Why do we study language?
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor

Another school year has started and with that I welcome you all to this year's series of lessons. The last year seems to have flown by. Before you know it you'll be sitting the English A examination, so try to make the most of all your lessons. New readers, I welcome you especially. I hope this new school year will be quite informative and fulfilling. I deem it an honour to participate in this way, as you face new friends, new teachers, new challenges and new ideas.

The last school year was particularly challenging as we lost one of Jamaica's stalwarts in the teaching profession, Mrs Dahlia Bartley. However, I'm sure that if she were alive, she would be pleased with the success of those students who read her articles and benefited from them.

Let me congratulate the students who were successful in their examinations and those of you who are moving towards wider horizons.

No doubt, your success was as a result of your hard work, dedication and determination to apply the best of yourselves. To those of you who were not so successful, my advice is quite simple: pick yourself up, brush yourself off and try again!

Do not treat the matter of going to school lightly. Have you thanked your parents, other relatives, your guardians and God for the privilege of being in an educational institution? Have you thanked them for the sacrifices they have made? I know that in several cases the sacrifices have been many. The least you can do to show your appreciation is to pay attention in all your classes and apply yourself.

Why do we study English Language?

Now, why do we study English language? There are so many students who believe that there is no need to study this subject. This is so unfortunate and this myth must be destroyed. Please try to identify some of the important reasons for the study of the subject. Among them are the following:

• English, a universal language, is used for communication in business and politics, even in some countries where it is a minority language. It is also the major language of news and information in the world.
• English is necessary for professional careers.
• An understanding of the language will greatly enhance a student's performance in other subjects.

Consider why this is so

The course of study will culminate with the sitting of the Caribbean Examinations Council's (CXC's) English A paper in May/June 2010. Students who sit this examination must demonstrate competence in their ability to use the language with ease. You, therefore, need to develop high-level skills in both comprehension and expression. These skills must be demonstrated in the examination as you write several answers, paying attention to the proper use of all punctuation marks and other conventions in writing - proper sentence structure and paragraphing, inverted commas, capital letters, abbreviations, the writing of numbers, whether in figures or in words, and correct spelling. These areas will be addressed in subsequent lessons.

Next week we will consider the CXC syllabus. You should purchase a copy so that you can keep abreast of the skills you need to acquire, as well as other requirements which you need to meet in preparation for the English A examination.

I anticipate a productive year and I hope the lessons will assist you as you strive towards success in your studies.

Have a blessed week!

President of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Jamaica Chapter, Joe Hylton (right), presents a grant of $25,000 to Mt Alvernia High School student,Treishana Clarke, recently. Clarke's mother, Alzia Shaw, shares in the occasion.