Report Writing

As some of you will remember, we began our discussion of academic writing by writing reports on the environment. Today we will continue our exploration of report writing. An outline for today's class can be found below: 

Report Writing

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Identify the basic features of a CAE-style report
2. Understand and be able to use various formulaic expressions as lexical signposts in their CAE-style report writing
3. Use this knowledge to produce their own CAE-style report based on a class activity on personality styles 

I. Warm-Up 

How was your weekend? How are things in general? Is everything going well in your other classes? Do you have any questions about this class? If people are feeling a little tired (like I was last week) than we can start class with a few more tongue twisters!

II. Vocabulary Quiz

"Time to pay the piper!" I hope you studied ;) 

III. Personality Testing 

For homework, you will be asked to write a report on the results an experiment we will be conducting in class today. We will conduct the experiment, discuss the results and then review the structural conventions of a CAE-style report. 

Step One: Brainstorming personality adjectives (both positive and negative). If you need help, check out this list: 

Step Two: Personality Testing: Which Color Are You? 

This process has three steps, which are outlined below. Remember: 4 is the Most Like You (3 is kind of like you, 2 isn't really like and 1 is not like you at all). You need to put a number for each option! 

• Complete the COLOR QUESTIONNAIRE
• Review and rank (1-4) the "Color DESCRIPTIONS"
• Review and rank (1-4) the "Color IMAGES"

Once you finish these three tasks, you need to calculate your high score. You score will indicate which COLOR your personality is :) Once you have this information, we can proceed to Step Three...

Step Three: Preparing Personality Presentations (to be explained in class) 

Step Four: Delivering Personality Presentations (self-explanatory :)   )

Step Five: Reviewing the Results (in-class discussion... I will link the materials after we've talked about them together). 

--------> Materials from the COLOR TEST

1. Colors and Personality Results PPT
2. Personality Colors Article

IV. CAE Report Structure

To begin, discuss these questions with a partner. Then, we'll discuss them as a class. Finally, we will review a basic outline of the structure of a CAE-style report (as well as a few useful phrases). 

Homework 

1). Prepare for a vocabulary quiz on these words 

2). Write a report based on our in-class activity. Use these guidelines. I will send each one of you a Google Doc to write your response in. Your response is due by Friday, December 5th at 11:55pm. 

3). Prepare a discuss post response to this prompt by Friday, December 5th at 11:55pm. 

4). Start thinking about what you'll bring to our "End of the Semester Holiday Potluck Extravaganza" on the last day of class (Monday, December 22nd, 2014). 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today people are celebrating Thanksgiving all across the U.S. So what is Thanksgiving? The first link below takes you to a reading explores this American tradition. It also includes a glossary with lots of related vocabulary related to the holiday and the music and lyrics for a traditional Thanksgiving song! I've also included a link to "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" (yet another Charlie Brown video that takes a fun look at unique American traditions). Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Reading

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Writing Reviews

Today we will be talking about how to write reviews. As with all writing, developing skill in this particular genre requires patience, practice and awareness about the expectations placed on the writer by the audience and fellow reviewers. Bonus points to any one who can name the two gentlemen in the picture above!

An outline for today's class can be found below...

Review Writing

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Explain several features common to all forms of review writing
2. Explain common differences between reviews
3. Demonstrate understanding of the structure of a movie and/or book review
4. Use key vocabulary in describing the features of a story
5. Write a short review of their own

I. Warm-Up 
How are you? How was your weekend? How are things going in your other classes? Any questions about anything from this class?

II. Vocabulary Quiz
I hope you studied!

III. Housekeeping Details and Homework Review
Including the returning of the previous week's vocabulary quiz and reviewing the homework (done in pairs) on academic style.

IV. Writing Reviews
To begin, read this review of "The Dark Knight Rises", the third and final chapter of the most recent Batman trilogy. After you read the review, find a partner and discuss these questions:

1. What kind of writing is review writing? Description? Analysis? Persuasion? Essay writing? 
2. What is the purpose? Who is the audience? 
3. What kind of information is included in the review? 
4. What are the different sections/parts of the review?
5. How would you describe the language of a review?

After we've had a chance to discuss these questions as a whole group, we will review the information found in this short presentation. I will also provide you with a handout that outlines important information on the kind of language necessary to use in your review.

*CAE Tips*

In order to write a good review on the CAE exam, remember that...

1. Keep the content of your review relevant 
2. Be sure to completely answer the question (or questions)
3. Strive to express yourself clearly
4. Follow a clear pattern of organization (Hook -> Summary -> Pros/Cons -> Final Recommendation)
5. Have fun! Take some chances, use some descriptive expressions, show enthusiasm (lack thereof). Remember, a review is your opinion of something, so don't be afraid to express yourself. 

