1
Academic English as a Second Language
Southwest College
Spring 2013
ENGL 0346 – Writing and Grammar I
CRN #: 34742
West Loop Campus – Room C224 | Saturdays
3 hour lecture course and 1 Lab hour / 64 hours/16 weeks
email: charlotte.mckelvy@hccs.edu
Office Phone: 713-718-7750
Instructor: Charlotte McKelvy
Text and Materials
Ready to Write 3, 3rd edition, by Blanchard and Root (required)
ISBN: 978-0-13-136334-2
loose-leaf notebook paper
a stapler
black or blue pens, No. 2 pencils, eraser
an email address
a one-inch ring binder
four divider sheets with tabs
a highlighter
one green Scantron (for the final exam – abcde answer type)
English-only dictionary (recommended: Longman Dictionary for Non-Native Speakers)
USB flash drive (for saving work on computer)
Course Goals
English 0346 helps English as a Second Language (ESL) students prepare for the reading and writing
assignments in college classes. Students learn basic grammar, simple and some basic compound/complex
structures, vocabulary, and paragraph writing skills. English 0346 is part of a sequence of classes (English 0341,
0346, 0347, and 0349). After students pass these courses, they should be ready for English 1301 and other
college credit courses.
Specific course objectives are to:
 identify parts of speech & understand word families
 write simple sentences: S + V + O
 write compound sentences with coordinating conjunctions
 use common complex sentences (when, while, before, after, because, if )
 write a well-developed paragraph
 understand the role of: topic, title, topic sentence , supporting details
 use present and past tenses accurately
 use verbals accurately: gerunds, infinitives
 use auxiliary and modal verbs accurately
 use the present real, present unreal, and past unreal conditional
 use direct and indirect speech
2


expand vocabulary
write short (3-paragraph, 300-400 word) essays
Quizzes
There are 4 grammar quizzes based on the grammar covered in the course. If there is time, the class will have a
review session and a short practice quiz during the class period before the actual test day. It's important that
students come to every class and be prepared to ask questions about the grammar that they don't understand
well.
Compositions
Students will write a total of 4 compositions (comps.) and the Final Comp. The first four comps. are written
twice; the first draft is written in class, and the final drafts are written for homework. The grade for a comp is
recorded after the final draft is written and evaluated. Therefore, students must write a final draft. All first drafts
of comps must be written in blue or black ink, double-spaced, and on the front side of the paper. All second
drafts must be double-spaced and typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font. After receiving the first draft back
from your instructor, you must type a second draft and submit it to Turnitin.com and askonline (see Online
Tutoring below). When you have corrected that draft, you must go to a face-to-face tutor. (The Face-to-Face
Tutoring Schedule will be posted on the Learning Web as soon as it is available.) After correcting that draft, you
must submit your final typed draft at the beginning of class on the due date, as well as submit it to
Turnitin.com. You will receive 6 extra points on your final composition grade for going to both askonline and
face-to-face tutoring.
Homework
Homework is a very important part of ENGL 0346. Students must have a binder in which they keep their work
for this course. Some homework will be collected, and some of it will be checked in class. Students must
complete the homework before coming to class and be prepared to turn in some exercises during class. Some
homework assignments will be corrected and graded by me, and some will be corrected in class and given either
100 or 0 (if the student did not do an assignment).
Journal
Students will practice expressing ideas in English regularly, usually once per week. Students should write freely,
without fear of penalty. The journal is not graded like a composition. It is usually part of a “warm-up” exercise
in class. The grade at the end of the semester is based on the total number of entries when the journal is
collected. The journal will count as part of the homework grade. Sometimes the teacher will give the journal
topic, and sometimes the students will choose a topic. The journal may not be handed in late. It must be
submitted to Turnitin.com before class on the day it is due.
Course Binder
To be successful in college classes, students need good organization skills, especially because of the large
amount of paperwork that is part of the course. Therefore, a course binder is required in 0346 class. The binder
must have four (4) dividers with tabs for the following class materials: class notes, journals, homework and
handouts, and Weaknesses and Strengths chart. The teacher will check the binder at random, so students should
always bring it to class and keep it up to date. The binder may not be turned in late.
Computer Lab
Occasionally, our class will meet in a computer lab in order to work on grammar and practice using Microsoft
Word to compose compositions.
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Weekly Course Calendar for ENGL 0346- Spring 2013
The instructor reserves the right to supplement this syllabus later in the semester and to revise due dates to meet the needs
of the class.
