Module QXS-1004:
Grammar and Writing 1

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Miss Debbie Garlick

Overall aims and purpose

To raise students' English language competence to a level that enables them to participate actively and effectively in a British academic environment.

To enable students to develop and strengthen their writing skills in English, with particular emphasis on academic writing.

To increase students' grammatical awareness and to enable them to develop the ability to use their grammar skills effectively.

Course content

This course is recommended for all non-native speakers of English who would like to improve their overall competence in communicative grammar and written English.

QXS1005 can be taken as a follow-up course but is not a co-requisite.

This single module course provides practice in the different areas of academic writing skills with emphasis on essay writing, editing, style, referencing and quotation. It also covers work-related skill sincluding preparing a CV.

This course also provides practice and gives reinforcement in major grammar areas including tenses, conjunctions, articles, prepositions, phrasal verbs and passives.

The module uses a communicative approach and by the end of the course, students would be expected to be approaching the level of ALTE level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 6.0), A student shows the ability to write a basic essay and has some awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy with some appropriate use of sources for the directed essay. Basic competence in editing, style, referencing, citation and quotation is demonstrated. An adequate CV in English is produced. There are some errors in grammar and/or format in the majority of written work.

good

55% A student has achieved a good standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 6.5). A student shows the ability to write a good essay and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy with mostly appropriate use of sources for the directed essay. Good competence in editing, style, referencing, citation and quotation is demonstrated. A good CV in English is produced with good layout and format. There are only a few errors in grammar or format in all written work and these do not interfere with the communication of ideas.

excellent

70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or above). A student shows the ability to write a good essay and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy with mostly appropriate use of sources for the directed essay. Good competence in editing, style, referencing, citation and quotation is demonstrated. A good CV in English is produce with good layout and format. There are only a few errors in grammar or format in all written work and these do not interfere with the communication of ideas.

Learning outcomes

  1. On successful completion of the module, a student will:

    1. Be able to write effectively in English on general topics and for general purposes.

    2. Be able to write effective academic essays in English with accurate reference to source material.

    3. Be able to write an effective Curriculum Vitae.

    4. Have enhanced academic writing ability in the areas of editing, style, referencing, citation and quotation skills.

    5. Have enhanced grammar skills.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Essay 20
CV/Letter 20
Essay 20
Grammar and Writing Exam 40

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Seminar

Teaching consists of a two-hour interactive class each week for 12 weeks. Students will be encouraged to work communicatively and engage in pair, group and team activities. Students are expected to do a substantial amount of work in preparation for a 1 addition to the assessed assignments.

 100

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: