Day Two: Culture, Communication & CAE Essay Tips

In today's class, we will talk about a lot of different things that are all interrelated. We will begin by talking what culture is and how it determine who we are and how we relate to one another. From there, we will discuss the importance of understanding the culture from which the language we are speaking/learning learning (because not only did this language emerge from said culture, but it helps to shape the culture as they both evolve). An outline (and materials) for this class can be found below. 

Day Two: Culture, Communication & CAE Essay Tips

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Create simple definitions for the concept of "culture"
2. Explain how culture influences communication
3. Define the idea of "audience" as it pertains to academic writing 
4. Define the idea of "purpose" as it pertains to academic writing 
5. Create a reverse outline of their diagnostic essay 
6. List and exemplify two ways to maintain a formal, academic tone in their writing 

Procedure

I. Warm-Up 

How was your weekend? Did anybody do anything fun? Or exciting? Or boring? How are your other classes going? Do you have any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz 

I hope you all prepared for the quiz. It will be on these words. Good luck! 

III. Culture and Communication

With a partner, discuss the following questions: 

• What is "culture"? Can you create a simple definition for the idea? 
• What other ideas/terms do you associate with culture? Make a list. 
• How is the idea of "culture" related to the way we communicate? 

We will discuss your answers to these questions as a class. Then, I'll propose my answers to them in the form of this presentation.

IV. Audience & Purpose 

After examining the connection between culture and communication, we will discuss the important role that the concepts of audience and purpose play as part of the writing process. 

First, find a new partner and use this worksheet to help organize your brainstorming about audience and purpose. Then, we will follow this with a short analysis of some actual student writing. 

V. Diagnostic Exam: Feedback and Reverse Outlining 

Now, let's continue our discussion of audience and purpose by looking at the diagnostic essay exam. 

We will use this document to keep track of the information we talk about in class. 

First, I will give you some general impressions about the diagnostic exam using this worksheet. As we move through the discussion, I will ask the class to use this outline organizer to create a "reverse" outline of the essay. We will do this together as a class. 

VI. Homework 

Please check the "Homework Tracker" at the top of the page to view the homework for next class.

VII. Interesting Websites
Below, I have included the links to a couple of cool websites related to the topics we discussed today. If you've got a spare minute, check them out:

1. Clichés, Proverbs, Idioms & Sayings (by Michelle Henry)
2. University of Nottingham Academic Word List