BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

SYLLABUS

FUNDAMENTALS OF WRITTEN
SUBJECT
EXPRESSION
CODE LNG 420 CREDITS 3
PREREQUISITE LNG 400
I 2015
SEMESTER
CLASS HOURS 48 HOURS

1. DESCRIPTION
This is an eight-week course designed to build on the knowledge of English that the students will bring
to the class. It is the third of four “bridge” courses, intended to help non-native English speakers make
the transition to using English as a primary language in an academic setting. During class, students are
expected to gain confidence in their capabilities to express themselves better through writing.
Homework will consist of supplementary exercises including a journal and several essays. Quizzes and
examinations will test your practical ability.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1. General
This course is essential to learning how to write effectively in English. If students want to take classes
in an English-speaking university, they will need to know the proper techniques of writing. Also, since
the language of business is English, a student must learn how to communicate well via writing.

2.2. Specific
After taking this course, students will be able to produce well-developed, coherent essays in English.
They will be able to do this via the “Writing Process” which includes brainstorming, planning, writing,
proof reading, and editing. Students will learn how to write a narrative essay, descriptive essay, cause
and effect essay, process essay, compare and contrast essay, and an opinion essay.

3. COMPETENCIES
 Identify the parts and characteristics of a paragraph
 Demonstrate chronological order of ideas in a paragraph
 Compare and contrast ideas
 Illustrate main ideas with clear supportive details

4. METHODOLOGY
Some applied methodologies will have common aspects with other subjects that are derived from the
social constructivist model in which Ecotec’s educational model is based on. For this reason,
 participatory methods are preferred combining them with other active methods, such as role play,
problem solving, brainstorming, workshop development, debates, among others.

The above mentioned will consistently favor students interaction through groups, following the principles
of cooperative learning in order to develop teamwork competition to deepen knowledge of the
fundamental subject manner. Within this methodological approach, the instructor acts as a facilitator
who explores students’ prior knowledge about the subject manner and guides its construction
individually and in groups. The instructor links theory through practice systematically and strengthens
students’ skills to develop projects related to the specific contents of the subject.

Teaching strategies:

Pair-work activities, discussions: There will be specific activities from the textbook that Ss will
complete with their classmates. Each class session will include opportunities for individual, pair, small
and large group work, and the students are encouraged to actively participate at all times.

Written exercises: Written exercises in the textbook are to be completed as indicated by the instructor.
It is recommended that they complete the corresponding exercises in the book as the material is
covered in each class session.

Teacher monitoring: The teacher will be constantly monitoring the correct use of grammar structures,
vocabulary, and punctuation.

Class participation and assignments

Daily participation is expected, and will be graded, evaluated, and recorded through quizzes and
homework assignments. Students will turn in homework assignments on due date unless illness
prevents it. Any work turned in late shall receive no points.

Description of work required of each student

Students are responsible for completing assignments or any other activity requested by the instructor.
Students who are absent are fully responsible for all material covered in class. Students should bring
the textbook and workbook to every class. During exams and quizzes, students may not leave the
room or receive phone calls.

Basic rules for the course:

 Punctual arrival to class is expected of all students.
 Previous knowledge will be elicited at the beginning of each class. An appropriate feedback will also
be provided.
 In order to pass the course, the student must attend 75% (minimum) of the classes. Regularity in
classroom attendance and punctuality is vital to academic success.
 The use of cell phones, or any other activity not related to the class, is prohibited unless previously
authorized by the instructor.

5. CONTENT

# Specific
Session Contents Supplemental Study Evaluation
Session Competencies
Understand
and discuss
Review the syllabus
Class Introduction to course Classroom assessment task the main
1 Ungraded Writing task points of this
course
Implement
September Identify the parts and Chapter 1
Write a paragraph using the paragraph
1st, 2015 characteristics of a Paragraph Format: Paragraph
Class paragraph organization (2 hours) organization
paragraph organization
2 rules
Identify the parts and Implement
Paragraph Format: Capitalization Edit a paragraph by applying
characteristics of a capitalization
Class capitalization rules (1hour)
paragraph rules
3
 #
Session Specific
Session Contents Supplemental Study Evaluation
Competencies

Class Identify the parts and Apply the

4 characteristics of a Sentence structure and the writing Construct sentences and
writing
paragraph process complete a writing assignment
process
(1hour)
September Class Demonstrate narrative Chapter 2
Apply time
3rd, 2015 5 skills Narrative Paragraphs: Time order Construct sentences applying time
order signals
signals order signals (1hour)
Class Demonstrate narrative Construct sentences applying Apply
Narrative Paragraphs: Coordinating
6 skills coordinating conjunctions (1hour) coordinating
conjunctions
conjunctions
Class
7 Demonstrate narrative Develop a
skills Narrative Paragraphs: Punctuation Write a narrative paragraph draft narrative
(2 hours) paragraph

