Online Class: Writing Basics 101 — Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures

Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school. Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about 'the minor details.' It's time to relearn those 'minor details' that can help you write and read more effectively.
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We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.
 
  • 26
    Lessons
  • 68
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 0
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school.  Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about "the minor details." It's time to relearn those "minor details" that can help you write and read more effectively.  But it's hard to fix something unless you know how it works. 
 
This self-paced, stress-free course is designed for students wanting to improve their basic writing skills as well as for business writers, creative writers and office staff wanting to improve poor work-related writing (and avoid embarrassing their bosses and themselves).
 
Our innovative course is designed as a refresher course for those who need to brush up on their skills and as a reference for anyone who wants to be able to look up the rules for confusing grammatical questions quickly and easily.  After you've reviewed the basic rules of grammar and spelling, you can move on to the lessons on writing style for tips on improving your sentence and paragraph structure, how to polish your writing and how to avoid common errors.
 
Although this course is completely online, it doesn't mean that you'll be left on your own.  The instructor will be grading assignments and tests and is available through email to answer any questions and provide guidance.  Why not join us, learn at your own pace and your own schedule and reap the benefits?
Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Mastering the Art of Grammar and Punctuation: A Comprehensive Guide

1 Points
Misplaced punctuation can dramatically distort sentence meaning, making grammar a key aspect of personal credibility and perceived intelligence in both academic and professional settings. Structuring the lesson into sections on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and writing strategies, the guide offers quizzes and resources to refine communication skills. Additional lesson topics: Parts of Speech Lesson; Weird A Yankovic; Complete English Punctuation Rules; Perfect English Grammar; Spelling Rules
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Introduction Assignment

Lesson 2: Mastering Spelling: A Comprehensive Guide to Singular and Plural Forms

10 Points
Many of us unconsciously apply spelling rules, but a review can help navigate challenging words and exceptions. Words are often pluralized by adding 's,' but specific endings require different treatments, highlighting the complexity of English spelling. Additional lesson topics: 10 Tips to improve your spelling
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Personal Spelling Average
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Spell and Tell: Essential Words to Know

35 Points
The lesson lists frequent spelling pitfalls in American English, offering a guide to mastering them with various hands-on strategies. Learners are tasked with recognizing challenging words and reinforcing their correct spellings through engaging activities. Additional lesson topics: Commonly confused words-
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Review 14 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Spelling Resources
  • Assessment: Spelling 3-1 Exercise
  • Assessment: Spelling 3-2 Exercise

Lesson 4: Plural Challenges: Names and Numbers Simplified

127 Points
Lesson Summary 1
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review 4 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise B
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise C
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise D
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise F
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise G
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise H
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise A
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise E

Lesson 5: Spelling Rules Unveiled: Deciphering 'ie' vs 'ei'

145 Points
In learning the rules for 'ie' and 'ei,' the rhyme offers a notable tool, capturing the essence of most spelling patterns, though exceptions still require attention and memorization to avoid confusion with irregular cases. The straightforwardness of words ending in -cede, however, significantly reduces word-ending ambiguities.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise C
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise D
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise E
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise G
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise H
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise I
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise J
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise A
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise B
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise F

Lesson 6: Unlocking the Mysteries of Prefixes and Suffixes: A Comprehensive Guide

82 Points
While prefixes like 'auto-' and 'sub-' seamlessly attach to words without spelling alterations, suffixes demand attention to the root's ending, especially when faced with exceptions like 'truly' or 'judgment.' Proficiency in spelling with suffixes relies on carefully navigating numerous rules and understanding when to drop or keep letters.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise B
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise C
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise D
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise E
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise A

Lesson 7: Prefix & Suffix Insight

40 Points
Using prefixes such as 'im-' and 'sub-,' words can be changed to reflect negation or positioning, as in 'immobile' for not moving or 'subdivision' for positioning beneath. The suffixes '-ance' and '-ence' adjust words to signify states or acts, seen in 'independence' and 'persistence.' Additional lesson topics: Test your proofreading and Spelling skills
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Spelling Exercise A
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Spelling Exercise B

