Writing skills in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)

What is the course about?

This is a general writing course which will develop your ability to plan, structure and write a variety of texts. You will focus on the purpose of your writing, who you are writing for and what you want to achieve. You will work on the process of writing, how you prepare and plan, how you structure your writing and put ideas together. While doing this you will improve your vocabulary, grammar and spelling.

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?

The class will focus on the writing of articles, essays, letters, reports and stories. You will work on:
• developing and creating ideas
• organising and structuring ideas
• deciding what to include and exclude
• how to answer a question and understand a title
• how to make an argument
• how to present evidence
• how to write a coherent paragraph
• how to link paragraphs and ideas
• how to begin and end a piece of writing.

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

• write a well-structured essay, article, letter and short report
• develop and create ideas based on the purpose of your writing
• organise and structure your ideas prior to writing a draft
• edit your writing to make sure it achieves its purpose
• analyse the key parts of an essay question or task to ensure your writing is relevant
• make an argument with evidence
• write a coherent paragraph
• link paragraphs and ideas
• begin and end a piece of writing effectively.

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

This course level is for Level 1-2 students (B2-C1). You should be able to write a good letter or short article already and want to take these skills to the next level.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. 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 and how to work in a way that improves your learning. 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 pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and a code for Google classroom so you can communicate with classmates and access materials, videos etc. online.

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:
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 reading and writing)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 2 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 2 reading and writing)
• Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2)
• A mile in my shoes: how to tell a story (level 1-2)
• Communication skills: read well, write well (level 1-level 2)
• Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)
• ESOL: communication skills for work and life - formal, informal, polite, challenging conversation and writing (level 1-2)
• ESOL: communication skills for work and life - letters, emails, meetings, presentations and reports (level 1-2)


You can also do classes in the maths and digital skills areas.
For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.