Course Basics
What is the full course name?
AICE General Paper
What is the target word count range for the academic essay the students must write by the end of the course?
600-700
What two major assessment types are included in this course?
Writing test and a reading comprehension test
which writing tool is required by the syllabus?
A Pen (erasable is allowed)
The syllabus suggests using readings from what to support class learning and writing?
Readings from other subjects and current events
List two materials students must bring to class?
Pens, Ploy folder with paper, extra folder
What Cambridge exam does this course prepare students to take?
AS General Paper Exam
According to the syllabus, from what should students gather information to build arguments?
A range of sources across subjects and current events
Name two (2) grammar or paragraph-related skills students will review at the start of the year?
review grammar skills; high-level academic paragraphs
Give one example of a topic listed in the syllabus that could be connected to a current event?
example: the environment could connect to climate change policy
According to the syllabus, what must students do when absent?
Get their absences excused by student affairs
What two writing features does the syllabus explicitly say students will apply to essays?
Grammar rules; high-level academic paragraphs; essay writing
What is one rule the syllabus implies about the organization of handouts and course materials?
Keep all handouts and course materials organized and available all year.
What class expectation about deadlines is stated in the syllabus?
Meet due dates, extensions are not negotiable
Name three classes can you connect topics/ current events from for this class?
Science, history, engineering, tv production, sports, music, drama, art, ROTC, ...
Give two attributes the course aims to develop in students (choose from the syllabus list)
confident; responsible; reflective; innovative; engaged
explain one way students should use current events in their essays.
use them to support claims and examples in their essays
Describe one strategy for evaluating the reliability of a source that fits this course's expectations?
Check author credentials, publication date, corroborations, and bias; prefer reputable outlets and primary sources
identify one common punctuation rule students should consistently apply in academic essays?
use commas to separate clauses correctly; use subject/verb agreement; use consistent tense; avoid comma splices
Explain how connecting ideas from other subject areas could strengthen an argumentative essay
cross disciplinary evidence provides broader context and strengthens claims by showing multiple perspectives and types of evidence
Name two broad topic areas the course will study throughout the year?
economics; ethics; government; politics; the environment; science; technology; the arts; culture; social interactions; relationships
What is the three step process a students should use to build a clear argument from multiple sources? (Not stated explicitly in syllabus)
~ Gather evidence from multiple sources
~evaluate and select relevant evidence
~synthesize evidence into a coherent claim and supporting paragraphs
Give a brief example of how to synthesize evidence from two different subject areas to support a claim?
use a government report on unemployment (history) and a scientific study on automation (science) to argue how technology affects jobs and social policy
Provide a brief revision checklist (4 things) students should look for before submitting an essay
1. check thesis clarity and topic sentences; 2. verify evidence and citations 3. correct grammar, punctuation and paragraph structure 4. confirm word count and academic tone
Draft a one sentence thesis that connects a specific current event (climate policy) to an ethical question appropriate for this course.
Example thesis ~ "while climate policy debates focus on economic costs, ethical obligations to vulnerable populations require stronger mitigation measures to ensure intergenerational justice".