Intro
Hook: Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today, a famous quote from the great Malcolm X.
Topic: My personal experiences with education as an immigrant.
Thesis: People from countries in the Caribbean that uses the British educational system tend to have a bit of a challenge adjusting to the American educational system, especially the ones that have completed high school prior to emigrating to the United States.
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence: Growing up in Jamaica, where the British educational style is commonly utilized, it was very challenging adjusting to the educational format used in the Unites States.
Point: The spelling, accent and dialect are the main challenges faced when transitioning to the American system. Additionally an important point to note is that the United States high school standardized testing system is mainly focused on general academic ability of students which aids in the preparation of colleges, while the British system allows students to test in their specific area based on their specialty.
Illustration: 1.The British and American employs different spelling styles and as a result I had to learn the American way of spelling, otherwise I was considered as not knowing how to spell properly.
2.Many people find it challenging in understanding my native language. In order for them to understand exactly what I’m trying to say, I have to speak slower and in standard English. This is something I experienced personally after moving to the United States.
3. In Jamaica we have CXC and CAPE exams which are taken in high school, both contributing to college admissions. Each student has the option of choosing a specialty such as science, business and the arts, in addition to the core Math and English courses which are then tested in that area to see their competence. In America, the SAT exam is taken in high school which focuses on general studies and features their competence in areas such as Math, critical reading and writing, which is further used towards their college admissions.
Explanation: Amidst of the challenges I faced adjusting to the educational system in the United States, I believe the resources and skills that were imbedded in me throughout my years of schooling in Jamaica, as well as the limited resources that were provided with it being a third world country propelled and shaped me into being the person I am today.
Conclusion: As a result of my personal experiences after moving to the United States as well as stories I have heard from my friends that shared similar experiences, it is safe to say that people from countries in the Caribbean that uses the British educational style tend to have some challenges adapting to the American educational system.
Furthermore, being a Jamaican immigrant was beneficial in the sense that the style, system as well as the limited resources that were provided made me more aware and appreciative of the tools, technology and resources the American system provides.
