CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
ESL 183
Writing I
18 Weeks
5 Lecture Hours
5 Units
Advisory: Appropriate score on ESL Placement Test
Course Description: This course provides instruction in writing for high-beginning ESL
students.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Write clear descriptive, narrative and opinion passages of at least 150 words.
Write passages with a clear focus and relevant details.
Convey meaning using a variety of basic high-frequency vocabulary.
Incorporate simple present, present continuous, simple past, and future tenses as appropriate.
Apply the basic rules of punctuation for periods, question marks and capital letters.
Course Content:
1. Prewriting (40%):
a. Reading to develop vocabulary, analyze grammar, examine the development and
organization of ideas, and generate ideas for writing
b. Responding to readings and prompts orally and in writing
2. Writing (45%):
a. Developing content by explaining ideas and providing details
b. Analyzing and critiquing the organization and relevance of details in student writing
c. Revising content in response to instructor and peer feedback
3. Proofreading (15%):
a. Identifying and correcting errors in student writing
b. Editing exercises with attention to clarity in vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
Methods of Instruction:
1. Instructor feedback on student writing
2. Text exercises, including reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and grammar
analysis
3. Explicit instruction on focus, development of ideas, grammar, and punctuation
4. Pair and group discussions and feedback
Required Texts and Materials:
1. Textbook: Writing Workout, Jan Huizenga (Cengage)
2. Instructor-prepared handouts
Course Expectations:
1. Reading of text material and completion of related tasks: 5 hours per week
2. Completion of writing assignments: 5 hours per week
Student Assessment:
1. Weekly in-class writing assignments, including focused passages, guided responses to reading,
short responses to questions, and brief summaries:
25%
2. Weekly out-of-class writing assignments, including focused passages, guided responses to
reading, short responses to questions, and brief summaries:
25%
3. Quizzes on assigned reading and grammar and punctuation:
10%
4. Other homework exercises
10%
5. Final exam:
30%
Grading Policy:
A letter grade will be assigned based on the following categories: 90-100% = A,
80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F. Students who choose
the Credit/No Credit option will receive CR for an average of 70% and above,
or NC for an average of 69% or below.
Revised by N. Borhan, G. Segade, E. Smith, L. Statan, and E. Xiezopolski, Spring 2010