English 1 (easiest way to take it)

[jayboy]

I made a D in English way back in 1992. I need to retake it.

Any suggestions on the easiest way to get my English 1.

CLEP, Straighterline, etc...

[Christopher]

English is very important for college. You'll be writing a lot of papers or short essays or discussion posts if class is online. Although not all classes from I recall are particularly stern on perfect writing papers outside the actual English courses. Some English teachers are more relaxed than others. English can be complex because what can be seen as an "error" by one person can be a way of expression for another. English writing, unlike Algebra, is used for every subject and in everyday life. Just writing a letter to a parent requires English writing skills. That's not to sound like a downer (believer me - I'm that barley passing Algebra guy.) Writing is my area. First off, don't be scared of it. Enjoy reading and writing – let your mind enter the world of the book you’re reading, and paper you’re writing. Pretend the whole world is your audience, and you’re writing to them. Not to some instructor out to grade you, or to get through a class, but because you have something you want to say about the topic given. It makes writing a lot more fun if you go with it as if you’re writing for a cause/reason instead of writing because you have to pass a class. Outline what you're going to write before you write, and do one or two or three drafts. Always proof read, proof read, and proof-read your work. I remember my English professor once saying that there is never such a thing as a perfect English paper. You or someone can read the paper 100 times and find reasons to edit, change, or better write it. Writing is truly an art. Re-learn how to use nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, conjunctions, adverbs, homophones, synonyms, and antoymns. etc. Don't use run on sentences, and never have one long endless paragraph. Always indent a new paragraph on a college paper.

A good practice exam might be "CBEST - Writing" to review basic concepts. If you haven't taken an English course in over twenty years you might want to drop down to a Pre-College or "Intro to College" writing course. But that put aside. I would recommend maybe taking a course at your CC. Only because you might get the one on one help of a live instructor or tutoring center. Our class (way back when) we worked with other students. Most of our instructors here will sit down and review your papers, and help you overcome any errors. Some colleges like our community college have centers that will review your paper and tell you what errors or mistakes you made and to better it. English classes are usually smaller than the typical larger arts/science classes. I have to take a second English composition class which I registered for this semester because only one was needed when I was in college the first time (and my Journalism courses wont apply for it.) It's a regular 18 week course, but I’m looking forward to it. When you write, write with passion and fire. It looks much better then turning in a paper that shows you forced yourself to write it because readings will noticed it. Especially teachers.

I don't know anything about testing out on English composition though. But if you do go with a regular course, you'll for sure pick up a lot of useful techniques for writing skills needed for future classes.


Good luck.

I made a D in English way back in 1992. I need to retake it.

Any suggestions on the easiest way to get my English 1.

CLEP, Straighterline, etc...

[bluebooger]

I made a D in English way back in 1992. I need to retake it.

Any suggestions on the easiest way to get my English 1.

CLEP, Straighterline, etc...

totally depends on what school you're at

Excelsior won't accept CLEP
but I believe TESC and COSC will

[KayV]

Part of it depends on what your strengths are. Do you prefer to take classes or do tests if possible?

If you prefer classes, then Straighterline, Penn Foster, or possibly Coopersmith Career Consulting would be a good choice.

If you would rather take a test, your choices are the CLEP College Composition or TECEPs for Comp I and II for TESC and COSC. If you are going to Excelsior, you would have to take SL classes or take their UExcel exam because they don't accept the CLEP.

[jayboy]

thanks for the responses

[dfrecore]

I received a D in Chemistry back in 1988, TESC accepted it as my science. So if you go there, you may not have to retake it.

[Christopher]

Well you kind of answered a question I had without me asking the question I was curious about. I was on the fence about them accepting my Astronomy and P. Anthropology courses because they're over ten years old. Science changes a lot. But, if they accepted your chemistry than that is great. Your D in Chemistry would be my A. Meaning a D in chemistry would be about as far as I could probably make it. I know some will debate me to end of time, but some courses/areas are just a waste for some major areas. Someone majoring in a non-STEM field like English or Art or Humanitarian will have no need/use for Chemistry, Calculus, and so forth. Most business offices wont use more than general math or basic algebra. So these crazy Algebra III, Chemistry I courses are insane. Same for STEM majors. I'm sure someone majoring in Astronomy or Mathematics really won't be much interested in a class on "ENGL 300: Poetry and Shakespeare" .

Well, I can say one thing. More likely, you're English composition course and English writing skills will for sure be useful in your life, career, and so forth. It's a class that will always be put to you in life as we all read, write, compose letters/emails/memos. Chemistry is something that unless you're a science major, you'll never use in your life.

[sanantone]

I received a D in Chemistry back in 1988, TESC accepted it as my science. So if you go there, you may not have to retake it.

TESC requires a "C" for English Comp.

[dfrecore]

Ahhh...I couldn't remember if they accepted D's in everything, or if I just got lucky to get a D in the right class!

[Christopher]

If I remember correctly the big general education courses usually require a C or better.

Ahhh...I couldn't remember if they accepted D's in everything, or if I just got lucky to get a D in the right class!