When you need this

Two kinds of people shape your classes: the professors who teach them and the advisor who helps you plan them. Students talk about both all the time. "What's he like?" is the first question anyone asks before signing up for a class.

In the US, call a teacher "Professor Kim" or "Dr. Kim" until they tell you otherwise. Some ask you to use their first name; wait for that. Most professors have office hours, a few hours each week when any student can come and ask questions. Many international students never go, because at home it would feel rude. Here it's normal, and professors notice the students who come. British students say "lecturer" for most teachers and "tutor" for the person who guides them.

The syllabus is the plan for one class: topics, reading, dates and how you get your grade. Your advisor helps you choose classes and checks you're on track to graduate.

Phrases

asks how a teacher teaches and grades

she's strict, but her grades make sense

he gives low grades often

times when a professor meets students in their office

the polite way to ask for a meeting

the plan for a class, with dates and rules

asks if a topic or rule is in the plan

the teacher who helps you plan your classes

a class you must pass before another class

you have the right classes and credits so far

asks for help without sounding lost

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Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.