6 Ways to Pass the English Course

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

If you are studying abroad, in an English-speaking country, or are attending a degree course in English at an Italian university, it may seem impossible to pass the English course if you have had problems with this subject in the past. However, there are techniques that can help you. To overcome this obstacle, you need to find new ways to organize yourself, develop strategies to make the most of your class hours and adopt good habits to help you during the exams. If you want to devote more time and energy to this subject, you can pass the exam.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Reading Difficult Literary Works

Step 1. Ask yourself questions before starting

This makes it easier to keep the information you read. Before tackling a work, try to understand what you need to learn from the text.

Some teachers provide students with a list of questions to help them stay focused as they read. You can ask your teacher what good questions are to keep in mind as you study the literature.
You can also find questions yourself. For example, what is the main topic of this chapter?

Step 2. Take your time

Give yourself plenty of time to read and take breaks when needed. It is better to proceed slowly and with awareness than to finish the text quickly and find yourself having to reread the work. Make sure you have plenty of time to read and understand.

For example, if you have to read 40 pages of a book by Friday, start on Monday and study 10 pages every night. Don't keep putting it off until Thursday night

Step 3. Write notes in the margins

Taking notes in the sidelines whenever you encounter something important is a more effective technique than highlighting or underlining the passage. Try to read with a pen in your hand, instead of the highlighter.

You can jot down keywords, ask questions or comment on what was just described in the text

Step 4. Make a summary of what you have read

Writing a summary of the text you just studied helps you to internalize the information better. After you've finished a book chapter or short story, take a minute to write a quick summary.

Don't worry about having to enter every little detail, instead focus on providing a good overall picture of the action.
You can also add a paragraph in which you express your views on the text. For example, if something struck or surprised you, you could write down how you reacted and why.
Summaries are also a perfect way to jot down information about symbols, themes, and characters. For example, you may have noticed that the author uses the symbolism of nature to describe some characters.

Step 5. Tell someone what you read

Describing the text you just studied to another person allows you to remember the information better. Try discussing the work chapter with a classmate or friend.

During the explanation, summarize the main concepts and try to clarify the passages that may be difficult for individuals who have not read the text.
Remember to use your own words. Don't just repeat what you've read word for word.

Method 2 of 6: Write an Analytical Essay

Step 1. Take some time to fill out a template

This phase, also called text design, is essential for forming ideas and concepts before even writing them. While it may be tempting to skip the drafting of the outline and immediately move on to the draft essay for the English course, it is worth taking your time instead. By putting energy into developing concepts before writing, you can improve the quality of your work.

Write freely. This is the moment when you can write non-stop, putting the whole flow of ideas on paper. Even if your mind is empty, without ideas, you should write "My mind is empty", until you find a good concept to write. When finished, review everything you have produced and identify important ideas that may be helpful in writing your essay.
Make a list. Make a list of everything you think is relevant to the manuscript. Once you've jotted down as many concepts as possible, review the list and identify useful information.
Group. At this stage you need to use circles and lines to connect the various ideas on a piece of paper. For example, you can start writing the topic of the text in the center of the paper and then draw lines that come from this idea. Keep drawing segments and writing new concepts until you run out of them.

Step 2. Do some research

Some English homework requires research before writing. If you have to produce a paper, you need to spend some time finding reliable sources and reading them carefully.

Do some research in the library archive, rather than just using the internet, so you are more likely to find reliable sources. Ask the librarian if you don't know how to use the database

Step 3. Write a playlist

It allows you to build a basic structure for the text; it can be as detailed as you like and helps you stay focused on the core topic while writing. Plan your essay before you start writing so you can get a better job.

Step 4. Write the draft

The time has come to take notes, the lineup and all the ideas you have in mind and transfer them to paper in the form of an essay or essay. If you've done the above steps correctly (free writing, research, and lineup), this step shouldn't be very complex.

Remember that if you have trouble writing your draft, you can always go back to one of the previous steps and start writing again when you feel ready.
Remember to use the ladder as a reference guide as you progress through the text.

Step 5. Correct the job

The moment of revision involves rereading the writing before handing it in, to evaluate if you need to add, delete, reorganize or clarify concepts. Correction also allows you to develop ideas and spot minor mistakes. Remember to dedicate a lot of time to this phase, so that you can check and revise the text as necessary.

The ideal thing would be to have a couple of days to correct the essay; however, if you only have two hours to spare, they are still fine.
All term papers benefit from proofreading, so don't consider it an optional step.
You can always exchange your essay with a friend's and share your comments. Make sure the person you choose is someone you trust and can give you a valid opinion. You can also ask the teacher or tutor manager to reread the work.
Pause before correcting the text. Even just a couple of hours without thinking about the essay allows you to reread it with a new approach.

Method 3 of 6: Improve Your Vocabulary

Step 1. Prepare some flashcards

If you need to master some vocabulary for the exam, flashcards are a great way to help your memory. To make them you have to write a word on one side of the card and bring its definition on the opposite side.

You can also add an example sentence in which the word is used correctly.
Take your flashcards with you and study when you have a few minutes to spare. For example, you can use them while waiting in line or on the bus.

Step 2. Read for fun

Reading is perfect for expanding lexical and grammatical knowledge. Find books or necklaces you like and read them in your free time.

