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

Our course rejuvenates foundational writing skills by delving into grammar nuances and style, ensuring students articulate ideas clearly amidst modern linguistic challenges. With interactive lessons and personalized support, you'll master English writing to persuade, inform, and evoke emotions with finesse.
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  • 26
    Lessons
  • 71
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 24,976
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 29
    Hours
    average time
  • 2.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Art of Written Expression: A Comprehensive Guide to Grammar, Spelling, and Effective Writing

It's often said that effective communication is the key to success, yet many of us find ourselves stumbling over the very basics we once mastered in our early educational years. Think back to elementary and middle school when the foundations of grammar and spelling were etched into our minds. But as the years went on, especially during high school and beyond, the emphasis on these foundations began to wane. It became an assumption that we retained all those rules. Unfortunately, life's rapid pace and technological advancements, with auto-corrections and abbreviations, have blurred the lines of proper writing for many.

Introducing our meticulously designed course: a deep dive into the nuances of the English language tailored for both beginners and those seeking a refresher. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a business professional aiming to enhance your email correspondence, or simply an individual looking to express thoughts more articulately, our program caters to your needs.

What Makes Our Course Unique?

  1. Holistic Approach: Beyond just imparting the basic rules of grammar and spelling, we venture into style, structure, and common pitfalls in writing. You'll not only revisit those "minor details" but also learn the mechanics of assembling them into coherent, persuasive, and engaging pieces of writing.

  2. Self-Paced and Interactive: Understandably, everyone learns at their own speed. Our course's online structure ensures flexibility. Engage with interactive assignments, participate in polls, and deep-dive into documents and resources to enrich your learning.

  3. Hands-On Guidance: While the course might be online, you are never alone in your journey. Our dedicated instructor will be actively involved in grading assignments, clarifying doubts, and offering personalized guidance through email.

  4. Real-World Application: Each lesson is designed with applicability in mind. For instance, in Lesson 5, not only will you understand the age-old confusion between "ie" and "ei", but you'll also discern when to use which, through practical examples. Or, delve deep into the world of punctuation in Lesson 18, and understand how colons and semicolons can transform the clarity and rhythm of a sentence.

  5. Comprehensive Curriculum: From the basics like common misspellings and plural forms to more advanced topics such as refining sentences, constructing compelling paragraphs, and mastering dialogue, our 26-lesson curriculum ensures a 360-degree understanding of written English.

Course Highlights:

  • Lesson 3: Unravel a list of commonly misspelled words, complete with tricks to remember them.

  • Lesson 8: Homonyms can be tricky. Dive into understanding the difference between words like 'principal' and 'principle'.

  • Lesson 13 & 14: Discover the power of phrases and clauses to add depth and complexity to your sentences.

  • Lesson 20: Quotation marks can be deceptive. Learn their correct usage, especially in intricate situations like quotations within quotations.

  • Lesson 25: Proofreading isn't just about catching errors; it's an art. Develop a keen eye for inconsistencies and learn techniques to perfect your drafts.

The world of written communication is vast, intricate, and beautiful. Every word, when used accurately, has the power to evoke emotions, persuade minds, or simply convey information clearly. With our course, embrace the opportunity to hone this skill and navigate the landscape of language with confidence and finesse. Come, join us on this enlightening journey, and see the transformation in your writing unfold.

Who should take this course?

This course is primarily intended for anyone who needs help with their grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills or anyone who lacks confidence in their grammar, writing and editing skills. This course is designed specifically for busy professionals who need to refine or polish their writing skills or require a refresher course on how to write well. If you think you require more remedial help in grammar, spelling, and sentence formation, or if English is not your first language and you are unsure what level of English learning you are currently at, you may want to check out our extensive list of ESL courses for different levels of English language mastery.

Does this course have an instructor that can help me?

Yes, there is an instructor who will review your assignment activities, provide feedback on your errors, and answer any questions you may have about the course material. You are not alone when you take this course, Ms. Daphnee St. Val is there to help you on your writing improvement journey!

Why do I need this course if I can just run a spell check?

