Writing for college classes is different than writing in other settings, and because most courses in college will require some kind of writing, it is important that you learn the protocol for this style of writing early in your academic career. Most composition courses will emphasize standard English grammar, logical organization of content, appropriate tone and diction, and strategies for appealing to different audiences. Additionally, you will learn how to proofread your own writing, which is an important, but difficult, step to creating a strong, correct final product.
Essays for composition classes usually require research, so many instructors will arrange for a librarian to discuss the materials, both print and electronic, that are available in the library. Many will cover basic research methods, such as keeping an annotated bibliography, how to search an electronic database, using Boolean search terms to find sources, and how to assess a source’s credibility. Practicing research in your composition class will also teach you how to choose a good essay topic, and how to narrow your focus so that you cover a topic adequately without including filler material. These are cross-discipline skills that are essential for any college course you take.
Composition courses focus not just on writing, but also on improving students’ critical thinking skills. Students will learn to analyze written texts, movies, advertisements, political speeches and other everyday arguments they encounter in the world outside the classroom. Through careful reading, students will learn to identify the relationship between main ideas, such as cause and effect, and problem and solution arguments. Further, composition courses introduce students to the basics of logic through study of logical fallacies. The critical thinking skills students develop in composition courses will be essential to strong performance in other academic classes, regardless of the students’ majors.
Composition courses go beyond preparing students for other college classes to prepare students to perform well in the workforce. Employers frequently list strong verbal skills as one of the traits they seek in new employees. Strong verbal skills enhance the effectiveness of inter-office communication and generate a professional presence when interacting with clients. Further, the ability to research translates to the ability to independently learn about new tasks at work. Critical thinking skills foster creative problem solving and strong decision-making skills, and increase the intellectual flexibility of workers.