Preparing for an English Literature Degree? Follow These Tips

Published on: 10 May 2021 Last Updated on: 02 January 2025

If you love the written word, in all its power and persuasion, then chances are you have considered pursuing a University English degree.

English degrees allow you to take a deep dive into different cultural and historical perspectives. They teach critical thinking and careful media literacy. Through the reading, they share necessary intersections with philosophy, creative writing, history, social science, and linguistics. In other words: it’s a well-rounded education.

Further, English degrees have relevancy beyond university. Countless modern jobs benefit from a strong foundation in English: marketing director, communications manager, publisher, editor, advertising copywriter, or technical writer, to name just a few.

Luckily, it’s easy to prepare for an English degree. Whether you’re a freshman in high school or an adult looking to head back to the classroom, here are a few ways to get ready.

Get a Head Start on the Syllabi:

One advantage that English degrees have over others is that the materials covered are often readily accessible and inexpensive. It’s not always easy to get your hands on a niche microbiology textbook (and, if you do, you pay through the nose). On the other hand, you can find a copy of, say, Great Expectations at the nearest bookstore or library.

Use that access to your advantage. Research the syllabi of first-year classes and get a head start reading the material as you await enrollment.

Enroll in Grade 12 English Online:

To apply for a university English program, you need a prerequisite of English 12, usually with a minimum grade of 65 – 70% (though this varies according to the institution). If you don’t have that credit, or your grade in English 12 is less than the minimum required, don’t worry.

You can easily, flexibly take ENG4U online at an E-learning high school. Because online high schools allow you to complete a course at your own pace over a twelve-month timeline, you can comfortably fit the course amid your current workload.

Hone Your Close-Reading Skills:

Whether you’re taking ENG4U at an online high school or simply spending your summer reading before university, try to hone your close reading skills.

Don’t just read texts; study them. Stop frequently in your reading to ask direct questions about how the language, images, and syntactic structures inform and support the overall themes of the text.

To help, start by reading a book on literary theory. This article lists a few great introductory and intermediate books on literary theory and criticism, including the comprehensive Norton Anthology.

Join a Book Club:

There are no objectively correct readings in English literature. Part of the beauty of learning English is seeing texts through different lenses according to critical studies (a feminist lens, for instance) or individual interpretations.

One of the best ways to expose yourself to differing opinions is with a book club. Before you embark on your English journey, try joining (or starting) a reading group that tackles canonical and contemporary books. You might be surprised by what you can learn from others.

Aside from the points above, just remember to stay curious and engaged. The best preparation for a major in English is an open mind.

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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4 Emerging Trends in the Education Sector

