In math, a wrong answer is simply wrong following a precise step-by-step process to reach a single solution to success. In English, exploration into an opposing viewpoint benefits debate and increases creative thinking, leaving multiple interpretations.
“In AP Lang we spend a majority of our time working through reflections and what we can do to improve our essays for the next time,” Taya Hall (‘26) said.
While English courses allow for reflection and content mastery, math fosters growth through problem solving and concept mastery. Classes like AP Lang encourage students to strengthen their arguments and refine their ideas overtime.
“Last tri we wrote an argumentative essay and for the next week we worked through the prompt as a class,” Hall said. “When we got to our peer reflections it gave me things to improve upon for next time.”
Unlike English, math courses such as Algebra or Geometry often focus on a clear, logical process, demonstrating understanding in a straightforward format. While these courses might not require the same reflective thinking English courses do, they still reflect growth in their own way.
“I took Algebra 2 last trimester and it was set up the same every day,” Hall said. “We would review the problems on our homework, do the day’s lesson, and start on our homework for the next day.”
While classes like Algebra 2 follow a predictable routine, others like AP Lang have a more varied structure, requiring students to adapt to different course load expectations.
“I have homework every day in math but it’s short and I usually finish it pretty quickly,” Hall said. “In lang, I have a canvas quiz every week and a root quiz every other but that’s the only consistent work.”
Both courses offer very different class and homework routines leading most students to prefer one or the other. However, beyond the differences in workloads it is ultimately grades that determine your success in the class.
“In math, you either get it right or you get it wrong and that’s how the test gets graded,” Hall said. “In English, there’s no one answer but if you have a different opinion than the majority it usually makes for a good class discussion.”
While grading serves as a key factor in determining success, the overall experience you get from the course is more than just the numbers. The grades, teaching styles, homework load, and structure all contribute to how students engage with the class and what they prefer.
“I like math classes better just because I understand the content pretty easily, but I also like how different English is; it kind of just depends on how you learn as an individual,” Hall said.
