Custom Extra Credit Assignment

Extra credit in this course rewards exceptional effort, consistency, and self-directed learning. This opportunity to design your own extra credit assignment is for students who want to go above and beyond the regular coursework to deepen their business English skills in an area of their choosing.

Note: This page presents just one way that you can get extra credit in this course. For more extra credit options see our Course Policies page.

Custom Assignment Guidelines

Requirements

Your custom assignment must:

Equal scope: Approximately the same amount of work as a regular 3-point course assignment
Connect to course content: Reference specific units, vocabulary, or concepts from class
Include clear deliverables: Specific, measurable outcomes you will produce
Be self-guided: Minimal professor supervision required
Include self-assessment: Create your own rubric for evaluation

Timeline

Week 1-9: Brainstorm and develop your idea
Week 10 deadline: Submit proposal for approval
Week 11-15: Complete your assignment
Week 15 deadline: Submit completed work
Weeks 16-17: No extra credit (focus on final project)

Proposal Requirements

Submit a 1-page proposal including:

Assignment description: What you will create/accomplish
Course connections: How it relates to specific course content
Deliverables: Exactly what you will submit
Timeline: How you will complete it by Week 15
Self-assessment rubric: How you will evaluate your own work

Custom Assignment Ideas

Business Communication Projects

Business English Glossary: Create a comprehensive glossary of 75-100 business terms with definitions, example sentences, and cultural usage notes
Cross-Cultural Communication Guide: Develop a practical guide for US-Mexico business interactions with real scenarios and language examples
Industry-Specific Analysis: Research and document industry-specific communication in finance, technology, manufacturing, etc.

Professional Development Projects

Business Presentation Portfolio: Create and record 3-5 mini-presentations on different business topics with self-reflection on improvement
Business Writing Portfolio: Develop templates and examples for various business documents not covered in class
Training Materials: Create business English learning materials for a specific audience (new employees, international partners, etc.)

Research and Analysis Projects

Business Case Study: Analyze a contemporary business communication challenge and propose solutions using course concepts
Comparative Business Practices: Research and compare business communication norms between Mexico and another country
Business English Trend Analysis: Investigate how business English is evolving in the digital age with recommendations for professionals

Creative Application Projects

Business Simulation: Design a business scenario simulation with roles, dialogue, and language learning objectives
Business Infographic: Use your graphic design skills to create an infographic that communicates key policies or about new business programs and updates
Digital Business Communication Audit: Evaluate a company’s digital communications and provide improvement recommendations

Media and Technology Projects

Business Podcast Series: Create 3-4 episodes on business English topics with transcripts and learning materials
Video Tutorial Series: Develop instructional videos on specific business communication skills
Business English App Evaluation: Test and compare business English learning apps with detailed analysis and recommendations

Evaluation Criteria

Your custom assignment will be evaluated on:

Content Quality (1 point)

Demonstrates clear understanding of business English concepts
Shows depth of research and analysis
Connects meaningfully to course material

Professional Presentation (1 point)

Well-organized and clearly structured
Professional formatting and presentation
Error-free grammar and spelling

Initiative and Creativity (1 point)

Shows original thinking and personal initiative
Goes beyond minimum requirements
Demonstrates practical application of learning

Getting Started

Step 1: Reflect on Your Goals

What aspects of business English interest you most?
How does business English connect to your career plans?
What skills do you want to develop further?

Step 2: Review Course Content

Look at all 5 units and weekly topics
Identify areas you want to explore deeper
Consider how you can apply concepts to real situations

Step 3: Choose Your Format

What type of project matches your strengths?
What format will best demonstrate your learning?
What can you realistically complete by Week 15?

Step 4: Develop Your Proposal

Write a clear, specific description
Create a realistic timeline
Design your self-assessment rubric

Step 5: Complete Your Assignment

Produce quality deliverables with a professional presentation
Assess your work for creativity, quality and professionalism
Submit your deliverables and your self assessment

Important Reminders

Maximum 5 extra credit points total (5 points is equivalent to 5% of your final grade for the class)
Approval required by Week 10 - no exceptions
No extensions - must be completed by Week 15
Quality over quantity - focus on doing excellent work rather than just meeting requirements
This is optional - only pursue if you have time and genuine interest

Questions?

Get in touch with your peers or your course instructor for help with:

Brainstorming assignment ideas
Developing your proposal
Understanding the requirements
Timeline planning

📥 Download this Content

Find this file on our repo and download it.

🤖 GAI Study Prompts

Copy the downloaded content and try it with these prompts:

“Help me brainstorm a custom assignment idea that matches my career interests in [field]”
“Create a timeline for completing my extra credit project by Week 15”
“Help me develop a self-assessment rubric for my proposed assignment”
“What are the most important elements to include in my extra credit proposal?”

Next: Review the Bibliography for course resources and recommended readings.