Lesson 8: Sound-Alike Words to Watch: Don't Let Their Spelling Trick You

56 Points
Homonyms such as 'complement' and 'compliment' share sounds but differ in usage and meaning, underscoring the need for attention to detail in writing. Regular practice with homonym definitions supports the development of precision and accuracy in conveying intended messages through text. Additional lesson topics: List of 200 Homonyms
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review 6 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise B
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise A
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise C
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise D

Lesson 9: Subject and Predicate: Sentence Structure Simplified

20 Points
Subjects and predicates are foundational to sentence construction, with subjects answering 'who' or 'what' and predicates providing action or information about the subject. Using compound subjects and predicates introduces complexity and requires attention to grammar rules, such as maintaining proper subject-verb agreement. Additional lesson topics: Subject and Predicate; Subject/Predicate Exercises; Subject/Verb Agreement; Subject and Predicate
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Rate Your Grammar Skills
  • Assessment: Spelling Test 9 - Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Navigating the Complexity of Verb Tenses: Present, Past, and Future

41 Points
Writers must navigate the web of verb tenses to clearly describe actions across time—past, present, and future. Familiarity with both regular and irregular verbs is crucial for precision and credibility in communication. Additional lesson topics: English Grammar -- Present Simple -- Structure
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review 14 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exercise: Simple Present Verb Tenses
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exercise: Irregular Verbs
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exercise: Find the Verb

Lesson 11: The Role of Nouns and Pronouns in Constructing Sentences

49 Points
Nouns, the essential components of language, may be single or compound and can name tangible or conceptual items. Pronouns streamline communication, but writers must navigate challenges such as pronoun-antecedent agreement and avoiding unclear references.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exercise: Find the Subject Noun
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exercise: Using the Correct Pronoun
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exercise: Correct Pronoun Use
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exercise: Pronoun Substitution

Lesson 12: Adjectives & Adverbs Demystified

42 Points
How you define things depends heavily on adjectives, which describe nouns with greater precision, and participles can double as such descriptors. Adverbs fine-tune meanings by modifying verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs, and they play a crucial role in comparative forms. Additional lesson topics: Additional Examples of Adjectives and Adverbs
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Review 7 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exercise: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exercise: Identifying Adjectives and Adverbs

Lesson 13: Mastering the Art of Prepositional Modifiers

34 Points
Prepositional phrases, common in language, describe relationships using a preposition and a noun or pronoun and can function as adjectives or adverbs. Words like 'behind' can toggle between acting as prepositions or adverbs based on their grammatical context. Additional lesson topics: Self-Test on Prepositional Phrases; Identifying Prepositional Phrases; Grammar and Mechanics
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7110.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exercise: Identify the Preposition

Lesson 14: The Essential Guide to Understanding Which vs. That

11 Points
A clause includes both a subject and a verb, distinguishing it from a phrase, and forms part of a sentence, providing specific details or clarifications. Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences, while subordinate clauses add supplementary information but cannot function independently. Additional lesson topics: Difference Between That and Which; Independent VS Dependent Clauses
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Sentence Stoppers: Crafting Meaning with Punctuation

20 Points
Punctuation marks serve as the intonation and pauses in written language, crucially guiding the reader's understanding and interpretation of the text. Examples demonstrate how varying punctuation can morph the entirety of a message, from loving sentiments to harsh rejections. Additional lesson topics: Periods and Other End Stops; The Proper Use Of The Period and Other End Marks
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-Grammar_Punctuation_Wk_2.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Rate Your Punctuation Skills
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exercise: Sentence Punctuation

Lesson 16: Comma Usage 101

19 Points
Commas may seem inconspicuous, but they're indispensable for conveying clear written meaning, particularly in five major contexts: separating sentence components, offsetting dialogue, marking parentheticals, listing items, and indicating omissions. While proper comma usage enhances clarity and flow, overuse can disrupt readability, making it crucial to apply commas with purpose and precision. Additional lesson topics: Comma Use Exercise
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Proper Apostrophe Use: Ownership, Contractions, and More

22 Points
Mastering apostrophes involves knowing when they show possession, form contractions, or define unusual plurals, though mistakes abound. Add 's to singular possessive nouns, an apostrophe to plural possessive nouns ending in s, and remember tricky pronouns don’t use apostrophes for possession. Additional lesson topics: Apostrophe Use Exercise; Apostrophe Rules
  • Lesson 17 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exercise: Using Apostrophes

Lesson 18: An Exploration of Colons: From Lists to Annunciatory Usage

8 Points
Colons can precede elaborative details or lists, amplifying sentence clarity and impact, whereas semicolons adeptly unify complete but related sentences. This understanding fosters more effective communication in writing. Additional lesson topics: Commas vs. semicolons exercises; Semicolon and Colon Rules
  • Lesson 18 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Understanding Hyphen Use in Everyday Writing

19 Points
Hyphens are essential for dividing words at the end of lines and creating compound words, enabling clarity and readability in writing. Pay attention to syllables when splitting words and consult dictionaries as compound word forms frequently evolve.
  • Lesson 19 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 19 Exercise: Hyphen Usage

Lesson 20: 'Mastering Quotation Marks: A Guide to Dialogue and Citations'

8 Points
Quotes aren't just for dialogue—they underscore segment text for emphasis, introduce titles, and enclose contextual or ironic phrases, enhancing both reader understanding and engaging content delivery. They further convey the nuances of textual elements such as magazine passages or literary works. Additional lesson topics: Quotation mark exercises; Quotation Marks
  • Lesson 20 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-GrammarPunctuation_Wk_1.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21: Unlocking the Power of Effective Sentences

30 Points
Well-crafted sentences serve as the foundation for engaging paragraphs, and without them, readers lose interest regardless of content quality. By blending short, simple sentences into intricate structures, writers guide their audience smoothly through the narrative. Additional lesson topics: Compound Subjects, Verbs, and Sentences; The Several Most Common Grammar and Mechanical Errors
  • Lesson 21 Video
  • Review 6 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Writing Expertise
  • Complete: Lesson 21 Assignment
  • Complete: Lesson 21.2 Assignment

Lesson 22: Essentials of Paragraph Composition

40 Points
Effective paragraph structure involves presenting a main idea upfront and supporting it with additional details. By concluding with a strong statement, the impact of the narrative is strengthened, enhancing comprehension and retention. Additional lesson topics: Several Essay Writing Tips; Paragraph Writing: How to Write a Good Paragraph
  • Lesson 22 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 22.1 Assignment - Paragraph Writing
  • Complete: Lesson 22.2 Assignment - Paragraph Writing

Lesson 23: Exploring the Art of Paragraph Writing: Narrative, Descriptive, and Expository

40 Points
Stories unfold through narrative paragraphs, brought to life by chronological order and rich detail. Descriptive paragraphs focus on sensory experiences to bring scenes to life, while expository ones provide clear and factual information. Additional lesson topics: Seven Types of Paragraphs
  • Lesson 23 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment - Narrative Paragraph
  • Complete: Lesson 23.2 Assignment - Descriptive Paragraph

Lesson 24: Dialogue Dynamics: Enlivening Your Story

20 Points
Effective dialogue is crucial for storytelling as it brings the text to life and offers insight into characters' traits. The lesson outlines how to avoid monotony in dialogue by varying word choices and observing dialogue in well-crafted narratives.
  • Lesson 24 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 24 Assignment - Dialogue Writing

Lesson 25: Refining Your Writing Draft

25 Points
Effective writing requires accepting that mistakes happen and focusing on proofreading and revising beyond surface-level checks like spelling programs. By meticulously refining grammar, structure, and vocabulary, writers can ensure their work is polished and resonates with readers.
  • Lesson 25 Video
  • Review 3 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Editing
  • Complete: Final Assignment - Three Paragraph Essay

Lesson 26: Grammar Essentials Expanded

74 Points
Expanding beyond foundational grammar, the lesson proposes several advanced resources, each focusing on different aspects of writing. Warriner's classic compendium, Stilman's detailed guide, and O'Connor's practical tips round out the diverse approaches covered.
  • Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
1018
Total Course Points
 

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