<p>My English skills aren't up to par really. I write at about a 5th grade level. I score an A or a B on most classes..I score about a B on the papers other classes have me turn it but they are not English classes. I'm not sure I can pass a English course because of improper punctuation, sentence structure, etc. I only know how to use punctuation in sentences like, "I like apples, oranges, and bananas". When it comes time for me to take my English class, am I destined to fail it?</p>
<p>Why don’t you start with an appropriate ESL class, or work with a tutor if your college does not offer ESL classes? Don’t postpone learning the skills you need to be successful in your classes and other areas of life in the US!</p>
<p>Back to your question. I am not sure if you are concerned about English language or literature classes. Classes taught by an English department are almost always literature classes; they will teach you about literature and how to write about literature. They will not teach you proper punctuation or sentence structure or vocabulary.</p>
<p>If it makes you feel any better, everything in your post was fine. And “up to par” is not exactly a 5th grade kind of expression. I think you need to give yourself a little more credit.</p>
<p>If you’re smart enough to get into college and have enough English skills to write that post above, you shouldn’t have much problems catching up.</p>
<p>I think your English skills are fine, based on your post. Besides, there are native English-speaking college students who still make grammatical errors, such as improper punctuation (such as using apostrophes for plural words), sentence structures, etc. In a lot of college-level English course, they tend to care more about whether you understand what the given prompt is asking you to write about and whether you can connect what you’ve read or learned in class to that prompt than spelling and grammar.</p>
<p>You’d be surprised at how poorly many college students write. I took a senior-level course in theories of composition - I was the only non-English major in the course - and I couldn’t believe some of the students were unable to construct proper sentences or clearly illustrate ideas. And many of these students were on the “writing track” of the English major. </p>
<p>Your very first English course might focus a bit on grammar and writing structure, unless you placed out of it due to placement tests, honors/AP, etc. Mine sure did - it was titled English Composition. Beyond that, non-English courses look for how well thought-out your ideas are, and care less about how perfectly it is written. Ideas that are not well focused but written in perfect sentence structure will not earn you an A, either.</p>
<p>As for the English course, there are many places to turn to help you through it. If you are concerned about your writing, ALWAYS use the Writing Center/Tutoring Services. These are usually junior or senior English/Writing majors (the better ones 
) who will read over your paper and help you correct grammatical errors and focus your ideas before the paper needs to be turned in. If you’re still not getting the grades you want, set up an appointment with your professor and discuss with him/her the primary issues you are having and see if they have any advice. They may be able to go over your paper more clearly than a tutor can (though I would use the tutor first to ensure you get the best grade possible; only see the professor if you don’t understand their grading and need to know what to improve on).</p>
<p>Use the Writing Center to your benefit.</p>
<p>I did for my English course. My essay drafts all received 1’s and 3’s on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the best) in my English class. When I went back and rewrote them, I took them to the writing center. It was super helpful. I was given very constructive criticism. Anyways, I was able to correct my essays and submit the final essay. My final portfolio of essays got me a 96%. So essentially, I took C-F worthy papers and rewrote them to be A papers. The Writing Center was just that helpful.</p>
<p>I don’t know of a college that doesn’t have a Writing Center. So you really should check it out.</p>