Academically-oriented English practice: written English 15-AOEP-WR-EL-1BA-12

(First semester of a two-semester course. Next semester: 15-AOEP-WR-EL-1BA-22.)
Course learning content:
Reading, analyzing and discussing model paragraphs in order to identify the principles of organization of a typical paragraph.
Exercises related to paragraph structure: controlling idea, topic sentence, major/minor supporting sentences, summary sentence, unity/cohesion, coherence, completeness.
Learning how to write and revise 6 obligatory paragraph development types: by list/examination, by comparison and difference, by cause/effect order; and 2 optional ones: by definition and classification
Practical language exercises: style and register, complex and compound sentences, effective vocabulary selection, coordination, basic punctuation principles.
Expository essay writing practice (500-550 words); planning the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, division of content into introduction, development, ending; writing essays using different rhetorical models (e.g., exemplification, comparison, contrast, cause / effect).

Module learning aims

1) to develop students’ ability to analyze and construct a paragraph as a basic unit of writing 2) to develop students’ ability to write expository paragraphs according to basic rhetorical models 3) to make students aware of technical and communicative aspects of writing (punctuation, grammar, awareness of addressee), as well as develop their cognitive-organizational skills (planning, using source materials) in the process of text creation 4) to develop style awareness with an emphasis on academic and scientific register in written language 5) to develop students’ ability to write expository essays (500-550 words), using various rhetorical models (exemplification/listing, comparison, contrast, cause/effect,) with emphasis on the necessary elements of the structure such as introduction, development and ending and on the components of the essay writing process (outline, draft, final version).

Information on where to find course materials

Moodle, Teams, Novum Library

Major

English linguistics: Theories, interfaces, technologies

Methods of teaching for learning outcomes achievement

Text-based tasks Practical written tasks Presentations Feedback sessions Discussions Moodle and Teams based assignments

Course module conducted remotely (e-learning)

Yes (partially)

Student workload (ECTS credits)

Cycle of studies

1st cycle

Module type

compulsory

Year of studies (where relevant)

Year 1

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences

knowledge of English at B1/B2 level; successful completion of recruitment to 1st degree studies in English Linguistics: Theories, Interfaces, Technologies at UAM

Course coordinators

Term 2021/SZ:

Joanna Śmiecińska

Term 2023/SZ:

Halszka Bąk

Term 2020/SZ:

Joanna Śmiecińska

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course and validation of its learning outcomes, a student:
Can construct and write a coherent, logical, comprehensive and linguistically correct expository paragraph of (200-220 words), also under time constraints (1-1.5 h).
Can select the right expository model for a topic a selected or set topic
Can construct and write a coherent and linguistically correct expository essay, also under time constraints (2.5 h), using the main rhetorical development model.
Can work with other students in a team and construct and write together a logical, comprehensive and linguistically correct essay on a particular subject.

Assessment criteria

Written test
Project
Essay

Bibliography

Oshima, A. and A. Hogue. 2006. Writing Academic English
Zemach D.E., Islam C. 2006. Writing in paragraphs: From sentence to paragraph.
Smalzer, W. R. 1996. Write to Be Read
Arnaudet, Martin L. 1990. Paragraph Development (+teacher’s guide)
Packer, N. Huddleston. 1997. Writing Worth Reading.
Robitaille, J. and R. Connelly, 2008. Writer's Resources. From Paragraph to Essay.
Oshima, A. and A. Hogue Writing Academic English
Gehle, Q. (1987) Writing Essays
Packer, N. Huddleston (1997) Writing Worth Reading
Jordan, R. R. (2001) Academic Writing Course
Smoke, T. (1999/2002) A Writer’s Workbook (+instructor’s manual)

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 15-AOEP-WR-EL-1BA-12 in USOSweb