The mock exam at Aomine Cram School in early May, to be specific, was a two-day continuous exam at the Academy during Golden Week.
Aki Tomoya's mock exam was slightly more complex than those for others at the Academy targeting private Universities, because the goal of his exam preparation was a National University Corporation, so he had to summarize seven subjects.
If he were to summarize his efforts in April, Aki Tomoya would have to describe them as not bad, but not good either.
"This assessment in Math A, Math B, Science ①, and Science ② covers what Aki-kun reviewed last month. These can move on to the next stage, and the study plan for May can be slightly changed. We need to strengthen the humanities subjects, because I found that Aki-kun still has quite a few issues with classical Japanese in terms of Japanese language. We can't waste too much time on this and let it hold you back."
At 10 AM on May 5th, before entering the review phase, Mr. Tsubota called Aki Tomoya regarding the previous mock exam.
"In terms of Japanese history, regarding what we reviewed before, although there has been considerable improvement in the Nara period and Heian period, there are still issues. Whether it's classical Japanese reading or modern Japanese reading, the historical background is actually a very good reference. The 'Komachi Collection' I recommended to you last time, Ono no Komachi, was a female poet from the early Heian period."
Japanese language had always been Aki Tomoya's weak point, which Mr. Tsubota could understand, as he knew Aki Tomoya's grades were average before his second year of high school.
However, what also surprised Mr. Tsubota was that Aki Tomoya had a good foundation in math and science. He gave Mr. Tsubota the feeling that he wasn't just studying, but also searching for things he had forgotten in the past. This was an interesting point that Mr. Tsubota felt during his interactions with Aki Tomoya.
"Actually, reading more classical texts is also beneficial for understanding the historical background of that time. Classical text reading and history can be mutually related."
Mr. Tsubota didn't mention the issues regarding math, science, and English too much. For Aki Tomoya, what he needed for those subjects was to do more problems and encounter more types of questions.
Strengths could be further strengthened, but weaknesses could not be ignored. Mr. Tsubota felt it was necessary to constantly remind Aki Tomoya that his goal was a National University Corporation, not a private University!
"Lastly, geography and social studies. This is truly a qualitative leap! Compared to when you first came, you've really made great progress!"
Mr. Tsubota pushed up his glasses. Having said this, the serious look he had before was gone from his face, and his eyes were full of satisfaction.
After all, this was his student. Seeing a student grow is truly a very satisfying thing for a Teacher.
Supervision and encouragement are indispensable things for a student preparing for exams.
Compared to other students who were "abandoned" and not favored, Mr. Tsubota also didn't want to give Aki Tomoya too much confidence.
Sufficient confidence is necessary, but too much confidence can create pressure for oneself.
There were also people who usually scored well, shone brightly in the National Examination, and then failed the school's internal exam.
With a calm mindset, Mr. Tsubota sincerely hoped he could balance the "bowl of water" in Aki Tomoya's heart.
"Thank you, Tsubota-sensei."
Aki Tomoya smiled slightly, sincerely thanking Mr. Tsubota for his advice.
He licked his lips, engraving the other party's words into his heart.
Japanese language, Japanese history...
Actually, if Tsubota-sensei were a little more ruthless, he could have said more about his small essays.
Regarding writing, he wrote every day, but whether he was making progress, whether he should pause for a bit, Aki Tomoya himself was actually a bit lost.
Because when you can't see progress, you always feel like you've reached your limit.
Ever since Mr. Tsubota said last time that his writing had hit a bit of a bottleneck, Aki Tomoya had actually been quite concerned about this matter.
He had met such a good Teacher, so wasn't it too heartless to hold himself back now?
"Right, small essays, small essays!"
Suddenly, Mr. Tsubota shouted out a little loudly.
"I need to apologize to Aki-kun about this. You've been referencing classical Japanese literature recently, right? Using something you're not familiar with as a reference is indeed holding you back a bit!"
