So you are taking a philosophy class...?
Most people get their first exposure to philosophy in college. Philosophy is not offered in high schools. So students often have no idea about what to expect in a philosophy course. Nor do they know what is expected of them.
These pages will help to clarify what philosophy is, how your professors think, what's expected of you, and what you can do to succeed. It will provide links to useful information. And it will offer you some idea about why you might choose to major in philosophy.
Good Luck!