JAST (Japanese Speaking Test) is a test that measures and identifies the oral Japanese proficiency of Japanese language learners whose native language is not Japanese. The birth of JAST has greatly improved the current situation where traditional written exams can only evaluate listening and reading abilities in writing, and cannot assess candidates' speaking and communication abilities. The exam was first implemented in Shanghai in 2010, during which it underwent continuous research and development, improvement, and upgrading. The world's first introduction of AI algorithm in exams to neutralize the impact of human factors on exam results has achieved significant results. By 2022, the number of exam takers has exceeded 10000 annually. It has been recognized by many companies, including Fortune 500 companies, and has become the standard for their internal language level assessment. It has also been adopted by many Japanese universities as one of the admission criteria for international students. In 2022, JAST was recognized as the standard for language evaluation groups in Shanghai.
JAST solves the problem of Japanese as a minor language, where learners are scattered and examiners find it difficult to arrange in the form of one-on-one online exams.
The JAST exam standards cover the entire Japanese language learning community, including business, studying abroad, and daily life.
JAST has a high frequency of exams, holds more than 12 unified exams a year, and accepts individual group appointments for specialized exams. The results will be known within one week after the exam.
Scoring is conducted through a combination of manual and AI methods. AI analyzes exam conversations and difficulty levels through speech recognition and natural language processing techniques, while also evaluating the state of examiners and candidates based on psychological indicators. Make the exam results more accurate and fair.
Within one week after the end of the JAST exam, the exam results can be queried, and a "transcript" will be sent to all candidates within three weeks of the exam day. The transcript not only includes comprehensive evaluations, but also detailed records of scores and evaluations for each project, allowing candidates to have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, a "certificate of competency" will be issued to those who pass the exam.
The use of blockchain technology in JAST exam data storage and electronic certificate issuance ensures data security and transparency of exam results.
JAST is divided into 5 levels. From easy to difficult, they are "J4 level", "J3 level", "J2 level", "J1 level", and "J1+level".
| J4 |
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| J3 |
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| J2 |
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| J1 |
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| J1+ |
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The speaking speed should be between 100-150 words per minute. The sound should be moderate and pauses should be avoided as much as possible. If there are two silences of more than 10 seconds, this item will not be scored. Avoid single sentences that are too long and difficult to find the key points.
Avoid using the same words repeatedly (excluding inherent nouns and keywords). The use of inappropriate and unnatural words in a speech will result in points being deducted. Attention should be paid to etiquette issues. Words such as' an 'and' a 'that are unrelated to the speech content will be penalized.
The omission of auxiliary words, improper use of auxiliary words, confusion of verbs in automatic words, and errors in tense will result in points being deducted. Due to continuity errors, incorrect use of sentence structures, and missing necessary words, sentences that are difficult to understand will be penalized. Other grammar errors will also be penalized.
Pay attention to the pronunciation of the original sound and the intonation and tone of the speech. The pronunciation should be clear and loud, and the pronunciations of pronunciations and long sounds should also be within the assessment scope.
Understand the examiner's questions and use accurate grammar to answer them. Points will be deducted for those who are unable to answer questions, have a biased answer, have grammar errors in their answers, use only words in their answers, have impolite answers, or have previously given speeches that are too simple for the examiner to ask questions.
The speech content needs to be logical, with clear paragraph structure, specific examples, and personal opinions and conclusions. The content of the speech needs to be closely related to the topic, and speeches that are seriously off topic will not receive a score.
Speech duration less than 1 minute and 30 seconds will not be scored. If the speech duration is less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds, points will be deducted
