Develop your confidence in writing: sentences, grammar and punctuation in everyday writing (level 1-2)

What is the course about?

This course will help you to begin to feel more confident with your choice of words, the way you form sentences, use grammar and punctuate your writing. You will learn about word types, punctuation, sentence structures, forming paragraphs, active and passive voice, and how to use these aspects to develop meaning in your writing, You will also practise proofreading. Each week will be about something new as well as common mistakes made when writing. By using what you learn, you will gain more confidence with your own writing. By the end of the course, you will be able to apply your knowledge when writing in many different contexts such as messages to friends and family, work emails, official letters, applications or online content.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

You will work through different topics such as opinion pieces, letters to your younger self, book reviews. These will be decided based on the learners' needs but within these topics, you will focus on:
• punctuating effectively to develop meaning and clarity: full stops, semi colons, colons, commas, apostrophes and dashes
• the purpose and use of word types: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs
•when, why and how to use different sentences types: simple, compound, complex and compound-complex
• organising your writing by structuring paragraphs effectively
• when, why and how to use active and passive voices
•effective proofreading
•adding variety to your sentences to create an impression on the reader.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• use your knowledge of grammar and punctuation to communicate more effectively in your everyday writing and write a variety of different texts
• analyse key features of your writing at paragraph and sentence level so you are confident you can convey your message and the intent of your writing
• identify and use word types to enhance the effect of your writing: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs
• identify when, why and how to use different sentences types: simple, compound, complex and compound-complex
• organise your writing by structuring paragraphs effectively
• proofread your own and other people’s writing with greater confidence
• when, why and how to use active and passive voices effectively
• punctuating effectively to develop meaning and clarity: full stops, semi colons, colons, commas, apostrophes and dashes
•add variety to your sentences to create an impression on the reader.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for fluent speakers of English who want to improve their professional, academic or creative writing skills whose English is between Level 1 & Level 2. If you are think you would like to do an English GCSE or English Functional Skills, this could be good preparation for you. The focus is on English skills, not passing an exam, so it is ideal for anyone wishing to improve their literacy skills, especially if you don’t have the time to do a full qualification. Additionally, it could be a great course to do to get some extra help while taking other qualifications such as functional skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover rules and features of English. You will work on your own and with other students. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a lined A4 writing pad, pen, a folder for assignments and any other appropriate stationery. You will be expected to maintain a course folder of handouts and your assignments. If you are on a low income you may be able to apply to the Bursary Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. fares, books, materials). Access to a computer is beneficial to obtain additional course resources.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are many courses you can do before, at the same time or after this course. These include:

• Preparing for English Language GCSE
• English language GCSE
• English Functional Skills (level 1)
• English Functional Skills (level 2)
• English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: letters, emails, memos, notes, meetings and presentations (level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: how to be confident writing a CV and applying for jobs (level 1-level 2)
• Workplace communication skills: how to be confident and do well in interviews (level 1-level2)
• Communication skills for business: using drama to communicate with impact (level 2)
• Communication skills for business: how to tell a story with data in your writing and presentations (level 2)
• Communication skills for business: how to be clear, concise and organised in your writing (level 2)
• Workplace communication with digital skills: English for the office and business (intermediate level 1-level 2)
• Business administration with digital skills: communication skills in a business environment (advanced level 2)

There are classes in the maths and digital skills areas which complement the above courses. These include:

For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.

• Communication skills: grammar foundation (level 1-2).