Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: LANG5867

Course Title: Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3403 - Certificate III in EAL (Further Study)

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou, Melanie Reynolds

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au; melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Caroline McEnroe

caroline.mcenroe@rmit.edu.au

 

Tim Morris

tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

 

 

 

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this unit of competency, you will be introduced to skills and knowledge required to develop reading, note-taking and writing skills to produce straightforward texts based on study needs. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22642 Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes

Element:

1.Read straightforward texts for a range of study purposes

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Establish own reasons or purpose for reading a text

1.2

Locate and access a range of model texts relevant to study purpose

1.3

Scan texts and select information relevant to study purpose

1.4

Use reading strategies to identify main ideas, some details and opinions in the texts

1.5

Assess the usefulness of the texts for the study purpose

Element:

2. Analyse selected texts

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Analyse the purpose and audience requirements of the texts

2.2

Analyse the structure and discourse features of the texts

2.3

Identify specific layout and formatting features

2.4

Analyse the stance of the writer of the texts

Element:

3. Record specific information from texts for a study task

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Review the study task and identify the information required to complete the task

3.2

Evaluate relevance of text for the study task

3.3

Use a range of commonly recognised methods to record relevant information clearly

3.4

Organise the information gained from reading to fit the research purpose

3.5

Review notes for accuracy and clarity

Element:

4. Write a straightforward text for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

Determine the audience and purpose for the written text

Establish any formal requirements for the text

Locate, select and gather research information

Record research information

Develop an outline plan for the text using recorded research information

Sequence key points and supporting information using required format

Compose draft text

Element:

5. Reference sources used in text

Performance Criteria:

5.1

Confirm the required format and content for references according to the study task

5.2

Check accuracy of references

5.3

Use the required referencing format to include references

Element:

6. Review written text

Performance Criteria:

6.1

Check text meets requirements of audience and purpose

6.2

Review and edit key grammatical, spelling and punctuation features

6.3

Determine clarity of information and vocabulary

6.4

Use proofreading and editing processes to review text

6.5

Review feedback and edit text accordingly

6.6

Submit final draft as required


Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:

The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 2+/3 and Writing 2+/3 and The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 3. 

 


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in EAL (Further Study). This means that you will study this unit VU22642 (LANG5867) Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes with one other unit VU22644 (LANG5869) Use language analysis strategies and study skills on the same day.  Your program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. Your program will have a minimum of four hours Directed Study per week (two hours of Directed Study Required and two hours of Directed Study Recommended). You are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however you are expected to complete all Direct Study Required as this is usually preparation for your next class and you will be required to show evidence that the work has been completed. An outline of your Directed Study Required and Recommended is available on Canvas. 

This unit in part covers the reading and writing  macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:

READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:

  • read and analyse complex texts for further study purposes
  • evaluate texts for study purposes
  • Develop specific reading skills

WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve knowledge of grammar,  the structure of sentences and paragraphs and organising writing. You will:

  • learn to plan, draft, proof read and edit paragraphs for study purposes
  • keep a writing folio which includes a variety of written texts
  • learn how to identify key ideas,from details and organise notes
  • learn about formal writing styles and referencing

The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.
 


Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency VU22642 (LANG5867) Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes is taught within an integrated program. It is taught with VU22644 (LANG5869) Use language analysis strategies and study skills. These two integrated units make Cluster 1 - Read, Write and Grammar Skills. The assessment tasks will cover other both units. 
   

Course dates: Monday 6 July – Friday 6 November

Mid-Semester Break:     Mid-semester break 31 Aug-4 Sept 2020

Public Holidays: Friday 25 September & Tuesday 3 November 2020 

 

Semester 2 - Teaching Schedule 

 

Week 

VU22642 Read and write straightforward texts for study purposes 

VU22642 

Elements 

VU22644 

Elements 

Reading skills: Gist

Structure of a text, grammar used, word form and identifying main ideas 

Writing: letter of introduction inc study background/plans 

Paragraph structure within letter format

Dictionary /thesaurus use

Grammar terminology & resources: Parts of speech & correction code 

Vocabulary in context 

 
   

 1

2

3

 

  

Reading skills: skimming and scanning, main ideas, some details  

Writing: paragraph structure topic sentences 

Email structure, language & conventions

Library orientation focus on 428 collection & accessing grammar reference resources

Grammar terminology: modals, sequencers, conjunctions & linkers 

Vocabulary in context 

  

  

Reading skills: types of text (purpose)

Writing: Paragraph structure: supporting ideas & concluding sentences

Take notes: introduce methods  

Introduce Harvard referencing 

Further note taking practice 

Grammar terminology & resources: auxiliary verbs plus sentence structure and syntax  

  

  

Reading: reading faster 

Writing:  Paragraph structure: supporting ideas & concluding sentences

Introduce concepts of plagiarism and paraphrasing 

Evaluating texts (purpose, audience, author, currency)

grammar reference resources

Vocabulary in context 

Grammar terminology: tenses simple past and present perfect 

Reading skills: fact & opinion

writing: Paragraph outlines and note taking

Plagiarism and paraphrase activity 

Evaluating texts

Grammar terminology: articles, modals of speculation, obligation, suggestion

Introduce & deconstruct Assessment Task 1 - What is the task?  What is the assessment criteria?

