Course-level Student Learning Outcomes
ESL 121B: Intermediate Writing II
Context
Given written prompts based on an assigned ESL reading, students will select one prompt and write a summary-response essay within two hours.
Objective
Students will produce an essay of four or more paragraphs that demonstrates appropriate and coherent writing with the following traits:
Traits
Organization
- centered title, indented paragraphs, margins, double spaced
- an introductory paragraph with a clear and properly-stated thesis
- appropriate transitions between and within paragraphs
- a conclusion that restates the thesis or summarizes main ideas, and adds a thoughtful final comment
Development
- demonstrates understanding of the reading
- uses learned methods of organization appropriate to the prompt
- contains coherent supporting paragraphs with clear topic sentences
and supporting details, explanations or examples
- demonstrates coherence, thoughtful reasoning, and logical progression of ideas
Language
- an increasingly sophisticated mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
- increasing mastery of learned punctuation
- emerging use of academic vocabulary
- correct spelling of high-frequency words
- appropriate use of learned verb tenses and verb forms
- control of the passive voice, pronoun agreement, gerunds, infinitives, and modals
- evidence of self-editing