You are currently in 4-2/Class Reports  

For the past few years, The Potter’s School has offered a plethora of English and Literature classes. One can select from a long list of courses such as Early American Literature, English 9, and even Journey to Narnia. But no class stands out like Dr. Bridwell’s Advanced Composition class. Intense, rigorous, and highly demanding, Advanced Composition (or AC, as many students abbreviate it) challenges high-school students and tests their limits. It forces them to dramatically improve their writing skills through over thirty weeks of grammatically and stylistically correct active writing.

 

Advanced Composition is but the latest phase in the evolution of TPS’s very first writing and grammar course. Written by Dr. Bridwell several years ago, it originally included a hefty grammar portion; she titled it “Grammar and Composition.” However, the TPS English department has since grown to include many other classes. Because of the wonderful instruction of the English 8 and 9 teachers, students no longer need yet another grammar class. Thus, the English department reformatted the course to focus mainly on strengthening students’ compositional abilities. Specifically, it prepares young writers for the new essay portion of the SAT and for Composition 101, the Freshman college writing course.

 

As a course aimed at preparing students for college, Advanced Composition demands much of its students. They must first write actively; passive “BE” verbs make for boring papers. Thus, one’s grade will drop an entire step for each passive verb used. Students must also use the Modern Language Association’s format. Also, they must thoroughly understand and adhere to Dr. Bridwell’s Manuscript Guidelines and Punctuation Summary handouts. These contain hundreds of little rules and tips that, when applied correctly, can affect one’s writing in an amazingly positive way. In addition to following all the writing rules, students must write maturely and develop their topics well. Their papers must exhibit good organization and insight into the subject.

 

This class accomplishes this daunting task through several means. Its dedicated instructors—Mrs. Troxell, Ms. Lavorante, and Ms. Sewall—patiently guide their students through various compositional styles. Also, the course utilizes several resources such as the rather infamous Gregg Reference Manual and Dr. Bridwell’s Manuscript Guidelines. These books and handouts provide wonderful references for students while they write their compositions. Also, the class features peer review days. During these special class times, students read their papers aloud while receiving constructive criticism from their fellow students. They can practice applying their recently acquired knowledge by critiquing their classmates’ papers.

 

In turn, students are responsible for completing weekly assignments: papers written in the style discussed in class each week. Compositions vary from the précis to the “Imaginary Journey” creative paper. The level of difficulty also changes; some papers require more time and effort.

“The hardest assignment is the book review,” stated Mrs. Troxell in an interview, “because of its length.” But this also depends on each student’s personality.

 

Although students gravitate towards different assignments due to personal preference, those who diligently work on all the essays enjoy tremendous results. Good grammar and perfect style become second nature; their writing contains active words instead of passive “BE” verbs. Some can even quote straight from the Manuscript Guidelines! Students carry their Advanced Composition experience with them when they move on to high school literature courses, the SAT exam, and college. Advanced Composition truly equips the budding writer for success.

 

Print       E-mail      

Music Appreciation Advanced Composition World History