As (Freshman) English I may be the last required courses for many students on their way of learning English, this class is designed with the main purpose of cultivating students’ future capability of independent study and functionable use of the language, particularly with respect to reading. Thus various types of reading materials—such as the latest news reports on all topics, argumentative essays (on all kinds of subjects) and literary works (mostly short stories)—will be covered in the class, always with emphasis on developing essential reading skills. As all the reading materials will be in handout form, the class is devoid of a textbook; however, every student will be required to possess a dictionary equipped with English definitions and complete-sentence examples. The grading is composed of (1) class participation (30%), (2) occasional assignments (20%), (3) mid-term (25%), and (4) final exam (25%).