ENG-301 Advanced CompositionLecture ContentsThis webpage will contain all of the lecture materials, texts, presentations, and important links. If there is anything missing please tell me.
Course IntroductionLearning to write in a second language is extremely difficult. Before we begin, it's worthwhile to think about our goals and how having excellent written communication skills in English will help us to reach them.
Part One: Writing Clear and Concise ParagraphsUnit One: Introduction to ParagraphsUnit contents: Topic sentences, supporting sentences, supporting details, and concluding sentences. Grammar components: sentence types and fragments; count and non-count nouns. Three features of a well-written paragraph.
Lecture Resources:: 
Unit Two: Cause and Effect ParagraphsUnit contents: Common paragraph types. Grammar components: subject-verb agreement: word forms.
Lecture Resources:
Unit Three: Problem and Solutions ParagraphsLecture Resources:
Midterm Exam InstructionsShow off what you've learned by writing a complete, accurate, and detailed paragraph.
Lecture Resources:
Part Two: Writing Well-Organized EssaysUnit 4: Argumentative EssaysArgumentative essays are designed to convince readers of a particular position or perspective using logic, evidence, and clear reasoning. Argumentative essays focus on presenting well-researched facts from trusted sources and addressing multiple sides of an issue. The primary goal is to establish a clear thesis and support it with credible evidence, while also considering and responding to opposing viewpoints.
Course Resources:
Final Exam Instructions Time to shine! Put together all of the things we learned this semester to write an excellent essay!
|
Course Documents
Primary TextAll materials will be prepared by the instructor. There is no need to buy a book for this course. For your own reference the old textbook is attached here.
Online Resources
Vocabulary Resources
Writing Resources
AI Writing PromptsGENERATE_CAUSE_AND_EFFECT_PARAGRAPH_TOPIC PROMPT: “I am writing a Cause and Effect Paragraph about problems faced by university students, such as excessive cell phone use. Focus on problems that have clear effects that negatively affect students’ academic performance. Give a list of ten problems that I can choose from.”
GENERATE_CAUSE_AND_EFFECT_SUPPORT PROMPT: “I am writing a paragraph about [insert your topic]. Generate a list of the ten most common and important effects” EDIT_WRITING PROMPT: "Read my text and edit it in three ways. First, edit for word choice. Next, edit for grammatical errors. After identifying these errors, make suggestions to improve sentence structure: edit for clarity, concision, and coherence, and offer suggestions for adding variety and complexity in sentence structure to make my text more engaging and interesting to read. Make all suggestions in a table format with four columns: one which identifies the category of the edit (word choice, grammar, or sentence), one for my original words, one for the suggested changes, and one for the reasoning behind the suggestion. If you have understood this, say "understood" and ask for the text to be uploaded." MIDTERM_ANALYSIS_PROMPT: “Analyze the paragraph I give and provide feedback on all of the following items, providing specific quotes with words and phrases that could use improvement: 1. Grammar: List out all of the grammatical issues you can find. 2. Passive voice: List out all of the instances/examples of passive voice you can find. 3. Word choice: List out all of the instances of poor word choice you can find including improvements in vocabulary. 4. Sentence structure: List out all of the instances of poor sentence structure you can find. 5. Organization: List out all of the instances of poor organization you can find. 6. Style: List out all of the instances of poor style choice you can find Including instances of poor tone, clarity, formality, and consistency. 7. Content suggestions: List out all of the instances of poor argument quality you can find. 8. Missing examples: List places where specific examples are missing. For example: If the paragraph says something like “the festival is famous for its interesting food stalls” change it to say “the festival is famous for its interesting food stalls that serve steaming beef tortas, fish tacos, frozen margaritas, and other regional delicacies.” Also, write a short critique which evaluates the paragraph as a whole, making suggestions for overall improvement. If you understand these instructions say “I understand” and ask for the input paragraph.” MIDTERM_REVISION_PROMPT: “Using the ideas in the paragraph above, rewrite the paragraph using the analysis suggestions and the following instructions. The paragraph is a 12-sentence problem/solution paragraph. The first sentence should provide a detailed and specific definition of the problem with examples of possible negative effects. The second sentence should be a topic sentence that lists three suggested solutions. The third sentence should introduce the first solution. The fourth sentence should describe the solution and the fifth sentence should describe how the solution will fix the problem. Sentences 6-8 and 9-11 should do the same thing as sentences 2-5 for problems 2 and 3, respectively. The 12th sentence should form a conclusion by repeating the ideas in the topic sentence in a different way. Focus on adding detailed examples with specific descriptions in sentences 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11.” SUPPORTING_ARGUMENTS_PROMPT: Generate ten strong and specific supporting arguments for my argumentative essay. Each argument should be clear, relevant, and distinct to help build a compelling case in favor of my position. Here is my topic: [insert topic] COUNTER_ARGUMENTS_PROMPT: Generate five clear and specific counterarguments for my argumentative essay on insert topic. Each counterargument should present a distinct and relevant reason or perspective that challenges my position. Here is my topic: [insert topic] ARGUMENTATIVE_ESSAY_THESIS_STATEMENT_PROMPT: Write a detailed thesis statement for my argumentative essay on the following topic. The thesis statement should clearly state the topic and my position, briefly list the strong supporting arguments provided, and mention the counter-argument provided, all in two clear and concise sentences. Here is this information: [insert the topic and position, the three supporting arguments you have chosen, and the counter-argument you have chosen] ARGUMENTATIVE_ESSAY_DRAFT_OUTLINE_PROMPT: Using the thesis statement provided, create a detailed draft outline that follows the example’s structure with these requirements: 1. Introduction paragraph: A. Propose an idea for a hook (e.g., a surprising statistic or scenario) without giving the actual source or data. B. Define the key terms and concepts used in the argument. C. Explain why this argument matters. D. State the thesis statement. 