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Back in school with a question - school

Posted: Aug 08, 2013

I'm going back to school this semester. I took English 1101 and 1102 back in the late 90s, but sadly I don't remember how to write papers in the correct formats. Do you think I should retake these classes? English is my favorite subject, and while I'm glad I took these classes and passed them, I really wouldn't mind taking them again so I can brush up on my paper writing and research paper skills. What do you think? Another option would be not retaking the classes, but having my school's Writing Lab help assist me when I need help with writing papers.

School is so expensive that I wouldn't retake the courses - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You can either use the Writing Lab or you can probably find free instruction online. I browsed through this site (free online courses), and I did see a couple of English Comp I and English Comp II classes you could take. Another benefit is that you can probably do them at your own pace, so the time you save can be spent on taking other courses at your school that will count towards your degree. Best of luck to you!

http://oedb.org/open/

Thanks! nm - school

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nm

Go with the writing lab. - anon

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Writing a paper is not that hard. It's like riding a bike, you'll remember how to do it once you get going. I would skip Eng 101-102 and take a higher English class instead.

Thanks! nm - school

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nm

Writing papers - Old Instructor

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It would be a waste of time and money to take classes over again just because you can't remember something! If you learned it once, you can recall it again by reviewing the material.

In any event, the purpose of English is not to teach "how to write papers." To teach writing, yes, but not how to format a paper.

Formats and methods are tools, not things to memorize. There are many formats. Just get the instructions for that school and follow them.

Your school will have a website or handouts that tell you exactly how to do it. They may be in the writing lab you mentioned. Use that and you will be fine.

If you are going to take any courses that are not required, you should take higher ones rather than very basic ones. You want to learn something from them. You also want them to transfer later if you go on.

I never said...sm - school

[ In Reply To ..]
The purpose of English was to learn how to write papers. It's one thing they taught us. Thanks.

An explanation - sm

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Writing itself was what they were teaching you.

Listen to Old Instructor. Formats are like recipes - for writing. You toss in an intro paragraph

[ In Reply To ..]
starting with an intro sentence. You'll end with a closing paragraph with a closing sentence.

In between depends on what you're talking about. For instance, if you're describing HOW to travel through Europe (or whatever), you might have a paragraph on advantages of going south to north versus south to north. A paragraph on using trains versus renting a car. Etc. through whatever topics you've chosen to cover, packing, customs, whatever.

Do google sites that discuss paper setup. I used to tutor this stuff when I was in college. If a student was used to reading and written language patterns but just hadn't paid attention for the past 12 years and ended up assigned to a remedial college English, just a couple hours spent brushing up on standard "rules" and methods could move him to English 101. Same for people who thought they couldn't knock out a quick paper without hours of torment. :)

Thank you! nm - school

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nm

going back too - changed major

[ In Reply To ..]
so i have 9 classes to finish my associates. I'm not taking any of the old classes over, like English 101 or art appreciation. Onward and upward! Good luck!

Thanks! Good luck to you too! - school

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What are you getting your associates in?

social work, then transferring to a university for bachelors - how about you?

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x

HIT, then bachelor's in HIM :) nm - school

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nm

To changed major and other students on here - Old Pro

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I just want to wish everybody who is going to school good luck! I really loved college; originally wanted civil engineering but my math skills were not strong enough. (What was I thinking?) I did graduate, though in English communications and was fortunate enough to be an MT/MTSO back in the day when you could still support yourself (although in a modest style, California prices being what they are). You are all brave to go back to school, but I think you have made a very wise decision. Our society is changing so rapidly and the world in general as well as the MT world is moving on so rapidly. Anyway, I do want to wish all of you ladies (and men--hi, Nick) much success in your efforts!

Love the writing lab! - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I started school last year and also went to school in late 90s. I failed my first writing test, but that was because I doubted my topic and started over when I got to class. She let me take the test again and saw that I had used the bubble method for my paper outline and ideas and said that is what they were going to cover in class. Basically they focus on focus, organization, mechanics and 1 other thing. Our school's writing lab lets you send them in online and you get a video back with highlights, suggestions and ways to change things. I wouldn't write a paper without sending it to the lab. Another advantage is that it keeps you on track. You can't write a paper last minute and expect to get help with it. My papers have improved so much and sometimes I have sent a paper in 3 or 4 times.

Took English 101 and 102 in the mid 80s. - Went back to college 3 years ago.

[ In Reply To ..]
No way was I going to re-take those courses and pay the cost of tuition. I actually LOVE college. I DIDN'T like it in the 80s though.

No, don't retake them. Get a Strunk and White's Elements of Style - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Go to Purdue University's Owl website (its huge, can't miss it from google) and all you need to ever know about writing is there. Visit your tutoring center if you need to.

You don't even know this yet but being an MT already has your brain somewhat trained for written word. You just need to re-learn format and style. Good luck!!

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