  

  

  

  

Reading skills: Fact and opinion 

Evaluating texts

Harvard reference practice 

Writing: Proof reading & building notes

Vocab in context

Grammar terminology: future tenses 

 

  

 3 

  

Reading for comprehension 

grammar reference resources

Grammar focus: Identifying typical grammar mistakes for editing: typical mistakes and correction code 

Assessment Task 1 submission

  

Information from audio visual sources

Analysing language & structure from audio visual resources

Writing: Paragraph writing

Proof reading and editing skills 

Required grammar for editing: typical mistakes and correction code 

 (Assessment Task 1 re-submission)

  

  

  

  

 3 

  

 

 

 Mid-Semester Break: Monday 31 August - Friday 4 September

 

  

9

Reading practice (purpose, audience, attitude, currency)

Evaluation of sources 

Writing: paragraph outlines & structure 

Summarising information 

proof reading skills

Grammar: verbs with prepositions/ adverbs (phrasal verbs)

 2,3,4,6  3

10 

         

Reading for fact & opinion 

Writing: Summarising & paragraph cohesion 

Evaluation of texts for study purposes

Vocab in context

Grammar: Reported Speech

Deconstruction of Assessment Task 2 - analysing assessment criteria

 

        

  

  

  

11 

Writing: Paragraph cohesion  

Paraphrasing notes/info from written & audio visual sources

Email conventions 

Identifying purpose, audience, style & author's point of view

Vocabulary in context 

Grammar: Gerund or infinitive? 

 

  

  

  

 1 

  

12 

 

Model referencing & note taking practice

summarising practice 

Proof reading & editing skills  

Reference resources for editing 

Vocabulary in context 

Grammar: relative pronouns & clauses 

Assessment Task 2 submission

 

 1 

  

13 

Reading; gist, fact & opinion, tenses, language structures  

Locating grammar errors in writing 

Using assessment criteria for improved performance

Vocabulary in context

Grammar: modal verbs (obligation, suggestion, possibility, probability)

(Assessment Task 2 re-submission)

  

14 

Reading practice: evaluating student models 

Writing: paragraph outlines, topic sentences, supporting sentences, concluding sentences

language of opinion

proof reading 7 editing practice

Grammar: passive voice 

Introduce & deconstruct Assessment Task 3 - analysing assessment criteria

  

  

15 

Reading for detail

Writing: paragraph outlines, topic sentences, supporting sentences, concluding sentences

language of opinion

Evaluating English language resources

proof reading & editing practice

Vocab in context

Grammar: tenses and student elected focus

 

 

  

 1 

16 

Evaluating student model paragraphs 

Proof reading and editing practice 

Grammar: student writing errors 

Review & evaluate course skills   

Assessment Task 3 submission

   

 17 

Assessment Task 3 (re- submission)

Finalise assessments and results, assessment re-sits, end of semester exit interviews

  

  

 
     

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Canvas and in class should changes occur.

The course will be delivered weekly. 

Your program is also made up of:

  • Orientation
  • Learning activities
  • Mid semester review
  • Exit review

All students will be have induction to RMIT. The induction includes:

  • Induction Booklet and presentation
  • Explore RMIT activity*
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries*

* Pending Covid-19 restrictions


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT

There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you bring:

  • Dictionary/thesaurus
  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
  • Headphones
  • Laptop computer
  • Microsoft Office 360
     


Overview of Assessment

This course is part of a full-time integrated program. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by notetaking, summaries and short and extended written responses. 

 

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.

 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

 

The Student Charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT university student as well as the responsibilities of the university. This can be found on the RMIT University website at: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/student-responsibilities/student-charter

 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-and-management/policies/assessment-policy


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks:

Assessment Task 1: Reading and Taking Notes  (Week 7)

In this assessment task, students will read a Guardian Weekly article and take notes including the main points and important details. They will reference the text using RMIT Harvard referencing style and answer questions regarding the grammar, language and text type. Completing this assessment allows students to demonstrate reading and note taking skills, and understanding of text and grammatical features. Most of this task will be completed in class however, students may be required to complete the task in directed study time.

Assessment Task 2: Watch a video, take notes and produce a summary (Week 11-12)

In this assessment task students will watch a study related video, take & review notes, analyse language & structure of the audio visual text, then plan, review and draft a summary paragraph. Students will then proof read, edit and submit their final version and email their teacher to confirm submission according to email conventions.

Assessment Task 3: Review a learning tool (Week 15-16)

In this assessment task students will analyse a learning tool used during the semester, plan & draft a paragraph giving their opinion of the tool, proof read their paragraph with a peer, discuss editing requirements with the teacher, produce a final version and submit this to Canvas. Students will also be required to email teacher to confirm the assessment has been submitted, using conventions of emailing.

 
Formative assessment may also be used: ongoing observations, summaries, paraphrasing and review of student work

All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline. If an extension is required you must ask your teacher for one before the due date.


Assessment Matrix


Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to the required skills and knowledge. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occasions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. To successfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject in each of your assessments.

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or program coordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on Canvas.
 

Other Information

Attendance
Your course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to successfully complete this course.

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress


You will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Co-ordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving you feedback and supporting you through your program by monitoring your academic progress


Special consideration policy (Late submissions)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Extension www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside your control, which:
• have a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment or
• prevent you from attempting or submitting the assessment. Special Consideration www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy
www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview