The course promotes extensive reading outside of class and uses some of the class time to monitor students' outside reading, providing creative ways for them to share their reading with others. The teacher guides students in using search tools for finding suitable reading materials in the library and on the internet. The course also reinforces and practices reading comprehension and vocabulary skills that students have begun learning at the intermediate level. Instruction encourages conscious self-selection of vocabulary according to individual needs. Intensive reading of authentic materials done in class reinforces students' understanding of more complex English grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Students continue making gains in reading speed.
Integrating the teaching of writing and grammar, this course helps students perfect their skills in writing well developed, coherent paragraphs and short essays with special attention to editing of grammar. Following a process model of writing, students generally complete 3 or 4 polished paragraphs and 3 polished essays during a semester on topics related to their reading of culturally diverse short texts written by international authors. An important aim is to develop proficiency in the academic skill of writing about and with other texts. Grammar instruction focuses on complex sentence structures and the relationship among sentences in extended text. Rather than systematic study and review of grammar, the teacher's diagnosis of students' needs through their written and spoken discourse will determine the amount of time devoted to grammar practice of particular items.