NAGOYA, June 12 (News On Japan) – A remarkable primary school student has achieved an astonishing score of 985 on the TOEIC, the globally recognized test of English proficiency. This success is the result of a unique study method developed by a mother-daughter duo.
Currently living in Nagoya, 11-year-old sixth grader Uchida returns home from school to enjoy her favorite snack: cream candies. To a casual observer she seems like an ordinary girl, but Uchida has an extraordinary talent: her exceptional English language skills.
Uchida’s impressive scores on the TOEIC, a test designed to measure English skills, began when she was in fourth grade. Last year she scored 985 out of a total of 990 points and the year before she scored 970 points. Her outstanding performances earned her recognition as one of the top scorers for two consecutive years, a rare achievement for someone her age. Additionally, she passed the Grade 1 Eiken exam, known for its 10% pass rate at the university level, when she was only in third grade.
Despite having no experience living or studying abroad, Uchida has developed a significant command of English. Her journey began at ten months old, when her parents enrolled her in English classes. This marked the beginning of her English education.
Uchida’s study method, developed together with her mother, involves making handmade English notebooks. This method began when she was preparing for the Grade 3 Oak exam at the age of five. Her mother picked out unfamiliar words and phrases and organized them into easy-to-understand notes, complete with illustrations. Over time, these notebooks grew into six volumes, totaling more than 450 pages.
The notebooks contain conversations written in English, often inspired by family interactions, making the learning process relatable and engaging. For example, one dialogue involves a conversation between Uchida’s parents about missing a train, with humorous contributions from Uchida himself. The lyrics are entirely in English, allowing Uchida to immerse himself in the language without having to rely on translations.
Uchida’s mother emphasizes the importance of making learning fun. She uses illustrations and engaging exercises to keep her daughter interested. The duo study together, creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. This joint effort extends to the preparation of the Eiken test, where Uchida’s mother acts out interview scenarios and assesses her daughter’s work.
Uchida and her mother’s dedication and creativity not only fostered a remarkable level of English proficiency but also cultivated a broader intellectual capacity. Uchida’s dream is to study animal brains at an American university, driven by the desire to contribute to society.
Source: TBS
