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Many students ask this question so here are some tips to help you.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MARK IN ENGLISH
SELF EVALUATION – Rate yourself on the following skills:
N – Need to improve
S – Satisfactory
G – Good
E – Excellent
Come to class prepared!
Complete the homework and assigned reading/writing. Have your textbook, notebook, laptop, etc. with you in class. Be ready to start class promptly.
N S G E
Take notes!
Be a good listener and supplement your homework/answers/handouts with additional points raised in classroom discussions – these will help you prepare for tests, essays, exams, etc. The best English students usually have the best notes.
N S G E
Participate in class!
Oral participation develops speaking and thinking skills, keeps you alert and involved in class, and helps you remember the curriculum content. If you’re shy, set yourself a goal of answering a question or volunteering to read during each class.
N S G E
Come for extra help!
Take advantage of remediation opportunities before/after school, lunch, spare, etc. to ask questions or seek clarification on assignments.
N S G E
Don’t procrastinate!
Begin work early on assignments. Don’t leave preparation for tests, essays, presentation, assignments until the last minute. Chunk or break assignments down into manageable tasks and do a little work each day. Use tools to manage your workload – your agenda, calendar, etc. Group assignments need special care: work out a mutually agreed upon schedule for meetings, the delegation of duties, filming, rehearsal, research, etc.
N S G E
Have a Study Buddy!
Find someone reliable in the class with whom you can study for tests, proofread written assignments and update each other on missed notes/assignments after an absence.
N S G E
Develop a list of resources!
Have a ‘go to’ set of resources to help you develop writing skills, complete assignments, edit your work, and cite works used in your writing, etc. (e.g. OWL – Online Writing Lab website)
N S G E
Build your vocabulary!
Use vocabulary building books/websites to increase your word-power – a broader vocabulary will allow you to express yourself more concisely and clearly.
N S G E
Read every day!
Do additional reading on the literature being studied in class to supplement your own ideas. Read other works by the authors examined in class. Develop the habit of daily reading (for pleasure) – your reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, knowledge and writing (yes – your writing!) will all improve. Start with 10 minutes per day and go from there.
N S G E
Write every day!
As with reading, you get better at writing by doing it! Try different types of writing – journal, blog, poetry – that might interest you.
N S G E
REVIEW AND REFLECT
Which areas should I concentrate on to help myself improve?
In which areas might I require help from the teacher?
What (reasonable and realistic) level of achievement would I like to attain in this class?
How have I achieved in the past? What was your last English mark? Who was your English teacher? Did you take this class at York Mills?