Straighterline English Comp I - Essays, Advice/Info

[SuZQ2]

Hi All...

I'm reviewing the required textbook and syllabus for SL's English Comp I in preparation for taking this class in the near future. As I have no formal background in college-level writing, I'm apprehensive about the six writing assignments, and would ideally like to get a headstart on planning out topics, proper formatting, just getting a feel for the work, etc. before I commit to the course.

For those who have taken SL's English Comp I, are there any specific details regarding essay/paragraph topics not included in the syllabus? For example, I would hate to start thinking about "a beautiful sunset at the beach" with regards to the Descriptive Paragraph only to find out you must write about your favorite pet.

Does the Specific Exam Feedback section discuss Straighterline courses?

I have searched the various Forums for information concerning SL English Comp I, but would GREATLY appreciate any advice/help from those who have recently taken this course.

Thanks so much!

[bluebooger]

I'm in the course right now

you do not need that specific book

any book will do

go to a used book store or to amazon and buy the cheapest rattiest English Composition or Writer's Guide book you can find (make sure it covers how to reference and do footnotes with MLA or APA)

in fact, you don't need a book at all

I'd say 75% of the assignments are to read from this site

The Purdue OWL: Grammar

The Purdue OWL: Punctuation

The Purdue OWL: The Writing Process

Purdue OWL: Research Papers

Purdue OWL: Argument Papers

yes, every assignment is
"go here and read every link on grammar"
The Purdue OWL: Grammar

there are no questions from the readings in the book

each quiz will have a long passage (about a page) that you will have to read and answer questions about (this passage is included in the quiz, so again, you don't need the book)

some essay topics are totally up to you, but a couple in the beginning are assigned;
I guess it allows the course to be more structured and and get everyone started at the same level

I gotta say, I hate composition, I absolutely hate it

I love courses like math where the answers are either right or they are not

but composition is so subjective;

example: the first assigned essay is to figure out the thesis for "Little Red Riding Hood" and rewrite a part of the story they specify

not too difficult, but come on...
how do you know if it's right ?

Don't get me wrong.
It's a good course and I'd definitely recommend it.

It's got to be better than going to class and sitting through this nonsense and doing "peer reviews" and corrections of other students drafts ! YUCK !

and its probably better than taking Excelsior's comp exam just because there's less pressure

I just don't like writing in general, but I'm very happy with the course and with straighterline.

[SuZQ2]

Thanks so very much for all the helpful info! I've got to say, I been SCARED TO DEATH of this class and have not been looking forward to it at all. I have no experience with writing formal compositions of any kind, so did not want to have to figure out how write essays along with the time pressure aspect of the CLEP English Comp. Straighterline seemed like a great alternative, but after looking at all the assignments (gulp:ack:,) etc. I've been hesitant to actually take the plunge and sign up.

Can I ask if you're taking the lessons in order (I've read that some do all the quizes first, then work on the essays)? I tend to work extremely slowly, but how long do you think it will take you to complete the course?

Sorry to hear the College Writing Skills book is not used - I've been studying it and trying to familiarize myself with the material - the Purdue site looks much more intimidating - YIKES!!

Good Luck with the course - it sounds like you're really progressing and will pass with flying colors!

[bluebooger]

I'm doing the readings and quizzes first

you can complete the course in 2 weeks if you're motivated

but it's taking me awhile because I'm just not disciplined and I'd rather do other stuff

I'm doing a few of these right now, they're no credit, but they're more interesting
https://www.coursera.org/

I really do need to start taking the composition course seriously though and start working on it every day

that's one problem, you really are on your own, there is schedule where you HAVE to turn it in

work on it this week or not, the choice is your

too often, I've said "nah, not this week, I'll put it off"

[irnbru]

I went into these two Straighterline courses thinking they were just about turning in papers but ended up getting a lot out of them, especially the first course.

The 'five-paragraph paper/essay' structure has helped me so much and was incredibly useful for writing 4000+ word papers for upper level courses, later. I wrote a little about it previously here but please do your own research, too. The OWL PURDUE website is brilliant.

I recommend writing papers to structure, then using Smartthinking for advice on grammar and word choice. Good luck!

[SuZQ2]

Thanks so much irnbru, I'd previously done an extensive search here, and found and printed out your very helpful posts. I've also looked at some useful "College Essay Writing Skills" YouTube videos - they've given me a good overview on the 5 Paragraph Essay format (as I mentioned, I am completely unfamiliar with college-level writing skills.) I've downloaded the syllabus, Straighterline's Student Handbook and FAQ's - I just have to decide on the monthly plan versus the flat fee (I'm a consistent sloooooow but steady worker, so it's not inconceivable for the class to take me 4+ months - I just don't know.)

Thanks again for the help and advice - it's greatly appreciated!

[deucess]

And Suzq2, if you really need the book, your local library might have it. I have a library card for every city and state I've ever lived in and friends of the library or share library card for my surrounding cities up to 50 miles. I use WorldCat.org: The World's Largest Library Catalog to find books in the libraries nearby. Hopefully this will help.