| English composition is an academic prerequisite to | | | | of literature using the elements of literature to |
| nearly every avenue of study at the post | | | | explain a particular thesis. A thesis is an idea that |
| secondary level, excepting vocational or technical | | | | a student has developed regarding a particular |
| schools. Although the vast majority of us have | | | | piece of literature, and the purpose of an |
| been reading and writing for many years, there | | | | expository essay is for the student to explain his |
| are still many things to be learned from an English | | | | or her idea. The student will explain their idea by |
| composition class at the college level. English | | | | writing in a particular format that is decided by |
| composition at it basest explanation teaches us | | | | the professor, using typical literary conventions |
| how to effectively communicate in the written | | | | such as literary theory, narration, quotations, |
| form, but there are lessons we learn in English | | | | illustrations, and explanations of literary elements. |
| composition that apply to nearly every facet of | | | | A very important part of English composition class |
| life, and are used on a daily basis throughout the | | | | is the ability to create grammatically correct and |
| entirety of our lives. | | | | pleasing sentence structure that clearly illustrates |
| The reason English composition is so critical as an | | | | a particular thought or idea. By the time a student |
| academic foundation is because the majority of | | | | is ready to write an essay, he or she will have |
| graded communication between students and | | | | been taught how to use literary evidence, including |
| professors, no matter the subject, is in a written | | | | quotations, to show the meaning of their idea. |
| format. Virtually every type of class that is taken | | | | They will understand how to use primary sources |
| will at some point require an ability to | | | | and the proper documentation for a bibliography |
| communicate a written idea or thought in a clear | | | | or works cited page. They will understand how to |
| and concise manner. Regardless of your major | | | | use a particular style manual so the mechanical |
| and regardless of your level of study, you will be | | | | aspects of their paper will adhere to the proper |
| required to engage and demonstrate a clear | | | | format from beginning to end. |
| mastery of your chosen subject matter in | | | | Once a student has mastered English composition, |
| written form in order to receive a degree. | | | | those lessons will certainly be applicable to every |
| An English composition class generally begins at | | | | other course a student takes in which he or she |
| the freshman level by introducing a few key | | | | must write a paper. Although the subject matter |
| concepts to students regarding reading and | | | | will vary from literary themes, the basic elements |
| writing. Usually this is taught by showing students | | | | of research, idea development, and grammatical |
| the basic elements of expository writing. | | | | and mechanical correctness will easily translate into |
| Expository writing is a style of writing that is | | | | a successful paper whether it's a research paper |
| intended to explain and inform the reader | | | | in biology or political science. Clarity of thought and |
| regarding the subject matter of the essay or | | | | idea development is paramount for academic |
| paper. However, before students begin writing | | | | success, because good ideas cannot be |
| essays, they will likely spend several weeks | | | | understood if they are not communicated clearly. |
| reading other pieces of literature such as poetry, | | | | Throughout life, the lessons learned in English |
| short stories, or novels in order to gain a basic | | | | composition will be used again and again. After |
| understanding of literary elements. | | | | graduation, putting together a resume and cover |
| Literary elements are the underpinnings of any | | | | letters for job interviews will be vitally important |
| work of literature that helps to create it as a | | | | to getting a good job, and you can be assured |
| whole. Some literary elements that students in an | | | | that your future employer will be looking for |
| English composition class will study are plot, | | | | grammatical errors in every resume they get. |
| narration, character development, imagery, tone, | | | | Employers in every field need employees who can |
| and symbolism. All of these disparate elements | | | | write well and communicate in the written word |
| work together to help the author create a picture | | | | effectively. Businesses depend on written |
| of a particular time or place, or a particular | | | | communication at every level, from customer |
| situation that helps create the story. | | | | service to boardroom decisions; a good foundation |
| Once the students have an understanding of | | | | in English composition can be the key to success |
| literary elements, they are encouraged to develop | | | | in business. |
| their understanding by writing essays about pieces | | | | |