Academically-oriented English practice: written English 15-AOEP-WR-EL-1BA-22

(Second semester of a two-semester course. For description, see: 15-AOEP-WR-EL-1BA-12.)

Learning contents:

1. Reading, analysing and discussing model paragraphs to identify principles ruling the organisation of a typical paragraph.
2. Exercises on the paragraph structure: controlling idea, topic sentence, major/minor supporting sentences, concluding sentence, unity/cohesion, logic (coherence), completeness.
3. Learning and perfecting through writing and correction 6 obligatory types of paragraph development: listing/ exemplification, comparison and contrast, classification, cause and effect; and 2 additional ones – definition and process description/ analysis.
4. Exercises developing the practical use of English: register and style, complex and compound sentences, effective selection of vocabulary, logical linking and linking phrases, the basic rules of punctuation.
5. Writing and correcting at least 5-6 short summaries of contemporary texts of 100-210 words on general topics.

Module learning aims

1. Introducing the form of an expository paragraph and developing the ability of recognising, constructing and writing such paragraphs. 2. Introducing the basic rhetorical modes of constructing expository paragraphs and developing the ability to recognise them as well as applying them in written work. 3. Introducing the principles of writing short summaries, developing the skill of identifying relevant information in the source text and writing a summary based on this information. 4. Developing the command of communicative, technical, cognitive and organizational aspects of written language such as style, register, punctuation, awareness of the recipient, and the stages of the writing process.

Information on where to find course materials

WA PNJA website, WAMU Moodle, Collegium Novum Library

Major

English linguistics: Theories, interfaces, technologies

Methods of teaching for learning outcomes achievement

1. Text analysis - reading for gist/ reading for detail 2. Analysing model paragraphs and summaries 3. Generating ideas - brainstorming 4. Preparing paragraph outlines 5. Error analysis, self- and peer-correction of errors 6. Parapharasing 7. Individual work and pair/group work 8. Work with a textbook (style, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation exercises).

Student workload (ECTS credits)

4 ECTS (after both semesters)

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

Ability to use English at B2/B2+ level. Successful completion of the recruitment process for the 1st cycle at „English linguistics: Theories, interfaces, technologies”, AMU.

Course coordinators

Term 2020/SL:

Paula Orzechowska

Term 2022/SL:

Anna Balas
Halszka Bąk
Tomasz Dyrmo
Ewa Grzywaczewska-Stewart
Mateusz Jekiel
Kamil Malarski
Ewa Olszewska
Anna Skałba
Joanna Śmiecińska
Sylwia Wojciechowska
Paulina Zydorowicz

Term 2019/SL:

Paulina Zydorowicz

Term 2021/SL:

Paula Orzechowska

Term 2024/SL:

Anna Balas
Halszka Bąk

Term 2023/SL:

Anna Balas

Term 2018/SL:

Paulina Zydorowicz

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course and validation of its learning outcomes, the student will:

1. Is able to construct and write a coherent, logical, exhaustive and generally linguistically correct expository paragraph of up to 200 words, also when time is limited (1-1.5 h).
2. Is able to select the appropriate rhetorical mode of expository paragraph development and use it in writing, depending on the topic selected by the teacher/himself/herself.
3. Is able to write a several-sentence long, reasonably precise and objective summary of a general text of approx. 100-210 words, maintaining basic grammatical and lexical correctness.
4. Is able to analyse the structure of a short expository text and use the ability when correcting other people’s or his/her own texts, preparing a summary or during a discussion.

Assessment criteria

Methods of assessment (F - formative, S - summative):

F – written assignments
F - written assignments assessed with the help of a special grade sheet;
F – discussion in group and sub-groups
S – written examination

5.0: excellent ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness
4.5: very good ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness
4.0: good ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness
3.5: adequate ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness
3.0: satisfactory ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness
2.0: insufficient ability of writing paragraphs and summaries in terms of structure, content and linguistic correctness

Bibliography

Arnaudet, Martin L. and Mary Ellen Barrett. 1990. Paragraph Development: A Guide for Students of English. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall Regents.
Hamp-Lyons, Liz and Ben Heasley. 2013. Study Writing: A Course in Writing Skills for Academic Purposes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Imhoof, Maurice and Herman Hudson.1975. From Paragraph to Essay. London: Longman.
Morenberg, Max and Jeff Sommers. 2008. The Writer's Options: Lessons in Style and Arrangement. New York: Pearson Longman.
Oshima, Alice and Ann Hogue. 2006. Writing Academic English. White Plains NY: Pearson Longman.
Packer, Nancy Huddleston and John Timpane. 1997. Writing Worth Reading: The Critical Process. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Smalley, Regina L., Mary K. Ruetten and Joann Rishel Kozyrev. 2011. Refining Composition Skills: Rhetoric and Grammar. Boston: Heinle ELT.
Smalzer, William R. 2005. Write to Be Read. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Zemach, Dorothy E. and Lisa A. Rumisek. 2005. Academic Writing: From Paragraph to Essay. Oxford: Macmillan
Zemach, Dorothy E. and Carlos Islam. 2006. Writing in Paragraphs: From Sentence to Paragraph. Oxford: Macmillan.

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-22 in USOSweb