Over the past years, I have been working on strengthening my English, both as a language and as a tool for academic work. I then wanted to continue at a higher level, with more emphasis on structured writing, text analysis, and clear expression of ideas. Since English is essential for university studies, especially for reading scientific texts and writing essays and reports, I focused not only on literature, but also on argumentation, organization of ideas, and precision of language.
On Edgenuity, I worked on: Reading and analyzing different types of texts (literary and informational), Vocabulary development, Grammar and sentence structure, Essay, Writing and structured written responses, Argumentation and analysis, and Research and presentation skills. I completed reading assignments, exercises on grammar and vocabulary, and several written assignments. Writing was a big part of the work, and I had to pay attention not only to content, but also to structure, clarity, and correctness of language.
With the Cambridge book, I worked on: Advanced grammar and usage, Writing techniques (clarity, coherence, structure), Text analysis and commentary, and finally Academic and formal English style. I worked more specifically on grammar, sentence structure, and writing techniques. I often rewrote parts of my texts to improve clarity and organization.
I read books in English, watched films and series in English, and followed YouTube channels in English to improve comprehension and vocabulary. I also practiced English through regular writing, conversations, and discussions. Feedback from my mother and rewriting my texts several times helped me improve both accuracy and clarity. Through poetry, drama and various literary texts, I acquired strategies for reading comprehension and literary analysis. I had strengthened my listening and speaking skills, while also producing clear and accurate writing. Some literary texts I worked on are: “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen, “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, and “Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
I have progressed quite well, and thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of this class, especially as much of it has been about mythology and heroes, with a large focus of vocabulary and context clues. I also read poetry and practicing essay-writing. The Time4Learning English course has been challenging but interesting, with a focus on mythology and heroes, exploring new vocabulary and context clues. I have also made progress in reading and writing poetry, as well as honing skills in essay composition. It went well with my mother’s help as a facilitator.
The Time4Learning English course allowed me to delve into American literature, from early American Indian voices through thoughtful contemporary works, engaging in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, the centerpieces of this course. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, I mastered comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters were tasks that allowed me to strengthen my oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. The literature featured represents diverse voices and experiences. This included short but complex texts, including works by Michio Kaku, Emily Dickinson, Sojourner Truth, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Mark Twain, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King, Jr., Naomi Shihab Nye, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Additionally, the Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. I used the Cambridge Coursebook to develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing, learned how to use a wide range of vocabulary, the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and developed a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. I feel that my practical application of skills has improved, and I became more confident in expressing complex ideas both in writing and speech.
In addition to completing the Time4Learning course and my Cambridge IGCSE studies, I’ve practiced extensively through journaling, essay writing, and even working on my own novel. This extra practice has helped reinforce the skills taught in the curriculum. I’ve grown significantly in my ability to express complex ideas clearly and appropriately, whether in academic essays, literary analysis, or creative writing. I now feel confident communicating in English in both formal and informal contexts, whether in writing or speaking. All of these resources combined to support my language development across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.