Letters to Next Year's Class

At the end of each semester, I ask students to reflect on the course and write a letter to the next year's class, passing on their experience and advice. Below you'll find the letters that my English 101 students wrote at the end of the Fall 2006 term.

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter!

Dear poor soul:
Your writing will begin soon.
Some reading and writing advice:
The reading assignments are generally easy and fairly interesting. Just read them! Understand them, or just try if you can't. Answer whichever question you feel most comfortable with. The most important thing is to just do it; class discussion goes best when the whole class has made an effort.
The writing is not terrible. Give it your all, and try to do each draft in one sitting. Spellcheck your draft personally, have it reviewed once or twice, and then go back and edit! Allow your essay to change as needed, always keeping to a strong thesis and a well-flowing format.
Class and instructor:
If one just pays attention in class, his/her writing will improve! Use your MLA guide and whatever resources assigned. Don't screw off! It will take you nowhere.
Professor Mendham is very nice. She has a background in writing and will help you! She leaves very good comments and feedback, so use them.
Most of all, enjoy class!
Kyle

Dear Students We Will Never Meet

Dear Student(s) we will never meet, yet we're telling you this because of an assignment,

The conduct expected in this class is for you, the new student, to always participate. Be outspoken, don't hold back anything. Never say "pass." That word should be forbidden.
This instructor expected of us always to be on our toes. When one essay finished, another was assigned instantly. She wants us to go the extra mile out of writing. Give extra opinions. Be confident with your decisions. Always refer to the topic sheet when doing assignments.
Spend time spacing out the work, but when you sit down to write, commit! There is no exact amount of time you should spend altogether, but when you do, make it worthwhile.

Signed,

Two people you don't know

Responding to Rebecca Mead

For class today, we read an article by Rebecca Mead titled "You've Got Blog." What did you think of it?
(Click on the Comments link below)