V. Example Reviews

Below you will find a few example reviews. Take a look and analyze them carefully for 1). similarities and differences (based on the subject matter) and 2). interesting linguistic conventions, phrases and/or expressions. (These websites (and more) can also be found inside the 

Music Reviews: Pitchfork

Movie Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes

Restaurant Reviews: Zagat

Travel Stops: Trip Advisor

VI. Practice

Now, let's do a little practice in class. We will watch a short film called "Alma". The Spanish speakers in class can provide the translation of that. It is written and directed by Rodrigo Blaas and came out in 2011. 

As we watch, be sure to take notes. After, I will put you into groups of three and you will work together to write a short review of the film. Remember the steps...

1. Hook
2. Synopsis
3. Pros/Cons
4. Recommendation

If there is time, I will ask for volunteers to share their reviews. If not, I will collect them and give you feedback for next week. 

Homework for Monday, December 1st, 2014

1). Prepare for a new vocabulary quiz on these words

2). Post to the discussion board for this week. The directions have changed so be sure to note the changes. As always, you posts are due by 11:55pm on Friday night (Nov. 28th). 

3). Write a review of the short animated film "Alma" by Rodrigo Blaas. I've sent you a link via Google Drive. Due to some confusion, you have until Sunday, November 30th at 11:55 pm to finish your review. Thanks! 

Academic Style

For a long time, the book pictured above, "The Elements of of Style" by Strunk and White was considered to be the Bible for native English speakers writing for academic purposes. A summary of the most important lessons from the book can be found here. If you are interested in getting the entire original version, check Amazon. 

As you may have guessed, we will be talking about academic style in class today. An outline for today's class can be found below...

Academic Style 

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Understand and explain the different between formal and informal style
2. Understand and use different techniques designed to make their writing more formal
3. Apply the lessons learned in class to their out of class writing

I. Warm-Up

How was your weekend? Anyone do anything fun? How are your other classes going? Does anyone have questions for this class? 

In an effort to get everyone interested and talkative, let's try a couple more tongue twisters: 

1. Father, mother, sister, brother -hand in hand with one another.
2. Three thin thieves thought a thousand thoughts. Now if three thin thieves thought a thousand thoughts how many thoughts did each thief think?
3. The thirty-three thankful thieves thought that they thanked the other thirty-three thankful thieves throughout Thursday.

II. Vocabulary Quiz

I hope you studied! 

III. CAE Analysis Warm-Up 

Each week, I give each of you individual feedback on your homework assignments for class. But, since, "two heads are better than one" (and there are 16 of us in the room for each class), I want to practice making an outline for this example CAE question. 

First, brainstorm your outline (and answers to the questions) within a small group. Then we will discuss the strategies together as a class. Be sure to take notes!

IV. Overview of Academic Style

This presentation gives a brief overview of several tips and techniques designed to help you write more formally. As we go through the presentation, be sure to take notes. After the presentation, you will be given a summary of the information (to complete your notes) and we will do a brief "Academic Style Workshop" using these activities. 

V. Mini-Presentations on Academic Style

If there is time, the class will be divided into four groups. Each group will be responsible for creating and presenting a short presentation on one of the "tips" listed in the presentation (and presentation notes). Groups will be determined randomly using the all-powerful group randomizer

1. Group 1 -> Using Formal Language
2. Group 2 -> Being Concise and Precise
3. Group 3 -> Using Impersonal Language
4. Group 4 -> Being Cautious

Homework for Next Monday (November 24th, 2014)

1). Attend the WEBCHAT FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

In celebration of International Education Week, the Office of English Language Programs will be having a webchat for English language learners on November 20th at 8:00 a.m. EST (16:00 Moscow time). In the webchat “Learn English with US! 15 Fun Tips from American English,” we will share 15 different approaches to learning English.

Instructions for learners to join: 1) Go to http://bit.ly/learnAE 2) Select "Enter as guest.” 3) Type your first name + country (example: Jenny USA)

-----> After you attend the webchat, write a short summary of what was discussed (250-300 words). Do this in your reflection GoogleDoc by Friday, Nov. 21st at 11:55pm.

OR

Write a 250-300 word summary of one of the articles from "Forum" magazine. 

2). Prepare for another vocabulary quiz with these words

3). Respond to the new discussion board topic. Same rules apply as always: one post, one response. Please make sure to complete this by Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at 11:55pm.

Coherence & Cohesion Presentations

Last week, you guys spent some time creating and giving presentations on the very complex topic of coherence and cohesion in academic writing. I just wanted to share your work! Nice job!

Upcoming Opportunities to Practice English

Opportunity #1: WEBCHAT FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
In celebration of International Education Week, the Office of English Language Programs will be having a webchat for English language learners on November 20th at 8:00 a.m. EST (16:00 Moscow time). In the webchat “Learn English with US! 15 Fun Tips from American English,” we will share 15 different approaches to learning English.