Read as much as possible and choose books that are slightly difficult for you.
Look for the meaning of the terms you do not understand and that you encounter in reading. Remember to write a note in the margin with the definition.

Step 3. Use the new words in conversations and when writing

By doing so, you internalize them and better understand how to use them. Try to integrate them into your speeches and essays as often as possible.

For example, you might try to enter a new term during a chat with a friend or use some words you have learned for the English essay. Keeping a journal in which to write down new terms is another effective method

Step 4. Consider asking for mentoring support

If you have difficulty with this subject, individual and supportive lessons can help you develop your skills. The tutor works with you in areas that are particularly difficult for you, such as grammar, vocabulary or reading.

Most schools and universities provide this free service for their students. Tuition already covers expenses

Method 4 of 6: Organizing for Success

Step 1. Know what is expected of you

At the beginning of the term or semester, read the curriculum and make sure you understand everything you are expected to learn. If you have any doubts, ask the professor for clarification.

Outline important details on assignment sheets and the rest of the study material. For example, you might highlight the keywords of the assigned jobs such as "describe", "argue", "compare", and so on.
Copy all important lesson dates to your diary or put them on your calendar for easier remembrance.

Step 2. Plan your work in advance

Estimate the time you need to complete homework, read books, essays, and study for exams. Make sure you set aside plenty of time for these goals each week; if you keep putting it off, you are sure not to pass the course.

If possible, start homework a week ahead of the due date. It is very important to have a lot of time available when writing term papers; starting early, you have the opportunity to calmly develop and correct the work.
Remember that at the university level, the final grade you will be awarded for the English course is largely determined by the final assignments of the semester, as well as the final exam. For this reason, try not to exhaust yourself immediately at the beginning of the year, take care of yourself and reserve a lot of energy for the end of the course.

Step 3. Find a mate or study group

This strategy improves the grades you can get and makes it easier for you to pass the English course. Schedule at least one weekly meeting to study together and challenge each other.

Try to "group" with classmates who are good students. Studying with prepared and organized people helps you to excel in this subject and in a simpler way, compared to studying with someone who has the same difficulties as you.
If you've decided to work with a friend or in a group, it may be easy to get distracted and chat about something else. To prevent this from happening, gather in the library; the quiet environment makes it easier to maintain concentration even in a group.

Method 5 of 6: Getting the Best Out of Your Lessons

Step 1. Attend the lessons

Attendance is essential to pass each course, but it is even more important for English, as participation greatly affects the grade you will get. Remember to be present both physically and mentally to the lessons.

Don't sleep in class.
Turn off or turn your phone to silent mode and set it aside during the lesson.
Do not chat with classmates, especially while the teacher is talking.

Step 2. Take notes

Many of the concepts dealt with by the teacher during the lectures become the subject of exams and tests at the end of the course; this information is also useful when writing term papers. Remember to take quality notes during class to earn as many points as possible on homework.

Write as much as you can in class to internalize the information. The topics the teacher jots down on the board or projects on the slides are even more important to remember, so make sure you take note of them.
If you are having difficulty with written notes, consider recording lectures (with the professor's permission) or asking a friend to compare your notes.

Step 3. Talk

If the teacher says something you don't understand or want to deepen, intervene. Raise your hand and ask the teacher to repeat, explain or expand on the concept just expressed.

Remember that most teachers are happy to develop a concept if it is useful for understanding. However, remember to listen carefully, as the professor may find your constant requests to repeat what has already been explained rather annoying

Step 4. Meet the teacher after class

The professor probably has a reception time, the hours in which he makes himself available to students (by appointment or not) for individual explanations. Take advantage of this valuable resource.

Meeting the teacher outside of the classroom is a great way to get extra help with homework; it is an opportunity to ask questions you did not want to ask during the lesson or to get more information.
Try to meet your English teacher at least once a semester.

Step 5. Go above and beyond the minimum required

If you really want to excel in this subject, you need to find ways to exceed the teacher's expectations. If the teacher indicates that a certain assignment is a good idea, but not mandatory, do it anyway. These extra jobs can increase your English skills and improve grades. Some professors even offer extra credits for optional assignments.

For example, if you have been assigned a short story and your teacher has told you that it would be a good idea to write a small review about the reactions aroused by the text after reading, write it down! If your teacher recommends using flashcards to improve your vocabulary, make some

Method 6 of 6: Pass the English Exams

Step 1. Study in short sessions

Instead of staying up all night for a last-minute "grind", try to study a little at a time over the course of the week. In this way, you are able to internalize the information better and the study will be less stressful.

For example, if you have a class assignment scheduled for Friday and you have estimated that you need to study six hours to pass it, divide this effort into three two-hour sessions over the course of the week.
Remember to take a short break every 45 minutes. Most people are unable to maintain concentration for more than 45 consecutive minutes; a short stop of 5-10 minutes then helps you to rest and focus.

Step 2. Attend the refresher courses that are offered by the school

Some professors organize some refresher lessons before the exam in order to review the material that will be the subject of the test. Take these courses whenever you get the chance.

You may be tempted not to show up for these lectures, as old topics are being revised; however, participating in it increases your chances of passing the exam

Step 3. Do exam mockups

Before taking the actual test, it's worth doing some simulations. Ask the teacher to give you old exam tracks and typical questions to prepare you, or practice with questions you invent yourself. You can create a practice exam based on what you think will be the topic of the official assignment.