By Haley Kim
Hello, fellow reader! I’m assuming you’re one of the many incoming sophomores who are panicking about getting a B in English Honors with Bryce Hadley. Well, fret not, for I have all the tips and tricks you’ll need to get an A in this class (speaking from experience)! So listen carefully, dear student, for I know all the secrets:
Tip # 1: On the first day of school, sit in the front of the class.
I know, it sucks. Bryce Hadley never has any sort of seating chart and allows you to sit wherever you want in his class. It’s tempting to immediately go with your friends to sit in the wayyy back corner of the class. Rookie mistake. If you want Bryce Hadley to have a good impression of you for the rest of the semester, it always starts on the first day. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Tip #2: Take notes
I know you might’ve been expecting the easiest ways to get an A, but ultimately, the class isn’t just about the grade; it’s about showing effort and dedication. Most of his classes are lectures or analysis on the book you’re reading, and he explains in depth about the most important parts of it. A lot of these show up on his tests and are super helpful with writing analysis of essays. Make sure you’re paying attention during these because they’ll help you later on (also on finals!).
Tip #3: Just read the darn book
I know in this generation of doom scrolling and binge watching, it’s difficult to pick up that English book about two lovers dying for each other or about a girl whose name is a type of pants with a cool lawyer for a dad. But trust me, if you just read the book, your life will be so much easier. It’s tempting to just look at Sparknotes or ChatGPT for summaries and analysis, but many questions on the tests include niche, random facts about the book that won’t be included in those resources.
Tip #4: Accept your grade on the summer essay
All upperclassmen who took an English honors class remember that terrible, terrible feeling of getting a D on the first essay of the year. When I got my first essay grade back and saw that daunting “C” in the front, I thought my life was over. But don’t worry, it only gets better from there. First-semester essays are all about improving gradually, so when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up! If this still sounds discouraging, oh well, you’ll find out when you get there.
Well, I hope these pieces of advice will help the transition from your freshman year into this class. Don’t worry too much about the grade, though, because as long as you show the right attitude and a learning mindset, in this class, the grade will follow! Best of luck to you, you’re going to have many entertaining events in his class this year!