Effective Writing

Course Name: Effective Writing

Day(s)/time of class: Tuesdays 6-8 pm (Irish time)

Course length: 6 weeks, 12 hours in class + self-study and assignments for teacher feedback

Course dates:

Block1: Tuesday 28 Sept - Tuesday 02 Nov 2021 and

Block2: Tuesday 09 Nov - Tuesday 14 Dec 2021

You can continue from one block to another if you wish or blocks can be taken independently of one another. Please indicate on the application form which block(s) you wish to take.

Level(s): B2 and higher

Course cost - €150*⁺

*Returning students receive a loyalty discount. Please email infolang@ucc.ie for details.

⁺UCC staff and students should email infolang@ucc.ie to enquire about special offers.

Course overview

This course will help you to improve your writing skills. You will receive some input from the teacher on how to write more effectively and have plenty of opportunities to practise writing and receive feedback from your teacher. Although this is a course about writing skills, it will be in an interactive format where students are expected to participate and share ideas/opinions with others.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you will:

Be better able to write complex sentences
Be better aware of typical problems found in writing
Improve the overall structure of your writing
Be better able to write in a coherent and cohesive way
Be aware of how to avoid generalisations when writing
Be better able to use linking words effectively
Know how to write an argumentative essay and an “advantages/disadvantages” essay
Be better aware of the differences between formal and informal writing

Weekly course plan (may change slightly depending on class needs)

Week 1:	Sentence types - writing simple, compound, and complex sentences Sentence structure problems - fragment sentences, run-ons, etc.
Week 2:	Paragraph structure - Introductions, main body, conclusions
Week 3:	Improving your coherence and cohesion in writing
Week 4:	Using hedging language to avoid generalisations in writing Writing argumentative essays
Week 5:	Linking words of contrast and concession Writing advantages and disadvantages essays
Week 6:	Linking words of addition and sequencing Differences between formal and informal writing

Student Feedback/Assessment

Students will receive regular feedback from their teachers on their progress. Feedback will be given based on work submitted for corrections. There will be no formal assessment on this course.

Minimum class numbers

A minimum number of 4 students will be required for this class to run. If 4 students do not sign up, you will be offered to transfer to another course (depending on level), postpone to another term, or a refund.

Online class connection requirements

Microsoft Teams application - cameras on during class time.

A good internet connection and a quiet space where you are free to speak (headphones/earphones optional).

Attendance/End of course certificate

Attendance will be taken in every class. If you attend 80% of your lessons, you will receive an end-of-course certificate. Please advise the teacher if you know in advance that you will be absent.

How to Apply

Open for applications: Part-time application form

IT Requirements:

All students attending classes on campus will be required to bring a fully charged laptop or another suitable device with them to class along with headphones to allow full participation, as some materials may be provided digitally rather than on paper. You should also download Microsoft Teams to your device as you may need this to interact with students taking the class remotely.