This course introduces students to basic academic writing. Students will learn how to write simple reason-giving paragraphs and a simple thesis statement. Writing will be treated as a process with opportunities for students to edit and revise their work with the help of their classmates and teacher. At the end of the course there will be an in-class test to help students review their learning and to check their progress. In addition, students will have opportunities to write more extensively by completing a number of writing tasks.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to do the following:
Goal 1: Write reason-giving paragraphs.
Objective 1.1: | Read and analyse examples of reason-giving paragraphs. |
Objective 1.2: | Be able to identify and write the basic structural elements of paragraphs. |
Objective 1.3: | Be able to write simple, compound, and complex sentences. |
Objective 1.4: | Understand how to write paragraphs using details (examples, explanations) as support. |
Goal 2: Understand that writing is a process.
Objective 2.1: | Gain an awareness of different stages in the process of writing - planning (including listing and organizing ideas using graphic organizers), drafting, and proof-reading drafts. |
Objective 2.2: | Be able to use these stages as part of their own writing process. |
Objective 2.3: | Write an improved second draft by revising their writing based on teacher feedback and utilizing peer consultation offered by the Learning Assistance Center as a resource. |
Objective 2.4: | Students will use basic paragraph structure, such as the topic sentences, supporting ideas, and concluding sentences. |
Goal 3: Write with greater clarity and accuracy.
Objective 3.1: | Be able to improve their written language by receiving feedback individually and in plenary from their teacher. |
Objective 3.2: | Be able to practise their written language by completing language exercises, semi-controlled and fluency-writing activities and tests. |
Goal 4: Write using appropriate formatting conventions.
Objective 4.1: | Type / word-process their papers. |
Objective 4.2: | Use appropriate academic conventions such as paragraph indentation and double-spacing. |
Goal 5: Write in class under test conditions.
Updated 2018.02.15