You've probably been taking courses in reading and writing since you were in first grade. And yet what's the one class that almost every first-year student in every American college and university is required to take?
That's right--freshman composition, often called English 101. In other words, more reading and writing.
Why, after all these years, should you have to take yet another English class? Obviously you know how to read and write. You probably have no intention of majoring in literature or creative writing. And you may think that English has little to do with the real world--your future workplace.
Well, think again. Here are a few reasons to take freshman composition seriously:
- Your success in college depends largely on how well you can read, comprehend, and recall sophisticated texts (in any discipline) and on how effectively you can communicate that knowledge in writing. Your English 101 course will help prepare you for college-level reading and writing assignments.
- Both in college and in the workplace, you'll be called on to write in different formats for a wide range of audiences and for a variety of purposes. Your English 101 course will help you become a more flexible writer, attentive to the particular needs of all your readers.
- Although studying literary works should be intellectually challenging and enjoyable, the purpose of freshman composition isn't to convert you into an English major or a creative writer. It's to help you develop the critical thinking skills required of every major: identifying problems, exploring new ideas, discovering fresh solutions, and communicating those discoveries to others.
- Finally, English 101 should be one of the most rewarding courses in your college life. Learning to express yourself more clearly, confidently, and persuasively will help you long after you have earned your A in English 101.
And for advice on how to earn that A, visit Seven Secrets to Success in English 101.
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