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 course is all online on Moodle. There are no regular, compulsory lessons. All work is completed by students independently.
The course relies on independent study by students. The course instructor is available to meet online.

The course consists of writing exercises, instructional media, and assignments to be completed according to instructions. There are deadlines. The teacher provides feedback on request and assesses your work according to set criteria.

Timing and attendance

This is a self-guided course. There is no compulsory attendance whatsoever. However, students are expected to turn in assignments by given deadlines. Grading penalties will apply for late submissions.

Learning material and recommended literature

All materials provided by the teacher through Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion methods are offered.

Exam retakes

You're not here to fail, are you? In any event, consult the course instructor if concerned.

Learning environment

Online via Moodle. Email, phone, and Zoom available for communication between the students and the instructor.

Student time use and work load

Equivalent to 3 credits (about 80 hours of work). The workload consists of studying the course materials, completing practice exercises, and completing written assignments.

Contents

Primary 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, quotation, proposal complaint, etc.)
3. Writing quizzes

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Assessment criteria

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

Assignments will include:
- Writing quizzes + Company description forum post
- Business transaction documents (inquiry, reply, request for quotation, quotation, complaint, adjustment)
- Other business documents (2 out of 4 options - payment reminders, thank-you letter, guest speaker invitation, press release)

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.