Presenting yourself well these days requires competent writing skills. Sending out written communications without spelling errors doesn't necessarily mean your writing is acceptable, conveys the meaning and tone you want, or correctly communicates your intended message. People will review your writing as a direct reflection of your voice, your personality, and your thoughts. If your writing is muddled, disorganized, long-winded, awkward, or difficult to follow, the reader will unfortunately believe that is who you are. Conversely, if your writing is clear, organized, concise and with purpose, people will believe you are smart, capable, and credible. This course provides several lessons and writing exercises to help you build better writing skills that convey the message and tone you want while using your own voice and style.

Will I be graded on my submissions?

Yes, assignment activities and lesson exams to test your mastery of course curriculum are graded. This will provide the necessary proof that you are in fact understanding and mastering the lesson outcomes. Should you fail a specific assignment activity you may be given the option to redo the activity correctly for a better grade. Ultimately, this course isn't about submitting flawless work--it's about learning from your mistakes and improving your writing processes. Please note that this course and instructor are here to help you succeed! We want to help you improve your grammar and writing skills.

How can I purchase this course for an employee that needs writing help?

This course is a great writing resource for your staff particularly if they handle any office communications. If you are purchasing this class for more than one person, you may want to register your organization for our Group Enrollments where you can purchase this course in bulk, receive discounts based on volume, and easily issue vouchers to your employees for quick course access (and you'll be able to monitor their course progress). Group account setup, payment, and course access only takes a few minutes.

What kind of certification is offered at course completion?

If you sign up for the certificate version of this class, you'll receive an accredited CEU Certificate of Course Completion documenting your contact hours and CEUs. This certificate is downloadable, shareable, and verifiable online with a unique serial number so that organizations can independently verify your successful course completion status. This is a desirable achievement as you can only earn a certificate provided your overall/final course grade is 70% or higher. The certificate proves you have mastered all the learning outcomes presented in this writing course. This differs from most other online grammar courses that provide non-accredited certificates for just reviewing video tutorials which doesn't necessarily mean the student actually mastered any course objectives.
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"
(23,381 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Write with Precision: A Guide to Proper Grammar

    Proper grammar and punctuation are essential for effective communication, impacting both personal and professional impressions. This course provides a comprehensive guide to grammar rules and writing improvement strategies for clearer expression.

  • Lesson 2. Spelling Simplified: Basic Rules

    Plural formation involves general rules like adding 's' or 'es,' yet anomalies persist due to English's rich linguistic tapestry. Grasping these complexities enhances spelling proficiency and offers insight into the language's historical development.

  • Lesson 3. Conquering Tricky Words

    Covering commonly misspelled American English words, this lesson invites students to practice their spelling skills through various methods, including aloud spelling and using letter tiles. It aims to enhance learners' confidence in spelling complex vocabulary.

  • Lesson 4. Mastering Plural Forms for Names, Compounds, and Numbers

    Proper names' pluralization often involves adding 'es' or 's', not apostrophes, while compound nouns base their plural form on the principal noun. Stick with 's' for numbers and acronyms, following styles such as the Chicago Manual for consistency.

  • Lesson 5. Navigating Spelling Challenges with Confidence

    The rhyme 'I before E except after C or when sounding like A, like in neighbor and weigh' eases the spelling of 'ie' vs 'ei', although words like 'mischief' defy the rule. For words ending in -cede, -ceed, and -sede, remember three specific -ceed words (proceed, succeed, exceed) and the lone -sede (supersede) for easy mastery of the language.

  • Lesson 6. Prefix and Suffix Essentials

    Understanding prefixes and suffixes is crucial for mastering spelling, as they alter word meanings without changing the root word's spelling when prefixes are added. However, suffixes come with more complicated rules, especially when it involves dropping letters or changing 'y' to 'i'.

  • Lesson 7. Prefix & Suffix Power

    In English, prefixes such as 'im-' and suffixes such as '-ment' offer mechanisms to generate words that express negation and the results of actions, like 'immobile' and 'containment.' These additive linguistic components broaden our expression of ideas by modifying root terms' meanings.

  • Lesson 8. The Subtle Distinction of Sound-Alike Words

    Homonyms, words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings, pose challenges in writing. This lesson offers insights into distinguishing these words, thereby improving clarity and precision in communication.