Class Identify the parts and Analyze the

8 characteristics of a Chapter 3 Compose accurate topic process of
September
paragraph Paragraph structure: The three parts sentences (1hour) developing
8th, 2015
of a paragraph: topic sentence topic
sentences
Class Identify the parts and Analyze the
9 characteristics of a Paragraph structure: The three parts Compose accurate supporting process of
paragraph of a paragraph: supporting sentences (1hour) developing
sentences & examples supporting
sentences
Class Identify the parts and Discuss the
10 characteristics of a Write a narrative paragraph main parts of
Paragraph structure: The concluding
paragraph applying different writing rules. a paragraph
sentence
(2 hours) and apply
them
Class
11
Illustrate impressions Write a descriptive paragraph Prepare a
Chapter 4
with descriptive details draft descriptive
 Descriptive paragraphs: Spatial
(2 hours) paragraph
order & paragraph unity
September using all the
 Compound sentences & clustering
10th, 2015 Edit different paragraphs applying rules given
rules acquired during the chapter
(1 hour)
Class Apply knowledge
12 acquired during the Develop a
previous sessions Descriptive paragraph containing Students will work on a descriptive
throughout different the main parts. Include examples descriptive paragraph following paragraph
written exercises in and supporting ideas all the techniques given to with
order to develop them. (2 hours) supporting
clearer ideas in a ideas
paragraph

Class
13 Develop a
descriptive
Class paragraph
14
Apply knowledge EXAM I
Prepare a descriptive paragraph
September acquired during the Sentence structure, punctuation, First
using the different writing
15th, 2015 Class previous sessions descriptive paragraph evaluation
techniques
15 from class 1
to class 12
 Specific
# Session Contents Supplemental Study Evaluation
Competencies
Session

Class Illustrate support with Chapter 5 Construct sentences applying Apply details
16 factual details and Logical division of ideas: different writing rules (1 hour) to support
examples organization facts

Class Present preparation for Write a paragraph applying Use

September 17 writing and analyze Logical division of ideas: Coherence coherence (1 hour) supportive
17th, 2015 processes & nouns ideas in a
Paragraph

Class Present preparation for Logical division of ideas: Pronouns & Edit paragraphs applying different Review
18 writing and analyze transition signals writing rules (1 hour) subjects and
processes transition
signals

Review run-
Class Present preparation for Logical division of ideas: Run-ons Edit paragraphs applying different ons and
19 writing and analyze and comma splices writing rules (1 hour) comma
processes splices

Class
Demonstrate Apply
September 20 Chapter 6 Write a process paragraph draft
organized writing in chronological
22nd, 2015 Process paragraph: organization (2 hours)
chronological order order in ideas

Class Demonstrate Edit paragraphs applying different

Process paragraph: time order Utilize time
21 organized writing in writing rules (1 hour)
signals order signals
chronological order

Class
22 Demonstrate Construct sentences applying
Use time
organized writing by Process paragraph: time clauses different writing rules (1 hour)
clauses
using clauses

Class
23 Demonstrate Construct sentences applying
Utilize
Septe24th, organized writing by Process paragraph: complex different writing rules (1 hour)
complex
2015 using complex sentences
sentences
sentences

Class
24 Demonstrate Write a process paragraph
Use
organized writing by Process paragraph: subordinators applying different writing rules.
subordinators
using subordinators (2 hours)

Demonstrate ability to Edit

Class Chapter 7
compare and contrast paragraphs
25 Comparison/Contrast paragraphs Write a comparison-contrast
using wide range of using new
paragraph draft (2 hours)
vocabulary vocabulary
Class
26 Demonstrate ability to Edit paragraphs applying different Edit
compare and contrast writing rules. (1 hour) paragraphs
September Block organization
using wide range of using new
29th, 2015
vocabulary vocabulary

Class
27 Demonstrate ability to Write a
compare and contrast Write a comparison-contrast comparison
Point by point organization
using wide range of paragraph applying signals contrast
vocabulary (1 hour) paragraph
 Specific
# Session Contents Supplemental Study Evaluation
Competencies
Session
Demonstrate ability to Apply
Class compare and contrast Combine sentences using comparison -
Compare and contrast signals
28 using wide range of comparison - contrast words and contrast
vocabulary phrases (1 hour) signals
Demonstrate ability to Apply
Class compare and contrast Combine sentences using comparison -
Compare and contrast signals
29 using wide range of comparison - contrast words and contrast
vocabulary phrases (1 hour) signals

