Writing skills are of the utmost importance in high school, college, and every aspect of life. The skill of communicating in written form will be used by all members of our society whether it be formal or informal. This being the case, it is imperative for students to learn the proper format for writing papers of various types.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVE
Writing Journeys seeks to teach students proper writing skills which will help them to put their ideas in a formal, orderly format. The class will help students to express themselves through writing using correct language skills and mechanics. Students will review sentence structure, paragraph structure, and writing structure. Students will also continue to be conscientious of spelling and word usage.
COURSE CONTENT:
The student will be able to:
1. write a concise thesis statement for comparison/contrast, expository, persuasive, argumentative, critique, research, newspaper articles, and editorial papers.
2. write introductory sentences which lead into the thesis statement for comparison/contrast, expository, persuasive, argumentative, critique, research, newspaper articles, and editorial papers.
3. spell words correctly
4. use a thesaurus for additional descriptive words
5. use a dictionary to correct spelling and define unfamiliar words
6. maintain verb tense consistency
7. show subject-verb agreement
8. understand the meaning and use of: present tense, present continuous tense, past tense, and future tense.
9. use punctuation correctly and effectively
10. write clear and varied sentences
11. use descriptive words and stay away from ambiguity
12. write an introduction that focuses the paper
13. write a topic sentence for each paragraph
14. develop sentences in a paragraph to support the topic sentence
15. develop paragraphs with transitions between paragraphs
16. correctly uses transition sentences to lead the reader into the next paragraph
17. write paragraphs that support the points in the thesis statement
18. write audience-centered papers
19. write a conclusion that draws the paper smoothly to a close
20. create a conclusion that sums up the paper without repeating previous sentences
21. write a topic outline for various lengths of papers
22. write in a formal manner avoiding contractions, double negatives, slang, etc.
23. Writes business letters that: provides clear and purposeful information; addresses the intended audience appropriately; uses appropriate vocabulary, tone, and style that acknowledges the perspective of the recipients.
24. properly use rising action, climax, and denouement when writing short stories
25. develop a character for a short story
26. understand how plot affects a story and the interest of the reader
27. correctly develop a concept map of a character from a story
28. transmit, comprehend, and apply ideas from other writers
29. correctly outline and answer an essay question for a test
30. list the details of correctly writing a 5 paragraph paper
31. use descriptive language to describe a setting
32. Writes responses to literature that: demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the significant ideas; supports important ideas and viewpoints through detailed references, demonstrates an awareness of the author’s use of stylistic devices, and identifies and assesses the impact of the author’s intent.
33. write a critique on a book and film using proper techniques
34. write a comparison/contrast paper using proper techniques
35. write a 5 paragraph paper using proper techniques
36. write an expository paper using proper techniques
37. write a persuassive paper using proper techniques
38. write an editorial using proper techniques
39. write a newpaper article using proper techniques
40. write an argumentative paper using proper techniques
41. use basic grammer skills in sentence writing
42. use correct sentence structure
43. able to follow the following format when writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
44. Writes business letters that: provides clear and purposeful information; addresses the intended audience appropriately; uses appropriate vocabulary, tone, and style that acknowledges the perspective of the recipients; highlights central ideas; and follows the conventional format.
45. Composes and writes an extemporaneous essay in a timed environment, such as will be required for the graduation exam.
TEACHING METHODS:
The following teaching methods will be used:
--lecture
--class discussion
--group work
--internet research
--writing exercises
EVALUATION
Evaluation methods include the following:
--quizzes
--oral discussion
--book exercises
--writing exercises
--student study groups
--final exam
--presentations
--group involvement
TEXTS AND RESOURCES
Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. Moscow, ID: The Institute For Excellence In Writing, 1999.
Stephens, Jeanne B.,Ann Harper. Writing With A Point. Cambridge: Educators Publishing Service, Inc, 1986.
Cates, June W., Elizabeth Rose, Kimberly Y. Stegall, and Dawn L. Watkins. Writing And Grammar. Greenville: Bob Jones University Press, 2000.
Hargis, Grace Collins. Writing From Research. Greenville: Bob Jones University Press, 1998.
Muschla, Gary R. Writing Workshop Survival Kit. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1993.
