This course combines live instruction, guided writing practice, structured discussion, and personalized feedback to help learners strengthen and elevate their academic writing skills. Throughout the semester, students will complete three formal essays: expository, literary analysis, and argument writing. Each essay includes guided instruction, drafting, revision, and ongoing support designed to build stronger analytical thinking, organization, clarity, and confidence. Additional optional extension activities may be provided throughout the semester for learners who want extra practice and deeper skill development outside of class
This course is ideal for students who:
• Have a solid understanding of basic essay structure but want to improve clarity and precision
• Have experience with writing and research but need stronger organization and refinement
• Are ready to move beyond summary into deeper analysis and interpretation
• Benefit from structured guidance, deadlines, and detailed feedback
• Want to strengthen introductions, conclusions, and overall writing confidence
• Are motivated to elevate their academic writing skills through revision and practice
Students should plan for approximately 3–4 hours of work per week, including class attendance and work completed outside of class. This includes research, note-taking, drafting, revision, feedback review, and occasional instructor-led support videos.
Optional extension and enrichment activities may also be provided throughout the semester to help students deepen their analytical thinking, strengthen essay development, and further practice the skills taught in class. These activities are designed to complement the current essay unit in a “flipped classroom” style format and allow motivated learners to engage more deeply with the material. Participation in extension activities is encouraged but not required.
Throughout the course, students will focus on:
• Writing clear, precise thesis statements
• Developing strong topic sentences aligned to the thesis
• Crafting engaging introductions and meaningful conclusions
• Mastering MLA 9th Edition formatting and citation
• Writing in a formal, third-person academic voice
• Integrating and explaining evidence effectively
• Strengthening clarity through revision and editing
• Building confidence in analytical and argument writing
In addition to the three formal essays, students will complete targeted skill-building activities designed to strengthen writing and analytical thinking. These activities may include revising weak thesis statements and paragraph structure, analyzing sample essays, practicing MLA formatting, responding to short analytical prompts, and completing guided revision exercises.
Students will also participate in discussion and peer idea-sharing activities that encourage stronger critical thinking, collaboration, and academic confidence. Detailed personalized feedback is provided throughout the semester through written comments, video feedback, revision guidance, and grading rubrics that clearly communicate expectations and growth.
