6 Ways To Pass English

Some instructors will provide students with a list of questions to help them stay focused as they read. You might ask your instructor about good questions to keep in mind as you read. You can also develop your own questions. For example, you might simply ask, what is the focus of this chapter?

For example, if you have to read 40 pages of a book by Friday, start reading on Monday and just read 10 pages per night. Don’t put off reading until Thursday night.

You can write key words in the margins, ask questions, or comment on something that just happened.

In your summary, don’t worry about including every little detail. Instead, try to provide a nice overview of the action. You also might want to include a paragraph where you discuss your ideas about the reading. For example, if something surprising happened in the chapter, you might talk about how you reacted to it and why. Summaries are also a good place to record information about symbols, themes, and characters. For example, you might note that the author uses nature symbolism to describe certain characters.

Don’t rely solely on reading SparkNotes or CliffsNotes. Reading only these guides will usually not give you enough information to be successful.

When you tell someone about the reading, try to summarize the main ideas and explain anything that might be difficult to understand if you have not read the book. Make sure that you explain the reading in your own words. Don’t just repeat parts of what you read word-for-word.

Freewriting. This is when you write as much as you can without stopping. Even if your mind is blank, you should write “My mind is blank,” until you get an idea to write about. After you finish writing, read over your freewrite and identify any important ideas that might be useful for your paper. Listing. This is when you create a list of all of everything you can think of that is relevant to the essay topic. When you have listed as much as you can, read over your list and identify any useful information. Clustering. This is when you use lines and circles to connect your ideas on a piece of paper. For example, you can begin by writing your topic at the center of the page and then draw lines coming from this idea. Keep drawing more lines and making connections until you are out of ideas. [3] X Research source

Search your library’s databases rather than just doing a basic internet search. You will be more likely to find quality sources by using your library’s database. Check with a librarian if you are not sure how to use your library’s databases.

Keep in mind that if you struggle with the drafting phase of the writing process, then you can always return to one of the previous phases and come back to the drafting phase when you feel ready. Remember to use your outline to guide you as you write.

You can always swap papers with a friend and provide feedback for each other. Just make sure that the friend is someone who you trust to provide good feedback. You might also consider asking your instructor or a writing center tutor to look over your paper for you and give you revision suggestions. Having a few days to revise is ideal, but if you can only spare a few hours then that is fine as well. All essays benefit from revision, so do not consider this as an optional step. Try to give yourself a break before you revise. Even taking a few hours away from the paper will allow you to return to it with fresh eyes.

This may be an opportunity to improve your grade and your writing abilities, and the worst they can say is “no. ”

You might also find it helpful to provide yourself with an example of how to use the word in a sentence. Keep the flashcards with you and study them whenever you have a few spare minutes. For example, you can study your flashcards while waiting in line or riding the bus.

Read as much as possible and choose books that are slightly challenging for you. Look up words that you do not understand when you are reading. Make sure to make a note of the word’s definition as well.

For example, you might try out a new word in a conversation with a friend or include a few of the new words that you have learned in an English essay. Keeping a journal where you try out new words is another great option.

Most schools provide tutor services to students as a free benefit. Your fees and tuition help to cover the costs of providing these services.

Highlight important details in your assignment sheets and other course materials. For example, you might want to highlight key words for assignments such as “describe,” “argue” “compare,” etc. [6] X Research source Copy down all of the important due dates for your English class in your planner or on a wall calendar to make it easier for you to remember them.

If possible, start your assignments at least a week before they are due. Having plenty of time is especially important for writing essays. Starting early will provide you with more time to develop and revise your work. [7] X Research source Keep in mind that in college level English courses the majority of your grade will come from assignments that are later in the semester. For this reason, make sure that you do not burn yourself out early in the semester. Take good care of yourself and reserve plenty of energy to finish the semester. [8] X Research source

Try to team up with classmates who are good students. Studying with someone who is a good student will make it easier for you to excel in English class than studying with someone who is struggling. [9] X Research source If you plan to study with a friend or group of friends, it can be easy to get distracted talking about other things. To prevent this from happening, try studying at the library. The quiet environment should make it easier for you and your study group to stay focused. [10] X Research source

Never sleep in class. Silence your cell phone and always keep it stowed away during class. Avoid chatting with your classmates, especially when your instructor is talking.

Write as much as you can during class to help you retain the information. Things that your instructor writes on the board or includes on a PowerPoint may be even more important to remember, so be sure to write these things down. If you have trouble keeping up, then you may consider recording lectures (with your instructor’s permission) or asking a friend to compare notes with you after class.

Keep in mind that most instructors are happy to elaborate on a point if it will help you to understand it. Just make sure that you are listening closely because an instructor may find it annoying if you are always asking him or her to repeat things that have already been explained.

Meeting with your instructor outside of class is a great way to get some extra help with assignments, ask questions that you didn’t want to ask in class, or just get more information about something. Try to meet with your English instructor at least once per semester.

For example, if you are assigned a short story and your instructor says it might be a good idea to get a little background on the story’s reception after you read it, then do it! If your instructor recommends flashcards as a good option for improving your vocabulary, then make some flashcards!

For example, if you have a test on Friday and you expect that you will need to study for about six hours to get a passing grade on the test, then break your study sessions into three two hours sessions over the course of the week. Make sure that you take a short break every 45 minutes as well. Most people can’t concentrate for more than 45 minutes at a time, so taking a short break (about 5 to 10 mins) will help you to reset and stay focused. [15] X Research source

It can be tempting to skip review classes, since it is a review of old material, but you will increase your chances of passing English if you attend.

When you take the practice test, make sure that you simulate an actual test environment. Put away your notes, books, etc. and time yourself. Check your answers when you are done and use your results to help you figure out what you need to spend more time studying.

For example, if your usual bedtime is 11pm, try going to bed at 10pm instead.