The challenge of academic writing for Chinese students within ...

My father arranged a house for me to stay in. I lived with my relatives in Liverpool. I had to
go to Liverpool Hope University for my three months language course, I enjoyed it very
much. I met people from different countries and listened to them. It was an interesting
experience for me. It was only three months, so it was not that difficult. I did quite well.
In October 2005, I entered into a new course which is called the international foundation
program. This course was about the preparation for a bachelor degree. I did learn quite a lot
of knowledge about the business field. My teachers were very good, they did help me a lot, for
example, writing style, writing skill, speaking skill, pronunciation, academic theories and so
on. I‘d like to thank them.
Stage three: my university life and studies
After passing this course, the next stage was for me to apply for a BA course. Following the
university entry requirements, I did take a IELTS test, but I only got a 5.5. I found my English
was not good at all. I chose to study BA Business and Marketing at Liverpool Hope
University in October 2006. I chose this course with full interest. No other subjects can
attract me. I have also dreamt to be a successful businessman. To be honest, I never came to
regret my choice of this course.
A degree course is obviously hard for me. I concluded there were issues regarding my
studies. First of all, I was lacking in language, there were millions of vocabulary I did not
understand. Secondly, I just could not communicate with classmates well, the reason was I
cannot understand their accent very well. The last reason and it was the most important
reason, I spent less time on study. I knew I must work hard on my studies. But sometimes, I
was just too lazy to finish my planned study.
Assessments were big challenges that bothered me as well. I had a bad habit. I never started
my assignments early, I preferred to work it out just before the deadline. That often drove me
crazy. It was my problem, but I just do not know how to solve it. In this case, I would never
go to university‘s writing centre for help. Sometimes I felt I just lost a good opportunity to
gain high marks on my assignments and to improve my English level. Lectures and seminars
were good for me to learn. But I always could not follow what my tutors were saying. But I
tried my best to catch it.
I am happy with my results, normally I got B grades or C grades, the average result was not
bad at all for me. But I knew it was not enough for me to apply for a master degree. So I
worked hard in my third year just looking for a 2:1 degree.
I have had a part job since my first year in the university. My friend introduced me to
McDonald‘s, and I am working for McDonald‘s twice a week. It is an easy job. The only
weakness of this job is that I have to work late at night. But it is all right now.
I know I still cannot speak good English, but I will try my best to learn. I chat with my
classmates. I am not shy to speak up anymore. I believe I can make a huge improvement.
If I have to measure the quality of my learning experience, I‘d like to give 7 as an overall.
Stage four: my plans in the next five years
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