ELD Five Academic Syllabus Handout
High School English Language Development
Course: ELD 5 (Bridging / Advanced Level)
Academic Year: 2026–2027
Room: ________ • Period: ________
Course Syllabus & Academic Writing Guide
Student Name:
Instructor:
Date:
1. Course Description & Purpose
High School ELD 5 is designed for advanced multilingual scholars preparing for college and career literacy. In this course, students master how coherent spoken, written, and multimodal texts are constructed across various academic genres. Students will intentionally expand and condense ideas, craft sophisticated sentence structures, and build seamless cohesion across entire essays and presentations.
2. Core Framework: The 4 Key Language Uses (KLUs)
Students will read, analyze, and produce academic discourse across four essential genre purposes:
A. Narrate (Narrative Writing) Personal Experience & Reflection
Learning Goal: I can craft nuanced narratives using sensory detail, varied pacing, and reflective themes.
Model Stem: "Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events during [Context], I came to realize that [Insight]..."
B. Inform (Informative Writing) Synthesis & Categorization
Learning Goal: I can synthesize multiple sources to define, categorize, and objectively explain complex concepts.
Model Stem: "[Subject] is defined by [Core Property], which directly influences how [System] operates..."
C. Explain (Explanatory Writing) Causes, Effects & Mechanisms
Learning Goal: I can explain underlying mechanisms by linking causes/effects, factors/outcomes, and events/consequences.
Model Stem: "A critical factor contributing to [Outcome] was [Underlying Condition], resulting in [Consequence]..."
D. Argue (Argumentative Writing) Claims, Evidence & Concession
Learning Goal: I can construct defensible arguments supported by evidence while addressing counterclaims with concession.
Model Stem: "Despite the obvious problems with [Counterclaim], proponents maintain that [Claim] due to [Evidence]..."
High School ELD 5 Syllabus • Department of Multilingual Education Page 1 of 2
ELD 5 Syllabus • Part II Writing Expansion Strategies & Course Policies
3. How Students Will Expand Their Academic Writing
Throughout this course, students will systematically apply four linguistic expansion tools:
1. Expanded Noun Groups
Condensing information using pre-modifiers (adjectives/nouns) and post-modifiers (prepositional & relative clauses).
"the chemical element with symbol H and atomic number 1"
2. Complex Sentence Craft
Expressing sophisticated relationships of concession, condition, cause, and contrast.
"Although evidence indicates [X], [Y] occurs unless [Z]..."
3. Cohesion Across Whole Texts
Linking paragraphs via pronoun referents, synonym chains, and discourse signposts (e.g., consequently, furthermore).
4. Precision & Shades of Meaning
Elevating register from everyday speech to cross-disciplinary and domain-specific technical vocabulary.
4. Assessment & Grading Breakdown
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|
| Writing Portfolios & Culminating Essays (4 KLUs) | 40% |
| Academic Seminar Discussions & Oral Presentations | 25% |
| Language Expansion Labs & Grammar Practice | 20% |
| Reading Logs & Academic Vocabulary Journal | 15% |
5. Classroom Expectations & Materials
Required Materials:
- 3-ring binder with 4 labeled dividers (KLUs)
- College-ruled notebook & blue/black pens
- School-issued digital device & charger
Academic Expectations:
- Engage actively in structured peer discussions.
- Complete multi-draft revisions using teacher feedback.
- Maintain an ongoing academic vocabulary log.
6. Student Commitment & Academic Goal
My Personal Writing Goal for ELD 5:
"I have read and understand the expectations, learning objectives, and grading policies for High School ELD 5."
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
High School ELD 5 Syllabus • Department of Multilingual Education Page 2 of 2
