ERPEnglish Reinforcement Program

This course, the lowest-level writing course in the ERP, aims to support and strengthen students’ existing writing and discussion skills, by building a solid foundation of English vocabulary and grammar structures to allow simple written and oral communication on a range of engaging topics and situations. It uses the first three chapters in the textbook firstly to confirm students’ understanding of and ability to write basic English paragraphs, secondly to analyze and practice listing-order (“first…second…” etc.) paragraphs, and thirdly to build students’ ability to write written instructions, requests and so on. These writing skills are always balanced with speaking and discussion tasks on a variety of engaging topics, with a focus on encouraging active engagement, learner autonomy, and confidence. In class, students will receive verbal feedback individually from both their instructor and classmates to help them identify and improve their weak areas. For assigned tasks, students will receive verbal and/or written feedback from their instructor on general progress and points to improve.

By the end of this course, students will be better able to:
• compose complex, multi-clause English sentences and become familiar with standard conjunctions
• write coherent, logical English extended paragraphs on a range of topics (300 words in length)
• build general vocabulary related to the reading, writing and discussion topics
• improve reading skills (skimming, scanning, comprehension) using short, level-appropriate articles
• engage in and lead simple discussions on a range of topics
• manage common written communication tasks (e.g. emails) in English both in Japan and when travelling abroad
• communicate actively by employing simple strategies for explaining, checking and confirming
• confidently express opinions supported by simple reasoning
• work together with other students in simple collaborative projects

英語 / English

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：オンライン/online

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Orientation & introductions
Course preview
Study planning

Write down three SMART learning goals for this course

2[オンライン/online]：CEFR Self-Evaluation (Initial)
Chapter 1: Describing People
Discussion

Prepare a discussion topic based on Chapter 1

3[オンライン/online]：Chapter 1: Describing People
Discussion

Writing 1 Draft

4[オンライン/online]：Chapter 1: Describing People
Writing 1 Draft pair review

Writing 1 Final

5[オンライン/online]：Writing 1 Final DUE – 10%
Chapter 1: Describing People
Discussion 1 – 10%

Review Chapter 1

6[オンライン/online]：Writing 1 Final feedback
Chapter 2: Listing-Order Paragraphs

Prepare a discussion topic based on Chapter 2

7[オンライン/online]：Chapter 2: Listing-Order Paragraphs
Discussion

Writing 2 Draft

8[オンライン/online]：Chapter 2: Listing-Order Paragraphs
Writing 2 Draft pair review

Writing 2 Final

9[オンライン/online]：Writing 2 Final DUE – 10%
Chapter 2: Listing-Order Paragraphs
Discussion 2 – 10%

Review Chapter 2

10[オンライン/online]：Writing 2 Final feedback
Chapter 3: Giving Instructions

Prepare a discussion topic based on Chapter 3

11[オンライン/online]：Chapter 3: Giving Instructions
Discussion

Writing 3 Draft

12[オンライン/online]：Chapter 3: Giving Instructions
Writing 3 Draft pair review

Writing 3 Final

13[オンライン/online]：Writing 3 Final DUE – 10%
Chapter 3: Giving Instructions
Discussion 3 – 10%
CEFR Self-Evaluation (Final) / Student surveys

Review Chapter 3
Prepare a short speech on “What I learned in this course”

14[オンライン/online]：Writing 3 Final feedback
Course review / Study planning

-

Students will be expected to spend 2 hours a week completing homework assignments (preparing short speeches, preparing for discussions, and writing draft and final writing assignments). They will also be asked to set goals and develop study plans as part of their self-study.

● Longman Academic Writing Series (Level 2); Paragraphs SB w/App, Online Practice & Digital Resources,
3rd Edition, Pearson (ISBN: 978-0136769996 )

● Supplementary in-class handouts (free)

Attendance: Five or more absences will result in a failing grade; 30 minutes late arrival or early leave equals absence
Participation: 40% (Involvement & Improvement, Homework Completion); Discussion 30% (Message, Language, Clarity, Contribution); Writing 30% (Message, Structure, Accuracy, Evidence)

Joe Trujillo is from California, USA and majored in Creative Writing at the University of California. He has been teaching English in Japan for over 10 years in both university and corporate settings. Before teaching he gained experience working at Apple and as part of the Story Team for Final Fantasy XV. Joe creates an engaging lesson environment where he encourages students to communicate effectively. He sees every lesson as a chance for students to develop their own voice and to practice practical English they will use on a day-to-day basis.

English proficiency requirement:
TOEFL® iBT 45-51, TOEFL® ITP 450-469, TOEIC® 500-549, IELTS 5.0 or EIKEN® CSE2.0 2200+ or English Placement Test α 640-689