What is English Composition?

<h2 id="section---EnglishCompositionDefinition">English Composition Definition</h2> <p>English composition is the study of fundamental reading and writing concepts and skills. Reading comprehension, grammar, the writing process, citing sources, and writing effectively to communicate ideas are topics usually covered within English composition classes. </p> <h2 id="section---EnglishCompositionClassDescription">English Composition Class Description</h2> <p>Courses in English composition are usually taken through a college or university as part of its general education requirements. There are stand-alone course options available for adults or any individual seeking to learn more about English composition without enrolling in college. Courses through a college degree program or for individual study can be taken in-person and online. </p> <p>English composition is often split into 2 parts: English Composition 1 and English Composition 2. Although specific assignments may vary, the skills learned and topics covered are generally the same throughout all courses. </p> <h3 id="section---EnglishComposition1">English Composition 1</h3> <p>The first part covers basic concepts and skills for students to study how to read and write at the college level. College English composition is usually taken in the first semester of a college degree program. Students learn how to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works. </p> <p>Additionally, they learn grammar, the writing process, and test-taking skills. Through practical work, students learn how to choose a side when writing a piece, and how to write argumentatively and persuasively for their side. They will also learn how to identify and write for an audience. </p> <p>Other skills English composition 1 courses teach include: </p> <ul><li>Essay writing </li><li>Editing </li><li>Academic writing </li><li>English language </li><li>Source citing </li></ul><h3 id="section---EnglishComposition2">English Composition 2</h3> <p>The second part of an English composition course expands upon the topics covered in the first part and introduces new concepts and skills as well. In this course, students learn more about academic writing and plagiarism. By the end of the course, they will have completed a research paper that has served them as a source of practical instruction. </p> <p>Students will study in-depth about the writing process as it pertains to research. Forming an opinion or idea, outlining a thesis, researching appropriate sources, creating a bibliography, and citing sources properly are some of the topics covered. They will also learn about the consequences of plagiarism and how to avoid it. </p> <p>A few skills learned in an English composition 2 course include: </p> <ul><li>APA citation </li><li>Structure and outlining </li><li>Paraphrasing </li><li>Revising </li></ul><p>Many English composition 2 courses end with a final exam and some offer a certificate to show that a student has proficient knowledge and skills in this subject. </p> <h2 id="section---PlacementTestsAndTutoring">Placement Tests and Tutoring</h2> <p>Many universities require incoming freshmen to take an English proficiency placement test or provide ACT/SAT Reading/Writing scores. Based on their ACT/SAT or placement test scores, students will be placed in an English composition course that fits their level of proficiency. </p> <p>If they have taken AP English courses and have a high score on the AP English Language or Literature exam, they may not have to take a placement test. International students must take an ESL proficiency test if English is not their first language, and will be placed in a course in the same manner as freshmen students. </p> <p>If a student is struggling with their writing, many universities have writing centers with tutors and information on English composition. </p> <h2 id="section---DegreeProgramsWithEnglishComposition">Degree Programs With English Composition</h2> <p>While English composition is a general education course and not degree-specific, there are various associate, bachelor, master, and Ph.D. programs that involve English composition skills more-so than other programs. Associate's and bachelor's degrees in technical writing, literature and culture, and creative writing are just a few programs that expand upon college-level English composition skills. </p> <p>Master's degrees in professional writing and Ph.D. degrees in rhetoric and composition apply advanced knowledge of the English language and writing for positions in academia and research. Students can use their writing skills in a number of areas, from scientific and technical communication to literature writing, interpretation and criticism. </p> <p>Additionally, one can expand upon their composition skills by taking other self-study courses related to writing and English composition. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Grant_Writing_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">Online courses in grant writing</a>, copywriting, and medical transcription are a few options. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Subject </td><td> English composition</td></tr> <tr><td> Availability </td><td> In-person or online, through college or self-study</td></tr> <tr><td> Topics Covered </td><td> Reading comprehension, research, academic writing, grammar</td></tr> <tr><td> Degrees Available</td><td> Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.</td></tr> <tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> Technical writing, creative writing, literature and culture, rhetoric and composition</td></tr></table>