- Take notes on everything. If you do a reading take notes. When you are listening to something- take notes. Read your notes after class and just before class.
- Talk to your teacher. You are not annoying or bothering your teacher by wanting to talk to him or her. Your teacher wants to help; that is why he or she teaches. Realize that teachers have their own lives, so maybe they do not have time for you right after class. However, they will always have time to make an appointment and see you at some future date. If you are unsure of what you need to do, make sure you check immediately with your teacher. Do not waste time getting frustrated or doing work that is not relevant. It is important to talk with your teacher for three reasons. First, your English will improve much more quickly because you will learn exactly what your problems are and how you should solve them. Second, you are paying for classes, why not get the most for your money by taking advantage of extra practice! Three, the teacher thinks 'This student really cares about his/her studies'.
- Keep a binder. This sounds simple and obvious, but so many students fail to do this and they lose work and have to deal with the stress of 'Where did I put that !#@*@#! paper!'
- Do all of your written work on the computer. If you have spelling problems this is essential. When you use spell check, make sure that you type out the correct spelling instead of simply clicking replace. The act of typing it out will help you learn the correct spelling. Using a computer will not only save space in your home and book bag; it will also save you time. When you have to do a second draft, not everything is incorrect. If you have it on a computer disc you can simply correct the mistakes. If you do not have it on file you have to write the whole thing out again. Realize too, that many professors will only accept typed work.
- Have backup discs of all computer discs, just in case you lose one or it gets destroyed.
- Buy a daily organizer. Write down important dates. Do not clutter your mind. You need it to be filled with English.
- Buy a thesaurus. Be more adventurous in your use of vocabulary. Use the thesaurus on your computer (it is under 'Tools').
- Separate where you relax and where you work. If you do this you will get more work done and enjoy your free time more. If you mix the two it will take you longer to finish work, and it will be of poorer quality. You will probably feel as if you should be working when you are at home and this leads to stress. I recommend working in the library. There's nothing to do there but work, read or sleep.
- Start assignments early.
- Make outlines.
- Share your ideas with classmates. Discuss readings with them. Tell them about your thesis and supports. Ask them to give you feedback on your writing. Remember you are in class for a short time, most of your learning goes on outside of class- learn all you can from whomever you can.
- Ask library staff for advice on doing research. Tell them what you are writing about and they can direct you to the best sources. Like teachers, they want to help you to learn, and like teachers some of your tuition pays them. You are not bothering them by asking for help.
- If you use web pages as a source for your essays, check with your teacher to find out if they are reliable.
- Get a writing tutor if one is available; they are sometimes free.
- Join university clubs and go to university events. Enjoy the academic and global atmosphere. You are all here from all over the world with one aim-to improve your minds- exciting, huh?
ACADEMIC WRITING TIPS - Think carefully about what the exam or teacher wants you to do. If you are unsure check again with your teacher.
- The more practice you get the better you will be. Keep a journal. Write summaries.
- Brainstorm spend five minutes jotting down ideas. Do not worry about grammar or spelling during brainstorming.
- Write an outline of your paper- this way you will have good organization.
- Make sure your your thesis is not too general or too specific.
- Make sure you have enough examples- use hard facts.
- Avoid exaggerating.
- Use a computer.
- Ask for advice from classmates.
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