DURATION: 1.5 HRS

DESCRIPTION

This module focuses on distinguishing between formal and informal writing and foregrounds the manifest characteristics of informal modes of writing. Keeping in mind the requirements of learners for whom English is a second language, it also highlights colloquial and slang expressions as elements to be avoided in academic writing.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

In this module, the students will learn to 

1. Differentiate  between formal and informal writing,
2. Distinguish between informal, slang and colloquial languages,
3. Differentiate between texts on the basis of their purposes.

KEY QUESTIONS:

In this module, the students will explore the following key questions:

1. What do we mean by formal and informal language? 
2. What sorts of language do they generally have access to on a day to day basis?
3. How can one avoid using slang and colloquial expressions in academic writing? 
4. What is meant by error and mistake? 
5. How can we determine whether a text is formal or informal? 

MODULE CONTENT:

• Introduction: What not to do in academic writing
• How to distinguish between formal and informal writing

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:

• Pre-recorded lectures
• Pdf/PowerPoint/Lecture Notes
• Worksheets
• Reference Materials

ONLINE LINKS:

1. How to Use Formal and Informal English - English Speaking and Writing Fluency - YouTube
2. Slide 1 (flinders.edu.au)
3. Formal and informal language - English Grammar Today - Cambridge Dictionary

ASSIGNMENTS:

The participants of this module will 

• Discuss with their teacher what problems they face while engaging in academic writing; 
• Fill a worksheet wherein they will give examples of colloquial, slang and informal expressions prevalent in their respective contexts;
• Read multiple kinds of texts and identify formal/informal components of writing within them to determine their purpose;
• Submit an evaluation of the impact of what they learned from Unit 1 will have on their practice as they prepare for Unit 2.

DURATION: 7.5 HRS

Description:

In this module, the students will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational tenets of accuracy involved in academic writing. These include developing an understanding of the basic rules of grammar in practice as well as an academic flavor in writing through the appropriate choice of vocabulary. It also focuses on developing an appropriate phraseology while maintaining cohesion and caution within the written text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this module, the students will be able to

1. Ensure accuracy in writing primarily at the sentential level.
2. Develop insight into a more context-appropriate and formal usage of vocabulary. 
3. Write in a grammatically and syntactically cohesive manner.

COURSE CONTENTS:

The topics to be covered in this module include

1. The rules of capitalization
2. The usage of abbreviations
3. The deployment of academic vocabulary
4. Functional grammar (utilizing adverbs, adjectives, word conversions, confusing pairs of words, etc.)
5. Ensuring cohesion and caution in academic writing

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:

• Pre-recorded Lectures
• Worksheets
• Videos and other audio/visual media 

LECTURE VIDEO:

Links: 

• English Articles - 3 Simple Rules To Fix Common Grammar Mistakes & Errors - YouTube
• Standard punctuation - YouTube
• Learn English - Hedging and Boosting - YouTube
• Articles - 'a', 'an' and 'the' | English Grammar - YouTube

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (Routledge Study Guides). 2003. London: Routledge, 2006.

LEARNERS’ TASKS/ACTIVITIES:

1. A comprehensive worksheet  that covers exercises pertaining to the rules of capitalization and abbreviation, deployment of articles, adverbs and academic vocabulary. It also focuses on developing cohesion, caution and appropriate vocabulary along with functional grammar as is required in academic writing.