Overview

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 Strategy

-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

• 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.