Holidays and Important Dates:
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 21
Jan. 28
Feb. 18
Mar. 11-17
Mar. 29-31
Apr. 1
May 5
Last day to add/drop/swap a class (online only)
First day of Spring semester classes
MLK Holiday
Official Date of Record
Presidents’ Day Holiday
Spring Break
Spring Holiday
Last day (by 4:30 p.m.) to drop with a “W”
Instruction ends
May 6-12
Final Exam Period (See course calendar, below)
An average homework load in ENGL 0346 is 1-2 hours for every hour in class.
Week
Reading
Ready to Write 3:
From Paragraph to Essay
Intro to the ESL program and ENGL 0346 course
syllabus; diagnostic assessment
HOMEWORK:
Chp. 1
Begin Chp. 1—Getting Ready to Write, pp. 2-12
Chp. 1
Continue Chp. 1—discuss the Writing Process
Read your syllabus.
Read pp. 13-24
Complete “Making an
Informal Outline,” A or B, pp.
23-24 on notebook paper
Chp. 2
Begin Chp. 2—Writing Paragraphs, pp. 25-45
Introduction to the computer lab: Sheehan’s Learning
Web, “What is a Word?” and “What is a Phrase?”
Complete “Evaluating
Support” Set 1, 2, and 3, pp.
31-33 on notebook paper
Continue Chp. 2—Writing Supporting Sentences &
Develop Unity, pp. 34-39
Do part C. p. 39 on notebook
paper
Create Coherence, Organizing Your Ideas, and Using
Transitions, pp. 39-45
Complete parts C & D or E &
F, pp. 44-45 on notebook
paper
Begin Chp. 3—Revising and Editing, pp. 47-50
Read “Editing,” pp. 50-53; do
exercises on pp. 52-53 on
notebook paper
Continue Chp. 3—Sentence Fragments, Run-on
Sentences, Punctuation & Capitalization
Do “You Be the Editor,” p. 65
on notebook paper; study for
1
Jan.
19
2
Jan.
26
3
Chp. 2
Get textbook and supplies;
read the Scope & Sequence for
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
and 9 on pp. iv--vi
Feb. 2
4
Chp. 3
Feb. 9
4
QUIZ # 1
Lab Time: Learning Web (Sheehan), “What is a
Sentence?”
5
5
Feb.
16
Chp. 4
QUIZ # 1 on phrase & sentence structure,
agreement, punctuation & capitalization
Read “Real Competition on
Television,” pp. 68-69
Begin Chp. 4—Writing Essays, the Introduction and
Thesis Statement, pp. 67-73 and Using the Writing
Process, pp. 77-79
Read “The Body (Supporting
Paragraphs)” and “The
Conclusion,” pp. 74-77;
complete part A. in textbook
on pp. 76-77
Continue Using the Writing Process, pp. 80-82 to
complete C1D1 (comp 1, draft 1)
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Final Draft: Essay 1 due.
Feb.
23
Begin Chp. 5—Analyzing a Process Essay, p. 93-94
Essay Plan, pp. 95-97 to complete C2D1
Lab Time: Introduction to the Passive Voice
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Chp. 5
Discuss revision of C2 & Essay Grading Rubric
Complete Step 1, part B. &
Step 2, parts A & B, pp. 79-80
Read Chp. 5: Process Essays,
pp. 86-90; complete part B, p.
91
Read pp. 88-89; choose 3
topics from 2-13, pp. 88-89 &
write a thesis statement for
each topic.
Continue Lab Time-Learning
Web, “More on Verb Forms,”
scroll down to Passive Voice;
do exs. 10, 11, 12 on notebook
paper
Revise C2D1; focus on
passive voice
Mar. 2
C2D2 due; review for QUIZ 2—passive voice
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QUIZ # 2 on passive voice
Read pp. 99-102; complete 2,
3, 4 on p. 102 in textbook
Begin Chp. 6—Division and Classification—
Analyzing a Classification Essay, pp. 103-106
Read part B and complete part
C, pp. 106-107 on notebook
paper
Mar. 9
Chp. 6
Mar.
11 17
9
Mar.
23
SPRING BREAK
Chp. 6
March 29-31:
10
Mar.
30
Chp. 6
QUIZ # 2 on passive voice
Read pp. 99-102; complete 2,
3, 4 on p. 102 in textbook
Begin Chp. 6—Division and Classification—
Analyzing a Classification Essay, pp. 103-106
Read part B and complete part
C, pp. 106-107 on notebook
paper
SPRING HOLIDAY
Continue Chp. 6—Prewriting for C3D1, pp. 107-108
Complete C3D1
Choose three topics from part
A and make an outline for
each topic on paper
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Complete “You Be the
Editor,” p. 110
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Chp. 6
Discuss revision of C3 & subject-verb agreement
Revise C3D1; focus on
subject-verb agreement
C3D2 due; Catch-up & Lab Time: Learning Web
(Sheehan), “How To Use Verb Tenses”
Continue Lab Time: Learning
Web, scroll down to “How Do
We Use the Past Tenses” and
do exs. 8. 9. 10 & 15 on
notebook paper
Begin Chp. 9—Problem-Solution Essay, pp. 138-142
Choose two problems from pp.
