How to Succeed in English Class
Read, read, and read some more., Read what other people, particularly literary critics, are saying about the books you've been reading., Share your opinions., Be specific., Compare the situations you read about in books to situations in real life...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: and read some more.
Always have a book in your hand, and read it during every spare moment: between classes, while you're on line for food, as you eat, on the bus, etc.
Read some of the English classics and, if you're feeling ambitious, read poetry (especially Shakespeare). -
Step 2: Read what other people
Compare their views, and decide where you stand. , When people, whether it's a teacher or a peer, ask you about a book that you're reading, explain whether you like the book or not, and why. , Instead of saying "Yeah, it's awesome," say something like "I like the way the author creates characters that seem to be polar opposites of each other..."
What statement is the author making about society? Was he or she describing society at the time the book was written? If so, does the description still apply, and to what extent? , If you're reading and you come across a piece of text that strikes you in some way, or that really epitomizes the message of the book, mark the text with a temporary stick-on tab.
Colored ones like the ‘Post-it’ tape flags that are easily removed.
Don’t draw or underline directly in the book.
A teacher who sees the colored tabs sticking out of an assigned book will know you are really working on the text.
You can also copy the text onto an index card or in a notebook, along with any reactions, insights, or questions you may have. , Don't dominate the discussion; try to get other students to participate.
Share your opinion when you feel it adds to the discussion
- don't raise your hand just to mention tiny little facts.
The best way to participate is to (1) share your opinion, (2) explain why you feel this way, and (3) pose a related question. , Read them out loud to yourself to make sure that the text flows smoothly and evenly.
Copy-edit your work
- poor spelling and grammar are inexcusable for top English students. , Sure, if your essay is long it can take time but at least you know that it's correct! , then don't be afraid to ask WHY they've been marking it stricter than they mark the others'.
Or just appreciate it, since it shows that they see you as a cut above the others and are expecting a higher standard from you. , For instance, if you have to write a paper about nature, go right ahead and write about how you don't like it, or make the essay on the top ten things in nature that annoy you. , Read it to your friends, family or even your dog.
Don't rush:
Take a good pause after each period (called a 'full stop' in the UK).
Mark any parts you find difficult to read out loud, and when finished, go back and simplify that text.
Often the easy way to simplify your writing is to break it up into shorter sentences. , Get them to give you an honest appraisal.
The teacher may not have time to do more than scrawl a letter grade on your work, but your classmate can talk with you in depth about your writing and the points you are making. -
Step 3: particularly literary critics
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Step 4: are saying about the books you've been reading.
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Step 5: Share your opinions.
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Step 6: Be specific.
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Step 7: Compare the situations you read about in books to situations in real life.
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Step 8: Take notes.
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Step 9: Participate in class.
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Step 10: Write your own literary criticism essays
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Step 11: whether it's for class or during your own time.
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Step 12: Once you finish writing your essay (or whatever) just to check the spelling
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Step 13: turn on your computer and type it out on MS Word
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Step 14: to check the spellings and grammar.
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Step 15: If your teacher marks your work strictly (e.g: maybe a short story?)
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Step 16: When you're writing
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Step 17: feel free to take a different perspective from the main topic
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Step 18: just make sure it all still makes sense.
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Step 19: Read your assigned essays or writing out loud.
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Step 20: Trade written work with your friends in the class.
Detailed Guide
Always have a book in your hand, and read it during every spare moment: between classes, while you're on line for food, as you eat, on the bus, etc.
Read some of the English classics and, if you're feeling ambitious, read poetry (especially Shakespeare).
Compare their views, and decide where you stand. , When people, whether it's a teacher or a peer, ask you about a book that you're reading, explain whether you like the book or not, and why. , Instead of saying "Yeah, it's awesome," say something like "I like the way the author creates characters that seem to be polar opposites of each other..."
What statement is the author making about society? Was he or she describing society at the time the book was written? If so, does the description still apply, and to what extent? , If you're reading and you come across a piece of text that strikes you in some way, or that really epitomizes the message of the book, mark the text with a temporary stick-on tab.
Colored ones like the ‘Post-it’ tape flags that are easily removed.
Don’t draw or underline directly in the book.
A teacher who sees the colored tabs sticking out of an assigned book will know you are really working on the text.
You can also copy the text onto an index card or in a notebook, along with any reactions, insights, or questions you may have. , Don't dominate the discussion; try to get other students to participate.
Share your opinion when you feel it adds to the discussion
- don't raise your hand just to mention tiny little facts.
The best way to participate is to (1) share your opinion, (2) explain why you feel this way, and (3) pose a related question. , Read them out loud to yourself to make sure that the text flows smoothly and evenly.
Copy-edit your work
- poor spelling and grammar are inexcusable for top English students. , Sure, if your essay is long it can take time but at least you know that it's correct! , then don't be afraid to ask WHY they've been marking it stricter than they mark the others'.
Or just appreciate it, since it shows that they see you as a cut above the others and are expecting a higher standard from you. , For instance, if you have to write a paper about nature, go right ahead and write about how you don't like it, or make the essay on the top ten things in nature that annoy you. , Read it to your friends, family or even your dog.
Don't rush:
Take a good pause after each period (called a 'full stop' in the UK).
Mark any parts you find difficult to read out loud, and when finished, go back and simplify that text.
Often the easy way to simplify your writing is to break it up into shorter sentences. , Get them to give you an honest appraisal.
The teacher may not have time to do more than scrawl a letter grade on your work, but your classmate can talk with you in depth about your writing and the points you are making.
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Heather Long
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