Foundations

B Writing and Grammar: Summer 2016

1:30pm
Summer 2016

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
Recombines learned vocabulary into memorized phrases and structures.

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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.

Proficiency
The proficiency grade shows how well the student understands and uses English. It is based on performance on
speaking and listening comprehension tests and quizzes on vocabulary. Generally students will need a minimum
proficiency score of above 2.0 in order to be considered to advance to the next proficiency level. Students who
continue to lack progress in their proficiency may be dismissed.

Citizenship
The citizenship grade is based on two things: appropriate class participation (50%) and timely completion of
homework (50%). In order to return the following semester, students must do the following: (1) maintain a
citizenship GPA of at least 3.0 (84%), and (2) keep attendance above 80%.
Everyday:
1 point--is in class, and on time
1 point--participates in class
1 point--turns in homework on time
= 3 points total per day, and 12 points per week
Note: Homework may be turned in one day late for partial credit. If absent you may turn in assignments for full credit.

*If you are absent you will receive 0 points for that day whether you have a doctors note or not. *
**If you have an emergency** If there is an emergency and you will need to miss class for a week or more, please
contact me immediately so that I can give you things to work on while you are gone. You will receive 1 point for each
day you miss and be able to make up the homework for full credit. But ONLY if you communicate with me about this
absence before or as soon as possible.
Proficiency: A proficiency represents how well you are learning the objectives for the class. (How good is my English?).
The following will determine your proficiency grade:
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 words. 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.

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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 on the class
calendar (but may change during the semester). Each paragraph is 30 points.
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.
Class Rules
Speak English!
Be on time to class. If you miss 10 minutes of class (either at the beginning, middle, or end) you will be
considered absent.
You may turn homework in only 1 day late, and you will lose 10% of your total score
When you are absent, you will not receive any citizenship points even if you have a doctors note.
No food allowed. Water bottles are okay to bring. No other drinks please!
Cell phones, IPods, etc. must be turned off. If your electronic device goes off or if you use your device you will
lose participation points.
Come to class on time and be prepared. You will need to be in the classroom before the bell rings to be
considered on time
Have fun, and support others in class.

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
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. 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 are rarely successful. If
you are sick and unable to attend class, please provide a note from your doctor. Within two days of returning to class,

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the doctors note must be received in the ELC office (103 UPC). Be aware that forging a doctors note is a violation of the
BYU Honor Code and will result in an immediate dismissal from the ELC.

If you know that you will be absent from class for any reason other than an illness (i.e., a family wedding or a death in
the family), you should notify the ELC administration in writing and deliver your letter to UPC 103. These absences will
be considered on an individual basis and may not necessarily be excused. Being absent also results in missing class
participation points that are part of your citizenship grade. Whenever you are absent from class, please contact each of
your teachers to receive information on the assignments that you missed. Students who are ill should go to the Student
Health Center (see Health Care or http://health.byu.edu for more information).

Students who are more than 10 minutes late, miss more than 10 minutes during class, or leave more than 10 minutes
early will be marked as absent. (from the Student Handbook)

Preventing Sexual Discrimination & Harassment

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 Sandy
Hatchett in the first floor office. 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). (from the Teacher Handbook, 1.2.6)

Students with Disabilities

If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the University Accessibility
Center (UAC) located at 2170 WSC (422-2767) as soon as possible. The disability will be evaluated and eligible students
will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable University approved accommodations. (from http://uac.byu.edu/)

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

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 Foundations B Writing and Grammar Summer 2016 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 Tuesday: Diagnostic Test
May 9-12
Diagnostics Analysis Wednesday: Diagnostic Test

Week 2: Chapter 1 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and

What is a Paragraph? Journal Due
May 16-19
Four Features of a Paragraph. Chapter 1 Quiz
Grammar for Writing
Week 3: Chapter 2 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Tuesday: Self-Regulation Lesson 2 Journal Due
May 23-26
Brainstorming Chapter 2 Quiz
Grammar for Writing
Building Vocabulary

Week 4: May 30 Memorial Day. No Class Monday! Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Chapter 3 Journal Due
May 30- June 2
Features of a Good Topic Sentence Chapter 3 Quiz
Controlling Ideas
Grammar for Writing
Week 5: Chapter 4 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Supporting and Concluding Sentences Journal Due
June 6-9
Grammar for writing Chapter 4 Quiz
Monday: Self-Regulation Lesson 8
Tuesday: English Etiquette Video 2
Tuesday & Wednesday: SGIDs
Week 6: Chapter 5 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Paragraph Review Journal Due
June 13-16
Analyzing Paragraphs Chapter 5 Quiz
Correcting Errors Friday: Test #1

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Week 7: Chapter 6 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Definition Paragraphs Journal Due
June 20-23
Quotation Marks Chapter 6 Quiz
Grammar for Writing
Week 8: Chapter 7 Monday: Definition Paragraph Due
Process Paragraphs Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
June 27-30
Sequence Words Journal Due
Chapter 7 Quiz
Week 9: 4th of July! No Class Monday! Tuesday: Process Paragraph Due
Chapter 8 Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
July 4-7
Descriptive Paragraphs Journal Due
Grammar for Writing

Week 10: Chapter 9 Tuesday: Descriptive Paragraph Due

Opinion Paragraphs
July 11-14
Facts and Opinions
Grammar for Writing
Week 11: Chapter 10
Narrative Paragraphs
July 18-21
Verb Tense Consistency
Grammar for Writing
Week 12: July 25: Pioneer Day. No Class Monday!
Chapter 11
July 25-28
Writing an Essay
Grammar for Writing
Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Journal Due
Monday: Opinion Paragraph Due
Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Journal Due
Monday: Narrative Paragraph Due
Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
Journal Due
Friday: Test #2

Week 13: Chapter 11 Thursday: First Draft Due

Writing an Essay Thursday: Ten Perfect Sentences Due and
August 1-4
Journal Due

Week 14: Tues 9th Last day of class Monday: Final Draft Due
Wed- Thurs- LATs
August 8-11

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