Writing isn't one-size-fits-all! The best writers know they have options, and they confidently choose strategies that work for them (and for the writing project they have right now). This course is for students who know cookie-cutter approaches to writing don't always work, and instead want to learn HOW, WHEN, and WHY certain choices work effectively in different situations.
The more students understand their options as writers, the more they can select the tools and strategies that make their ideas shine - no matter what types of writing projects come their way.
With clear explanations and fresh perspectives to help you move step-by-step through the entire essay writing process, this self-paced course offers the support you need to move your writing to the next level.
Whether you're looking for an stand-alone writing course to hone your skills, or you currently have an essay assignment and want a guide to walk alongside you as you complete it, this course is for you! Scroll down to learn more.
Why is this course different?
- Taught by an experienced university instructor.
- Over 3.5 hours of video instruction across 8 units
- Highly flexible: Use as its own unit, or alongside a writing assignment for another class (so you don't have to do double homework!)
- Homeschoolers: Includes everything needed for a college-prep writing unit (learning objectives, grading rubrics, assignments, schedule options, and more!)
Start with free access to Unit 2, then upgrade any time for the full course!
Curriculum
Eight units cover every step in the writing process: from pre-writing, to drafting, to editing.
In each unit, video content and written summaries explain key principles using memorable examples and clear explanation. Then, end-of-unit worksheets guide you through specific steps to take.
By the end of the course, you'll have a finished essay...and more importantly, you'll be confident and prepared to take on more writing assignments in the future!
Personalized feedback!
For a limited time, each student with a paid enrollment in the full course receives TWO pieces of personalized writing feedback. After sending writing samples and any questions you have, I'll reply with an assessment of key strengths and weaknesses and offer some specific tips to help you improve--all tailored specifically to you and your writing style!
About the instructor
Amy G. Tan, Ph.D., is an experienced university instructor, former high school teacher, and published author. Over years of working with (and grading) students writing college-level essays, I’ve seen the types of mistakes many young writers make, and I've learned what writing strategies help bring out the best in students so they can succeed at the next level.
Individual tutoring
For those who want to go beyond course material, I also offer personalized tutoring. I'd love to work with you as you move toward your writing goals!
Course outline
- Summary of Principle 1
- Intro: Check in
- Part 2: Finding your 'interest style'
- What’s next?
- Summary of this bonus lesson
- Bonus video: Understand the assignment
- Summary of Principle 2
- Intro: Get a hook
- Part 2: What do you need? What do you know?
- Part 3: Thesis statements are like stories
- Part 4: Tips for finding a complication and resolution
- Part 5: Writing your thesis
- What’s next?
- Summary of Principle 3
- Intro: Build the frame
- Part 2: Choosing the main points
- Part 3: Putting your points in order
- Part 4: Planning your connections
- What’s next?
- Summary of Principle 4
- Intro: Fill in the gaps like a teacher
- Part 2: Beware the direct quotation!
- Part 3: Tips for when you are stuck
- What’s next?
- Summary of Principle 5
- Intro: Start with a step back; end with a step forward
- Part 2: Start introductions one step back
- Part 3: Move conclusions one step forward
- What’s next?
- Summary of Principle 6
- Intro: Clean out your backpack
- Part 2: What’s incorrect
- Bonus: But my paper is already too short!
- Part 3: What’s unnecessary?
- Part 4: Information density
- Bonus: More on passive voice
- What’s next?
- Summary of Principle 7
- Intro: Keep everybody in the wagon
- Part 2: Four editing strategies
- Part 3: Editing strategies: Examples
- What’s next?
- Summary of this bonus lesson
- Bonus video: The 4-step style edit
- Summary of Principle 8
- Intro: You’re the driver
- What’s next?
Full Course
Enroll today for full access to the entire course and all supplementary resources.
Free Trial
- Course introductory materials
- All written and video content in Unit 2
- Additional resources including the suggested schedule, optional essay assignment, grading rubric, and more!