77851757Academic Writing 5/6
Course Information
Description
Emphasizes the application of the various steps of the writing process to author detailed, and/or researched essays that are five or more paragraphs in length. Learners will also utilize varied and complex sentence structures with few mechanical errors. Learners' writing must be cohesive with clearly expressed ideas supported by relevant detail. Learners who successfully complete will achieve High Adult Secondary Education Benchmarks according to NRS guidelines.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Use correct grammar
    Assessment Strategies
    1.1 in writing and editing written samples
    1.2 in oral communication
    1.3 in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    1.1 you compose complete sentences using standard English grammar according to established guidelines
    1.2 you recognize common errors in the use of language and how and when to correct them
    1.3 you speak using standard English grammar according to established guidelines
    1.4 you accurately and effectively use the form and function of words, phrases, and clauses
    1.5 you correct grammatical errors in written material with 80% accuracy
    1.6 you accurately and effectively use the form and function of words, phrases, and clauses, including inter-related clauses in complex sentences
    1.7 you use correct tenses, including conditionals, to indicate the relative order and relationship of events
    1.8 you employ principles of agreement, including subject-verb, pronoun-noun, and objective pronouns with prepositions

  2. Apply rules of mechanics
    Assessment Strategies
    2.1. in a written five paragraph essay
    2.2. with and without specified reference material
    2.3. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    2.1. you follow rules of mechanics according to Elements of Style by William Strunk, the Gregg Manual or other established guidelines
    2.2. you access reference materials as needed
    2.3. you punctuate compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences correctly, including appropriate use of dialogue, apostrophes, citations, semi-colons and colons
    2.4. you correct mechanical errors in written materials with 80% accuracy

  3. Apply spelling rules and exceptions
    Assessment Strategies
    3.1. in classroom oral and written performance
    3.2. with and without reference material
    3.3. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    3.1. you verify spelling using technical and print resources
    3.2. you use homonyms and homographs according to meaning
    3.3. you spell words with 90% accuracy in final drafts

  4. Compose complete sentences
    Assessment Strategies
    4.1. by writing sentences
    4.2. through self and peer evaluation of written work
    4.3. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    4.1. you revise sentence errors to eliminate run-ons and fragments with 80% mastery
    4.2. you recognize the difference between passive and active voice
    4.3. you use correct pronoun-antecedent agreement
    4.4. you write sentences using varied structure appropriate to the audience
    4.5. you connect thoughts logically
    4.6. you use word choice appropriate to the audience
    4.7. you write sentences with 100% accuracy in final drafts
    4.8. you use sentence variety to include simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
    4.9. you vary sentence beginnings by using prepositional phrases, dependent clauses, and transition words
    4.10. you follow standard editing procedures
    4.11. you write in parallel form

  5. Use resource material
    Assessment Strategies
    5.1. in the completion of a writing and/or speaking assignment
    5.2. by accessing resources from the library, Internet, interviews and other sources
    5.3. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    5.1. you select appropriate resources needed to complete a task
    5.2. you accurately quote and cite information
    5.3. you paraphrase information from resource material without plagiarizing
    5.4. you apply information from resources to a problem or task
    5.5. you search for information using technology
    5.6. you summarize information from a resource in your own words without plagiarizing
    5.7. you use multiple resources to support your ideas
    5.8. you evaluate resources and information for accuracy and credibility

  6. Create written documents
    Assessment Strategies
    6.1. by creating written documents
    6.2. by accessing resources from the library, Internet, interviews and other sources
    6.3. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    6.1. you follow the steps in the writing process (prewrite, draft, revise, edit, write final draft)
    6.2. you select necessary information
    6.3. you organize information
    6.4. you synthesize information from resources into products or presentations
    6.5. you write in a style characterized by a suitable vocabulary, an appropriate voice, a variety of sentence structures, clear coordination and subordination of ideas, transitional words and sentence variety
    6.6. essay includes a clear introduction, conclusion, and a body that includes at least three supporting paragraphs
    6.7. you prepare and publish technical writing such as memos, applications, letters, reports and resumes
    6.8. you write written documents that contains a consistent point of view (first person, second person, third person)
    6.9. you write written documents that are organized as comparison/contrast, cause/effect, narrative, persuasive, example/illustration, and description
    6.10. you write expository documents that are free from bias
    6.11. you write written documents that are unified and coherent
    6.12. you differentiate among publication style guidelines such as MLA, APA, etc.
    6.13. you word process final documents which contain 100% correct spelling and grammar
    6.14. you produce a final draft on a computer using word processing software

  7. Apply active listening skills
    Assessment Strategies
    7.1. in a role-play response to a scenario simulating a life or work situation
    Criteria
    7.1. you demonstrate active listening skills
    7.2. you respond appropriately to a variety of messages
    7.3. you paraphrase a verbal and written message
    7.4. you use nonverbal cues
    7.5. you interpret verbal and non-verbal messages as they were intended
    7.6. you correctly perform tasks from oral directions
    7.7. you summarize messages
    7.8. you identify techniques for listening to, reviewing, and organizing a spoken message
    7.9. you attend to both literal and inferred meanings
    7.10. you distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material
    7.11. you distinguish fact from opinion
    7.12. you analyze messages for their accuracy and usefulness
    7.13. you interpret speakers' cues
    7.14. you apply strategies for listening in various situations
    7.15. you clarify ambiguous messages

  8. Use interpersonal skills
    Assessment Strategies
    8.1. in a role-play response to a scenario simulating a life or work situation
    Criteria
    8.1. you relate personal beliefs and feelings without invoking defensiveness in others
    8.2. you demonstrate respect for cultural differences
    8.3. you demonstrate respect for the opinions of others
    8.4. you use feedback techniques
    8.5. you assess your personal communication style
    8.6. you assess actions and reactions of others
    8.7. you use conflict management skills
    8.8. you share humor
    8.9. you give and accept constructive criticism
    8.10. you use non-verbal communication effectively
    8.11. you employ active listening skills
    8.12. you extend a discussion by adding relevant information and asking pertinent questions
    8.13. you perform various roles, including leader, participant, and moderator
    8.14. you consider the ideas and opinions of other speakers thoughtfully before responding
    8.15. you detect a speaker's bias

  9. Communicate ideas orally
    Assessment Strategies
    9.1. through formal and informal oral presentation
    9.2. in simulated life and work situations
    Criteria
    9.1. you speak in a clear, concise manner avoiding distracting interruptions
    9.2. you adapt volume, rate, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary to the needs of the audience
    9.3. you express content of message in an organized pattern
    9.4. you demonstrate body language, eye contact, and use of personal space appropriate to audience and environment
    9.5. you communicate effectively as a presenter and participant
    9.6. you deliver a speech for a selected audience
    9.7. you participate effectively in question-and-answer sessions following presentations
    9.8. you summarize information accurately and logically in presentations, using appropriate technological aids
    9.9. you demonstrate confidence and poise during presentations, interacting effectively with the audience
    9.10. you credit sources
    9.11. you observe the appropriate etiquette when expressing thanks and receiving praise

  10. Participate as a team/group member
    Assessment Strategies
    10.1. in a group project simulating life and work situations
    Criteria
    10.1. you follow established ground rules
    10.2. you adhere to group process
    10.3. you demonstrate respect for the diversity of group members
    10.4. you assess strengths and weaknesses of self and others
    10.5. you demonstrate ability to compromise to reach consensus
    10.6. you serve in various roles within a group
    10.7. you use problem-solving techniques