Alvin Said:

How do Literature students study novels in class?

We Answered:

The best way to prepare for studying literature in an English class would be to read "Elizabeth Kantor's Politically Incorrect Guide to English and American Literature." It will help you objectively approach literature (and what is being said in your literature classes) in a manner that will still allow you to be a creative writer.

Unfortunately, the worst place to learn about important literature or creative writing is usually in a University English department. If you find yourself using the word "postmodern" or "postmodernism," run.

Mind you, this is not just my opinion on the state of English Departments. I would refer you to Orson Scott Card, a rather successful writer and a part-time college professor. See below.

Matthew Said:

What are some good study methods you use?

We Answered:

try to relate the subject to something you enjoy...

but sometimes you just have to flat out remember

Vicki Said:

for college students: best study methods?

We Answered:

I have to ask, don't you think your screen name puts a damper on your overall view of life? OK, I got that over with.

- get and stay organized. I used to put piles together for each class (library books, printouts from net, notes) on the floor or somewhere easily reached. Make a schedule and put it on the wall--when are tests, quizzes, homework assignments, mid-terms, finals and projects due? Use tutors when you need them! That's what they do--help people. See counselors if you see yourself going off-course. Schedule fun time but don't get off-course on that either.

Regina Said:

I have to prepare a presentation for 5 mins for a job interview on inspiring potential students to study?

We Answered:

Ideally the ideas should come from you. Some thoughts are encouraging study groups and providing study guides (if of course you're talking about inspiring students to study for a course, if you're talking about inspiring students to take courses then that's a different story, look into things about the university like the what graduates are doing now, how long it takes the majority of graduates to find employment) But I do suggest that you use power points. Keep visuals relevant. Keep things brief in the power point. Never ever read off you're power point. Expect them to ask questions on your content, and be ready to field those questions. If you're nervous be sure to prepare well in advance so that you can practice it over and over. You can't be over prepared. Good Luck!

Beth Said:

What are good ways for a Japanese student to study and learn English?

We Answered:

First, let me start by saying that from what I have seen of your English, you should have no problem studying the language. While you do have a bit of trouble with what we colloquially call a run on sentence (I am sorry, I don't know the real term offhand), I assure you that I have seen many 10th grade (Second year High School in Japan) native speakers do much worse.

One thing you may wish to look into is getting a penpal from an English speaking country. There are many people with exceptional English skills wishing to learn Japanese and willing to help with English. The major downside to this is that the chances are high that you will meet someone who does not write using proper English skills.

If you and your family are able to afford it, look into getting a tutor. If you can, look for one that either speaks English as a native language and Japanese as a second, or who has lived in an English-speaking country for a long time. It always helps when learning a language to have someone in close contact who is able to answer your questions.

Failing both of these, and assuming that things like cram schools are unavailable to you, your best bet would be to search for an advanced (Or intermediate, if you require it) English text books. I am certain that there are some out there. Ones with audio tapes, if available, will help with the spoken portion of the language.

I would definitely advise you not to attempt to learn English over the internet. The internet is ridden with slang and colloquialisms, and will generally teach you very poor English. Television also has this problem, albeit to a lesser extent.

However you go about doing it, I sincerely wish you luck with it. I have been studying Japanese for about 6 months, so I am aware of how hard it is to learn a second language. However, if you are able to read and write Japanese, which in my opinion is among the hardest languages to learn, then I am certain that you will be able to improve your English.

Willie Said:

Does Obama market himself to college students the same way alcohol markets themselves to college students?

We Answered:

A politician trying to sway voters to vote for him? How diabolical!!! Never in the history of politics has such a scheme been devised.

Jamie Said:

I have to prepare a presentation for 5 mins for a job interview on inspiring potential students to study?

We Answered:

Ideas for topic: Make yourself interesting. It's proven students will do better in a class if the instructor is likable.

Prepare group activities. When students get to know their peers, they are more likely to form study groups which in turn will lead to better study habits.

Those are just a few off the top of my head.

For an interesting intro maybe give some statistics.

I would definitely use PowerPoint. Maybe do an image search in Google using keywords such as "student", "motivation", "classroom", etc.

Good luck :)