【推荐1】In this day and age, there seems to be a move towards secondary school subjects. For that reason, some parents and some students feel that the compulsory study of English literature is misguided and disadvantageous to students, particularly if they are second language learners of English. However, there are still good reasons for the study of English literature.

Students of English language sometimes fail to see the point of studying English literature, especially if they have no plans to study English or translation at university. But English literature can introduce students to a range of aspects, not only of the English language but also the culture of English-speaking countries.

There are aspects of English culture that are summarised by English literature. Of course, this is quite obvious when studying the works of Shakespeare or of writers, poets and playwrights of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is, however, also true when studying other works of English literature. Students can learn about good stories and references to different aspects of English culture. They can also learn the context and meanings of famous quotes and phrases.

Studying literature does not confine the students to the traditions of England but includes the possibility of introducing them to traditions which inform English literature, such as the study of Ancient Greek drama, and to literature in other contexts, such as American literature.

An enjoyment and appreciation of literature will give students the ability to develop this into an interest in books and reading as they move away from their studies and into the adult lives. They will have the confidence to approach and cope with new forms of books and writing, since they were exposed to a range of literature during their school days.

When studying literature, students can learn not only language aspects such as vocabulary items but also the language aspects which can be used for specific purposes. For example, if the students are familiar with the concepts of beat and rhythm of English poems, they can improve their own writing as they are able to appreciate and apply these ideas.

Finally, the study of literature can provide students with a fresh and creative angle, from which the students can approach their studies in particular and their lives in general.

So the next time you are reading a newspaper article complaining of the lack of creativity and initiative in the local workforce, remember that in a small way the study of English literature can help to add a refreshing and further dimension to a person’s life.

【推荐2】Everyone knows about straight-A students. In fact, hard work isn’t the whole story behind their academic success. Many straight-A students actually put in fewer hours of homework time than their low-scoring classmates.     1    .

Set priorities.

Top students bear no breaks on study time. Once the books are open or the computer is booted up, phone calls go unanswered, TV shows unwatched, and snacks ignored. Study is business; business comes before recreation.

    2    .

Paul Melendres, a straight-A freshman from New Mexico, keeps two folders (文件夹) — one for the day’s assignments, another for papers completed and graded. Melendres’ methods have actually proven effective. Even students who don’t have a private study area remain organized. A bag or drawer keeps essential supplies together and cuts down time-wasting searches.

Clean up your act.

Neat papers are likely to get higher grades than sloppy ones. “The student who turns in a neat paper,” says Claude Olney, an Arizona State University business professor, “is already on the way to an A. It’s like being served a cheeseburger.     3    , you can’t believe it tastes good if it’s presented on a dirty plate.”

Speak up.

“    4    , I asked him to repeat it,” says Christopher Campbell. Class participation goes beyond merely asking questions, though. It’s a matter of showing intellectual curiosity. “I don’t want to memorize information for tests only,” says Campell. “Better grades come from better understanding.”

Test yourself.

As part of her note-taking, Domenica Roman emphasizes points she thinks may be covered during exams. Later she designs tentative (试验性的) test questions based on those points and gives herself a written examination before test day. “If I can’t answer the questions satisfactorily,     5    ,” she says.