Among the billions of fields out there, education has had a fair share of changes over time as well. As they say: Change is the only constant. This applies to every possible thing under the sun. Educators all around the globe are committed to providing the quality experiences to the students. Every few years, there comes something new in the area of education, and administrations use these trends to motivate students to stay engaged in learning. The schools all over the world are embracing the future. Here you have the emerging trends of the 21st Century. Blended Learning Online and offline ways of learning complement each other in case of blended learning. As the name suggests, it is a blend of the digital method in a traditional classroom. Blended learning objectives have their application in professional development as well. This means that it is not only limited to just schools. Although it was developed back in the 1960s, there was no critical mention of it before the late 90s. At times, people also refer it to as hybrid learning and web-mode instruction. This is one of the e-learning best practices that are in trend these days. Let us discuss others in detail below. Inclusive Education Everyone here has the right to study and participate in education. Inclusive learning is about allowing each and every one to involve and make progress the education curriculum. Although the concept is a recent one, the educators are taking time to adapt to the changes. Inclusive education has allowed the educators to understand the needs of every student better so that they all get the support in the least restrictive way. It is essential because no matter what socio-economic class or community a student belongs to, children love to learn, play, grow, and nurture together. So many people opt for education loans to get financial freedom for the education expenses of their children. They want quality and equality in return. Bloom’s Taxonomy Under the leadership of an educational psychologist, Dr. Benjamin Bloom, the Bloom’s Taxonomy took birth way back in the 1950s. It was designed to eradicate rote learning and promote much better forms of thinking. The three pillars that carry the mass of Bloom’s taxonomy are the cognitive domain, affective domain, and the psychomotor domain. The cognitive domain tells about knowledge, effective one is all about the emotional ability and the last one; psychomotor domain describes the manipulation skills. The Bloom’s Taxonomy is often represented by a pyramid which consists of six intellectual levels, namely; knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation. Project-based Learning Well, adults learn so much from their real-life problems and situations. They understand the world through these challenges. Although hearing about something can make us learn, practicing it on our own will make us aware of the implications and application of that particular stuff. When given a task to accomplish, children will come in groups and then discuss the problem. That way, they will understand the importance of teamwork, which is necessary to be a successful person in an extended run.They can even practice it professionally if they study for IT leadership online. If your are into brainstorming and teamwork, this is the best career for you. Then they will collect the essentials to complete the project on time and will also address the issues at the end. That’s how they learn to deal with the deadlines. The learning through project-based mode is helpful in provoking the thinking of students to transform them into serious people. School incurions are also becoming very popular when it comes to project-based learning. Reptile Encounters comes into schools and allows students to get hands on with a range of wildlife including snakes, lizards, turtles, birds and mammals. This type of interactive learning has been shown to increase creativity in the children as well as improve development. Final Words The core idea behind all these learning methods and trends is to keep the students engaged in the class. When the teaching methods get interesting, students learn better than ever before. We hope that such advancements keep in the education sector to improve learning among the students. Read Also : Ten Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education 5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Finalizing An E-Learning Platform For Quality Education Upcoming Educational Trends In 2017