Mr. Tsubota said this, slapping his thigh, his expression looking somewhat annoyed.
He pulled out Aki Tomoya's latest article and pointed to a paragraph, saying, "There's no need to force yourself to reference things you're not familiar with. Use your strengths, leverage your advantages, and borrow from ancient Chinese texts to elaborate on concepts. Thinking from a different perspective also shows your breadth of vision!"
Mr. Tsubota thought of a very crucial point: people can misunderstand, especially when his students trust him. His words would have a significant impact on Aki Tomoya.
"I didn't make it clear last time. Actually, when mentioning classical texts, I also hoped that Aki-kun would understand the historical background of that time when referencing them, which would help you with Japanese history. It was indeed my negligence not to explain it clearly from beginning to end like that last time, sorry!"
Mr. Tsubota gave a dry laugh and pointed out the reason why Aki Tomoya was having trouble with his writing.
Hearing what he said, Aki Tomoya suddenly understood and then bowed, saying, "No, no, it's nothing. I was also forcing myself a bit too much!"
"No, no, it's my fault!"
Leaving aside who was actually wrong, such politeness was simply a waste of time.
To be honest, Aki Tomoya really disliked this kind of endless superficial politeness in Japan, but now, he felt that this politeness between him and Mr. Tsubota at this moment was not hypocritical, but rather a form of mutual trust.
"Stop for a moment, otherwise this will go on endlessly. In short, history and classical text reading can be connected, but in terms of essay writing, when you are explaining your point of view, Aki-kun, you can freely use the methods you are good at. Don't be overly influenced by external factors. What you need is not imitation, but improvement! If your writing turns out like trying to draw a tiger but ending up with a dog, I really don't know how I would apologize!"
Mr. Tsubota, as the Teacher, interrupted this politeness first and then said solemnly.
"Moreover, writing is something that accumulates over time. Compared to others, Aki-kun doesn't need to rush. Read and write more in the remaining time, and Aki-kun will definitely be able to write excellent essays!"
Finally, Mr. Tsubota adopted a slightly more relaxed tone.
In early May, the Golden Week mock exam, the summary is as above.
And in Mr. Tsubota's final evaluation of himself in April, he warned himself thusly—
"Time waits for no one, please take care!"
It wasn't just the students at the Academy who were fighting against time; he couldn't stop either. While providing them with help, his own learning was also continuing.
As a Teacher, not being aware of one's shortcomings is also a very dangerous thing. In short, it harms oneself and others!
📖 Enjoying the story? By joining my Patreon, you'll gain early access to new chapters and exclusive content available only to supporters.
🌐 Find me here: pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ
I, Tomoya Aki, Will Not Be a Simp (45 Chapter)
Genshin Impact: Summoning Furina and the Genshin Gang to Reality (33 Chapter)
Honkai Impact 3rd: Stranded in Another World, Surrounded by Valkyries (33 Chapter)
Demon Slayer: I Refused the Path of Betrayal and Chose to Rewrite Fate (66 Chapter)
I Only Wanted to Fix Machines, Not Help Conan Solve Murders (63 Chapter)
One Piece: I Brought Piltover's Tech to the Pirate Era (75 Chapter)
From Diablo to Marvel: The Barbarian Who Crushes All Heroes (96 Chapter)
Resident Evil: Ethan's Epilogue Is a Road Trip With a Dead Girl (65 Chapter)
Date A Live: Kurumi Rebuild (65 Chapter)
Harry Potter: The Lion of the Serpent House (76 Chapter)
I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! (145 Chapter)
The Irregular at Magic High School: Everyone Loves My Brother?! (130 Chapter)
Runeterra: Prince of Demacia (17 Chapter)
Love is War: What If Kaguya Ha (10 Chapter)
Blue Archive: One Last Memory (36 Chapter)
If there's a particular novel you're enjoying on Patron, please give it a 'like' so I know to focus on it.