They keep coming

From Ruined for Life

Dear Professor Kelly!

Hi, Kelly! I'm Alicia. How was your Christmas? and I hope you enjoy new year day. And then I really want to know the reason why I got B plus. (Many friends got A in your class) I think I tried to do my best in English 2 class. So please tell me what I have to do to get A and to improve my English. I hope to meet again in next semester.

Have a happy holidays !

From Alicia
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Dear Alicia,

One key to academic success, believe it or not, it to NOT think about grades too much. This is proven through research and my own experience. The times I got a 4.0 average were when I didn't care about grades and just cared about learning, ideas and new skills.

I've explained how I grade before, but I'll do it again. We have a grade curve at Sogang. Each class is limited in the number of A's and B's that can be given. At Sogang 30% can get an A, which is ridiculously high since usually only 10% of our students are excellent anyway.

Smaller classes allow teachers to grade based solely on achievement and common sense. I add up everyone's score and rank the results. For this class 5 A's were allowed. You ranked 8th in the class with an 85%, which is typically a B, not a B+, so I was generous. As I think you know the true value of taking English is to improve your skill and keep working on it. If you do this by reading lots of those Penguin books like About a Boy, keep writing in your journal and also listen to English movies, TV programs or internet radio. You will achieve the skill level you desire. Also, you should take at least one English class at Sogang every semester.

Don't worry so much about your friends' grades. Comparing yourself to others will guarantee unhappiness in life. Stop that habit, it's like poison.

Wishing you a Happy New Year,

Ms. Kelly

I'm saving these responses so I have a bank of formulas to send out each term.