Online Class: Writing Improvement 101

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13

Lessons
32

Exams &
Assignments
14

Hours
average time
1.4

CEUs

Course Description

We know that effective writing will help students in their coursework but it's equally important to write well in the workplace. If a job interviewer is considering two qualified candidates, the candidate who can write well will have the edge. If you're interested in improving your basic writing beyond correct grammar and punctuation, this course will help you. The more you write, the more confidence you will have in your abilities as a writer.

The best grammar and punctuation in the world can still produce average or even poor writing if you don't know how to use the sentences properly or which type of sentence works best to get your point across. By the same token, if you can write lyrical sentences but you string them together into paragraphs that are a tangled mess, the sense and impact of each sentence is lost.

This course is designed to give students the most flexibility and independence. You set your own schedule and learn at your convenience. Just because this course is online doesn't mean you're left on your own. The instructor will be reviewing and grading assignments and is always available to answer questions through email.

This course assumes you have a high school reading and writing level in English, and that you understand sentence structure, grammar and punctuation.

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: Unlocking Your Creative Potential: Mastering Writing Skills for Impact

Sinclair Lewis urged aspiring writers to forgo lectures and practice writing, highlighting the futility of theory without application. Mastering sentence structure and avoiding common writing pitfalls leads to polished and impactful prose. 5 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Writing and Grammar Level; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Introductions

Lesson 2: Achieving Sentence Mastery

Effective writing uses varied sentence structures to smoothly express ideas, as relying too much on either short or long sentences can hinder comprehension. Combining sentences with techniques like compound and complex structures fosters better flow and connection. Additional lesson topics: Refining Your Sentences for the Best Results 35 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2.1 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 2.2 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 2.3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Building Clarity: Paragraph Basics

Organized into paragraphs, narratives benefit from clearly structured information where topic sentences introduce the main idea. A concluding sentence may follow to summarize or strengthen the paragraph's theme. 28 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3.1 Assignment - Paragraph Writing
Complete: Lesson 3.2 Assignment - Exercise on Paragraph Writing
Complete: Lesson 3.3 Assignment - Paragraph Writing
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Exploring Common Paragraph Structures: Narrative, Descriptive, and Expository

Narrative paragraphs craft a story with a beginning, middle, and end, using chronological order. In contrast, descriptive paragraphs focus on sensory details, and expository paragraphs provide explanations or factual information. 33 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Lesson 4.1 Assignment - Narrative Paragraph
Complete: Lesson 4.2 Assignment - Descriptive Paragraph
Complete: Lesson 4.3 Assignment - Expository Paragraph
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Show, Don't Tell

A powerful story transcends mere description, captivating readers by painting vivid pictures in their imagination with the technique 'show, don't tell.' Writers can enhance their narrative by constructing dynamic scenes and employing dialogue, bringing the reader directly into the heart of the action. 25 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: First-Person Writing: Blurring Lines Between Author and Character

Third person point of view offers a blend of perspective and intimacy, allowing a narrative to shift from character to character. This flexibility makes it the most popular point of view in modern fiction, providing enough intimacy to engage with one character at a time without the constraints of first person. 23 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Crafting Compelling Conversations: Mastering the Art of Dialogue

Proper dialogue writing enhances the flow of a story while showcasing the character's emotions and personalities. To maintain interest, diversify your attributions and avoid unnecessary adverbs, ensuring the dialogue remains powerful and realistic. 45 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7.1 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 7.2 Assignment - Dialogue Writing
Complete: Lesson 7.3 Assignment - Dialogue Writing
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Enhancing Narratives with Interior Thoughts

Interior monologue effectively reveals a character's internal struggles and dilemmas, fostering empathy and understanding in the reader. Though tempting, resisting constant use is vital to preserve the clarity and momentum of your storytelling. 24 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Proportion in Writing

Flashbacks, while sometimes necessary for character development, can disrupt the momentum and proportional flow of a story if overused or improperly integrated. Writers should ensure that flashbacks enhance the narrative rather than confuse the chronology or burden the plot with superfluous details. Additional lesson topics: Description in Fiction 25 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Mastering the Art of Advanced Writing

Improve your writing skills by mastering the basic mechanics and avoiding common amateur mistakes such as lazy sentence structures and clichés. Refine your style to achieve a sophisticated tone akin to professional writers by utilizing stronger verbs and maintaining consistent style throughout your work. 25 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Wordy Phrases Simplified

Writers often mistakenly believe that lengthier phrases add sophistication, yet this can lead to redundancy and confusion in their work. Emphasizing brevity and clarity, this lesson highlights effective substitutions to enhance writing. 10 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment

Lesson 12: Quick Tips for Effective Proofreading

Proofreading involves not only correcting spelling mistakes but also refining the flow of ideas and ensuring consistency. Reading your work out loud or using a recording can help identify areas needing improvement. 20 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Lesson discussions: Editing
Complete: Lesson 12.1 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 12.2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Unlocking the Secrets of Writing Excellence

Lynne Truss's 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' humorously criticizes the modern state of punctuation and provides readers with enjoyable yet informative insights. Her inventive approach, including a 'Punctuation Repair Kit,' makes learning about punctuation both entertaining and educational. 60 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Final Course Survey; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: THE FINAL EXAM

358

Total Course Points