Learn and understand the three types of writing -- and learn how to create excellent form within your academic writing in...

SIMPLIFIED WRITING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL 1: Foundations of Composition I (MS 7/8-1)

*Instructor Access is usually available for this course. Please check the course page for the most up-to-date information.*

Total Classes: 8

Prerequisite: Required: WRITING ESSENTIALS 1: Punctuation and Grammar I (MS 6/7-1). Students may take the requisite course live or in Unlimited Access. If you are signing up for Instructor Access, your student will need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document (can be found online free)

Suggested Grade Level: 7th and 8th grade

Suggested Credit: ½ semester Writing or English. This course is the first half of two courses that, combined, create one full semester of credit. Sign up for the 7/8-2 course, to gain a full semester's credit of English and Writing.

Instructor: Erin M Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy), M.A, M.F.A.

Course Description: In this course, your student will learn the skills and habits of strong and clear writing — to gain the critical foundations needed for excellent high school writing. Your student will learn the purposes of writing, including expression, informing, and persuading; the effect of an audience on writing, including key considerations in writing for different audiences; and how to sculpt a piece of writing with direction, including learning the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion. Students continue to perfect effective topic sentences, linear writing, and transitions for excellent paragraph writing, with specific writing feedback from the instructor.

 

Course Outline:

• Class 1: Writing for a purpose and audience: the “why” of writing
• Class 2: Great word choice: how to choose the “right” word
• Class 3: Strong sentences: how to write a great sentence
• Class 4: Clear paragraphs: what makes a great paragraph/linear writing that makes sense to the reader
• Class 5: Writing with direction: great introductions and the hook
• Class 6: Writing with direction: great introductions and the thesis
• Class 7: Writing with direction: the body (of your paper) and how to make it “shapely”
• Class 8: Writing with direction: the conclusion

   

Course Materials: Materials are provided free within the course.

 

Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor. Estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time, depending on the student’s ability.