Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to:
- interpret business transaction documents
- use field-specific business terminology and style of writing
- prepare clear and accurate business messages in correct English
- prepare explicit and effective texts for use within and outside the organization, and to meet the communicative needs.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Online (100%) via Moodle. Individual and team work.

Timing and attendance

No scheduled meetings in class or online. However, students must adhere to given deadlines.

Learning material and recommended literature

Provided by the teacher on Moodle. Online reading materials, exercises, assignments, and a test.

Exam retakes

Retakes and upgrading exams to be agreed on with the teacher.

Learning environment

Online (100%) via Moodle.

Student time use and work load

Student workload is 80 hours.

Contents

- terminology of sales and purchases, typical phrases
- import and export document models and their use
- internal and external business communication including newsletters and press releases
- appropriate genres and styles in business communication

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework. Students who have successfully completed other business writing or correspondence courses in English are not recommended to take this course.

Assessment criteria

Students are to complete the assignments according to the given timetable and pass a test. Failed assignments and the test can be retaken twice. Students are assessed individually on a scale of 5-0. Consult the teacher about retakes and upgrade exams.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student does not complete the tasks, or the student's writing skills do not meet the grade 1 criteria.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has met the assignment requirements minimally. Work displays vaguely consistent and appropriate register. Content is vaguely effective and diverse. Much of the text lacks logic and cohesive elements. The text is not in keeping with style-specific conventions. The student constructs minimally understandable sentences. Grammatical irregularities occur often. Vocabulary is minimally appropriate to the context.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has met the assignment requirements adequately. Work displays somewhat consistent and appropriate register. Content is somewhat effective and diverse. The text has a reasonably logical structure and is rather cohesive. Minor mistakes occur in style. The student mostly constructs sentences well. Grammatical irregularities occur. Vocabulary is adequately professional and mostly appropriate to the context.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has met the assignment requirements fully. Work displays consistent and appropriate register. Content is effective, diverse and skillfully delivered. The text has a clear and logical structure and is cohesive, fluent, and versatile. The student uses varied structures although occasional grammatical irregularities may occur. Vocabulary is varied and professional and typically appropriate to the context.