This will be short. As most have gathered by my awesome sentences, writing is not my strength. Not too sure why: I like to read, I am artistic (musically), and love to argue logically. Luckily I'm done English courses forever (except written section in MCAT). I have completed one semester of University Writing and one semester of Literature.University Writing
I took this course in 2005, so please keep that in mind. I ended up with a B in the course with a teacher known for being an easy marker. This course is basically English 12 on steroids. The course is to teach good writing skills, according to your professor (keep this in mind for later). Usually the prerequisite for other English courses and mandatory for most programs. Mostly work on technique and how to properly source materials.
Literature
This class is nothing but reading and writing about reading. Material will usually consist of short stories, poems, plays and a novel(s). I somehow tricked a teacher, who is famous for low grades, into giving me an A-.
How I Changed My Approach:
I'm going to give the big secrets off the bat:
* go to class
* listen to the teacher
* read the material
* get at least two people to edit your writing
* the big one: finish the assignment around a week earlier, visit your teacher during and get her to edit it by asking "am I on the right track" or "is there anywhere I can improve"
English is a subjective course, which means you're as good as your teacher thinks you are. You improve your chances of success when you are arguing the point your audience already believes. By taking these steps you will ensure that your essay is clear, concise and mostly what your instructor is looking for. A lot of schools have free writing centres so please use all the tools available.
This won't teach you how to write well, but it will show you how to do well in a course that is difficult for most science based premeds.
Oh PS: take in whatever you can on how to write well for the MCAT
i can't read those novels fast enough what should i do
ReplyDeleteThe best I can say is make time. 10-15 minutes here and there can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you can decrease study breaks by mixing up different subjects. Think of it as something similar to when you workout and will pair up a lower body workout with an upper body. If you are using different parts of your brain you may not need to rest as much. Never over do it though!