Designed primarily for students whose first language is not English, this course offers practice in expository writing, providing work beyond advanced IEL courses for students who need additional preparation for rigorous college writing courses. Special attention will be paid to ways in which English writing and grammar differ from those of other languages, but primary emphasis will be on preparation for writing strong academic essays. Back to top of page. Harvard College students see additional information . Students read literary works and write focused, persuasive essays on literary topics.
Discussions encourage students to read closely and think clearly in order to write more effectively.
Students learn to write essays that demonstrate their competence as critics. Back to top of page. Harvard College students see additional information . Students read varying viewpoints on controversial current issues, such as medical ethics, legal issues, or the environment, and learn analysis and presentation of conflicting opinions. They also learn to transform their own assertions and viewpoints into coherent arguments.