Instructions for learners to join: 1) Go to http://bit.ly/learnAE 2) Select "Enter as guest.” 3) Type your first name + country (example: Jenny USA)

FACEBOOK
Are you a learner looking for tips on how to learn English? Participate in our webchat (“Learn English with US! 15 Fun Tips from American English”) during International Education Week! On Thursday, November 20th at 8:00 a.m. EST (16:00 Moscow time), we will share 15 different approaches to learning English. Join us! #AmericanEnglish #IEW2014 To join: Go to http://bit.ly/learnAE. Select "Enter as guest.” Type your first name + country (example: Jenny USA)

TWITTER
Learning English? Join “Learn English with US! 15 Fun Tips from #American English” webchat Nov. 20th 8am EST (16:00 Moscow time) http://bit.ly/learnAE #IEW2014

Opportunity #2: New MOOC: Principles of Written English, Part 2 

The English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is pleased to announce that part two of the popular MOOC (Massively Open Online Course) , “Principles of Written English” will begin on February 4, 2015. In this second part of the academic writing course, participants will focus on proofreading and self-editing, revision vs. editing, common errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, understanding tone and diction, and vocabulary development. The course materials will be offered via readings, videos, and various types of homework assignments. There are also suggested optional textbooks for additional writing work. Participants will take part in online discussions as well as peer review of their writing. As a part of this course, students will be expected to complete one full essay. For those that were not able to participate in part one of the courses there is no need to worry. While all three sections in this series are complimentary, each section can be taken as a “stand-alone” course.

For more information, please consult this document. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

The Five Paragraph Essay

Welcome back to Foundations of Academic Writing! What better way to start off your week than with a critical, engrossing and fun discussion of the characteristics of effective academic writing in English. I hope everyone had a nice weekend and enjoyable holiday break last week. 

Today we are going to turn our attention to a discussion of one of the most common forms of academic writing: the five paragraph essay. An outline for today's class can be found below....

The Five Paragraph Academic Essay

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Identify and explain the importance of the major components of a five paragraph essay
2. Identify and explain the importance of thesis statement
3. Explain how the five paragraph essay structure is used to promote "coherence" and "cohesion" in academic writing. 
4. Explain how this structure can be used to help them write more effectively for the CAE exam

I. Warm-Up

How was the weekend? Did anyone do anything fun over the weekend (or the holiday break)? How are your other classes going? Any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz

It's time to "face the music"! I hope you studied! 

III. Five Paragraph Essay Structure

To begin, you will have a chance to show what you know about five paragraph essay structure. With a partner, complete this activity that asks you to identify and define the major parts of a five paragraph essay.

After you've a had a chance to try and identify each part of the essay, we will discuss the answers as a class using two presentations (found below)...

1. EAP Introductions & Conclusions
2. EAP Body Paragraphs

IV. Coherence & Cohesion
Your reflection question from last week asked you to talk about "coherence" and "cohesion", two very important characteristics of effective writing. Now, it's time for you to demonstrate your understanding of these two rather complex topics.

In small groups (3 or 4) decided by the "Group Randomizer", you will come up with a short (1-2 min) presentation that defines both "coherence" and "cohesion", with examples, and explains how the two concepts are different. You will also be asked to create a visual aid.

V. Application: CAE Exam
It is important that the skills we are discussing in class apply to helping you do well on your CAE exam, so let's starting developing a procedure for doing well on the writing section of the exam. We will do so using this guide. We will make additions to it throughout the course of the semester, so be sure to check for updates.

Homework for Next Monday (11/17/2014)
1). Prepare for another vocabulary quiz with these words
2). Respond to the new discussion board topic. Same rules apply as always: one post, one response. Please make sure to complete this by Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at 11:55pm.
3). CAE Practice (Essay Writing): Write a 220-260 word response to the prompt which I will email to you. There are a few things I'd like you to do when answering:
           -Restrict yourself to 45 minutes
           -Share your answer with me directly via the GoogleDoc.
           -Submit your response by Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at 11:55pm

Holiday Break Update

I hope this post finds everyone well, rested and enjoying the end of the holiday break. I'm curious as to how many of you went "trick or treating" last Friday, but I guess I will have to wait until next Monday to find out! 

As I promised last week, here is an update with the homework. Please let me know if you have any questions. You will notice that the word count for the reflections has gone up from 100-150 to 150-200 words. Please follow this guideline in order to ensure full credit. 

The homework is as follows...

1. I have just finished posting the new reflection prompts. Please be sure to respond to them by Friday, Nov. 7th at 11:55pm. 
2. I also posted a new discussion board topic. Same rules as always apply: one post, one response, by Friday, Nov. 7th at 11:55pm. 
3. Don't forget to review the vocabulary words for the quiz next Monday.

Below, I've included pictures of the classes' conceptualizations of the communication model. Which is your favorite?