Tips on Composition

Since most of our students are using English as a second or third language, we will provide a few tips on composition.

The first tip is–don’t make our sentences too long or complicated. If it is getting to complicated, break it in two. For example,

instead of this:

“Contrary to the expectations raised in Gilgamesh, where the loss of his friend Enkidu results in Gilgamesh learning compassion and humility, in the Iliad, when Achilles’ friend Patroclus, who had borrowed his armor was killed in battle by Hector, Achilles rage only grew more bitter and he resolved to kill Hector and as many Trojans as he can.”

try this:

“Gilgamesh ultimately became a more humble and compassionate ruler after gaining and then losing a friend. If we expect an instant resolution of Achilles’ anger after his friend Patroclus dies, we will be disappointed. Instead of becoming more compassionate and reasonable, Achilles rage only becomes more savage and blind as he resolves to kill Hector and as many Trojans as he can.”