How to Master the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) assesses a graduate school applicant’s aptitude. They range from verbal skills and mathematical skills necessary to succeed in their higher education. Test-takers work through five total sections: one Analytical Writing, two Quantitative Reasoning, and two Verbal Reasoning sections. Especially if you don’t have a background in a writing and reading-intensive discipline. Plus, the Verbal Reasoning portion of the exam can be quite challenging. Many GRE test-takers don’t know where to get started with improving their reading comprehension skills. What is Verbal Reasoning? According to the official GRE website, the Verbal Reasoning section “assesses your ability to evaluate and analyze with written material. Then it checks how you synthesize information you obtain through analyzing relationships within sentences and recognize relationships among words. The two Verbal Reasoning sections of the exam have 30 questions each and give test-takers 20 minutes to complete them. They include the following types of questions to test the skill sets described above: 1. Reading Comprehension Questions Throughout the Verbal Reasoning section, test-takers will encounter three different subtypes of reading comprehension questions: Traditional multiple-choice questions with five choices and one correct answer. More complex multiple-choice questions with three choices and either one, two, or three correct answers. No partial credit is given for identifying some but not all the correct options. Select-in-passes questions, where the exam taker reads a short passage and then answers questions about the specific function of sentences within the text. 2. Text Completion Questions These questions are based on a passage with one to five sentences. Within these passages, one-, two-, and three-word spaces are left blank, and the test-taker must answer multiple-choice questions about which words would best complete the sentence if filled into the blank space. 3. Sentence Equivalence Questions Each of these questions presents a single sentence with one word missing. The test-taker is given six choices of words that could fill in the blank. Also, they must identify which two options, if chosen, would create sentences with equivalent meaning. How to Prepare Since the GRE tests aptitude and skill sets, not your knowledge of specific topics, many students find it difficult to strategize their studying. When it comes to the Verbal Reasoning section, the following preparation methods can sharpen the skills that the section assesses. 1. Brush Up on Your Vocabulary Vocabulary plays a big part in GRE's success. Answering text completion and sentence equivalence questions becomes quite challenging if you aren’t familiar with the answer options. Additionally, strong vocabulary skills will help you easily parse the complex passages included in the reading comprehension questions. There are two steps to improving your vocabulary skills: simple memorization and vocab-in-context. You can use flashcards with word definitions to help with memorization, and you can read dense materials or study vocabulary words within complete sentences to practice the latter. 2. Take Practice Tests Practice tests are a great way to know where you stand. It will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses and how much you must improve to achieve a higher score. It will also guide you in deciding how rigorously you will have to work on your existing vocabulary skills. Consider using guides and reference books like Kaplan GRE study books to practice with questions that accurately simulate the difficulty of the exam. 3. Pacing and the Process of Elimination When taking practice tests, focus on your pacing throughout the Verbal Reasoning section. Get a gauge for how long the passages typically take to read and understand and how long each type of question takes you to answer. To get through questions faster, work on your process-of-elimination strategies. It’s also important that you recognize when you simply don’t know the answer to a question and are better off choosing a random answer than spending too much time on it. 4. Markup the Text One mistake most test-takers make when reading through a passage is not making simple annotations, which results in them having to reread the passage. It will save precious time to take to circle or underline important points or keywords while going through the text the first time. 5. Stick to the Text and Information Given Never get carried away by your opinions or background knowledge when dealing with a critical reasoning question based on a given passage. The passages present all the information you need—assuming information can lead you astray. 6. Tacking Test Day The most effective way to prepare for all sections of the GRE is to familiarize yourself with the skills tested, types of questions asked, and pacing. If you focus on these elements and take full-length practice tests to simulate the day of the test, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against and how to tackle every aspect of the exam. How Does GRE Help Your Professional Life? You might wonder, “How does spending time mastering these tricky verbal questions benefit me professionally?” It’s a valid question, no doubt! The skills you develop while preparing for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE aren’t just helpful in school. Yes, they are applicable to the real world. They can also impact how you communicate, think critically, and problem-solve. Enhanced Communication Skills Reading comprehension questions force you to read through the matter properly and understand it with a step-by-step approach. Seriously, does anyone ever send you anything that is easily understood at work? When you are working, you will be dealing with reports, proposals, and technical documents. In meetings or in emails, you need people to understand what you mean to say quickly. This is why GRE puts emphasis on that, as well as understanding and articulation. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving The type of analytical reasoning you use to answer GRE questions is the same kind of thinking you’ll be doing if you’re in a position of leadership. Or you must make high-stakes decisions. Whether you are interpreting data sets, inferring information from texts, or computing information from a graph or chart, you are likely to need those skills if you’re looking for insights about a market trend. Or even trying to draw conclusions based on project results. Those kinds of higher-order reading skills are something you can develop in the GRE’s Verbal Reasoning section. You’ll quickly realize that succeeding in the GRE prepares you for a similar competitive environment. Something that will surface time and again in your professional existence. It can be a little difficult when you’re first starting out. However, you can find plenty of free online practice problems, and you must utilize them well. Final Thoughts Verbal Reasoning on the GRE is a project. Like everything else on this exam, you’ll need a blend of strategy, consistent practice, and mental discipline to achieve your maximum potential. But if you take advantage of it, it can result in gaining skills that will be helpful throughout your academic & professional career beyond. Whether we’re talking about writing better papers, reading more effectively, thinking through complex issues, or thriving under pressure, you can conquer them all. Read Also: JEE Main 2018- Importance of Practicing with Previous Year Questions Excellent strategies to outshine in BPSC 2020 examination! 10 Tips to Memorize All Necessary Information Before Exams How To Crack Civil Service Exam In One Attempt Procedure To Download West Bengal Join Entrance Examination Admit Card

