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

This is a very independent online course and all of the material can be found on Moodle. There are no fixed lessons though brief Zoom sessions to answer questions are available upon request.

Timing and attendance

The course has no attendance requirements, but steady, week-by-week progress is expected. Deadlines are provided on Moodle and students are expected to adhere to them. Late submissions will result in grade penalties as well as delayed grading.

Learning material and recommended literature

All materials provided by the teacher through Moodle.

Learning environment

The course will be delivered entirely through Moodle.

Student time use and work load

3 credits, equivalent to 81 hours of work.

Contents

Course objective:
Students are able to produce effective business documents using appropriate genres and styles. They can use standard business document templates and apply the terminology used in most common business documents.

Course contents:
1. Formal language for writing business documents (specific to this course)
2. Common business transaction documents (e.g, inquiry letter, reply letter, quotation letter, etc.)
3. Information regarding delivery and payments in business transactions
4. Other business letters

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

It is expected students can communicate in English at B2 level (CEFR).

Assessment criteria

Students will complete a number of small written assignments, some of which may be graded Pass/Fail, others on a 0-5 scale. Completion of all assignments will contribute to the final course grade.

Assignments will include:
- Business transaction documents, such as inquiry, reply, request for quotation, etc.
- Other business documents, such as guest speaker invitation, memo, press release, etc.

More specific information on course assignments will be available once the course begins.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student cannot convey intended messages.

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

Written communication consists of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Transitions are not smooth. Much of the text lacks logic, and is not in keeping with the stylistic conventions of the genre. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. The text does not meet all the task requirements.

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

Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Transitions are mostly smooth. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements.

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

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, making occasional mistakes only in the most complex structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. Sentences are linked by transitions and the text flows smoothly. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements.