- A writing class for first-year students.
- There are usually 30 students in the class.
- In this class students learn how to use a PC, and in particular word-processing software.
- Students write one 300-word essay every two weeks.
- The teacher marks the essay and offers advice on how to improve it.
- Then students write a second draft of their essay, and if necessary, a third draft, before moving onto a new topic.
- Students are expected to work on their essays in their own time after class.
- The teacher strongly recommends students use English-English dictionaries as well as Japanese-English dictionaries.
Course description:
- To learn how to use a personal computer (PC)
- To learn how to use word-processing software
- To learn how to write clear, well structured essays in English
Course outline:
- Learning the basic PC skills
- Using the keyboard and mouse
- Opening and closing software
- Saving to disk
- Cut, copy and paste functions
- Using the spell-checker
- Learning how to write a good essay
- Where do I start?
- What do I write about?
- How do I develop my ideas?
- How do I structure my essay?
Recommended reading:
If you have never used a PC or Mac before, read any introductory guide you can find that is (1) easy to understand (2) cheap.
Assessment:
Students will submit one 300-word essay every two weeks. The essay will be graded according to (1) content (2) clarity (3) correct use of English. Please note: I am not worried about small grammar mistakes. If I can understand what is written, I am happy.
Take note!
Attendance is compulsory (= you must come to every class). Writing is a skill; you will only write well if you practise every day.
Please remember:
Writing is perhaps the best way we have to express ourselves. We have time to think carefully about what we want to say before we say (= write) it.