Objectives:
Carry out the following tasks using C1 grammatical, syntactic and lexical structures.
1. Write detailed letters in which I express myself clearly and appropriately describing experiences, feelings and reactions in depth.
2. Write reports which present points of view, develop arguments, highlighting the most important points, and support my reasoning with examples.
3. Write movie, book, theatre and other cultural reviews.
4. Write stories of events of both personal and other person's experience.
5. Write structured and clear notes on a conference which deals with my area of expertise as well as with other areas.
6. Summarize factual and fictional texts, commenting and analyzing different points of view and main topics; summarize fragments of news, interviews or documentaries which contain opinions, arguments and analysis; summarize the plot and sequence of events in movies or plays.
If you like to/prefer to work a your own speed, use this website to practice the writing issues we will be reviewing in class: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_01.htm.
Task 6. Watch David Crystal's views on Grammar.
Task 5. Interesting perspective on writing in the U.S: Writing is not challenging only for foreign students.
Read the article and reflect upon the situation.
Task 4. Choose the type of writing from the above list that is most difficult for you. Write a short piece of 125 - 200 words of what you think this writing style should look like. Be prepared to share your writing with the class.
Source: http://freeology.com/journal/4-types-of-writing/
Task 3. There are four main types of writing: expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive.
Expository Writing in which the author’s purpose is to inform or explain the subject to the reader.
Persuasive Writing that states the opinion of the writer and attempts to influence the reader.
Narrative Writing in which the author tells a story. The story could be fact or fiction.
Descriptive Writing which is a type of expository writing that uses the five senses to paint a picture for the reader. This writing incorporates imagery and specific details.
Can you identify which type of writing is being described?
______________ A story about the time you got lost at Disneyland
______________ A web page telling how to create a web page
______________ The Harry Potter books
______________ A letter to the governor explaining why the tax increase is a bad idea
______________ Writing in which you record details of a trip taken
______________ An essay discussing a theme from Romeo and Juliet
______________ An article attempting to convince readers to boycott a store chain
______________ A poem about the sights and sounds of rainfall
______________ A paper about the horrible treatment of the people in Darfur
______________ The cover story in the morning newspaper
______________ A brochure advertising a luxury hotel and resort
______________ A paper discussing the after effects of a war
(To be done in class)
Task 2. Needs analysis and self-evaluation.
Reflect upon your writing history. When did you start writing in your native language? What sort of writing have you done? When did you start writing in English? How often do you write? Were there any relevant teachers or other people who helped you develop your writing skills? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?