Should All University Programs Require Grade 12 University Level English?

English is the base of eductaion

I’ve been asking myself for a very long time how important are English classes. How important are the assignments that are part of every English course, especially English grade 12, since they seem to be crucial for entering universities? It’s well acknowledged that all university programmes in Ontario require students to have completed their Grade 12 English coursework, but is this really necessary?

In today’s rapidly evolving world, effective communication skills are essential for success in various aspects of life, particularly in higher education. One significant aspect of communication is proficiency in the English language, as it serves as a universal means of expression and interaction in many academic and professional settings.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

First and foremost, enhancing communication skills is a fundamental aspect of any academic and professional setting. Grade 12 University Level English equips students with the tools to articulate their thoughts effectively, both verbally and in writing. In university, students are expected to engage in class discussions, present their ideas, and participate in group projects. Without proficiency in English, students may struggle to express themselves clearly and miss out on valuable opportunities for academic growth and collaboration.

English enables students to express themselves clearly and concisely, allowing their ideas to be understood by their peers and instructors. Effective communication is not limited to the classroom; it extends to various professional contexts where students may find themselves in internships, research projects, or future employment. Strong communication skills enable individuals to convey complex concepts, engage in persuasive arguments, and effectively collaborate with colleagues.

Success is not the absence of stress, but the ability to manage it effectively and use it as a catalyst for growth and achievement.

While Grade 12 University Level English is undoubtedly valuable for many professions and academic pursuits, it’s true that it may not be directly necessary for certain career paths like software engineering. However, it’s important to note that the inclusion of English in university programs serves a broader purpose beyond specific professional requirements.

Grade 12 University Level English could cause stress for students pursuing careers in fields like software engineering is the additional workload and time commitment. Students often have a limited amount of time and energy to dedicate to their studies, and being required to take English courses alongside their core technical subjects can increase their workload and create additional stress. They may feel overwhelmed by having to balance the demands of coding, algorithms, and software development with the requirements of English essays, literature analysis, and language proficiency assessments.

Unleashing the Power of Literature

Overall, requiring Grade 12 University Level English in all university programs is a decision that holds tremendous value and benefits for students, despite the potential challenges it may present in managing multiple courses in different professions. While it is understandable that the workload and demands of various programs can be overwhelming, it is important to recognize that Grade 12 University Level English is still a vital component.

Works Cited

“Applying from Ontario High Schools.” Bachelor of Medical Sciences – Western University, https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc/future_students/applying/from_ontario_high_schools.html#:~:text=To%20be%20admitted%20to%20Medical,Chemis try%2C%20and%20Grade%2012U%20English.

Hazari, Sweha. “8 Benefits of Picking up English for Academic Purposes.” Toronto School of Management, Toronto School of Management, 12 Oct. 2021, http://www.torontosom.ca/blog/8-benefits-of-picking-up-english-for- academic-purposes.

Lake, Alison. “Importance of English Courses for Everyday Life.” Education, 29 Sept. 2016, https://education.seattlepi.com/importance-english-courses- everyday-life-1236.html.

Rao, Pareeshti. “What Is the Importance of English? A Must-Read.” UniCreds, 20 Jan. 2023, unicreds.com/blog/importance-of-english-in-university#:~:text=English%20is%20the%20medium%20of,books%2C%20lectures%2C%20and%20assignments.