Navigating the world of college writing can be daunting for incoming freshmen. This guide provides comprehensive advice on how to successfully complete your first-year writing requirements, particularly focusing on English Composition courses like English 110. We’ll cover everything from placement options to supplemental support and choosing the right path for your academic success.
Determining Your Placement
Your initial placement in a writing course depends on several factors, including prior coursework and comfort level with academic English.
Previous College Credit or Dual Enrollment
Did you complete a composition course at another college or ENGL 110 through a dual enrollment program in high school?
If YES: Contact Admissions or [email protected] to see if you’re exempt from ENGL 110 and can directly enroll in a College Writing 2 (CW2) course.
If NO: Proceed to the next question.
Language Preference
Are you more comfortable in a language other than English, or have you recently completed an ESL course with a Regents English score above 78 and an SAT verbal score above 480?
If YES: Consider taking extra support like ENGL 108, ENGL 109 or ENGL 115.1 alongside ENGL 110. (more details below)
If NO: Proceed to the next question.
Comfort Level with Essay Writing
Did you write multiple essays in English during high school and feel confident reading essays written in English? Refer to the sample materials provided below to gauge the complexity and expectations of English 110.
If YES: Then consider your overall confidence in academic writing.
- Confident: Enroll in ENGL 110 in your first semester and a CW2 course like ENGL 130 in your second semester.
- Not Confident: Consider taking a linked section of ENGL 110 + ENGL 115.1.
If NO: Consider enrolling in ENGL 108, ENGL 109, or a linked section of ENGL 110 + ENGL 115.1.
Course Options & Support Systems
Let’s explore the different course options available to you.
ENGL 110: College Writing 1
This is the foundational course for all students and fulfills the English Composition I requirement. It focuses on developing critical reading, writing, and research skills necessary for academic success.
ENGL 108: Introduction to Academic Communication
This course is specifically designed for students who want or need additional instruction and practice with college-level communication before taking ENGL 109. It focuses on all forms of communication (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) to help gain practical experience with college-level communication.
ENGL 109: Introduction to Academic Writing
This course is designed for students who need additional writing instruction and practice before taking English 110. It focuses on developing academic literacy practices and writing for different purposes.
ENGL 115.1: Topics in Writing
This is a supplementary course designed to provide students enrolled in ENGL 110 with extra instruction and support. You’ll work closely with your ENGL 110 instructor in a small class setting.
Understanding College Writing 2 (CW2)
After successfully completing ENGL 110, you must take a CW2 course. These courses are offered across various departments and focus on writing within specific disciplines. Consider taking a CW2 course in your major, such as Writing about History or Writing about Biology, to learn discipline-specific writing conventions. English majors should take English 130: Writing About Literature in English.
How ENGL 110 Fits Into the Curriculum
ENGL 110 is the first of two required college writing courses, fulfilling the English Composition I requirement. The second requirement, English Composition II, is met by completing a CW2 course. Ideally, students take ENGL 110 in their first semester and CW2 in the following semester. Students should aim to complete both writing requirements within their first 45 credits, or preferably within their first 30 credits.
All students must pass ENGL 110 with a grade of D or higher to proceed to a CW2 course. Some departments may require a B or C grade for admission into specific programs or to begin coursework in a major. Consult with your department or Academic Advising to confirm any specific grade requirements.
After completing ENGL 110 and a CW2 course, you’ll need to take two writing-intensive (W) courses offered throughout the curriculum.
Support for Non-Native English Speakers
If English is not your dominant language, consider ENGL 109 before ENGL 110 or ENGL 115.1 alongside ENGL 110. ENGL 115.1 provides additional instruction and conference time each week. Consider these options if you:
- Earned 75-78 on the Regents or have an SAT verbal score below 480
- Recently completed one or more ESL classes
- Have concerns about your preparedness to write essays in English
Sample Materials for ENGL 110
To help you decide, review these materials from previous English 110 sections:
ENGL 110: Language & Literacy
- Reading: YZ Chin, “How I Learned to Claim Space as a Multilingual Author”
- Assignment: Essay 1 Formal Draft
- Student essay: “My Asian American Identity”
ENGL 110: Monsters
- Reading: Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, “Monster Culture (Seven Theses)”
- Assignment: Essay 1 Formal Draft
- Student essay: “It’s Not You, It’s Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the ‘Monstrosity’ of Complex Literary Analysis”
These courses significantly increase your chances of success in ENGL 110 by providing a strong foundation in English writing and personalized instructor support.
Utilizing the Writing Center
Take advantage of the Writing Center ([email protected]) throughout the semester. It offers valuable resources and support for all students.
Conclusion: Setting Yourself Up for Success
By carefully considering your options and taking advantage of available resources, you can successfully navigate your first-year writing requirements and build a strong foundation for academic success. Choose the courses that best fit your needs, seek support when needed, and embrace the challenge of college-level writing. Good luck!