7 Compelling Reasons To Consider Enrolling In Copywriting Courses

Are you contemplating enhancing your writing skills and venturing into copywriting? Whether you're an aspiring wordsmith or a seasoned writer, enrolling in copywriting courses can unlock many opportunities you may not have considered. In this blog, we'll delve into seven compelling reasons why taking Copywriting Courses should be high on your list of priorities. Elevate Your Writing Skills Let's kick things off with the most fundamental reason: copywriting courses are like a gym for your writing abilities. They empower you with the tools and techniques to craft captivating, persuasive, and attention-grabbing content that leaves a lasting impression. You'll learn the art of selecting precisely the right words, structuring your content effectively, and creating messages that resonate with your readers. These skills are invaluable and applicable to virtually any career path you choose. Expand Your Career Horizons Copywriting is a skill in high demand across various industries. By mastering this craft, you can significantly broaden your career horizons. Whether your aspirations lie in content marketing, advertising, email marketing, social media, or any other niche, copywriting is a versatile skill that's sought after everywhere. Whether you aim to work in-house, freelance, or even embark on the entrepreneurial path, a copywriting course can be your ticket to achieving those goals. Unlock Higher Earning Potential Let's face it: financial considerations play a significant role in career decisions. Copywriters often command higher pay rates than general writers because their expertise is in high demand. When you invest in copywriting courses, you invest in your earning potential. You'll gain the know-how to write persuasively, ultimately opening doors to more lucrative opportunities and higher-paying projects. Grasp The Psychology Of Consumer Behavior Copywriting goes beyond stringing words together; it's about comprehending the intricacies of human psychology and consumer behavior. Copywriting courses delve deep into these subjects, equipping you with the skills needed to create content that resonates with your audience on an emotional level. Understanding consumer psychology is invaluable for crafting marketing campaigns that connect with your target audience. Build An Impressive Portfolio As you progress through your copywriting courses, you'll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and build a portfolio that showcases your talents. Possessing a portfolio filled with well-crafted copy demonstrates your capabilities to potential clients and employers and serves as a testament to your growth as a writer. It's a tangible asset that can bolster your credibility and enhance your professional reputation. Gain Confidence As A Writer Learning copywriting involves hands-on experience and mentorship, often within a supportive learning environment. This unique opportunity to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios can substantially boost your confidence as a writer. As your skills and portfolio expand, you'll gain the assurance to tackle challenging projects and excel in your chosen field. Adapt To Evolving Trends The world of copywriting is continually evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. Copywriting courses keep you up-to-date with these shifts, ensuring you remain relevant and adaptable in a fast-paced industry. You'll learn how to navigate digital marketing strategies, harness the power of SEO, and create compelling content for various online channels, all essential in today's competitive landscape. Conclusion Enrolling in copywriting courses is wise for anyone seeking to enhance their writing skills, diversify their career prospects, increase their income potential, grasp consumer psychology, build an impressive portfolio, boost their confidence, and stay current in a dynamic industry. It's an investment in your future as a writer and communicator that can yield numerous rewards. So, why wait? Take the plunge, enroll in a copywriting course today, and embark on your journey to becoming a skilled and successful copywriter. Your future self will undoubtedly thank you! Read Also: The Continued Relevance Of Human Insight: Why AI Can’t Replace A Skilled Copywriting Agency In London How To Get More Traffic For Your Small Business With Affordable SEO 10 Work From Home Jobs For Moms And Dads

Preparing for an English Literature Degree? Follow These Tips

Get a Head Start on the Syllabi:

Enroll in Grade 12 English Online:

Hone Your Close-Reading Skills:

Join a Book Club:

Read Also:

4 Factors to Consider When Making a Great eLearning Course

Counselor’s Guide To Choosing The Best Education Majors

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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4 Emerging Trends in the Education Sector

How to Master the GRE Verbal Reasoning Section

7 Compelling Reasons To Consider Enrolling In Copywriting Courses

Preparing for an English Literature Degree? Follow These Tips

Get a Head Start on the Syllabi:

Enroll in Grade 12 English Online:

Hone Your Close-Reading Skills:

Join a Book Club:

Read Also:

Share this Article

4 Factors to Consider When Making a Great eLearning Course

Counselor’s Guide To Choosing The Best Education Majors

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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