WSE Grammar

COURSE AIMS & OUTCOMES:

The 1BA grammar course focuses on core areas of grammar and gives students the opportunity to learn or revise
the theory of specific grammar points illustrated with a wide variety of examples, and then work on these points in
depth using a substantial range of exercises. The main objective of the course is to ensure that students become
communicatively effective as well as review the knowledge students already have, and fill in the gaps in order for
them to acquire a thorough mastery of the English language at the upper intermediate level of competence. The
secondary aim is to teach students the basic letter format as well as some writing mechanics (punctuation, varied
syntax, style, etc.).

COURSE CONTENTS (subject to change):

DATE IN CLASS HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
9/10 Introduction to the course Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 78,
80, 82-83.
Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
79, 81, 84-85.
16/10 Present tenses: Present Simple and Present Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
Continuous 85-88.
Present Simple or Continuous?
23/10 Present Simple or Continuous?
Present tenses: Revision
30/10 Grammar test 1 Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 90,
Formal and informal letters 92, 94.
Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
91, 93, 95.
Write a formal and informal letter to the
assigned topic (due date: Nov. 13)
6/11 Past Simple and Past Continuous Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate. Pearson
Past Simple or Continuous? Longman, pp. 98, 100.
Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
99, 101, 102-104.
13/11 Past perfect simple and Past perfect continuous
Past tenses: Revision

20/11 Grammar test 2 Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 106-

Formal and informal letters 107, 110, 112.
Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
108-109, 111, 113.
Write a formal and informal letter to the
assigned topic (due date: Dec. 4)
27/11 Present perfect Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 114,
Present perfect or Past simple? 116.
Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
115, 117, 118-120.
4/12 Present perfect continuous Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 122-
Present perfect simple or continuous? 123, 126.
Present perfect tenses: Revision Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
124-125, 127.
11/12 Grammar test 3 Read: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp. 128.
Future tense: Going to, Present continuous and will Complete: My Grammar Lab. Intermediate, pp.
Future continuous 129.
18/02 Future perfect: simple and continuous Complete a set of exercises assigned by the
teacher.
8/01 Tenses: Revision
15/01 Final test Write a formal and informal letter to the
Formal and informal letters assigned topic (due date: Jan. 22)
22/01 Formal and informal letters
29/01 Credits. Final retakes
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS:

Type of assessment % of final

grade
 Individual/group work, including in-class activities and 10%
participation
Written assessments (grammar tests, formal and informal 90%
letters)

Attendance is mandatory. Exceeding the limit of 3 unexcused absences or absence in at least 1/3 of the classes,
even if excused, will result in failing the course. If you miss the class it is your responsibility to catch up.

Class preparation & participation (10%)

The extent and nature of Ss’ in-class participation is included in their assessment. This includes:
- acquainting yourself with all the assigned readings which has to be done prior to each class
- completing all the classwork and homework assignments
- making sure that you come properly equipped and that you bring the coursebook to every class; laptops
(with a suitable content relevant to the class) are allowed

Homework assignments: Formal and informal letters (30%)

During the semester you will be required to hand in three letters on the assigned day and not later; you will not
pass this component if you fail to meet the deadlines. Also, make sure you bring a printed-out copy of your writing
– copies sent by email or delayed papers – for reasons other than medical – will not be accepted.

Short grammar tests (30%)

There will be three short grammar tests (each worth 10% of your final grade) which will test your knowledge on
specific grammar points discussed in a given part of the course. Please note that there are only two retakes
possible which should take place within 2 weeks since the date of the test.

Final test (30%)

The final grammar test is required for course completion. It will test your knowledge on all grammar points
discussed in the duration of the course. A failed test must be retaken within 2 weeks since the date of the test.

SELECTED REFERENCES:
Foley, Mark and Diane Hall. 2012. My Grammar Lab. Intermediate. Harrow: Pearson Longman.
Side, R. and Wellman, G. 2004. Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency. Longman.
Vince, M. 1993. Advanced Language Practice. Macmillan.