Online Class: Writing Improvement 101

We know that effective writing will help students in their coursework but it's equally important to write well in the workplace.
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 32
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,008
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 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

Average Lesson Rating:
4.3 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,314 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Writing Improvement

Introduction to Writing Improvement Additional lesson topics: 7 Ways to Improve Your Writing 1 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Writing Expertise; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introductions

Lesson 2: Refining Your Sentences

This lesson describes how to make sentences more interesting by using phrases, combining sentences, and using conjunctions. 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: Paragraph Structure

For any narrative, whether a research paper, report, or story, the sentences need to be grouped together into discernible units that organize the information properly in order to make sense. Additional lesson topics: Writing exercises for paragraph building 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: Types of Paragraphs

Understanding how expository, descriptive, and narrative paragraphs should be written will improve your ability to clearly get your point across. Additional lesson topics: Paragraph Quiz; Paragraphs 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.

When you show instead of merely telling, you bring the reader into your words. Additional lesson topics: How to Write Narrative Essays Using Scenes; Narrative Summaries 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Point of View

There are just three basic point-of-view approaches: first person, third person, and omniscient. Additional lesson topics: Active vs Passive Voice; Guide for Writers 23 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Writing Dialogue

In order to write vivid dialogue, there are several writing conventions you can use. Additional lesson topics: Punctuating Dialogue; Seven Keys to Writing Good Dialogue 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: Interior Monologue

It takes skill and knowledge of writing that surpasses the average hobbyist or amateur to make your writing stand out. Additional lesson topics: Dialogue; Interior Monologue 24 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Proportion

You do not want to give too many details to unimportant events, or fill scenes with so many details that the story does not move forward. Additional lesson topics: Description in Fiction; Using Flashback in Fiction 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Sophistication

This lesson discusses how to take what you have written and make it sound as sophisticated as the works of professional writers. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Sophisticated College Essay; Sophisticated Writing 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Substitutions for Poor Phrasing

Poor phrasing is often the difference between good writing and great writing. Here are some examples of alternatives. Additional lesson topics: Sentences, Clauses and Phrases; Writing Concise Sentences 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment

Lesson 12: Proofreading

A good writer knows that no one gets it right the first time through any manuscript. 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: Additional Writing Resources

Here is a list of books that cover additional writing styles, tips, and guidelines. 60 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Course Comments; Final Course Survey; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: THE FINAL EXAM
354
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Refine sentences.
  • Create logical paragraph structures.
  • Write by showing and not telling.
  • Describe point of view and use it appropriately.
  • Write dialog.
  • Demonstrate writing interior monologue.
  • Demonstrate writing proportionately and with sophistication.
  • Identify poor phrasing and use appropriate substitutions.
  • Demonstrate proofreading skills.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Writing Improvement 101
Course Number: 57700124
Lessons Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars (2,314 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: April 2022
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: April Graves
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The instructor was very encouraging. The course seemed to touch on areas necessary to continue my learning." -- Philip V.
  • "The instructor is fantastic. It would be great if I could have received any constructive criticism in my writings, to learn where I may be making mistakes. Ms. St. Val is an expert teacher with a in-depth knowledge of writing. I highly recommend her classes." -- Christine B.
  • "This course was absolutely amazing, especially for those who have a foundation in writing knowledge but want to continue to grow." -- Cheyenne R.
  • "I would like to take this time to thank My instructor, Daphanee St.Val. She brought out the best in me with the instructions and directions and comments, She gave, in the lessons of The Improving Your writing 101, course. Thank You, Teacher Annette." -- Annette W.
  • "Both the course and the instructor was great. I learned a lot and appreciated having someone watching over me and correcting me when I'm wrong. The instructor was attentive, knowledgable, and available when you needed her. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher." -- Lori D.
  • "The course was amazing and the instructor was fantastic." -- Heidi P.
  • "I appreciated the interaction with the Instructor by email and the grading process." -- Diana T.
  • "I valued the instructor's feedback, and she answered my questions in a timely manner." -- Stephanie S.
  • "I found just about everything helpful. The instructor was first-rate. She was very helpful! Thanks!" -- Anita K.
  • "Very helpful and understanding instructor...All good..." -- David G.

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