Thinking about being an 英语 major?

1. Read, Read, and Read Some More: 英语 majors enjoy reading and their reading interests are varied. The best 英语 majors read in a wide range of genres, including fiction, 非小说类, 诗歌, 和戏剧. Take as many high school leterature classes as you can. If your high school as an AP program, join it. Visit your public library often. 

2. Write, Write, and Write Some More: 英语 majors look for opportunities to hone their writing skills. Typical high school writing opportunities include yearbook, school newspaper, speech writing, special event writing. If your high school teaches writing classes, take them. You can also record your thoughts and experiences in a daily journal or diary. 

3. Speak, Speak, and Speak Some More: Because language lies at the heart of everything an 英语 major does, 英语 majors are often called upon to perform carefully crafted words at public events. Even the shyest 英语 major should welcome opportunities to read or speak in church, 在俱乐部, at civic events, and at social events. 

4. Pay Attention to "How" it is Said: 英语 majors develop a keen ear for language, for nuance, for sublety. They are close and careful listeners and readers. They often detect meanings that escape others. They listen with their pores wide open. While they often love music, they pay closer attention to lyrics than most. Words matter mightily to 英语 majors. 

5. Cultivate Open mindedness and Tolerance: 英语 majors are interested in the human experience and in the expression and portrayal of that experience in many forms. They learn to read with an open mind, avoid making snap judgements, and respect individuals who differ from themselves. They acknowledge that each human being is a valuable work in progress. 

6. Be a Friendly Person: 英语 majors not only enjoy reading and writing, they often enjoy sharing their reading and writing. They like to talk about books and 电影, ads, and a wide range of media. Their interests in books, 电影, and other media often include works in translation and works growing out of other cultures. It's no surprise, then, that 英语 majors are often experienced travelers. If your high school offers local or international tours, try to join one. 

参观 Department of 英语 website to learn about programs of study and who to contact for more information.