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

Name: Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures
Price: 95.00 USD

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.

COURSE CLOSED

We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.

26

Lessons
68

Exams &
Assignments
29

Hours
average time
2.9

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

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: Spelling Rules; Weird A Yankovic; Parts of Speech Lesson; Perfect English Grammar; Complete English Punctuation Rules 1 Total Points

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

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 10 Total Points

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

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- 35 Total Points

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

Lesson Summary 1 127 Total Points

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'

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. 145 Total Points

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

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. 82 Total Points

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

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 40 Total Points

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

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 56 Total Points

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

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/Verb Agreement; Subject/Predicate Exercises; Subject and Predicate 20 Total Points

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

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 41 Total Points

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

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. 49 Total Points

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

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 42 Total Points

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

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 34 Total Points

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

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 11 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Sentence Stoppers: Crafting Meaning with Punctuation

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 20 Total Points

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

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 19 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

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

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 22 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exercise: Using Apostrophes

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

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 8 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Understanding Hyphen Use in Everyday Writing

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. 19 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exercise: Hyphen Usage

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

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 8 Total Points

Lesson 20 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: optional-GrammarPunctuation_Wk_1.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21: Unlocking the Power of Effective Sentences

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 30 Total Points

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

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 40 Total Points

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

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 40 Total Points

Lesson 23 Video
Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment - Narrative Paragraph
Complete: Lesson 23.2 Assignment - Descriptive Paragraph

Lesson 24: Dialogue Dynamics: Enlivening Your Story

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. 20 Total Points

Lesson 24 Video
Complete: Lesson 24 Assignment - Dialogue Writing

Lesson 25: Refining Your Writing Draft

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. 25 Total Points

Lesson 25 Video
Review 3 Practice Worksheets
Lesson discussions: Editing
Complete: Final Assignment - Three Paragraph Essay

Lesson 26: Grammar Essentials Expanded

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. 74 Total Points

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