Course Syllabus

ESL 0451 Level 2 Composition

Course Description

This course develops English language learners’ ability to write paragraphs in a variety of rhetorical patterns. Emphasis is placed on paragraph unity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Students will develop vocabulary knowledge in CEFR A2 and B1 levels. This course is cross-listed with CED 0451 (Level 2 Composition – Continuing Education).

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College provides a four-level writing sequence designed to prepare non-native English speakers for academic coursework. ESL 0451 is essential in helping students acquire the organizational and grammatical skills necessary to progress to Level 3, where they will learn to connect paragraphs into structured essays.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of ESL 0451, students will be able to compose well-organized and coherent paragraphs that include clear topic sentences, relevant supporting details, and effective conclusions using a variety of rhetorical patterns.
2. Students will be able to apply grammatical structures and sentence variety accurately in paragraph writing, such as subject-verb agreement, modals, dependent clauses, and correct punctuation.
3. Students will be able to use transitions, conjunctions, and editing strategies to achieve logical flow, coherence, and accuracy across multiple drafts of academic writing.

Course Content

Instruction focuses on writing a range of academic paragraphs that demonstrate clear organization and logical flow. Students will develop topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusions using level appropriate grammar. Students will also expand their use of transitions and conjunctions to connect ideas effectively. Writing activities may include paragraph analysis, grammar homework, and in-class writing tasks culminating in timed paragraph exams.