Site for basic English grammar. Click on “Table of Contents”.
http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/
Will be helpful for the reading comprehension section of the ATIA associate-level exam.
http://ets.org/toefl
Guide to writing and grammar
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Courses at Athabasca University
Athabasca University offers a variety of courses that could be useful to translators and language professionals. All courses are delivered by distance-education. Please check the website for information regarding individual course fees.
English (ENGL) 140
Grammar
This course is designed for students who need to revise or upgrade their grammar skills to ensure accuracy of communication before proceeding with other courses or post-secondary studies. There is a thorough and systematic review of grammatical structures and their use in authentic language situations. Although this course studies grammar from an ESL perspective, it is also appropriate for native speakers of English who need to improve their grammar skills.
ENGL 140 may be recommended for students interested in taking ENGL 177 or ENGL 187.
English (ENGL) 143
Writing for Academic Purposes
This course is designed for students who need a thorough foundation in writing skills before pursuing other courses of study. A developmental approach to the writing process guides students through writing sentences, paragraphs, and an essay. Participation in the editing process helps students to better analyze and improve their own writing skills. This course is appropriate for both ESL students and native speakers of English who require a good grounding in writing, or who need to upgrade their writing skills, before proceeding with further studies. This course may be recommended for students intending to take ENGL 177 or ENGL 187.
English (ENGL) 146
Advanced Reading Skills
This course is designed for students who need to upgrade and practice their reading skills to improve general comprehension and reading efficiency. While working on specific skills throughout the course, students will also be improving the general skills of comprehension, dictionary usage, and reading speed. This course is appropriate for both ESL students and native speakers of English who need to upgrade their general reading ability before proceeding further with their education. This course may be recommended for students intending to take ENGL 177 or ENGL 187.
English (ENGL) 155
Developing Writing Skills
ENGL 155 is designed for students who require a preparatory course in writing skills. The major objective of the course is to improve students’ reading and writing abilities so they can succeed at the post-secondary level. Students will expand their vocabulary, increase their ability to analyse complex text, and improve their writing skills. The course includes paragraph and essay structure, and a systematic grammar review.
English (ENGL) 177
English for Academic Purposes
This course provides an introduction to university studies for students who wish to attend a post-secondary institution where English is the medium of instruction. The aim of this course is to prepare students to succeed in complex academic tasks in writing, reading, and listening. This is a general academic preparatory course designed from an ESL perspective. However, it is also appropriate for native speakers of English who are in need of general academic preparation.
English (ENGL) 187
Writing and Speaking for Business: An ESL Approach
This course is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge and expertise in business communication. The course covers important business concepts, vocabulary, and forms (letters, memos, reports) and develops strategies and writing skills based on audience awareness. A pronunciation/accent reduction component improves oral communication ability and the integration of a comprehensive grammar review increases the accuracy of communication. Both grammar and pronunciation are taught from an ESL perspective. ENGL 187 is recommended as a preparatory course for ESL students intending to take ADMN 233 or other business related courses.
English (ENGL) 255
Introductory Composition
ENGL 255 focuses on essay writing at the university level. In order to improve essay-writing skills, students study examples of good writing and write a summary and five essays, including an informal personal essay and four formal expository or persuasive essays.This is not a creative writing course nor a course for people learning English as a second language. Nor is ENGL 255 a remedial course for students deficient in basic writing skills. This course assumes at least a senior high school level of competency in both grammar and composition. If uncertain which writing skills course to take, students should consult the course coordinator.