139-140 and write a possible
thesis statement for a problemsolution essay (write in
textbook)
Apr. 6
12
Chp. 9
Apr.
13
Continue Chp. 9—Offering Solutions, p. 143 and
Analyzing a Problem-Solution essay, pp. 145-146
13
Read Case # 8 on p. 147;
complete the Prewriting ex. on
p. 147 (write in textbook)
QUIZ # 3 on the past tenses
Apr.
20
Chp. 9
14
Chp. 9
Continue Chp. 9; introduction to gerunds and
infinitives; Lab Time
Continue Lab Time: online
Complete C4D1
Revise C4D1
Continue Lab Time
Quiz # 4 on gerunds & infinitives
Review for the Final Essay
Complete Review Sheet for
Final Exam
Write Final Essay on Saturday, May 4
Study for the Final Exam
http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/inde
x.htm
Apr.
27
15
May
4
16
May
11
Final Grammar Exam Saturday, May 11
Usually, the last part of class will be designated as “lab time.” Attendance is required during lab time since it is
part of class instruction. Assignments will be given in class each day prior to lab time. Homework on grammar
websites may be assigned in order to reinforce the grammar topics that are covered in the textbook. Lab time
may be used to begin homework or to review lessons from the textbook.
Final Examinations
The Final Exam has two parts: a comprehensive, multiple-choice grammar test and a Final Comp. The finals
will be given on two different days at the end of the semester. See the Final Exam dates on the Course
Calendar.
Students who have a 70% or higher class average before the Final Exams but who fail both parts of the
Final will have a team of teachers review their work and determine their readiness to pass into English
0347.
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Instructor’s Attendance Policy
Houston Community College requires students to attend classes regularly. However, sometimes students have a
problem and cannot come to class. In 0346, students are allowed to miss up to 8 hours (total) of absence, if
necessary. When students arrive late, they will be marked tardy; if students leave the classroom during class,
return late from a break, or leave before class is finished, they will be marked tardy.
2 times tardy = 1 absence.
This attendance policy applies to all students; those on an F-1 visa must be careful not to miss too much of class
time in order to maintain their visa status in the United States.
Classroom Policies
Students are expected to arrive on time to class. If you are absent from class, you are responsible for contacting
me about the missed work.
 Regardless of the reason for an absence, the final draft of an essay that is turned in after the due date
will lose10-points for each class day that it is late. If necessary, students may miss up to 8 hours of
instruction without penalty. The instructor has the right to drop any student who exceeds 8 hours of
absence (see the Syllabus Addendum regarding the HCC attendance policy).
 There are no make-up tests or quizzes, but I will drop the lowest test/quiz grade for each student at the
end of the semester. In other words, if you miss a quiz, you will receive a “0” grade, but that 0 grade
will be dropped—once only.
 There is no make-up for missed class work and journals. If you are absent or miss a due date, the grade
is 0.
 All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight when the class is in session. If
you have an emergency and must have a phone handy, please tell me before class begins.
 Talking out of turn or while students and the teacher are talking is considered to be disruptive. This kind
of behavior is unacceptable in a college classroom.
 I reserve the right to dismiss you from class for any violation of the classroom and college policies.
College Grading System
Students in English 0346 class may receive a letter grade of A, B, C, IP or F.
IP means "In Progress." This is not a failing grade, but it is for students who complete the course but who are
not yet ready for the next level. Anyone who receives an IP must take English 0346 again. However, if a student
has already received an IP in this course during a previous semester, that student will receive a letter grade: A,
B, C, or F this semester.
Teacher’s Personal “Mission Statement”
I am here to help you complete the objectives of this course, to assist you in developing your reading, writing,
and critical thinking skills, and to promote your intellectual and academic growth. Please communicate with me
about any problems or obstacles that might interfere with your success in our class.
