Course Outline for English As A Second Language 240A
Low Intermediate Reading, Writing, and Grammar

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 08/06/2021
Catalog Description:

ESL 240A - Low Intermediate Reading, Writing, and Grammar

108.00 Hours

May be repeated 99 time(s)
A comprehensive review of basic sentence types; short writing assignments; reading fiction and nonfiction; reinforces fluency in reading, writing, and grammar. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ESL credit course of the same title. Both options cover the same content and students will be enrolled in the same class at the same time. This course is part of a Certificate of Completion. Available Certificates can be found in the Chabot College Catalog. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.
4930.87 - English as a Second Language - Integrated
Pass/No Pass/Satisfactory Progress
Type Hours
Lecture 108.00
Total 108.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate process and purpose of multiple-draft writing;
  2. correctly use common grammatical terms;
  3. preview and scan text, read for main ideas and details, and use contextual clues to understand vocabulary;
  4. write sentences in response to a level-appropriate reading that demonstrate comprehension, clarity and the ability to use different words than the original passage.
  5. demonstrate the ability to use grammar studied in class: simple and compound sentence structure; singular and plural noun forms; subject/verb agreement; simple & continuous tenses in past, present and future; question formation and negation; prepositions of time & place; subject, object & demonstrative pronouns; possessive adjectives and pronouns.
Course Content:
  1. Reading short works 
    1. Fiction
    2. Nonfiction
  2. Low-intermediate vocabulary development
  3. Writing paragraphs in multiple drafts
  4. Common grammatical terms
    1. Basic parts of speech: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, preposition
    2. Sentence structure: subject, action verb, linking verb, helping verb, object, prepositional phrase
    3. Singular, plural, count, noncount, and possessive
  5. Structure of a complete sentence in English
    1. Simple
    2. Compound
  6. Form and use of verb tenses
    1. Simple and continuous aspects
    2. Past, present, and future time
    3. Structure of questions and negation
  7. Form and placement of pronouns
    1. Subject
    2. Object
    3. Possessive
    4. Demonstrative
  8. Possessives and possessive adjectives
  9. Prepositions
    1. Of time
    2. Of place
  10. Proofreading strategies
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Daily writing and reading assignments
  2. Lectures
  3. Group Activities
  4. Distance Education
  5. Online Assignments
  6. Class and group discussions
  7. Practice/Demonstration
  8. Diagnostic Quizzes
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Write a paragraph of 150 words on the topic: Who is an important person in your life." Use at least 3 reasons and examples. Introduce each main reason with transition words.
  2. Examine a piece of writing to identify the ways simple and continuous verb tenses are used to clarify time relationships.
  3. Read chapter 3 in your novel. Write a short summary of the main ideas and events. Then write a brief personal response to what you have read.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Class Work
  4. Homework
  5. Class Participation
  6. Written assignments
  7. Final Examination or Project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. produce an on-topic in-class writing of at least 200 words with level-appropriate grammar and usage;
  2. write factually correct and easy-to-understand sentences to answer questions about an article;
  3. demonstrate correct use of grammar studied in class.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Lynn, S. (2020). Q: Skills for Success: Reading and Writing 1 (2nd). Oxford.
  2. Azar, B. S. (2019). Fundamentals of English Grammar (5th). Pearson ESL.
  1. Class Set of Texts: Writing Matters! Introduction to Writing and Grammar..
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
A comprehensive review of basic sentence types; short writing assignments; reading fiction and nonfiction; reinforces fluency in reading, writing, and grammar. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ESL credit course of the same title. This course is part of a Certificate of Completion.
Discipline:
English as a Second Language (ESL)*, or English as a Second Language (ESL): Noncredit