Quỳnh Chi – 7.0 IELTS: From a Japanese major student to a warrior chasing a dual dream

Starting from 4.0 with a hesitant belief

When Quỳnh Chi came to Minimal English, she was a grade 11 student specializing in Japanese. At that time, English was just a minor subject – something "outside her major" – and her entry IELTS score was 4.0.

“Back then, I didn’t believe I could learn English well enough to take IELTS. I thought I was better suited to Japanese... But deep inside, I still had a desire: I wanted to go further. And if I could use both Japanese and English, many doors would open.”

Chi didn’t have a strong foundation. She wasn’t quick in English reflexes. But she had something even more important: unusual persistence.

Not fast, but never stopping

Throughout nearly a year of study, Quỳnh Chi didn’t have many moments of “shining” — but she always completed assignments, submitted all essays, and quietly trained each skill.

Speaking was slow at first, but she practiced reflexes through small group classes.
Writing often had structural mistakes, but after each correction, she noted and rewrote.
Reading was the skill that cost her the most points early on – but by reading carefully and practicing steadily, she gradually understood how to approach the test.

Sometimes her mid-term scores were still stuck at 5.0–5.5. At times, she thought 6.0 would be her limit.

But instead of giving up, she chose to believe in the path she took: thinking from the roots, learning by understanding, not cramming or memorizing blindly.

Results for those who don’t quit

At her official IELTS test, Chi scored 7.0 overall – a result that even surprised herself:

Listening: 7.5
Reading: 7.5
Writing: 6.0
Speaking: 6.0
👉 Overall: 7.0 IELTS

More than a number, what she gained was:

A strong enough English foundation to use flexibly.
Confidence in communication, writing, and expressing opinions.
And above all, the belief: “I can do it if I learn the right way.”

Currently, Quỳnh Chi continues to pursue Japanese studies to realize her dream of dual overseas education. She keeps in touch with Minimal English and studies English daily as a long-term habit.

“I used to think I wasn’t suited for English. But now, English has become part of the tools I carry in my life journey.”

Want a journey like this? This summer, Minimal English is ready to accompany you.

“Learn simply – achieve more.”