Course Materials

Textbook: BUSINESS ENGLISH, 9E, Mary Ellen Guffey, Thomson Publishing Co. with Student CD (ISBN: 0-324-36606-X)

Optional: HOW 10: A HANDBOOK FOR OFFICE WORKERS, Clark and Clark;
Dictionary and Thesaurus recommended (book or on-line)

Evaluation

Unit Tests with Spelling/Vocabulary (5) 60%

Final Exam (Ch. 1-28) 20%

Chapter Quizzes
(no make-up) 20%

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide you with comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant instruction in the correct use of English grammar. It is also designed to help you to develop proficiency in punctuation, capitalization, and number style skills through the use of extensive practice through homework, and quizzes.

Communication skills are emphasized so that you will be able to communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing. This will help you advance in your career in the business office. You will also be actively involved in learning how to spell more difficult words, develop your vocabulary, and improve your sentence construction.

We will use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you succeed. It is important to work EVERY WEEK to understand concepts covered. Late quizzes will receive a grade of 0 if not taken before deadline. Make-up test arrangements must be made with instructor by e-mail for extreme circumstances. Late tests (taken in EVC room 8321) will be assigned an automatic 10-point penalty. It is the student’s responsibility to call or e-mail instructor regarding make-up work before the next quiz deadline. Students are also responsible for withdrawing from class, if necessary. In other words, DO YOUR BEST TO KEEP UP WITH CLASS DEADLINES. We want to work together to gain success and confidence, as well as good business/professional communication skills.

Business English Course Goals

· To provide you with instruction in the correct use of English grammar.

· To help you develop proficiency in punctuation, capitalization, and number style skills.

· To help you improve your spelling, vocabulary, and writing skills.

Unit Tests with Spelling/Vocabulary* Words
(See class schedule for assigned times.)

Unit Test 1 Chapters 1-3 SVLists 1-4

Unit Test 2 Chapters 4-7 SVLists 5-8

Unit Test 3 Chapters 8-10 SVLists 9-12

Unit Test 4 Chapters 11-13 SVLists 13-16

Unit Test 5 Chapters 14-18 SVLists 17-18

FINAL EXAM CHAPTERS 1-18 no spelling/vocabulary

*Eighteen lists of commonly misspelled words are in Appendix 1 of your textbook. Eighteen lists of vocabulary words are in Appendix 2 of your textbook. The unit tests will include spelling and vocabulary multiple choice questions. (However, the spelling and vocabulary words will not be on the final exam) Some students use the Spell Right session of the CD--Study Guide to review or the BE website.

All reinforcement exercises and study guides should be used as a review before each test. All homework assignments should be completed before the quizzes. If you need additional instruction, please contact me and we will make arrangements to meet your needs. There are many study aids available. If you need individual tutoring, I would suggest contacting the Learning Lab at EVC, third floor.

How To Learn More . .

Be sure to.

· Find a place to study

· Read chapter objectives

· Take pretest

· Check answers

· Preview chapter

· Highlight important concepts

· Write questions you have

· Review highlighted topics

· Check your understanding

· Take posttest

· Compare with pretest

· Review areas of concern

· Complete all assignments before quizzes/tests

· See Self-Help exercises for additional study material
(answers are available)

· Use the Guffey website
http://guffeyxtra.swlearning.com

Student Website

· PowerPoint slides: chapter review

· Ms. Grammar: interactive self-directed exercises

· Speak Right: how to pronounce 50 frequently mispronounced words (optional)

· Spell Right: self-checked interactive exercises that review all 400 words from Appendix A of Business English textbook

· WebCheck Reinforcement Exercises: review chapter concepts, grammar and mechanics with pop-up answers and feedback for every response

We will go over a “Standard chapter assignment” and then you can develop an individual study plan for yourself, dependent upon your learning style and language needs.

ACC Course Description

POFT 1301 BUSINESS ENGLISH (3-3-0). Introduction to a practical application of basic language usage skills with emphasis on fundamentals of writing and editing for business. Access to business communications web site and on-line study guide helps students develop their English skills with additional emphasis on spelling and vocabulary. Skills: R ( ) Course Type: W