10 Things That An English Major Understands | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Things That An English Major Understands

Some universal truths

9
10 Things That An English Major Understands
Google Images

In my completely biased opinion, majoring in English is one of the most creative choices a student could make. Nothing with English is ever set in stone and opinions become facts with the right support. So here are ten things to expect when choosing English.

1. You will do a lot of reading

Reading well and writing well are two sides of the same coin and, as an English major, this is the bulk of the work. English majors read articles, stories, reviews and anything they can get their hands on.

2. You will do a lot of writing

This is also the bulk of the work. English majors write articles, stories, reviews and anything they can wrap their minds around. Getting a little Deja Vu? Well, that brings up the next point.

3. Expect to read and analyze "Hills Like White Elephants" at least three times

English classes tend to reiterate the same points over and over and usually, those points have to do with close readings of a text and deep analysis. "Hills Like White Elephants" happens to be a story with a lot to analyze and is one of those go-to stories.

4. 5-page papers are a blessing

Topping off at 20 pages as the regular for a final paper, 5-page papers are God-sent.

5. Confusion as to which paper was about what

It's happened to every English major at least once; you're sitting down for the third class of the day to repeat the same speech you've been giving to the two previous professors. "My paper was about..." but then you think, "which paper are we talking about here?" It happens.

6. Not being a math person

Numbers, to the English person, don't make a lot of sense. Some people say math is like a language but to the mind of an English major, math is just symbols and numbers, but, no worries, math is a necessary evil before getting to the real fun stuff.

7. Inventing another layer to a text

"Dazzle them with brilliance or beguile them with bull-crap" is true when it comes to the English major. English majors become magicians when it comes to pulling a theme or a new perspective out of a text. When running across a text and being unable to find a new perspective, English majors have the ability to read into the smallest, most insignificant portions of a text and pull out a significant meaning.

8. Not having tests

Most English classes require an essay or two, but don't usually require tests, so no late night cramming for a big test that you HAVE to pass or else you'll fail out of the major.

9. Having a lot of options/having too many options

This is good and bad. A degree in English tells employers that you have a variety of skills. The downside is that there isn't any specific job you're being trained for, so finding work requires a bit more creativity.

10. Being creative

This is probably the best part of being an English major. To piggy-back off of point number nine, finding work requires creativity which can also lead to the creation of a new position. Journalism, editing and teaching are not the only options and, sometimes, not even the best. Managers, CEO's and other professionals are required to have excellent communication skills.

Enjoy being an English major!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14272
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2833
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1707
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments