Foundations

B Writing and Grammar: Winter 2017

Instructor Information

Instructor Email Office Location & Hours

Mr. Escalante juanbyuh@gmail.com UPC 358 by appointment only

General Information

Description

Students are able to meet a number of practical writing needs. They consistently write in present time but may make
references to other time frames. They can write short, simple communications, compositions, and requests for
information. Students write loosely connected texts about personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and
other personal topics in concrete terms. They are able to write in informal situations. Students can be understood
readily by native speakers who are accustomed to the writing of non-natives.

Course Learning Outcomes

1 Writes level appropriate text
1 Writes groups of sentences
2 Connects sentences with similar meaning or purpose
3 Formulates yes/no questions
4 Formulates wh-questions
2 Produces target structures accurately
1 Uses subject, verb, object statement structure
2 Demonstrates subject/verb agreement in controlled contexts
3 Uses a variety of regular and irregular verbs
4 Uses correct capitalization
5 Uses punctuation correctly
6 Uses basic syntax correctly
3 Incorporates high frequency general vocabulary in writing
1 Recombines learned vocabulary into memorized phrases and structures
2 Spells high frequency general vocabulary correctly

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Course Materials

Required Materials
Pen/pencil
Notebook/Blue book
Folder/Binder to keep work in
Great Writing 2: Great Paragraphs 4th edition ***Do not buy used book
Principles of Self-Regulated Learning: Developing Language Learning Plans Booklet
Positive Attitude

Grades
The ELC gives two grades, a proficiency grade and a citizenship grade. The ELC uses a grade point average (GPA) system.
For example, 4.0 is a perfect grade, 3.0 is good, 2.0 is low, 1.0 is failing. Grades are something you earn, not something I
give you! That said, you get two separate grades in the class:

Citizenship (Effort)- Am I a good student?
A citizenship grade at the ELC is representative of your effort. A citizenship grade less than 3.0 or 84% will disqualify you
from attending the ELC next semester. Your citizenship grade will be determined by the following:
50% Homework completing homework assignments on time (you lose 10% for each day an assignment is
turned in late) AND completing tests on the days that they should be completed
50% Participationparticipating actively in classroom activities, trying to speak in English, coming prepared,
being on time to class, following classroom rules.

Proficiency (Ability)-Am I good at English?
A proficiency grade at the ELC is representative of your language ability. In order to get a passing grade, you
must have 74% or higher. Be sure not to miss a test or quiz because you cannot make up a missed quiz or test
without a doctors note excusing you from classes the day of the test. If you know you will be absent, speak to
the teacher in advance so that arrangements can be made for you to take quizzes or tests at another time.

10% Ten Perfect Sentences
The purpose of Perfect Sentences is to help you write a variety of sentences with new vocabulary. You will have 10
vocabulary words each week. You need to write a sentence with each word. Specific instructions will be given on
Monday. You should write the sentences in your bluebook or vocabulary notebook. It is due on Thursday at the
beginning of class. The due dates are on the class calendar. Each sentence is 5 points.
20% Vocabulary and Grammar Quizzes
You will have a quiz every other week on the vocabulary and grammar covered.
30% Paragraphs (5 paragraphs during the semester)
The purpose of the paragraphs is to demonstrate your understanding of the different types of paragraphs we will
practice this semester (definition, process, descriptive, opinion, and narrative). The due dates are on the class calendar
(but may change during the semester).

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 25% Tests (2 during the semester on Fridays)
15% Daily Journal
Every day, at the beginning of class, you will have a writing prompt to write about. You must write for ten minutes. You
must use your Blue Book. You will turn in your notebook every Thursday at the end of class.
Participation Points

5 participation points are available for each class day. If you are absent from class and your absence is not excused, you
will lose all 5 participation points for that day. Full participation points cannot be restored even if your absence is
excused, since you cannot participate if you are not present. If you miss more than 10 minutes of class any time during
the class you will be considered absent for that class period. You can lose participation points for being late to class, for
not trying to speak English in class, for being disruptive, for using your cell phone inappropriately, for taking long breaks
during class, for not being prepared (for example, not having your book with you in class), and for not participating
actively in a class activity. You will not always know immediately when you lose participation points.
5 = On time, fully engaged, no cell phone usage, no internet surfing on laptop, no talking on the side, no
homework for other classes, no extended breaks from class, no intentional sleeping.

4 = If one of the following occurred one time: late, not fully engaged, cell phone usage, surfed the internet on
laptop, talked on the side, did homework for another class, took an extended break from class, intentional
sleeping, not having all your materials.

3 = If one or more of the following occurred more than once: late, excessively late, not fully engaged, cell phone
usage, surfed the internet on laptop, talked on the side, did homework for another class, took an extended
break from class, intentional sleeping, not having all your materials.

2 = If multiple of the following occurred multiple times: late, excessively late, not fully engaged, cell phone
usage, surfed the internet on laptop, talked on the side, did homework for another class, took an extended
break from class, intentional sleeping, not having all your materials.

1 = No real effort was made today in class and was disruptive in class.

0 = Absent and did not do assignments or contact teacher. (If you have an excused absence and contact the
teacher and submit any assignments due, you can earn 2.5 points).

YOUR ROLE IF YOU MISS CLASS
If you miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and come prepared to the following class with
any assigned work completed. You may contact a classmate to find out what you missed (or see the modules on Canvas).
Write down the contact information of 2 of your classmates. (Right now choose someone you know or who is sitting
close to you. You may change this later as you make new friends in class.)

Classmate # 1: Name _________________________ Phone __________________ Email


Classmate # 2: Name _________________________ Phone __________________ Email

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Late Assignments

Late work such as homework, quizzes tests or any other work assigned in class will not be accepted. Assignments are
due on date specified by the teacher. However, there is a mercy rule. If circumstances beyond your control prevent
you from submitting your assignments on time, you will be given extra time to submit your assignment (20% will be
deducted for every day that it is late). Circumstances beyond your control include: hospitalization, Emergency Room
visit, technology related issues, an ill family member and a few other. If you find yourself in one of these situations
you must contact the teacher as soon as you can and request extra time. ATTENTION! Simply forgetting to do your
assignments is not considered an emergency
Class Rules
Not following class rules will result in the loss of participation points. A total of five participation points are given each
day.
1. Be honorable. Maintain a high-quality relationship of trust with your teacher, ELC staff, and other students.
2. Be excellent. Speak English in the classroom (before, during, and after class). English is the language that you have
come to learn, so try your hardest to communicate in English. It will help you progress in your language abilities and
show respect for those around you.
3. Be positive. Maintain a positive and grateful attitude and give your best effort in class.
4. Be on time. Come to class on time. If you are not in the classroom at the time class starts, you are late. If you miss
more than 10 minutes of class at the beginning, middle or end of class, you are considered absent.
5. Be responsible. Bring the required books every day to class and participate in class. Turn in your homework on time.
When you are absent, contact a classmate to find out what you missed and what the homework is. Check your email
and grades regularly. Read the student handbook (at elc.byu.edu under students/student handbook/English) and
follow the guidelines there, especially the Honor Code.
6. Be respectful. Show respect for class time. Your teachers come prepared, and so should you. Go to the bathroom
before class; dont work on other things during class time. If you absolutely must leave, ask the teacher first. Do not
use electronic devices unless given permission to do so. Do not bring food into the classroom (water in a water
bottle is ok). If you know youre going to be absent ahead of time, talk with the teacher and make arrangements for
your homework. Do not sleep in class.
7. Be honest. Your integrity is more important than a grade (ELC Policy). Maintain a high quality relationship of trust
with your teacher, classmates, and the ELC staff. Do not cheat or plagiarize in any way for any assignment, quiz, or
test.

Level Achievement Tests (LATs)
Level Achievement Tests (LATs) are given at the end of each semester. They are used to test your progress in English in
each skill area. If you plan to continue studying at the ELC, you must take the LATs. (from The Student Handbook)

Attendance Policy (from Student Handbook)
You are expected to attend class every day. Excessive absences decrease your chances of passing this class, and could
lead to your dismissal from the ELC.

Consistently attending class is a central part of learning and improving your English. When you are absent from class,
you miss important information and practice opportunities that you need to improve your English.

The US Government allows each English program to establish its own attendance policy. The following requirements
reflect the ELCs commitment to create the right environment to help you improve your English.

