Studying Abroad

Aiming for a short-term study abroad in your second year of junior high is really admirable. The best way is to start by memorizing vocabulary and solving past papers many times. I'm rooting for you!

It's amazing that you're aiming for the Eiken Grade 2 at such a young age (middle school)! My recommendation is to start with past exams. There are common words and question patterns that frequently appear. Also, for Grade 2, it would be good to practice writing sentences in English. You don't need to force difficult words; just use the ones you know. How about trying to write something in English every day, even if it's just simple sentences? Going abroad at a young age can really broaden your perspective. Good luck!

The Eiken Grade 2 is equivalent to high school graduation level and is sufficient for university entrance exams. Your parents are saying something quite harsh. First, to gauge your current English proficiency, try solving some Grade 5 Eiken problems. Past papers and answers are available for free on the Eiken website. If you have a printer at home, you can print them out. If you can solve Grade 5 problems smoothly, move on to Grade 4. The level where you encounter problems you don't know is where you should start your Eiken studies. Eiken textbooks and vocabulary/idiom books are sold by grade, so first, get them from a bookstore or a used bookstore. Basics of English study: Learn grammar using textbooks and reference books. Practice with workbooks. Memorize vocabulary/idiom books by writing them down and practicing every day until you know them. Unless you have a photographic memory, you need to write, write, and write every day. Reading aloud ← Extremely important After finishing Grade 4, you'll study in the order of Grade 3 → Grade Pre-2 → Grade 2. If you can't understand the material through self-study, consider an English cram school. This is a rough outline of the process. I understand what your parents are trying to say, but Grade 2 is quite a hurdle...