. The tapes are then sent to various judges for evaluation. Success relies not only on the student’s enthusiasm, but also on the ALTs dedication to building his or her students’ English abilities. Students involved often exhibit a noticeable improvement in oral and listening skills as a result of the Challenge, and ALTs regularly laud it as one of the most rewarding experiences of the JET Program.

The test itself is based on the current school year’s grammar and vocabulary syllabus, as determined by the Ministry of Education. It is conducted in March and last about twenty minutes. The student’s ALT administers the test, in front of a video camera, with the presence of of a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) or other Japanese faculty member. Once recording is complete, the videotape is sent to Regional Judges who determine which students go to the final round. Head Judges then review the finalists’ submissions and rank the top-scoring students. Results are generally announced in May or early June.

Test preparation is solely the discretion of the ALT and student. Preparation can last for months or weeks, and range from daily one-on-one tutoring to occasional group conversation practice during lunch break.

If you’re interested in entering students in the Hokkaido English Challenge, attending camp, or even just asking a few questions, please join our Google Group.