Is it imperative to have a large vocabulary if I wish to study English Literature or Journalism in college?

Question

I could not live without reading, of that I am sure. Writing is my escape and there are days when the need to pen pages hits me like an epidemic. However, I no longer live in an English-speaking country, therefore I have no way of enhancing my vocabulary in any extreme way (I am sixteen years of age). I want to study either English Literature, Journalism, or Creative Writing. Is it enough to have somewhat of a gift in writing, or will I get nowhere without an exceptionally strong vocabulary?

Answer 1

A good vocabulary is essential. There are ways to improve your vocabulary without being in an English speaking country. Reading is one way and links Bellow gives you more information./

Answer 2

As long as you understand the questions or the conversations going on around you everything should be fine.

I think the question is not necessarily about whether you need a great vocabulary, as much as it is about whether you can articulate a thought very well. You should be able to do the later VERY well. You can still articulate yourself without the best vocabulary.

Answer 3

Greetings,

You'll be fine!  I majored in journalism in college, and having a large vocabulary is actually not necessary at all.  You have to write in terms that the average citizen would understand...concise and to the point.  Also, to get into the school, all you have to do is get good grades, have a good SAT score, etc., but once in the school of journalism, they'll teach you all you need to know.  People from all walks of life are journalists.

English majors, to my knowledge, don't have to particularly verbose either.  Being able to convey your ideas in a clear way, as well as read critically to analyze books, are much more important attributes.  College is not as hard as it may seem...and it really depends on the college.