NOTE: For many of the links on this site you will have to sign onto the New York Times web site. It is simple and free.

GRAMMAR & READING Web Links:
Blue Book of Grammar

Daily Grammar

ISSUE READINGS:
Journal Readings

Critical Inquiry Readings

New York Times

CURRENT ISSUES


Course Schedule
Tutor Sign-off Sheet
Issue Journal Template
E-mail Professor Winson

"Issue" Journal Materials:

Issue Articles & Issue Journal instructions
NOTE: Go to these links to complete the "Issue" Journal writing.

Go to Web Site Inspection

ACT Writing Web Site Resources

For vital information about the ACT Writing test and to learn how to pass the test go to the ACT Writing web site for narrated slide show presentations and workshops. We will be using this web site during the class to prepare for the exam. You will also be able to review the materials online after class and at home if you have an Internet-connected computer. This class will not use all aspects of the web site.

Goal of the Course:

This course is designed to give the students the writing skills, as well as knowledge of grammar and essay form required so to be able to pass the CUNY/ACT Writing test. The Critical Inquiry method will be used throughout to enable the student to read comprehensively and analytically and to write thoughtful well-organized, grammatically-correct essays

Text & Materials: 

  • Coy, Penelope, et al. Basic Grammar and Usage. 5th ed.. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publisher, 1998.
  • Two 3.5 diskettes
  • A collegiate dictionary
  • e-mail address & access to an Internet connected computer.
  • A folder with pockets (for 'Issue' Journal, daily reflections, and hand-outs)
To be eligible to take the ACT Writing test you must:
  1. Attend all nine [9] classes.
  2. Complete all ACT Writing Prep Tests (three total).
  3. Attend at least seven [7] tutoring sessions (attending all tutoring sessions will greatly aid you in passing the exam)..
  4. Complete one typed Letter to the Editor essay--300-400 words (over the weekend).
  5. Complete the ACT Workshop Letter.
  6. Complete all the Issue Journals (three total).
Writing and Reading Work:
  1. Quizzes—Throughout this short semester you will be given brief quizzes by your S.I.s and Professor to check your mastery of standard grammar and sentence writing skills.
  2. Practice ACT exam writing—You will be given at least three practice ACT writing tests. These essays will be returned for you to correct as instructed.
  3. Critical Inquiry of various issues and ACT Prompts—We will read several argumentative essays [obtainable from this site] and determine the Issue, Conclusion, and Reasons during in-class discussions.
  4. Week-end Assignment—Write one 300-400 word letter to the editor type essay based on one of the articles read during the week and an interpretive question that came out of class discussions--in the form of a CUNY/ACT Prompt..
  5. Read aloud your writing in class, at tutoring, and at home. In fact, you should read aloud whenever and wherever you can, both your own writing and professional writing.

READING ALOUD is key to becoming a competent writer.
GENERAL CLASS SCHEDULING
9:30 - 10am -- GRAMMAR & SENTENCE STRUCTURE topics discussed - Followed-up at tutoring sessions.
10 - 11am
INVESTIGATION of an opinionated essay - Based on Issue Journal questions [click to go to instructions]		 11:15am - 12:15pm

Part of each class will be in the SEEK computer lab using the ACT Writing web site.

 12:15 - 12:30pm REVIEW
Journal writing-full sentences
  • What did I learn today?
  • What is confusing?
  • What do I need to focus on to pass the ACT Writing exam?
TUTORING SESSIONS to follow every class - at least one hour. Complete Tutor Report Sheet.
 
Reading & Testing Schedule--Issue Journals are to completed by the date indicated:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Jan. 6th

Introduce Course

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorials - Introduction & Grading the ACT test
Begin Work on 1st Issue Journal

Jan. 7th
1st Issue Journal due

Prep ACT Test #1
10 - 11am

Computer Lab - 11:15 Tutorial - ACT prompt

 Jan. 8th
Go over ACT Prep Test #1

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorial - Brainstorming for Reasons #1 & #2
Begin Work on 2nd Issue Journal

Jan. 9th
2nd Issue Journal due

Prep ACT Test #2
10 - 11am

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Workshop - Brainstorming for Reasons

Jan. 10th
Go over ACT Prep Test #2

Write a prompt for weekend essay.

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorial - From Brainstorming to ACT Letter #1 & #2

Jan. 13th
Hand-in first weekend essay - typed, double-spaced

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Workshop - From Brainstorming to ACT Letter
Begin Work on 3rd Issue Journal

Jan. 14th
3rd Issue Journal due

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorial - Proofreading
Complete Workshop ACT Letter.

Jan. 15th
Hand-in Workshop ACT Letter - typed, double-spaced or written out

Prep ACT Test #3
10 - 11am

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorial - Writing simply.

Jan. 16th
Go over ACT Prep Test #3.

Go over Workshop ACT Letter

Computer Lab - 11:15 - Tutorial - Nerves

Jan. 17th

 

CUNY/ACT WRITING TEST

Summary of Topics to be discussed and mastered:

  • Discovering the parts of the the ACT prompt.
  • Asking relevant Questions.
  • Brainstorming for Reasons and Supporting Ideas.
  • Writing a Thesis Statement - answer to the ACT prompt.
  • Writing introduction and concluding paragraphs for an ACT essay.
  • Writing body paragraphs with detailed Reasons for an ACT essay.

Sign the following statement before beginning the class:

I will commit myself for the next three weeks to mastering the necessary skills needed to pass the ACT Writing Exam and to becoming a better writer. I realize that I will have to work everyday and concentrate if I am to reach my goal. Furthermore, I promise to read aloud every night for the next two weeks from the New York Times or a newspaper of my choice or a book that I enjoy.

Signature _____________________________________________________________

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