Overview

This course is recommended for all international speakers of English as a second language who would like to improve their overall competence in written English for the academic context.

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

This single module course provides practice of academic writing skills with an emphasis on academic style, vocabulary, grammar, essay & report writing, and a review of referencing conventions.

The module uses a practical academic context-based approach and by the end of the course, students should be approaching the level of ALTE level 4 (Cambridge Advanced English), corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe Framework.

Essay writing, Report writing, Academic vocabulary and style, Organisation and structure for writing, grammar in context, referencing and paraphrasing sources for support in writing.

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

• Have developed an understanding of and competence using referencing conventions for use when referring to source reading.

• Have developed their understanding of the requirements of essay and report writing within the academic context.

• Have enhanced grammar knowledge and understanding.

• Have enhanced their academic writing ability in the areas of planning, drafting, organisation and structure, editing and academic style.

• Have had opportunities to develop their general writing in English for the academic context.