I think i will never get an education because i have poor writing and grammar skills!?

Question

I dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. I took a remedial english course but i failed the compass test which quiz students on english fragments, run-ons, verb form errors, subject-verb disagreements, shifts in person, shifts in verb tense, modifier problems, pronoun and disagreements, errors in punctuation, capitalization, and word usage.

I feel dumb and uneducated every day of my life when i am at my job interacting with my co-workers.

What can i do to improve my writing and identifying run-ons, verbs, punctuation etc....

I want to improve my grammar skills before i take the course again.

I've been reading the New York Times 3 hours every day for at least one year and that did not have an impact on my test results.

I guess reading does not help with your writing skills or identifying punctuation and run-ons in a sentence .

Do i need to read from a different source?

I am currently 21 years old.

Someone please help me!!!!

I took this exam at a community college. I have my G.E.D.

My major is criminal justice and political science. I have to take "one" remedial course to enrolled in college level english.

Answer 1

Its nice to know that atleast you are aware of where you are lacking. Grammar is very important. Studying grammar may at first seem dull, but once your grammar starts improving, you'll be thrilled by the difference this makes in how well you can communicate.
I remember using Wren Martin for English Grammar. I think even till this date its been a bible for English Grammar. Suggest you to read that.

Apart from that do continue to read. try to read different kinds of books from a light read to a heavy whichever you are comfortable with.

like when I was in my teens I used to read Hardy Boys, Three Investigators etc and then moved to Alistair Macleans, P.G Woodehouse and then to Ludlums, Fredric Forsyth, Dan Brown, Sidney Sheldon, Ayn Rand and so on.

Try to read books of diversified nature so that you get to know different words and perspective.

The important thing is not get discouraged. I know its easier said than done. But you must realise that what took us years of schooling, you intend to achieve it within a short span. It can be achieved provided you have the belief, a precise plan and most importantly religously following that plan.

I think you have made a good start by taking a remedial english course and reading newspapers. But apparently that wasnt enough for you to clear the test. No issues. That only indicates you need to enhance on that and go a level higher.

Anyways will leave you with this quote
"Nothing of value comes by luck. Its one by pain and sacrifice".

So it all boils down to how much you are willing to go to make this happen

All the best

Answer 2

Try studying for your GED. There are prepardness classes usually available through your local high school or library. You can also hire an English tutor or take a remedial English class at your local college. Also try looking up your local literacy foundation, usually run through your library. You only feel dumb because you know your limitations. The person you are speaking to, might not have noticed. I am terrible with grammar, but come off as an intelligent person.

Answer 3

First of all, you are not stupid. I have my Ph.D., but when I was in high school, I was told by the school counselor to go to vocational school because I was not "university material." I did go to vocational school but was encouraged later by an employer to go to university. I finished at a 2.8 (not so good) at the undergrad level, a 3.9 at the master's level and 4.0 at the doctorate level. So much for the experts! What I am trying to tell you is that you are NOT STUPID. My grandmother had a 3rd grade education and I found her to be one of the brightest people I ever met.

With that said, I suggest you seek out the help of an english tutor. Go speak with your high school, public library, or even a local university to find help. You can get through this. You can finish your GED and you can go on for further education. This is not an impossible dream - just one that may take you a bit longer than you originally planned. Considering you are only 21 - you have lots of time to develop an academic career! Good luck!

Answer 4

I had horrible writing skills but I was persistant and graduated with two BA's in English and Biology. Keep working. I would suggest to go to your local bookstore and pick up some books. I know they are out there. Newspapers aren't the best place for this. Try reading some of the classics. I hope you get better. It is possible. You seem to be doing a good job. Your question was one of the best written I have seen on Yahoo! answers. good luck.

Answer 5

Mate, you write well compared to some people I work with! Your problem isn't obvious from reading your question (sure it's not perfect but better than most of the rubbish people write).
I would suggest perhaps you are simply not good at taking exams? Consider doing online courses to improve english and grammar, particularly have a look at self-study ones.
Good luck and don't worry, as I said I have seen much worse!

Answer 6

Are there any Sylvan Learning Centers in your area?? They offer tutors in just about any subject, but it does cost so much per hour. Another suggestion might be to ask if anyone knows a retired teacher who would be willing to work with you on your writing and reading skills.
I can give you a few clues on the problems you mentioned:
English fragment is just a part of a sentence--such as a verb and object but no subject or vice-versa (In my first sentence above, if I'd just said "Any Sylvan Learning Centers nearby?", then that is a fragment).
Run-ons are two or more sentences run together with seemingly no end in sight. Look for a lot of ands, buts, ors, etc. and see if you can separate them into logical sentences.
Verb form errors would be with a single subject and a plural verb, or something like "We has to go to town". It should be "We have to go to town." This sentence would be an example of subject-verb disagreement, too.
Shifts in person: "I and them went to the movies." A lot of people use "him and me" which is a mistake as well (should be "he and I")
Shifts in verb tense would be something like "He has gave $10 to charity." It should be "He has given..."
Capitalization is not that hard to remember. You always capitalize the first word of a sentence; you always capitalize the pronoun I; the names of organizations/clubs are always capitalized; country, city, county, state, street, etc. are always capitalized; a person's title or degrees are capitalized (Dr. John Doe, M.D.); and so on.
As for writing, check out the site www.learningthings.com/items.asp?Cc=2780&agent=Yahoo. Among the items listed are cursive handwriting skills for grades 7 and up (48 pages each with worksheets to teach or improve handwriting skills for $8.48 ea); books on grammar and language that uses flashcards to improve vocabulary for $35.99 (105 cards total); and grammar exercises for grades 1-12 at $14.95 each with 20 lessons per book.
I'm proud of you for wanting to go back to school and improve yourself. Good luck and here's a BIG PAT ON THE BACK from me. :)

Answer 7

Hi! I don't know where you took your "remedial exam", but there are several places you can go to sharpen your grammar skills.

Most community colleges have classes that can help you bring you up to speed. Most also have tutoring programs to assist you. If not, then try looking at Adult schools where classes are offered to get a GED. Many local libraries have reading and writing programs. Keep looking and trying, you will get it.

PS, looking at the letter you wrote, I wouldn't consider you as bad as you think you are. I have seen much, much worse. Just don't give up. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Answer 8

Your grammer is much better than many people here on Yahoo Answers!

Reading DOES help with writing skills. In order to identify the problems in grammer by their correct names takes studying grammer books and/or taking classes. This is technical knowledge you can learn. There is no shame in taking a remedial course or two.

Your writing shows that you are intelligent and, like I said, your grammer is excellent.

Do not despair. Keep reading.
good luck!

Answer 9

Reading helps with writing skills and speech. The more you read, the better you get at what you seek. Read for pleasure, as well as learning. A good novel is written by a skilled writer. Books are edited by experts. Find a novelist you enjoy, and read all his books. You will eventually incorporate what you read into your speech. I detect a lack of self-confidence. Do a little reading on self-improvement. It will help your skills, as well as your sense of self worth. You sound like a very mature 21. My best to you!

Answer 10

try a local college or high school that does GED courses and see if they have an english course that would suit you.

Colleges often have a remedial course for new students who need help with grammer and essay writing.

In my area colleges may also run some adult education courses that are more for personal interest but some subjects are done .