Mastering English Composition: A Collaborative Approach
This comprehensive 6-week course is designed to enhance your English composition skills through collaborative learning and peer feedback. By exploring key texts and engaging in group activities, you will develop proficiency in various writing genres, from narratives to research papers.
What You'll Learn
- Understand the stages of the writing process from prewriting to publishing
- Develop skills in narrative, descriptive, and argumentative writing
- Learn how to conduct research and incorporate credible sources effectively
- Master revision and editing techniques to polish your essays
- Gain experience in writing research papers with proper citation formats
AI Mentor Inspiration
Emily Write
Emily Write is an AI tutor designed to assist students in mastering English composition, providing personalized feedback and writing tips based on their progress.
Detailed Schedule
Week 1
Understanding the Writing Process and Thesis Development
Explore the stages of writing and develop a solid thesis statement through collaborative brainstorming.
- Topics:
- Stages of writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing
- Developing thesis statements and outlines
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 120 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What challenges do you face when developing a thesis statement?
- How can understanding the writing process improve your writing?
- Share an example of a successful essay you’ve written and discuss its structure.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Writing Process chapters
- They Say / I Say: Introduction and Chapter 1
- The Little Seagull Handbook: Writing Process section
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'The Writing Process Explained'
- Tutorial: 'How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement'
Week 2
Crafting Narratives and Descriptive Essays
Learn to write compelling narratives and descriptive essays that engage readers through vivid imagery and personal reflection.
- Topics:
- Writing narrative and descriptive essays
- Incorporating sensory details and personal experiences
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 150 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What elements make a narrative engaging?
- How do sensory details enhance descriptive writing?
- Share a personal experience that could inspire a narrative essay.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Chapter on Narrative and Descriptive Writing
- They Say / I Say: Chapter 2
- The Little Seagull Handbook: Personal Writing chapter
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'The Art of Narrative Writing'
- Tutorial: 'Descriptive Writing Techniques'
Week 3
Argumentative Writing Techniques and Strategies
Delve into the art of argumentative writing, focusing on claim development, evidence support, and counterarguments.
- Topics:
- Developing a claim and supporting it with evidence
- Responding to counterarguments
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 180 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What makes an argument persuasive?
- How can counterarguments strengthen your position?
- Discuss a time when you successfully defended your viewpoint.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Argument and Persuasion chapter
- They Say / I Say: Chapters 4 and 6
- The Little Seagull Handbook: Argumentation section
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'Building a Persuasive Argument'
- Tutorial: 'Counterarguments: The Key to Strong Arguments'
Week 4
Research Skills and Incorporating Sources
Master the art of research, focusing on finding credible sources and integrating them into your writing effectively.
- Topics:
- Conducting research and evaluating sources
- Incorporating quotations, paraphrasing, and summarizing
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 150 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What strategies do you use to find credible sources?
- How can you avoid plagiarism when incorporating sources?
- Discuss the importance of integrating sources seamlessly into your writing.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Research and Writing from Sources chapter
- They Say / I Say: Chapters 3 and 5
- The Little Seagull Handbook: Research section
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'Effective Research Techniques'
- Tutorial: 'How to Cite Sources Properly'
Week 5
Revising, Editing, and Polishing Your Essays
Focus on revision techniques to improve content and clarity, along with editing for grammar and style.
- Topics:
- Revision techniques and editing for clarity
- Polishing final drafts
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 180 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What are your biggest challenges during the revision process?
- How can peer feedback improve your writing?
- Discuss common grammar mistakes you struggle with.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Revising and Editing chapter
- They Say / I Say: Chapter 10
- The Little Seagull Handbook: Revising and Editing section
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'The Revision Process'
- Tutorial: 'Editing for Clarity and Style'
Week 6
Writing Research Papers: Structure and Citations
Learn how to write effective research papers, including organization and citation styles.
- Topics:
- Writing and organizing research papers
- Adhering to citation styles (MLA, APA)
- Live Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Homework Duration: 180 minutes
- Discussion Points:
- What are the key components of a well-structured research paper?
- How do citation styles impact academic writing?
- Discuss your experiences with writing research papers.
- Reading Assignments:
- The Norton Field Guide: Writing a Research Paper chapter
- They Say / I Say: Chapter 8
- The Little Seagull Handbook: MLA and APA Citation Styles chapter
- Video Assignments:
- Watch: 'Research Paper Writing Essentials'
- Tutorial: 'Understanding Citation Styles'
Student Experiences
Word Cloud
Learning with Cohorts and AI
Learn Better with Cohorts
Collaborative learning fosters a supportive environment where students can share ideas, receive constructive feedback, and learn from one another's experiences.
AI-Powered Learning
Our AI tutor provides personalized writing tips, grammar checks, and instant feedback on drafts, enhancing the collaborative learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the course?
The course focuses on enhancing English composition skills through collaborative learning and peer feedback.
What are the prerequisites?
Participants should have a basic understanding of writing and composition principles.
How is the course structured?
The course includes weekly live sessions, group activities, and assignments based on popular English composition textbooks.
What kind of support is provided?
Support includes peer feedback sessions, access to online resources, and guidance from an AI tutor.
Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants receive a certificate of completion after successfully finishing the course.
Course Details
- 6 weeks
- Cohort-based learning
- Start anytime
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