Moroccan EFL University Students’ Composing Skills in the Balance: Assessment Procedures and Outcomes

Abstract

This chapter reports the results of an empirical study that focused on the procedures used to assess students’ composing skills in some Moroccan universities. The study uses a mixed methods research paradigm where both quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis are employed. Its purpose is to investigate the relationship between the claims of the composition module and its outcomes. It is assumed in this research study that ineffective assessment strategies of composition naturally lead to ineffective composing skills among the students. The rationale underneath this claim is that lack of training into the constituents of the composing skills and attribution of the course to non-specialists is a common practice in most universities and that such outcomes are a sine qua non implication. The results of the study along with asset of implications of the English departments are provided and debated.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Course Description Guidelines (U1)

Course Description

Semester 2: Objective of the Course

The purpose of this course is to initiate students to writing skills by writing small paragraphs. The focus is on basic components of writing, such as the word, the sentence , the punctuation, the capitalisation, and the paragraph as a constitutive part of the essay.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Write clear topic sentences and concluding sentences.

• Write paragraphs considered appropriate for the college level in a variety of rhetorical modes.

• Exhibit effective unity, support, coherence , and mechanics in paragraphs.

• Use punctuation and capitalisation effectively .

• Understand the patterns of organisation, the structures, and the discourse markers involved in descriptive writing and process writing .

• Evaluate their own and others’ writing.

Teaching Method

The course will be based on the three-stage writing strategy (whole class practice, group practice, and individual practice ).

Course Requirements

• Regular attendance is advised

• Active participation is advised

• Regular practice of writing

Course Content

Sessions	Content
Session 1	Paragraph structure 1: the main idea
Session 2	Paragraph structure 2: the topic sentence
Session 3	Paragraph structure 3: body paragraph1: outlining paragraphs
Session 4	Paragraph structure 4: body paragraph 2: supporting ideas
Session 5	Paragraph structure 5: the concluding sentence
Session 6	Coherence 1 + punctuation 1
Session 7	Coherence 2 + combining sentences
Session 8	Unity + capitalisation 1
Session 9	Descriptive writing 1: describing places + punctuation 2 and capitalisation 2
Session 10	Descriptive writing 2: describing people + punctuation 3 and capitalisation 3
Session 11	Descriptive writing 3: describing events + run on sentences 1
Session 12	Process writing 1 + run on sentences 2
Session 13	Process writing 2
Session 14	Process writing 3
Session 15	Review + mock examination

References

• Imhoof, M., & Hudson, H. (1979). From paragraph to essay. Harlow: Longman.

• Jupp, T. C., & Milne, J. (1972). Guided paragraph writing: A first course in English composition with structural practice. Reprinted in 1979. Heinemann Educational Books.

Appendix 2: Course Description Guidelines (Univ. 2)

Composition 1 (Semester)

This course emphasises the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication , as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing facility in any context . In addition, it teaches students that the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing they must do is based on reading as well as on personal experience and observation.

1.4. DESCRIPTION DU CONTENU DU MODULE ♣ Fournir une description détaillée des enseignements et/ou activités pour le module (Cours, TD, TP, Activités Pratiques, ….). ♣ Pour le cas des Licences d’Etudes Fondamentales, se conformer au contenu du tronc commun national. Composition 1 Semester 2 Course Description

• Week 1. S 2 course will cover the following: Review of paragraph structure—Paragraph structure—Formatting a paragraph—The topic sentence—Paragraph unity—Coherence in a paragraph

• Week 2. From paragraph to short essay: The paragraph and the short essay: Different structures—Short essay organisation—Types of essays

• Week 3. Exploring the Writing Process: The Writing Process—Subject, Audience, and Purpose Week

• Week 4. The Process of Writing an Essay (part 1): (3 paragraphs)—Prewriting to Generate Ideas—Generating Ideas for the Body—Outlining

• Week 5. The Process of Writing an Essay (part 2): (3 paragraphs)—Writing introductions: Hook—Background information —Thesis statement, Cycle licence 42/145 2014

• Week 6. The Process of Writing an Essay (part 3): (3 paragraphs)—Thesis statement vs. topic sentence—The title—The Conclusion: Different types

• Week 7. Ordering and Linking Paragraphs in the Essay: Writing and Revising Essays Cohesion: Practice Coherence: Practice—Revising Essays: Checklist (The Process of Writing an Essay)

• Week 8. The Narrative Essay: Narrative organisation—Showing sequence in narrative essays: Time adverbs, etc.—Adding details—Practice: Several drafts with checklists

• Week 9. The Descriptive Essay: Descriptive organisation—Prepositional phrases—Using adjectives in descriptive writing—Order of adjectives—Similes— Practice: Writing with time limit

• Week 10. The Comparison and Contrast Essay: Comparison and contrast organisation—Comparison connectors—Contrast connectors—Using comparatives in comparison and contrast essays—Practice: Students write several drafts and use checklists for peer editing

• Week 11. The Cause and Effect Essay: Using cause expressions: Practice —Using consequence expressions—Outlining: Practice—Drafting and editing: Practice

• Week 12. The Opinion Essay: Opinion organisation—Fact and opinion—Counter-argument and refutation—Using connectors to show support and opposition—Practice : Drafting and editing

Appendix 3: Course Description GUIDELINES (Univ.2)

Composition 2: S3 (Semester 3)

1.1. Objectives of the module: The purpose of this course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. Students should be encouraged to place their emphasis on content, purpose, and audience and to allow this focus to guide the organisation of their writing. This course is designed to provide a guide for the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Composition 2 Week Description

• Week 1. Review: Paragraph structure: Types of topic sentence—Supports—Details—Conclusion—Unity and coherence

• Week 2. Types of sentences: Clauses: Dependent/independent—Simple sentence—Compound sentence—Complex sentence—Compound/complex sentence.

• Week 3. Sentence: Sentence problems—Sentence fragments—Choppy sentences—Parallelism

• Week 4. Essay structure: 5 paragraph-essay—The seven steps of process writing :

• Week 5. Brainstorming and outlining: Types of brainstorming: (1) Listing, (2) mapping, (3) free-writing. Practice—Types of outlines—Practice

• Week 6. Introduction and Conclusion—Elements of introduction—Types of introductions

• Week 7 Elements of conclusion Cycle Licence 64/145 2014—Practice and peer-editing

• Week 8. Thesis Statement: Structure of thesis statement—Types: divided/undivided—Problems

• Week 9. Cause/Effect essay: Block organisation—Chain organisation—Signal words and phrases—Practice: Process writing

• Week 10. Comparison/Contrast Essay:

• Week 11. Process Essay: Understanding process—Outlining—Chronological order—Transition signals

• Week 12. Argumentative Essay: Understanding argumentation—Outlining—Arguments and counter-arguments—Logical fallacies—Practice: Drafting and editing