Tokyo, Jan. 15 (Jiji Press)–A new Japanese education ministry panel started talks on the country’s unified university entrance examination system Wednesday, after the government late last year suspended plans to introduce private-sector English tests and open-ended questions.

The 18-member panel, chaired by former Tokyo Institute of Technology President Yoshinao Mishima, is expected to draw conclusions by the end of 2020, as the government aims to introduce new English tests in fiscal 2024. No target has been set for introducing open-ended questions.

The panel will consider ways to assess English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, design open-ended questions and guarantee equal opportunities for test takers irrespective of their economic backgrounds or other factors.

At the first meeting Wednesday, one member stressed the importance of guaranteeing equal educational opportunities while reforming the university entrance examination system.

Another member pointed to a need to review thoroughly the government’s decision to suspend the adoption of private-sector English tests and open-ended questions, which confused students and others concerned.