This course aims to help you attain a higher proficiency in writing and speaking. Given what you already know about research paper writing, a few target skills are selected to enhance critical thinking as well as your ability to construct persuasive arguments. The four modes of writing we will focus on this semester are descriptive narrative, text analysis, cause/effect, and argumentation. Aside from an essay in each of these modes, you will need to keep a journal and embark on a one-year research project. In speaking, you will be constantly engaged in oral reports and discussion. You will also take part in one of two oral training activities that involve all junior students: Teach-and-Learn Work Stations and Debates. Expect to speak and write in English all the time, and have lots of fun.