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= Pre-IB Writing Course Overview =

Pre IB Writing is a challenging and rewarding course, designed to prepare you for the writing demands of the International Baccalaureate curriculum. With an emphasis on the importance of pre-writing and research, this course deals closely with thinking skills that are highly transferable to all the IB courses you will encounter in 11th and 12th grades. We will practice important steps of the writing process, which will better enable you to complete any of the written assignments for IB courses (especially Languages, Social Studies, Science, and TOK). Additionally, you will be better equipped to face the challenges of writing your Extended Essay and CAS reflections (both required by IB for the full diploma). Just as important, however, is how this course will help you improve your writing for all writing situations, not only for IB courses. Specifically, the focus for this class is to help you improve your ability to effectively structure ideas—whether you are writing persuasive pieces, literary analysis, or reflective responses. Through guided instruction, you will develop your skills in writing with clear __focus__, __organization__, and __support__. We will work on all areas of the writing process—pre-writing and planning, drafting, revising, and editing—so you come away from this course will clear understanding on how to consistently approach written tasks.

The course is developed around the following areas: __Pre-Writing__; __Focus and Support__; __Organizing, Revising, and Editing__; __Comparative Commentary, IB Essays, Extended Essay, CAS reflections and College Essays__; and __Final Project__. In the first class, you will establish your expectations and the efforts you will need to employ to achieve them. These expectations will be revisited regularly as a way of measuring our success. Assessments will include short exercises, outlines, written paragraphs and essays, oral presentations, and written projects.

By practicing and participating, you will succeed in this class and learn how to grow as a writer and a thinker.

Standards
At the finish of this course, you will be expected to have gained competence in the following areas:
 * using language with enjoyment as a vehicle for thought, creativity, learning and self-expression
 * delivering persuasive oral presentations with command of text
 * using critical research strategies and presenting findings effectively
 * revising and editing writing aware of audience and purpose
 * writing with control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure
 * structuring ideas in a logical, persuasive, and engaging manner
 * producing neat final drafts with accurate spelling and correct punctuation and capitalization

**Missed assignments**


 * If you were not present when the work was assigned, __missed assignments are due one class after you return at the beginning of the period__. If you have questions or concerns, you can address it with the teacher or with classmates on the day of your return.
 * If you were present when the work was assigned, __missed assignments are due at the beginning of the period in which you return.__
 * If the assignment is not handed in within a reasonable amount of time, an alternate piece of evidence may be used to assess understanding.

**Missed assessments**


 * If you were not present during an assessment, __you can be assessed at any time upon your return to class__.
 * If the assessment make-up is not addressed in a timely manner, an alternate piece of evidence may be used to assess understanding. Please schedule a make-up with your teacher to avoid this.

Homework must be handed in on A4 size loose-leaf paper, and be written in blue or black ink (or typed). Place homework and assignments in the tray at the start of class.

Work Habits
10% of your grade will be Work Habits, including: volunteering to answer questions; initiating discussion; speaking only in English; positive contributions to groups; cooperation in class; regular and punctual attendance; submitting assignments on time; employing appropriate formats; following directions on assignments; making up work promptly after absences; maintaining binder and notebook. Grading is based on the IB’s 1 to 7 scale. By contributing to the learning community—collaborating with others, sharing ideas effectively, and learning to be self-directed—you will both enrich your own learning and help make this a successful class for all.

Materials Needed
In order to succeed in this class you will need to bring the following to class: Your notebook and binder will be checked periodically for neatness and completion.
 * 2-ring binder with dividers
 * a notebook
 * school planner
 * loose-leaf (binder/file) paper
 * blue or black pens; pencil; highlighter; eraser; colored pencils; pencil sharpener; whiteout; glue stick; ruler

Guidelines For Written Work
Students should follow the guidelines for written work below:

Handwritten work must be in pen. Typed work:
 * Submitted work should be double- or 1.5-spaced.
 * All work should include a header and title as well as the date. The header should include the student’s first and last name. The subsequent pages should have the student’s family name and a page number.
 * Font size 12 (Times New Roman, Palatino, Garamond are recommended, or similar serif font)
 * All submitted work must have margins. From the left side of the page, you should maintain a margin of 2.5cm.

Creating a Learning Community
I expect students to treat me, each other, and the classroom, with respect. We’ll work together to make this classroom a place where everyone feels comfortable at all times. Please do not eat, drink, chew gum, or do work from other classes in this room, and always raise your hand to speak.

Come to class prepared to work. Be sitting in your assigned seat, with all your materials, at (not after) the bell.

Take care of personal business (visits to counselors, the Office, other teachers, your locker and the bathroom, and grooming) before this class begins. Electronic devices, including MP3 players and electronic games, are not permitted in the classroom, and mobile phones must be switched off and kept in your bag or locker. At the end of the lesson, please clean up around your desk and wait in your seat for the bell.

You are responsible for taking notes in your notebook and making up any work missed during an absence. You are also responsible for picking up any handouts, notes or assignments from me, on the day you return. All work must be your own: plagiarism and cheating are unacceptable.

If you follow directions and avoid off-task conversations with classmates you will get the most from your learning experience. If you ever feel uncomfortable or dissatisfied with this class, please let me know. If you would like individual help I am available before and after school and during lunchtimes. You may also email me with questions about your homework. Welcome. I am truly looking forward to working with you this year.

elincoln@chapelschool.com bebelincoln@yahoo.com
 * Ms. Lincoln. **