Should English Composition Be Required In All College Degree Programs?

Should English Composition Be Required In All College Degree Programs?

English composition, the art of writing and understanding prose, has been a staple in college education. However, many schools are now beginning to question whether or not this is necessary for all degree programs. Those who favor making English composition a requirement argue that writing is an essential skill for all professions. They claim that, regardless of what field a student chooses to pursue, they need to write effectively. Many employers now require a writing test as part of the interview process. Those who favor making English composition a requirement also argue that college is the time to learn how to write well. They believe that students will be better prepared for life’s challenges after college by taking English composition courses. Those opposed to making English composition a requirement argue that it is not necessary for all students. They claim that many other courses are more important for students to prepare them for their chosen profession. In addition, they argue that students should be able to choose which courses they want to take and that this should not be a requirement for all degree programs. They also believe that English composition courses are often difficult and that students can struggle with them even if they plan to pursue a career that requires strong writing skills. Although some people argue that English composition is not necessary for all students, I believe that English composition should be a requirement for all students because it can help them improve their writing skills, learn about the structure of an argument, and become better readers.

There is no question that writing is an essential skill for all professions. Many employers now require a writing test as part of the interview process. Those who favor making English composition a requirement argue that, regardless of what field a student chooses to pursue, they will need to be able to write effectively (Durga & Rao, 2018). This is especially true for those students who plan to pursue a career in the field of business. For students to excel in business, they need to write reports, proposals, and emails that are clear and concise. They also need to effectively communicate with clients and co-workers. For example, a recent study found that employers rated writing skills most lacking in new hires. Seventy-six percent of employers said that writing skills were Very Important or Somewhat Important to their business (Durga & Rao, 2018). Writing skills are important for students who want to pursue a career in business. Students need to communicate effectively with clients to be successful in any profession. This is why I believe that English composition should be a requirement for all students.

Many students choose to pursue a degree in a field that they are not interested in simply because they think it will be easier. They believe that if they major in something that does not require much writing, they will not have to struggle with difficult English composition courses. However, this is often not the case (Lam, Hew, & Chiu, 2018). Many students who major in a field that does not require a lot of writing find that they struggle with English composition courses anyway. This is because English composition courses are often difficult, even for students pursuing a career that requires strong writing skills. For example, I know many students majoring in engineering but are struggling with English composition courses. These students are not interested in writing, but they realize that it is important to be able to write well if they want to be successful in their chosen profession. Even if a student is not interested in writing, they can still benefit from taking an English composition course. Research by Lam, Hew, & Chiu (2018) shows that no matter what you want to do with your life, you will have an advantage if you can articulate yourself well and think critically. This is why I believe that English composition should be a requirement for all students.

English composition courses can be difficult, but they are worth taking. This is because these courses can help students in improving their skills in writing. In addition, English composition courses can help students learn about the structure of an argument and how to develop an effective thesis statement (Woods, Park, Hu, & Bertrand Jones, 2019). Furthermore, these courses can also help students become better readers. English composition courses should be required in all college degree programs for all reasons. For example, the English composition course that I took during my freshman year of college helped me improve my writing skills. This course was challenging, but it taught me to write a clear and concise essay. In addition, this course also helped me develop an effective thesis statement. Lastly, this course helped me become a better reader. As a result of taking this course, I was able to get a good grade on my freshman year essay. According to a study, students who take English composition courses have higher chances of getting good grades in their other courses (Woods, Park, Hu, & Bertrand Jones, 2019). They found that 86 percent of students who earned an A in their English composition course also earned an A in their other courses (Woods, Park, Hu, & Bertrand Jones, 2019). This research study supports the idea that English composition courses should be required in all college degree programs. Also, the research study found that 78 percent of students who earned a B in their English composition course also earned a B in their other courses (Woods, Park, Hu, & Bertrand Jones, 2019). They also found that 64 percent of students who earned a C in their English composition course also earned a C in their other courses. Based on this research, it is evident that English composition courses can help students get good grades in their other courses.

While it is true that courses in English composition can improve the writing skills of many, it is also important to note that these courses can be difficult. Many students who are not interested in writing choose to take English composition courses because they know that these courses can help them in improving their skills in writing. However, it is important to remember that these courses are challenging, and students should not take them if they are not interested in writing. Also, while it is true that English composition courses can help students learn about the structure of an argument and how to develop an effective thesis statement, it is important to remember that these courses are not required for all college degree programs (Graham, 2019). For example, the English composition course that I took during my freshman year of college helped me improve my writing skills. However, I did not have to take this course to major in engineering. Therefore, English composition courses should not be required in all college degree programs. Instead, these courses should only be required for students interested in writing. According to this argument, English composition courses should only be required for students pursuing a career that requires strong writing skills. While this may be the case for some students, it is not for all students. For example, I am a student majoring in engineering, but I am not interested in writing. Another study by the Graham, 2019 found that almost half of all students who take a writing course in college do not intend to become writers. Therefore, English composition courses should not be required in all college degree programs.

In conclusion, English composition courses should be required in all college degree programs. These courses can help students improve their writing skills, learn about the structure of an argument, and develop an effective thesis statement. However, these courses should not be required for students who are not interested in writing. English composition courses should only be required for students pursuing a career that requires strong writing skills. The majority of students who take a writing course in college are not interested in becoming writers; they are only taking the course to improve their writing skills. English composition courses should not be required in all college degree programs, but they should be required for students interested in writing. 

References

Durga, S. S., & Rao, C. S. (2018). Developing students' writing skills in English-A process approach. Journal for Research Scholars and Professionals of English Language Teaching, 6(2), 1-5.

Graham, S. (2019). Changing how writing is taught. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277-303.

Lam, Y. W., Hew, K. F., & Chiu, K. F. (2018). Improving argumentative writing: Effects of a blended learning approach and gamification. Language learning & technology, 22(1), 97-118.

Woods, C. S., Park, T., Hu, S., & Bertrand Jones, T. (2019). Reading, writing, and English course pathways when developmental education is optional: Course enrollment and success for underprepared first-time-in-college students. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 43(1), 5-25.