2. Three body paragraphs (one per supporting argument) For each paragraph: Identify the supporting argument and list three distinct supporting claims that you will develop (do NOT include evidence or examples here). 3. Counter-argument paragraph: Present the primary opposing argument and list three rebuttal claims that reinforce the essay’s position (no supporting details needed). 4. Conclusion paragraph: A. Rephrase the thesis statement. B. Summarize the three supporting arguments and the rebuttal. C. Suggest a closing strategy: a memorable remark or call to action that reinforces the essay’s significance. Here is the essay’s Thesis Statement: [Insert your thesis statement here] BODY_SECTION_COMPOSITION_PROMPT: Using the example provided as a pattern for the format and style of the essay, complete the next body section of this essay: [Insert the title of the section. For example: “4. Supporting Argument 3: Political Stability, Investment, and Long-Term Planning”] Follow the example of other body sections from the Argumentative Essay V3 file and use the information from the outline in the Argumentative Essay V2 file. The section should have five paragraphs: 1) An introduction paragraph which describes the supporting argument and key terms in it; 2) Three "body" paragraphs which each describe and support one of the claims; and 3) A conclusion paragraph which summarizes the argument and claims and reiterates why these support the thesis of the essay. Use the example of the first and second supporting argument section in the example to maintain consistent voice, style, and levels of formality and complexity. Use the APA citations from the outline and add appropriate information from these sources to reinforce and support the claims. Return as prose paragraphs without lists and without any conditional formatting. COUNTER-ARGUMENT_SECTION_COMPOSITION_PROMPT: Compose the counter-argument section of the essay by following the established format and style of the Argumentative Essay V3 example. Begin with an introduction paragraph that explicitly defines the opposing viewpoint’s key terms and concepts while explaining its relevance to the debate. Next, develop three rebuttal paragraphs: the first must dismantle a core component of the counter-argument using peer-reviewed evidence and APA citations from the provided outline; the second should refute another critical element by integrating empirical data or authoritative expert analysis; the third must critically assess the counter-argument’s foundational assumptions or methodological flaws through theoretical frameworks drawn from credible sources. Conclude with a synthesis of these rebuttals, reaffirming the essay’s thesis by demonstrating how the evidence systematically invalidates the opposition’s stance. Maintain consistent voice and formality with prior sections, avoid quotations exceeding eight words, and present the content as cohesive prose without lists or structural markers. Ensure seamless logical progression by strategically embedding source material to reinforce analytical rigor and alignment with the essay’s overarching argument. CONCLUSION_SECTION_COMPOSITION_PROMPT: Craft a comprehensive conclusion section consisting of three distinct paragraphs that effectively synthesize and contextualize your argumentative essay. Begin with a summary paragraph that concisely recapitulates your thesis statement alongside the three primary supporting arguments and the counter-argument you addressed, providing brief but substantive discussion of the key claims and evidence presented in each section while demonstrating how they collectively reinforce your central position. Follow with a limitations and future research paragraph that demonstrates scholarly humility by acknowledging specific methodological constraints, gaps in available evidence, or scope limitations within your analysis, then identify concrete areas where future investigation could strengthen understanding of the topic or address unresolved questions that emerged during your research process. Conclude with a call to reflection paragraph that articulates the broader significance of your argument by explaining why these findings matter to your intended audience, connecting your conclusions to real-world implications, and providing a compelling invitation for readers to either take specific action based on your evidence or engage in deeper contemplation about the issues you have explored. Maintain the established voice and academic tone from previous sections while ensuring each paragraph flows logically into the next, creating a satisfying intellectual closure that leaves readers with both clear understanding of your position and motivation to engage further with the subject matter. ABSTRACT_COMPOSITION_PROMPT: Write a 300-word abstract for the attached exploratory essay that clearly summarizes the essay’s central topic, the guiding questions or issues examined, and the significance of the exploration. Begin by introducing the subject and the motivation for exploring it, outlining the main questions or themes that the essay investigates. Describe the approach taken to examine these issues, emphasizing that the essay is based on critical reflection, synthesis of existing ideas, and thoughtful discussion rather than original data collection or analysis. Summarize the key insights or perspectives developed through this exploration, and discuss how these contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic. Conclude by highlighting the broader implications of the discussion and suggesting potential directions for further inquiry or reflection. Ensure the abstract is clear, engaging, and accessible to a general academic audience, accurately representing the scope and purpose of the essay. [attach a .pdf file of the article or essay] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||