High school, for many, can be considered the best four years. I mean why wouldn’t it be? You not only get to hang out with your friends, but you also enjoy an increased amount of freedom (such as driving and picking your own electives). However, what many don’t realize, is that there has been an increase amount of stress attributed with high school students. There’s no surprise in that, considering that the majority of students take AP and honors classes, extracurricular activities, and SAT/ACT prep. Not to mention, many even have a job after school or on the weekend. After a study, it was confirmed that over half of high school students were dealing with chronic stress (all majorly due to trying to get into a competitive college). Considering the mental and physical impacts of stress, should students really be competing as much as they do for college? The answer is simple: they should. With no ultimate driving force, the teen wouldn’t be as triumphant in his/her studies. However, that isn’t to say that too much stress is good for you to. With an increased amount of stress, most students end up breaking their school's’ honor code by cheating because the burden is just too much for them. Not only that, stress also leads to health defects. The simple factor is that, colleges don’t only want to see students in Advanced Placement classes and sports, but they also want to see if the teen can manage and balance his/her time wisely. If the student can accomplish that, than there would be limited stress, but just enough to drive him/her forward. So, with a little time management, any student can learn to decrease his/her level of stress. Though there are many negative impacts to stress, there are many positives that continue to push all high school students. Stress influences students to do better at school, thus increasing their success in the future. Without any stress, nothing will drive the student to put his best effort forth. Ultimately, a sufficient amount of stress is able to prompt the student to do his/her best, thus increasing the chances of a favorable outcome for them. You can read more at: http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/10/high-stress-high-school/409735/
_Wafa Khan
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The SAT is one of the biggest parts of our high school careers and something that we prepare for months, if not years in advance. However, starting in March 2016, the new SAT will be administered, and the old one cannot be taken. As of now, the old SAT is still being administered; which one do you want to take?
There are several differences and similarities that can help you make that decision. The current SAT is scored on a scale of 600-2400 while the new SAT will be scored on a scale of 400-1600. The current SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes while the new SAT is 3 hours; if you would like to write the optional essay, that is an extra 50 minutes in contrast to the old SAT's essay, which has an allotted 25 minutes. The optional essay in the new SAT is scored separately while the old SAT requires an essay whose points are accounted in the overall score. Both have the reading, math, and writing. The old SAT has 10 sections: the essay, 3 math sections, 3 reading sections, 2 writing sections, and an experimental section that does not count towards your grade. The new SAT has 2 math sections, a calculator and non-calculator sections, a reading section, and a writing section. Neither one is "easier" than the other, per say; the difficulty depends on which one accommodates you better. Creative writing is a subject that is often overlooked and seen as unimportant as it's sole purpose is all fun and games, but in reality it's far more than that. Often times, even when my teachers tell our classes that's it's time for creative writing, everyone is often confused and bored, but maybe we don't all know the whole story. One benefit of creative writing is that it encourages one to use imagination, as the saying goes, "if you don't use it, you lose it." In contrast to our busy lifestyles filled with standard, normalized routines, taking a moment to sit down and indulge in creative writing can aid in ensuring we aren’t engulfed by too much harsh rationality and still have a touch of creativity and spark to our personalities. It can get your gears spinning, unlike the usual clicking and constant staring at a screen your brain is used to. Another important aspect is that creative writing provides us with an outlet away from our lives. Creative writing may also help to alleviate anxiety and stress. In fact, according to research conducted in a study named Human Brain Mapping, creative writing and the creative process that brain undergoes, is linking to significantly improving brain activities in terms of memory, cognitive processes and areas, and verbal thinking. One can utilize his or her life experiences as inspiration in order to create a piece of writing that is not only unique to them, but can be applied to everyone. For example, a normal picnic at the park, with the help of some creativity of course, can be transformed into a deathly joust over a loaf of bread cheered on by roaring crowd and a fire breathing dragon. Furthermore, not only is writing creative writing important, but so is reading works of writing in this genre. It can teach the reader new ideas and information in entertaining ways. So why not give it a try? Even better, look into the English elective offered here at Champe, Creative writing, and you’ll find yourself more and more persuaded to indulge in this form of writing! All you need is a pen or pencil, a sheet of paper, and your creativity.
~Vandana Keshavamurthy :) Knowing which AP to take and why is an intimidating feeling for many high school students. Here at John Champe, two AP classes are offered: one junior year and one senior year. The two teachers of these rigorous courses are Mrs. Winstead and Mrs. Leon, both of which have a passion for writing and reading. So, what is the difference?
The main difference between these classes is that AP lang focuses on non-fiction while AP Lit focuses on fiction. AP language and Composition can spread anywhere from non-fiction novels to even photography where AP Literature focuses more on fictional books, especially American Literature. Mrs. Leon says that she recommends reading and analyzing constantly for her class, because it is a heavy work load. The similarities between the two courses include the exam which is usually taken at the end of the year and the class environment. They are both AP's, after all! If you're still struggling on if these two AP classes are a good fit for you, don't be afraid to find out more through your counselor or asking your current English teacher if they recommend it for you! Check out this article by Halle Edwards to also help distinguish if these classes are right for you: http://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-the-difference-between-ap-literature-and-ap-language
The month of November consists of Thanksgiving and long weekends, but did you know that November is also National Novel Writing Month? If you are an avid novelist or just enjoy writing creative stories, check out NaNoWriMo, an online, nonprofit program for aspiring young writers. From November 1st - November 30th, NaNoWriMo offers a platform to write, edit, and perfect any creative story you may be developing. Participants have the whole month to type up and submit a 50,000 word-novel to the organization. Your novel may even have a chance to be traditionally published! The website offers various helpful sources to aid you in your writing process. Published authors and virtual staff offer insight, support, encouragement, and advice for your novel. Additionally, registering invites you to join the many public forums that were established specifically for young writers. You can gain inspiration and knowledge from this amazing opportunity. So if you are an aspiring young writer, visit NaNoWriMo's website to register and create a novel in just one month!
Link to sign up:
https://nanowrimo.org/sign_up
Attention all future authors! Interested in showcasing your writing talents to the county? Loudoun County Public Library is hosting its annual It's All Write Short Story Contest for middle and high school students. It gives teen writers all over the county an opportunity to share their creative ideas and literary drive through one short story. There is no specific theme, so students can write in any genre, such as real life, fantasy, mystery, adventure, or even horror. Information about the contest (F.A.Q, submission requirements, and tips for success) is included in the link attached below. The submission deadline is March 1. There is a separate contest for middle schoolers and high schoolers, so students will be competing within their appropriate age range. Hope you are interested in signing up for this great opportunity! Please feel free to make an appointment for the Writing Center if you need any help with your short story.
Link for LCPL It's All Write Contest Information: http://library.loudoun.gov/Events/Its-All-Write/Its-All-Write-Submission-Requirements
We miss you. -Your favorite Writing Center Tutors (Daniela M., Srikar G., Robin K., Pedram $., Carolyn N.)
Literary Magazine, a student run magazine dedicated to showcasing artwork, lyrics, short stories, photographs, and more, is looking for submissions. By about mid-March, Lit Mag hopes to choose the pieces that will be published in the next issue. If you do have a knack for art, writing, or whatever it may be, I highly encourage you make a submission. If interested, see Ms. Douglas in the English hallway for more information, or keep your eyes peeled for a submission sheet soon to hit your local English classroom in February!
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