  • Lesson 9. Deconstructing Sentences: Mastering Subjects and Predicates

    Demystify the roles of subjects and predicates in sentences, essential for defining the action or state. Recognizing these elements is key to constructing complete and coherent statements.

  • Lesson 10. Tense Essentials

    Verb tenses can feel overwhelming, but they are crucial for conveying the timing of actions in writing, whether past, present, or future. Through subcategories and examples of irregular verbs, this lesson aims to support writers in mastering verb usage for clear and precise expression.

  • Lesson 11. Nouns & Pronouns Simplified

    Basic sentence structure relies heavily on nouns to name entities, be they tangible or ideational, and on pronouns that efficiently substitute these nouns for coherence and clarity. Navigating pronoun choice requires comprehension of their categories and grammatical roles, with emphasis on agreement and clarity to avert confusion.

  • Lesson 12. Unveiling the Secrets of Adjectives and Adverbs

    Adjectives specify nouns by answering questions such as 'Which one?' or 'What kind?', while adverbs clarify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Comparisons between items use different degrees, with attention to the comparative versus superlative for accuracy.

  • Lesson 13. Understanding Phrases: A Comprehensive Guide

    Recognizing and utilizing prepositional phrases can transform writing by offering precise modifications to nouns or verbs. Phrases should be concise to avoid unnecessary complexity, ensuring clear and effective communication.

  • Lesson 14. Clauses: The Essential Building Blocks of Detailed Sentences

    Clauses enhance sentence structures by combining essential components, with independent clauses making the primary point and subordinate clauses offering further insights. The use of 'which' and 'that' in clauses significantly impacts a sentence, with 'that' being required for essential information and 'which' for non-essential.

  • Lesson 15. The Art of Punctuation: Framing Your Sentences for Clarity

    Punctuation acts as a crucial framework in writing, altering meanings significantly as shown in examples where the same words yield different interpretations. Understanding the proper use of periods, question marks, and exclamation points can prevent ambiguity and clarify the writer's intent.

  • Lesson 16. Comma Rules Simplified

    Correct comma usage enhances readability by distinguishing between essential and additional sentence elements like clauses and phrases. The rules for commas vary slightly between formal and informal writing, requiring contextual awareness.

  • Lesson 17. Apostrophes: Possessives, Plurals, and Contractions

    The central purpose of apostrophes is to convey possession or form contractions, yet confusion arises as many writers incorrectly use them for plurals or muddle up similar terms like 'its' and 'it's.' Successful use involves recognizing their application in specific cases, such as with names ending in 's' and distinguishing between joint and separate ownership entities.

  • Lesson 18. Colons and Semicolons: Punctuation's Toolbelt

    Colons are versatile punctuation marks that introduce lists, clarify sentences, and add dramatic emphasis to preceding statements, while also featuring prominently in formal writing and specific formats like time and bibliographies. Semicolons, on the other hand, create a stronger pause than commas, linking independent clauses and ensuring clarity within complex lists.

  • Lesson 19. Mastering Hyphens: A Comprehensive Guide to Proper Usage

    Hyphen usage is essential in ensuring word clarity in English, facilitating smooth word division at line ends, and forming compound terms, particularly with capitalized beginnings. The evolving nature of language means rules are flexible and often necessitate dictionary consultation.

  • Lesson 20. Quoting with Precision

    Quotation marks are vital for clarity in writing, distinguishing dialogue from narrative and highlighting citations. They play a role in emphasis, irony, and indicating titles, while single quotes handle quotes within quotes.

  • Lesson 21. Building Bridges with Sentences: From Tangled Mess to Literary Flow

    Improving sentence flow involves using a mixture of sentence structures while maintaining relevance between ideas. Strategic use of conjunctions and phrases enhances readability, ensuring that sentences neither ramble nor sound disjointed.

  • Lesson 22. Building Blocks of Writing: Understanding Paragraph Structure

    A well-crafted paragraph effectively consolidates sentences that revolve around a single idea, enhancing the overall coherence of a document. Starting with a topic claim and fleshed out with supporting details, such paragraphs sometimes conclude by summarizing the primary theme.

  • Lesson 23. Mastering Different Paragraph Styles

    Narrative paragraphs engage by telling a story, demanding a good opening and chronological unfolding of events, populated with descriptive details to bring the story to life. Descriptive paragraphs enrich narratives by appealing to the senses, providing vivid depictions of scenes, characters, or moments that create mental pictures for the reader.