English 0346 Grading Formula
The final grade for the course is calculated as follows:
Homework:
10%
Comp. 4:
15%
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Quizzes :
Comp. 1:
Comp. 2:
Comp. 3:
15%
10%
10%
10%
Final Comp: 20%
Final Exam: 10%
Academic Dishonesty
If a student copies sentences from another person's work without giving credit to the writer by naming the writer
as the source of the ideas and words, it is called "plagiarism." This is a serious offense in American colleges,
and it is unacceptable. Academic honesty is expected of all college students. Any homework, journal entry, or
composition that is not a student's own work or that has been copied from another person will be given a grade
of “0.” The student may receive an F for the course when plagiarism occurs repeatedly.
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HCC Policies and Procedures—Syllabus Addendum
Spring 2013
IMPORTANT NOTICE: EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning.
During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The
anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction.
Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term. This survey will
replace the paper forms that students used in the past to evaluate teachers and classes.
Developmental Courses and ENGL 1301: Students taking developmental English and reading courses to meet state and institutional
requirements must complete GUST 0342 and ENGL 0310 (or ENGL 0349 for non-native speakers) before taking ENGL 1301.
Grades – IP & W & FX: Students taking developmental courses may only receive an In Progress or IP grade one time for each
course. The instructor’s official class roll indicates with an asterisk next to the student’s name when a student is repeating a course.
The student must receive a letter grade after the second attempt (A, B, C, or F). F-1 students are subject to the same attendance and
grading policies as all other students. F-1 students will be dropped for excessive absences and receive W. Any student who stops
attending class after the official date to withdraw each semester will receive the grade FX.
Grade Reports: HCCS does not mail out grade reports. Students will get their grades online at the following Internet address
(www.hccs.edu). Students who require a paper or hard copy of their grades must obtain an unofficial transcript from the Records and
Admissions Office of their campus/college.
Attendance Policy: Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has full authority
to drop a student for excessive absences of more than 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time). Texas
State Law requires students to complete 87.5% of hours of instruction in order to receive a grade. If students drop/are dropped from
developmental studies while they are taking college-level courses, they will also be dropped from those college-level courses.
American Disabilities Act and ADA Compliance: HCCS is compliant with the ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
“Any student with a documented disability (e. g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Service Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.
Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.” The Disability
Services Office number for Southwest College is 713-718-7910. Dr. Becky Hauri is the ADA contact counselor.
Sexual Harassment: It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment
as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47).
Tuition Payment: Students who use the installment plan or receive financial aid are responsible for making sure all of their fees are
paid. Students will be dropped for non-payment of tuition. The cost for reinstatement is $75.
On-Line Tutoring: HCCS now offers access to English tutors on-line. All HCCS students can take advantage of this service by
logging on to www.askonline.net and by using their e-mail account. Papers for
most HCC classes can be submitted for advice with a short turnaround time. See the askonline.net homepage.
Websites for English 0346 extra practice and Grammar and Usage Review
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/sequence.htm (chart of verb tenses)
http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/verbtense.html verb practice test
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/transitions.htm (transition words)
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_overvw.html (punctuation)
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http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html (comma rules)
http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm (transition words, a second site)
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/definitions.htm (parts of speech definitions)
Common Errors in English (www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/index.html). This site, developed by Paul
Brians, Professor of English at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, simply and entertainingly
explains a number of common spelling and usage errors in English.
Dave’s ESL Cafe on the Web (www.eslcafe.com/). ESL students and teachers can select from a variety of
activities, including an interactive quiz and help with questions, and links to other ESL information.
English as a Second Language (academic.cuesta.cc.ca.us/ahalderma/ESL.htm). Designed by Anthony
Halderman of Cuesta College, this site provides students and teachers with useful information, lessons,
exercises, games, and other resources.
English Forum (www.englishforum.com/00/). This comprehensive site includes a variety of resources for ESL
students and teachers, including Interactive Exercises.
English Grammar Online (www.edufind.com/english/grammar/index.cfm). Send in your English grammar
question and a professional teacher will answer it.
EnglishLearner.Com (www.englishlearner.com/). Interactive practice for learners of English includes tests and
quizzes.
Grammar Bytes! (www.chompchomp.com/). This site, a grammar review by Robin Simmons, contains
explanations, handouts for students and teachers, and interactive exercises.
Interesting Things for ESL Students (www.manythings.org/). The site includes quizzes, word games, word
puzzles, proverbs, slang expressions, anagrams, and a random–sentence generator.
Learning English on the Web (www.rong-chang.com/). Listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities are
included at this site, a starting point for ESL learners who want to learn English through the World Wide Web.
Self-study Quizzes for ESL Students (a4esl.org/q/h/). This site, featuring multiple choice, true or false, and fill
in the blank type quizzes, provides immediate feedback.
http://citationmachine.net This site is excellent if you have to document sources for any assignments you have.