October
1st, 2015 Apply knowledge
Class acquired during the
30 previous sessions Students will work on a Develop a
throughout different comparison - contrast comparison -
written exercises in Comparison - contrast paragraph paragraph following all the contrast
order to develop techniques given to them. paragraph
clearer ideas in a (2 hours)
paragraph

Develop a
Class
comparison -
31
contrast
Class
Apply knowledge paragraph
October 32 Exam II Prepare a comparison - contrast
acquired during the paragraph using the different
6th, , 2015
previous sessions writing techniques
Class Second
33 Evaluation:
From Class
16 to 30
Use writing
Chapter 9
Class Demonstrate Write an essay (draft) (2 hours) structure to
Essay Organization : The three parts
34 knowledge of prepare an
of an essay: introductory, body and
principles of an essay essay
concluding paragraphs

Use writing
Class Demonstrate Edit introduction paragraphs
October structure to
35 knowledge of Essay Organization : Introduction applying writing rules (1 hour)
8th, 2015 prepare an
principles of an essay
essay
Use writing
Class Demonstrate Edit body paragraphs applying structure to
Essay Organization : Body
36 knowledge of writing rules (1 hour) prepare an
principles of an essay essay

Use writing
Class Demonstrate Edit concluding paragraphs structure to
Essay Organization : Conclusion
37 knowledge of applying writing rules (1 hour) prepare an
principles of an essay essay

Use writing
October
Class Demonstrate Write an essay applying writing structure to
13th, 2015 Planning an essay: prewriting,
38 knowledge of rules (3 hours) prepare an
organizing, group ideas logically and
principles of an essay essay
make an outline.
Class Chapter 10 Organize
Identify opinions with
39 Opinion Essay : organization Write an opinion essay (raw draft) ideas for an
coherence
(1 hour) opinion essay
Class Prepare
Develop the thesis The introductory paragraph: thesis
40 Elaborate thesis statements thesis
statement statement
(1 hour) statements
Class Prepare
October Develop Supporting Body paragraphs (developing
41 Construct body paragraphs Supporting
15th, 2015 Details reasons)
(1 hour) details
Class Prepare
Develop a concluding
42 The concluding paragraph Construct concluding paragraphs concluding
paragraph
(1 hour) paragraphs
 Specific
# Session Contents Supplemental Study Evaluation
Competencies
Session
Class Final exam
Assess students’ Final Exam Write sentences using transition
43 from class 1
knowledge Connectors, essay structure words and write an essay
to class 42
Class Final Exam Final exam
October Assess students’ Write sentences using transition
44 Connectors, essay structure from class 1
20th,, 2015 knowledge words and write an opinion essay
to class 42
Class Final Exam Final exam
Assess students’ Write sentences using transition
45 Connectors, essay structure from class 1
knowledge words and write an opinion essay
to class 42
Class
46
October Class REVIEW OF
FINAL EXAM REVIEW AND DELIVERY OF FINAL AVERAGE THE FINAL
22th, 2015 47
Class EXAM
48

6. EVALUATION

Criteria for grading of classwork and homework

 The presentation of classwork and homework is mandatory. Noncompliance of this requirement
will be sanctioned.
 Homework assignments must be handed in on the date set by the instructor. Late assignments
will not be accepted.
 The minimum grade for passing the course is 70.
 All exams will be taken on the date previously established by the Director of the Language
Department. No exams will be given ahead of this date or postponed for a later date without the
expressed written permission from the Academic Commission of the faculty to which the student
in question belongs; in which case, a make-up exam will be given.

Grade Breakdown
Journal 20
Final Essay 10
Exam 1 15
Exam 2 15
Final Exam 40
Total 100

7. MATERIALS

TEXT AUTHOR PUBLISHER

Introduction to Academic Writing Book AliceOshima / Ann Hogue Pearson, Longman
Dictionary

8. COMPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
WEBSITES
English Grammar Online (Grammar, writing,
vocabulary, study tips, pronunciation, etc.)
On-line dictionaries
LINK
http://www.ego4u.com/
http://www.wordhippo.com/
http://www.howjsay.com/
http://dictionary.reference.com/
http://www.yourdictionary.com/
http://www.wordreference.com/
9. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

NAME Michelle Flores

PROFESSION Master in education
AREA OF EXPERTISE EFL
EXPERIENCE 19 years
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER 0994350090
E-MAIL miflores@universidadecotec.edu.ec

Designed by: Michelle Flores Date: April 30th, 2015

INSTRUCTOR
Approvedby: Reinaldo Córdova Date: April 30th, 2015
BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL
PROGRAM DIRECTOR