How+to+Get+an+A+in+Ms.+Falk's+Class

Keli Miyaoka
 * Get an A in English!**

Here's your go-to guide to acing Ms. Falk's ninth grade English class. I've only been in Ms. Falk's class for a quarter and a half. But I've been able to pick up some basic essentials in not only surviving, but acing her class. I will introduce you to her and give you some basic guidelines and essential tips for this class. This is for all of you students who hate English and aren't very good at it. And hopefully if you don't like English, you will grow to like it or even love it as you take this class with Ms. Falk.

Everyone has their own pet peeves that really irk them. From observation, Ms. Falk's are talking when she's talking, lying, and exchanging grades in class. Although it's tempting, unnecessary comments should be kept to yourself, especially when she's talking. When you are only whispering, side conversations are still disrupting and can get out of control when everyone starts talking softly. Mild jokes are fine, but put downs and laughing are just plain unacceptable. The one thing that Ms. Falk doesn't accept is lying. It's OK if you don't complete and assignment or paper on time for a legitimate reason. Never sneak it into the mailbox (where work is turned in) because I have been there and done that. Don't worry about it! Just talk it out with her, she is very understanding. Lastly, she strongly disbelieves in exchanging your grades with other classmates. You should never ask your friend what they got either. If you must know what they got, at least wait until after class. When you get an assignment back, try to show no emotions, smiles are fine though. But, sighs, salty faces, and slamming the table won't do you good and you will get a stare from Ms. Falk. Just keep cautious of these three pet peeves in the back of your mind.

Secondly, in this class you should always have your things. As I mentioned before, try not to turn in late assignments; make goals to turn them in early. For every single paper, you are required to make corrections. The minimum is correcting the Keables Codes and responding to her comments. I recommend that you go an extra mile and go to extra help for your essays and rewrite them, particularly when you’re not satisfied with your grade. But if you must turn in work late, be sure to meet the second given due date and fill out a late form. The trick to avoid turning in late assignment is to always look ahead on assignment sheets. Ms. Falk usually gives them out and they go a week or two ahead, so remember to keep an eye on the upcoming events. There are going to be times when she doesn’t pass out an assignment sheet. Don’t fret! There’s one on the class Wiki under assignment sheets, and you can print one out yourself. What is the class Wiki? It’s the class website that literally has everything you need to know about English 9. It’s quite useful and easy to navigate. I always use it when I’m not too sure about a certain speech or essay, and it answers all of my questions! Pay attention when she talks because she occasionally gives out important information that won’t be on the assignment sheets or the Wiki. She doesn’t give A’s easily, and in fact grades harshly sometimes.

Finally, be active! Ms. Falk really likes it when her students volunteer themselves in class. Try to raise your hand in every class period to push yourself to speak up more. I learned not to be afraid when it comes to asking questions, just don’t ask obvious ones. With that in mind, use common sense. Ms. Falk doesn’t tolerate questions that have already been answered or said. Try to be alert and ready in her class. As you can see it doesn't take a genius to ace this class. But, “It’s not as easy as it sounds” –Hunter Manson, fellow English 9 classmate. Just follow these crucial guidelines and you are sure to do well in her class! If I knew these things I too would have gotten an A in my first quarter!