Being born and raised into an English speaking family, I found myself wondering why I ended up in this position, having to take this English module as part of my first semester in NUS. Franky speaking, when I found out the results of my Qualifying English Test (QET) I wasn't pleased about it to say the least. So I dragged myself to class, expecting the worst. Turns out, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. And to be honest, I think i'll probably benefit from it more than I actually thought I would.
Well, here's my story. Growing up, I excelled in English. I loved to write narrative stories because I always felt proud when I could read the finished piece and call it my own. I loved injecting my own spin on a good topic and coming up with a story that was fresh and creative. I received distinctions for both my PSLE and 'O' Level results in English language. I guess the fact that I could craft my own story as part of the examination helped me do well in that aspect.
However, when I went on to junior college, I was introduced to something more critical and less creative. General paper. I dreaded every single class from then on. It was all argumentative, factual and boring, and I hated it. The worse part was that I wasn't a strong writer when it came to these papers. I failed to come up with strong points for my essays and hence II failed to convince the examiner that my arguments were valid or relevant I suppose. So I scraped through exams with just average grades. I thought that if I memorised enough good points and good essay structure that it would get me through my 'A' Levels. Turns out it didn't.
The worst thing about getting back your results and the first grade you see being a huge D is quite a huge slap to the face. I convinced myself that I just wrote out of point for my paper and that was it. That was until I took my QET, and realised that maybe it was a consistent mistake I was making, and I just didn't know how to go about improving my skills in terms of writing argumentative essays.
So, all in all, I hope this class can help me to see the errors i've been making and allow me to work on them so that next time I can become a better writer and ace all my future exams. Also, I hope that next time I would not just resort to blindly photocopying model answers but to actually start thinking as an individual again.
Hi Leah! Firstly, I loved the shoes you wore on Monday!! Secondly, I really enjoyed reading your post. The way you wrote it is really engaging and pleasant to read. I feel that overall,the entire short essay flows really well. (Something I have always been trying to achieve). I don't think there are any mistakes but I found just one sentence that I feel that is phrased a little awkward?
ReplyDelete"Franky speaking, when I found out the results of my Qualifying English Test (QET) I wasn't pleased about it to say the least." - "when I found out about"
All the best and I hope that during this one semester, we would not only be able to improve but also enjoy ourselves in the process! :)
This is a very fine reflection, Leah, both in terms of your level of self awareness and in your means of expression. The description has well developed fluency, no doubt thanks in part to your experience with and enthusiasm for writing prose. You also truly tell a story here, detailing the past with clear focus and deep emotion. Thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few areas where your language use can be improved:
-- and less creative. General paper. >>> and less creative: General Paper.
-- The worse part was ... >>> The worst part was
-- I failed to come up with strong points for my essays and hence II failed to convince ... >>>
I failed to come up with strong points for my essays. As a result, I failed to convince ...
-- that my arguments were valid or relevant I suppose. >> that my arguments were valid or relevant. (more concisely)
-- The worst thing about getting back your results and the first grade you see being a huge D is quite a huge slap to the face. >>> (more concisely) ???
-- So, all in all, I hope this class can help me to see the errors i've been making and allow me to work on them so that next time I can become a better writer and ace all my future exams. >>>
(more concisely)
-- Also, I hope that next time I would not just resort ... >> Also, I hope that next time I will not just resort (tense form)
As for helping you refine your skills and improve your argumentative writing, I hope ES110 will do exactly that. At the same time, I think other students have much to learn from you. I look forward to your future contributions!