MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ESL 010 - Basic Writing I (3 credits)
PLEASE USE THIS GUIDE AS AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE AND REQUIREMENTS. A
COMPLETE SYLLABUS WILL BE GIVEN ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS.
Course Description
This course is a low intermediate course to develop writing skills and teach communication
through writing. This course reviews simple and advanced verb forms and adjectives and
adverbs. Emphasis is no sentence structure: word order, word choice, sentence combining and
punctuation. Students will build upon their sentence skills to develop a unified paragraph of at
least 75 words in length utilizing topic sentences. This is a required course for students who
have successfully completed ESL 006 or have an appropriate score on the placement test.
Prerequisites
A grade of C or higher in ESL 006 or appropriate placement test score.
Course Objectives
To pass this course, students must be able to:
 Use correct forms of verbs and pronouns at the sentence level.
 Use a variety of sentence patterns with the correct word order.
 Avoid use of fragments and run-on sentences.
 Correct errors if they are pointed out.
 Write short clearly developed paragraphs controlled by topic sentences.
Books/Materials
1. Great Paragraphs by K. Folse, A. Muchmore-Vokoun and E. Solomon
2. Understanding and Using English Grammar by Betty Azar
3. Notebook for class notes, pens and pencils
Attendance/Lateness
Regular attendance is a requirement. If you have more than three unexcused absences, your
final grade may be lowered. If you are absent, you are still required to complete the work and
come to class prepared. For serious illness, contact me as soon as possible and bring a medical
certificate. Being more than 10 minutes late will be considered an absence if it happens more
than once.
Homework
Homework will be given throughout the semester. This work is meant to help you and to help
the class go smoothly. If you do not do your homework you are losing out on an opportunity to
improve your English. In addition, you will be slowing down the amount of work that can be
done during class time. Please be considerate of others and do your homework.
In-class Writing
At the end of every chapter, we will be writing an in-class assignment. This is your opportunity
to get individual attention to improve your level of English. All writing assignments must be done
individually. You may use your grammar book and a dictionary.
Grading
Your final grade will be based on your in-class writing assignments, your tests and quizzes, your
homework, and class participation. The majority of your grade will be based on the writing
assignments. You must receive a grade of C or higher to move on to ESL 011. Final grades will
be posted as soon as possible on the internet. If you can not access this information, you may
give me a stamped, self-addressed envelope and I will mail you the results.
Withdrawal
Failure to attend class is not an official withdrawal and will probably result in the assignment of
an F grade. Please see the MCCC handbook for more information on the withdrawal policy.
Keep in mind that withdrawing may affect your visa status.
Code of Conduct
Cell phones should be turned off during class time unless there is an emergency. Please be
considerate of your fellow students and your teacher. The MCCC handbook discusses
appropriate classroom behavior.
Academic Dishonesty
All forms of cheating, including plagiarism, will be dealt with according to official MCCC policy. If
you are in doubt, please ask. You may not hand in previously written paragraphs as new, nor
may you get outside help on your written work.
Class Cancellation Policy
Listen to KYW-News radio 1060 in case of bad weather. The school numbers are 320 (day
classes) and 2320 (night classes) for Montgomery County. You can also call the school at (215)
641-6300 for information about school closing. You can also check the MCCC website at
www.mc3.edu.
Disability
“Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodation in this course. Contact the Director
of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Counseling Center, College Hall, at (215) 6416574 or 6575 for more information.”