  • Lesson 24. Infusing Emotion into Every Exchange

    Effective dialogue acts as a window into character personalities and drives story progression, with varied word choice enhancing reader engagement beyond the mundane 'he said, she asked.' Study dialogue-rich literature and practice using realistic speech patterns to craft more believable and lively exchanges.

  • Lesson 25. Elevate Your Writing through Careful Revision

    Writing requires a blend of creativity and meticulous critique, with proofreading and revising as crucial components. Effective editing asks you to consider aspects like organization, sentence structure, and audience-appropriate tone to polish your manuscript.

  • Lesson 26. Essential Grammar References for the Curious Mind

    To deepen your understanding of grammar and writing, explore a range of comprehensive guides like Warriner’s extensive coverage of essentials or Stilman’s detailed focus on tricky punctuation and political correctness. Each book offers unique advantages, such as Thurman's intuitive improvement methods or Truss's humorous approach to punctuation issues.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Identify and describe the eight parts of speech, including their functions and use within sentences.
  • Recognize and apply appropriate grammar and punctuation rules to enhance writing clarity and effectiveness.
  • Define the rules for converting singular nouns ending in 'y' to their plural forms.
  • Identify the exceptions to the general rule for converting singular nouns ending in 'f' or 'o' to their plural forms.
  • Demonstrate the ability to correctly use commonly confused words such as 'affect' and 'effect' in a sentence with 80% accuracy.
  • Identify and spell correctly 90% of the listed commonly misspelled words by circling those difficult to spell and practicing them three times.
  • Define the correct method for forming the plural of names ending in s, sh, ch, x, or z by adding 'es' without using an apostrophe
  • Identify the correct part of a compound word to pluralize by focusing on the main noun within the compound structure#
  • Identify the correct spelling of words by applying the 'I before E except after C' rule and recognizing exceptions like 'neither' and 'weird.'
  • Memorize and recall words that end with '-ceed,' '-cede,' and the exception '-sede' by using examples such as 'proceed,' 'concede,' and 'supersede.'
  • Analyze root word endings and apply appropriate suffix rules to accurately transform words while maintaining phonetic integrity.
  • Identify and apply the correct rules for adding prefixes to root words without altering their original spelling.
  • Identify and define at least five common prefixes and their meanings as used in English vocabulary.
  • 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 Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures
Course Number: 57700114
Lessons Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars (23,381 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: December 2023
CEU Value: 2.9 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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "This course was great. My goal was to review the rules of grammar, punctuation and writing styles. This goal was reached and I relearned things I had forgotten. Instruction was great and feedback was awesome. Emails were answered quickly and I appreciated that so much. Thanks for offering this course." -- Johnna M.
  • "I really appreciated how the instructor took a second look at one of my grades on the lesson. I presented my case with solid reasoning and examples in reference to what I considered subjective. She was also very understanding and sympathetic to my certification deadline and graded ALL assignments timely." -- Lynnetta W.
  • "This courses was helpful to me and improved my English skills. The instructor was nice and also helpful." -- Fatoumata B.
  • "Great course, covered more than the basics, numerous exercises to build mastery. The best part is the feedback from the instructor on the writing assignments so you know how well you're doing and what kind of improvement you're making. Thank you for a great course!" -- Jason L.
  • "I've taken another course with Daphne before. I love her encouragement and the respect she gives with timely responses to emails or grading assignments." -- Lisa G.
  • "This course really was very helpful to me and the instructor was really good about answering all my questions." -- Heidi P.
  • "The instructor was very professional. I have been taking classes with the same instructor for four years in the row. I am very happy with her." -- George C.
  • "I like how you presented the material in a easy to read format. I like how you added writing prompts, to help me interact with the material I just learned. I liked how you used the quizzes to see how must information my brain retained from what I learned." -- Oksana B.
  • "I appreciate all of the work Daphne put forth. She was always there to answer questions, and grade lessons promptly." -- Peggy S.
  • "The teacher was excellent; it has been a while since I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I really needed to brush up on my English because I love to read." -- Nadine D.
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