ELC students must maintain 80% attendance in each and every class at all times. As soon as your attendance drops
below 80% in any one of your four classes, you will receive a warning letter. If you have any unexcused absences before
raising your attendance back to 80%, you will be dismissed.

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If your attendance drops below 80% a second time in any one of your four classes, you will be dismissed from the ELC.
Once you receive your attendance dismissal letter, you must go to Anna Baileys office (4056 JFSB) immediately.

The US Government states that if a student is dismissed for violation of a school's attendance policy, then their student
visa is immediately terminated and the student will need to leave the US within two weeks. If students want to transfer
to another school, they will have to reapply to be reinstated. However, attempts to be reinstated rarely successful.

Academic Honesty (from Student Handbook)
ELC students should seek to be totally honest with others. You should complete your own assignments and be evaluated
based on your work. You should avoid academic dishonesty in all forms, including cheating, falsification, and
plagiarism.

Sexual Discrimination & Harassment (from Student Handbook)
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is intended to eliminate sex discrimination and sexual harassment in
educational contexts. Any ELC student, teacher, staff member, or administrator who becomes aware of sexual
harassment, discrimination, or misconduct of any kind, directed toward them or any other member of the ELC
community should immediately contact Dr. James Hartshorn (801-422-4034, james_hartshorn@byu.edu) or Dr. Norman
Evans (801-422-8472, norman_evans@byu.edu). If they are unavailable, please leave a message and then contact the
Equal Employment Office (801-422-5895, 1-888-238-1062, http://www.ethicspoint.com) or the Honor Code Office (801-
422-2847).

Students with Disabilities
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, please contact the Student Life Coordinator (801-422-5318). The
Student Life Coordinator will help you determine what course of action will be best for you and will help
you communicate with your teachers and university personnel to make sure that you receive appropriate assistance.

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 Foundations B Writing & Structure Winter 2017 Calendar
This is a possible calendar for the semester. These dates could change, but this will help you understand how the class is
organized.

Dates Class Topics Assignments/Reminders

Week 1: Introduction to course Buy your textbook!
Student Introductions Diagnostic Test
Jan 9-13 Begin Chapter 1

Week 2: Monday: Martin Luther King Day. No Class!! Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
Chapter 1 Due
Jan 16-20 What is a Paragraph? Chapter 1 Quiz
Four Features of a Paragraph.
Grammar for Writing
Week 3: Chapter 2 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
English Etiquette Video 1 Due
Jan 23-27 Brainstorming Chapter 2 Quiz
Grammar for Writing
Building Vocabulary

Week 4: Chapter 3 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
Features of a Good Topic Sentence Due
Jan 30-Feb 3 Controlling Ideas Chapter 3 Quiz
Grammar for Writing

Week 5: Chapter 4 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal

Supporting and Concluding Sentences Due
Feb 6-10 Grammar for writing Chapter 4 Quiz
Building Vocabulary
Week 6: Chapter 5 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
Paragraph Review Due
Feb 13-17 Analyzing Paragraphs Chapter 5 Quiz
Correcting Errors Friday: Test #1
Week 7: Monday: Presidents Day. No class!! Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
Chapter 6 Due
Feb 20-24 Definition Paragraphs Chapter 6 Quiz
Quotation Marks
Grammar for Writing
Week 8: Chapter 7 Monday: Definition Paragraph Due
Process Paragraphs Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
Feb 27-March 3 Sequence Words Due
Chapter 7 Quiz

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Week 9: Chapter 8 Tuesday: Process Paragraph Due
Descriptive Paragraphs Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
March 6-10 Grammar for Writing Due

Week 10: Chapter 9 Tuesday: Descriptive Paragraph Due

Opinion Paragraphs Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
March 12-17 Facts and Opinions Due
Grammar for Writing
Week 11: Chapter 10 Monday: Opinion Paragraph Due
Narrative Paragraphs Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
March 20-24 Verb Tense Consistency Due
Grammar for Writing
Week 12: Chapter 11 Monday: Narrative Paragraph Due
Writing an Essay Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
March 27-31 Grammar for Writing Due
Friday: Test #2
Week 13: Chapter 11 Thursday: First Draft Due
Writing an Essay Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and Journal
April 3-7 Due
th
Week 14: Tues 11 Last day of class Monday: Final Draft Due
Wed- Thurs- LATs
April 10-14

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