15 replies to this topic

[arudis]

ok I hope I dont look or sound stupid for asking this but im serious

Heres the story:
Last week I wrote an essay for my class (im in 9th grade by the way) and I really hate writing alot so I always use words like don't ( do not) didn't (did not) aren't ( are not ) etc so my teacher took 2 points off for every time I wrote a word like that and I asked her and she said that we are not in middle school anymore in college they do not let write like this so I was stunned.

So what I wanted to ask do teachers in college let you write words like that do they deduct point for doing this?

and is this a stupid question?

PS I live in America

Edited by arudis, 29 January 2008 - 10:07 AM.

[Lastcrime]

yah man im in grade 11 you can not use contraction words like that (i think there called contraction words lol) proper essays you have to use can not etc.

[arudis]

oo ok thank you

[StudicaSkills]

they're picky and snooty because they CAN be.
you'll have to get used to it, i'm afraid!

[arudis]

StudicaSkills, on Jan 29 2008, 12:19 PM, said:

they're picky and snooty because they CAN be.
you'll have to get used to it, i'm afraid!

I don't have a problem with her being snooty lol I am used to it already

[StudicaSkills]

arudis, on Jan 29 2008, 12:21 PM, said:

StudicaSkills, on Jan 29 2008, 12:19 PM, said:

they're picky and snooty because they CAN be.
you'll have to get used to it, i'm afraid!

I don't have a problem with her being snooty lol I am used to it already

hee hee.... i was talking about the professors, arudis!! they choose to discredit the contractions and promote the use of correct, almost primitive vocabulary and grammar. but they do it because they can. and they get paid to do it, so there's never much point in arguing. sad but true!

who were YOU talking about then? hmmmmm?

[arudis]

my Teacher but yea thats true

[rc69]

Dunno where you guys grew up, but my teachers actually encouraged the use of the "longer" versions just to help us get the necessary length we needed for our essays. Sophomore in Colledge now and i can't say i've had a single teacher complain (i guess none of them "encouraged" me either, but i definately had one "suggest").

My one suggestion though is, learn to write for your audience. Your audience is currently your teacher, do what it takes to make her happy. Once you learn to conform to others rules like that, you'll be in a better position, because your next teacher will have a different set of rules to live by.

Lastcrime, on Jan 29 2008, 08:25 AM, said:

yah man im in grade 11 you can not use contraction words like that (i think there called contraction words lol) proper essays you have to use can not etc.

*cough*cannot*cough*

p.s. Idahoen

Edited by rc69, 29 January 2008 - 09:36 PM.

[Lastcrime]

haha that's why there's spellcheck for ya!

[Panzer]

In New Zealand we're incouraged to do that (Shorten words).

[StudicaSkills]

In North America, you are encouraged to use the oldest kind of Queen's english that you have been taught.

While it is good practice, and important when it comes to things like resumes and interviews and such, i cannot remember the last time I read a book written in that style.

[vvtopkar]

StudicaSkills, on Jan 29 2008, 09:19 AM, said:

I'm afraid!

you mean I am afraid

[StudicaSkills]

vvtopkar, on Jan 31 2008, 11:32 PM, said:

StudicaSkills, on Jan 29 2008, 09:19 AM, said:

I'm afraid!

you mean I am afraid

Yep, that's right!
I seldom use formal vocabulary and scrutinous grammar, although I know the difference between the two... It just doesn't make for very good conversation (looks great on a resume' and cover letter tho!).

[fiv3isaliv3]

Depends on the class in a business, technology or science class you can usually get with using "do not" instead of "don't". However if you try it in an english class... expect a lower grade.

[CoryMathews]

english teachers just have problems with themselves. They are always complaining about something. Im a junior in college and havent had any teachers take off for crap like that, but im not an english major either.

[rc69]

Note: Couple posts removed, please stay on topic (communiti).