This course is for students approaching the intermediate level in English. It aims to develop the four language competencies (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in order to permit students to communicate effectively in basic situations and to develop techniques to continue learning the language on their own. As students are evaluated on how they express themselves in class activities and on tests, success depends primarily on the ability to communicate their message clearly. However, the course also demands a good understanding of verb tenses and fundamental grammar rules.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize the main ideas of an oral or written message.
• Write a clear and coherent text of 200 to 300 words.
• Give a short oral presentation and/or participate in a debate on a familiar topic.

• Verb tenses: simple present, simple past; present progressive, past progressive; present perfect; future forms
• Modal verbs
• Interrogatives and negatives
• Comparative and superlative forms
• Passive voice (for simple tenses only)

This course will require your active participation. Each week, students must prepare for class by completing homework assigned by the teacher. As suggested in the official ‘pondération’ for this course (2-1-3), students should expect three (3) hours of homework per week.

Classes will consist of a variety of activities designed to give you practice in all the language competencies. Most classes will include lectures on selected grammar topics, as well as time for guided speaking practice. Most classes will also include at least one period in a lab setting where you will do reading and listening activities in a computer assisted learning environment.

Every student in this course must meet a conversation monitor at least two (2) times during the session to practice speaking in an informal context. To make an appointment with a monitor, write your name in the binder next to room C2505-9. Each meeting with a monitor will last 20 minutes. The meetings are usually done in groups of 4 students. You will be expected to produce a 150-word report summarizing each of your meetings, and these reports will count for 5% each.

For help with written work and grammar topics, students are encouraged to visit the "Centre d’aide en anglais et langues modernes (CAALM)" where individualized assistance is available. The schedule for this service is posted on the door, and a reservation book for making appointments can be found on the desk beside the door.

• All assignments will be evaluated for accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, pronunciation, etc.).
• To pass this course, you must obtain a total mark of at least 60%.

• NoNonsense English – ESE Grammar Manual. (NOT available at boutique)
• A standard English dictionary.

• All written homework assignments must be submitted in paper form (not digital), double-spaced.
• You MUST be present in class for in-class evaluations. If you are absent, there will be NO OPPORTUNITY to do these evaluations at a later date. No exceptions will be made.
• Extensions for reports will not be granted unless arrangements have been made with me BEFOREHAND.
• For oral presentations, you are not permitted to read from a text.
• Only English may be spoken in class.
• PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY. PLEASE READ MY PLAGIARISM POLICY (available at http://www.oocities.org/ericsquire/policy/plagiat.htm).
• Please read the " Exigences Départementales Particulières " which is posted at http://www.oocities.org/ericsquire/policy/exigdept.htm. This document details the modern language departmental rules.