CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
ESL 189
Writing III
18 Weeks
5 Lecture Hours
5 Units
Advisory: Successful completion of ESL 186 or appropriate score on ESL placement test
Course Description: This course provides instruction in paragraph writing and short
compositions for high-intermediate ESL students.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Write 400-500 word compositions with a clear main idea and well-developed, coherent
content on a variety of topics, including social issues and current events.
2. Organize content by using paragraphs with a clear focus and relevant support.
3. Write on a variety of topics using description, narration, comparison, cause and effect
analysis, or classification when appropriate to support a main argument.
4. Use a variety of general vocabulary and some low frequency words specific to the
content.
5. Use a variety of compound and complex sentences.
Course Content:
1. Prewriting (35%):
a. Reading to develop vocabulary and generate ideas for writing
b. Responding to readings and prompts orally and in writing
2. Writing (35%):
a. Developing content by explaining ideas and providing details
b. Evaluating 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 grammar and punctuation
4. Writing analysis (15%):
a. Analyzing support for strength and relevance
b. Analyzing rhetorical moves for effectiveness
Methods of Instruction:
1. Instructor feedback on student writing
2. Text exercises, including reading comprehension and rhetorical analysis
3. Explicit instruction on focus, development, rhetorical styles, and grammar and mechanics as
necessary
4. Pair and group discussions and feedback
Required Texts and Materials:
1. Textbook: Read to Write by Gillie, Mumford & Ingle (McGraw-Hill)
2. Instructor-prepared handouts
Course Expectations:
1. Reading of text material and completion of exercises: 5 hours per week
2. Completion of writing assignments: 5 hours per week
Student Assessment:
1. Five graded in-class writing assignments:
25%
2. Weekly out-of-class writing assignments, including compositions, responses to reading, short
responses to questions, and summaries:
30%
3. Quizzes on assigned reading and grammar and punctuation:
10%
4. Other homework exercises
10%
5. Final exam:
25%
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