By Yin Nwe Ko

THERE are four of them in the group, all around the same age and in the same grade. They’ve been attending my open Grammar and Composition class for over five years now. They’re bright students — they can easily handle English essays and compositions on general topics. All of them aim to grad­uate with distinction in English. This year, they’re in Grade 12, so every subject is demanding. They have to cover an entire year’s syllabus in just two terms, which is like carrying six heavy bundles on their heads while travelling nonstop for a year. How could they possibly have it easy? I sympathize with them. That’s also why I’ve stopped giving their group the usual weekly Sunday projects that I assign to other classes — it’s been a while now.

They have full respect for their teacher, but there’s one trait in them that I don’t like — a trait commonly found among other students, too. I’ve never directly told them I dislike it, though I’ve often meant to. The issue? Whenever the four of them are in class together, they chatter nonstop. In my 45 years of teaching experience, I know this isn’t characteristic of students aiming to graduate with honours in English. So, I merged their class with another study group – one where the students stay quiet. Now, the combined group has eleven students. The others never talk; from the moment class starts until it ends, they just focus on their eBook readers or their tasks, never engaging in idle chatter with those nearby. I thought pairing these two groups might curb the talkativeness of those four, and it seems to have worked somewhat.

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve produced no fewer than 15 students who achieved distinction in English in the matriculation exams. These four stu­dents certainly have the potential to join that list in the upcoming 2026 Grade 12 exam — I truly hope they’ll succeed. But here’s the hard truth: Earning distinc­tion in English is extremely competitive. In most years, only one or two students from an entire township manage it, and some years see none at all.

I know from decades of experience that students who habitually chatter in class simply don’t fit the profile of those who achieve top honours. That’s why I worry for them. Their ability isn’t in question, but their discipline might be. One day, I decided to use an indirect approach to help these four students reflect on their behaviour. I assigned them an essay titled: ‘The Character­istic Features of English Distinction Holders.’ At that time, I noticed one of them had written quite a thorough and well-composed essay. Let me share that memorable little essay with you again.

The Characteristic Features of Eng­lish Distinction Holders

English distinction holders are stu­dents who have achieved an excep­tional level of mastery in the English language. Their success is not just based on memorization or simple language skills but on a combination of dedication, understanding, and effective communication. There are several key characteristic features that set these individuals apart from others.

One of the most noticeable quali­ties of distinction holders in Eng­lish is their strong command over vocabulary and grammar. They not only use a wide range of words but also understand their meanings and proper usage. Their sentences are well-structured, and they rare­ly make grammatical errors. This deep understanding allows them to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, whether in speaking or writing.

Distinction holders excel in read­ing and comprehension. They can quickly grasp the meaning of texts, analyze the author’s intention, and understand deeper meanings be­yond just the words. Their ability to interpret and evaluate literary works, articles, and essays helps them perform well in exams and discussions. They can also extract important details and summarize information efficiently, which is a valuable skill in academic and pro­fessional settings.

Another defining feature of English distinction holders is their ability to express ideas in writing with clari­ty, coherence, and creativity. They structure their essays and com­positions effectively, using appro­priate transitions to connect ideas smoothly. Their writing is not only grammatically correct but also en­gaging and well-organized. Whether they are crafting persuasive essays, reports, or narratives, they always ensure their arguments and points are logically presented.

Fluency and confidence in speaking are also traits that distinguish the holders. They communicate their thoughts clearly and with ease, using correct pronunciation and appropri­ate tone. Whether giving a presenta­tion, engaging in a discussion, or de­bating a topic, they remain calm and articulate their ideas convincingly. Their ability to express themselves confidently makes them effective communicators in different situa­tions.

Achieving distinction in English re­quires more than just talent — it demands continuous learning and improvement. English distinction holders have a passion for expanding their knowledge. They regularly read books, newspapers, and other ma­terials to enhance their vocabulary and understanding of different writ­ing styles. They also seek feedback on their work and make efforts to refine their skills, showing a strong commitment to self-improvement.

Distinction holders do not simply memorize rules; they analyze and think critically about language. They can evaluate different perspectives, form logical arguments, and express their own opinions clearly. This abil­ity is especially useful in academic discussions and essay writing, where they need to construct well-reasoned arguments based on evidence and reasoning.

English distinction holders are also recognized for their focus and dis­cipline during lessons. They avoid unnecessary distractions and remain attentive to the subject matter. In­stead of engaging in casual conversa­tions, they dedicate their time to un­derstanding complex topics, refining their language skills, and absorbing valuable knowledge. Their ability to concentrate fully in class allows them to grasp concepts efficiently, partic­ipate meaningfully in discussions, and apply their learning effectively in exams and writing tasks. This dis­ciplined approach plays a key role in their academic success.

In summary, English distinction holders are characterized by their strong command of vocabulary and grammar, excellent reading and writ­ing skills, confidence in speaking, passion for learning, and critical thinking abilities. Their success is a result of hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of the lan­guage. These qualities not only help them excel in academic assessments but also prepare them for effective communication in real-life situations.

As you, my dear and attentive read­er, can see, one student’s essay was truly masterful — a nine-paragraph piece where, to my astonishment, the eighth paragraph directly addressed the very behaviour I disliked in those four students. I was deeply satisfied. ‘They do understand themselves after all,’ I consoled myself silently. Given that they’re young women at a sensitive age, I’ve held back from speaking bluntly, fearing they might feel ashamed. But now, it’s clear they’re self-aware. ‘Ah, well…’ I thought. ‘Real change comes not from others’ corrections, but from one’s resolve.’ Let them learn this truth. Whatever happens, if even one of those four earns distinction in English, I’ll be content.

To be honest, this student’s essay is quite advanced. It is written at a lev­el that is not lower than the current Intermediate level. During the five to six years they studied Grammar and Composition with me, I’ve come to see how well they’ve mastered it, and I truly feel proud of that.

In brief, the road to earning distinc­tion in English is not just about talent or knowledge — it’s about discipline, focus, and self-reflection. These four students have shown remarkable potential, and with continued effort, they can achieve their academic goals. However, they must recognize that success demands both ability and perseverance. To truly excel, they should minimize distractions, cultivate a habit of deep concentration, and stay committed to improving their language skills. I sincerely hope they take the lessons from their essay to heart. If they can adapt and refine their study habits, there is no doubt that at least one — perhaps even all — will earn the distinction they aspire to. Their future success lies in their own hands.