Many students learn one, catch-all approach for writing and structuring essays. But one method isn't always best for every student...or for every asignment!

This course is different. Instead of introducing a pattern to follow every time, it helps you understand how, when, and why certain choices might be a good fit for the specific assignment you're completing, and for your personal writing style and interests.

AND the course is flexible, meeting you wherever you are right now: whether you have an essay for another class and want help with specific steps, or you're generally seeking to take your writing and editing skills to the next level, or you're looking for an all-in-one homeschool writing unit.

Course at a glance

  • Covers every step of the writing process: from formulating an idea, to writing, to editing.
  • Over 3.5 hours of video content divided into short, manageable sections. Videos feature clear explanations, engaging examples, and practical tips.
  • Written summaries and optional assignments reinforce understanding.
  • Effective alongside essay assignments for other classes! Videos lead you step-by-step through each stage of your writing process.
  • Homeschoolers: The course is a fantastic, flexible writing unit! Includes a schedule, assignments, and grading rubrics adaptable to your student's needs.
  • Taught by Dr. Amy G. Tan, an engaging instructor with years of experience at both high school and university levels.
  • Enroll FREE for access to Principle 2, the course Homeschool Packet, and other resources. Then, upgrade anytime!
  • $55 full course access (limited-time introductory rate!)

Start with free access to Principle 2, then upgrade any time for the full course!

The free tier also includes an optional essay assignment; a Homeschool Packet with a suggested schedule, learning objectives, and grading rubrics; and more!

Enroll today

Curriculum

The course is based around eight Principles which cover every step in the writing process.

In each Principle, the first video introduces one aspect of essay writing with a memorable illustration and an overview of key ideas. Then, additional videos go deeper. They help you understand why certain choices work well in certain situations, warn you about common pitfalls, and highlight ways to make effective choices for different types of papers.

By the end of the course, you'll have a better understanding of the options you have as a writer, feel more confident about the choices you make, enjoy the writing process more...and of course, produce a strong essay!

Course outline

  1. Summary of Principle 1
  2. Intro: Check in
  3. Part 2: Growing interest: Changing topics
  4. Part 3: Growing interest: Changing your approach
  5. What’s next?

  1. Summary of this bonus lesson
  2. Bonus video: Understand the assignment

All students have free access to Principle 2 and can upgrade any time for full course content.
  1. Summary of Principle 2
  2. Intro: Get a hook
  3. Part 2: What do you need? What do you know?
  4. Part 3: Thesis statements are like stories
  5. Part 4: Tips for finding a complication and resolution
  6. Part 5: Writing your thesis
  7. What’s next?

  1. Summary of Principle 3
  2. Intro: Build the frame
  3. Part 2: Choosing the main points
  4. Part 3: Putting your points in order
  5. Part 4: Planning your connections
  6. What’s next?

  1. Summary of Principle 4
  2. Intro: Fill in the gaps like a teacher
  3. Part 2: Beware the direct quotation!
  4. Part 3: Tips for when you are stuck
  5. What’s next?

  1. Summary of Principle 5
  2. Intro: Start with a step back; end with a step forward
  3. Part 2: Start introductions one step back
  4. Part 3: Move conclusions one step forward
  5. What’s next?

  1. Summary of Principle 6
  2. Intro: Clean out your backpack
  3. Part 2: What’s incorrect
  4. Bonus: But my paper is already too short!
  5. Part 3: What’s unnecessary?
  6. Part 4: Information density
  7. Bonus: More on passive voice
  8. What’s next?

  1. Summary of Principle 7
  2. Intro: Keep everybody in the wagon
  3. Part 2: Four editing strategies
  4. Part 3: Editing strategies: Examples
  5. What’s next?

  1. Summary of this bonus lesson
  2. Bonus video: The 4-step style edit

  1. Summary of Principle 8
  2. Intro: You’re the driver
  3. What’s next?
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Full Course

Sign up today at the introductory price and get full access to the entire course.

Enroll in the full course $55

Free Tier

  • Course introductory materials
  • All written and video content in Principle 2
  • Optional essay assignment
  • Homeschool Packet including suggested schedule, learning outcomes, and grading rubric

Enroll free for partial access