Students who are reluctant about English sometimes need reminding of something that becomes obvious later: the ability to write clearly, structure an argument, choose the right word, and communicate persuasively is not a skill confined to English lessons. It’s the skill that underlies success in almost every other academic and professional context. Here’s why.
History and the Humanities
History exams test essay writing. Geography exams test report writing. Philosophy and ethics exams test argumentative writing. The student who can structure an analytical essay, deploy evidence precisely, and write a well-reasoned conclusion will outperform a student with equivalent knowledge but weaker writing ability in every one of these subjects. The marking criteria are different from English, but the underlying writing skills are the same.
Science and Maths
At A-Level and beyond, science and maths increasingly require clear written communication — experiment reports, extended answer questions, university application personal statements, research proposals. The scientist who can explain their work clearly in writing has a significant advantage over one who can’t. Many scientists are poor writers, and they know it; the ones who aren’t stand out.
University
Almost every undergraduate degree involves essay writing — even those in STEM fields involve dissertations, research reports, and lab write-ups. The students who struggle most in their first year at university are often those who coasted through secondary school in English and arrive at degree-level written work without the foundational skills to meet the standard required.
Professional Life
Emails, reports, proposals, presentations, job applications, client communications — professional life is full of writing, and professional advancement is significantly shaped by the quality of it. The ability to write a clear, well-structured email is genuinely rarer than it should be; the person who can do it well is noticed.
The University Personal Statement
For UK students, the UCAS personal statement is perhaps the most consequential single piece of writing a student will produce before the age of 18. It requires exactly the skills English teaches: analytical argument, evidence, structure, vocabulary, and the ability to present yourself persuasively in writing. Students who are strong writers write better personal statements. It’s as simple as that.
At Thorogood English, we build the writing skills that matter not just in English exams but in every academic and professional context your child will encounter. Join the waiting list for January 2027.
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