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Fundamentals of Effective Writing

WRIT 120 focuses on the principles and practical applications of effective writing. Students apply effective writing strategies to address a variety of professional and academic audiences. Students plan, outline, write, and revise reader-centred documents that relate to forms and contexts they will encounter in the workplace and in educational institutions.

Assignments in WRIT 120 focus on developing effective writing skills through short, writing-intensive tasks, diagnostic and evaluative quizzes, practical planning, drafting and revising exercises, group activities and active learning. While students will develop the necessary writing skills to address a wide variety of academic and professional tasks, WRIT 120 does not focus on academic essay composition.

Learning Outcomes 

After completing this course, students will be able to

  • recognize the iterative nature of the writing process and employ proven strategies to effectively revise your own writing;
  • participate in a writing community that fosters independent, peer, and collaborative writing skills to become a more intentional communicator;
  • practice writing in different styles and formats to meet the needs and expectations of academic and professional audiences;
  • use clear writing strategies to resolve common errors by identifying and correcting weaknesses in grammar, mechanics, style, and tone.

Readings

  • Henderson, Eric. Writing by Choice, Third Edition. Oxford University Press Canada, 2015.

Assessment

  • 0% - Pre-Assessment Part 1: Quiz & Pre-Assessment Part 2: Discussion 1
  • 25% - Assignment 1: Correcting Errors in a Document
  • 35% - Assignment 2: Outline, Speech and Reflection
  • 15% - Assignment 3: Executive Summary
  • 5% - Discussion 2: Share a Speech
  • 5% - Discussion 3: Award Acceptance
  • 5% - Quiz 1: Understanding Genre
  • 10% - Development as a Writer

**Evaluation Subject to Change**

Live Sessions

This course has optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities).

Department of English, Queen's University

Watson Hall
49 Bader Lane
Kingston ON K7L 3N6
Canada

Telephone (613) 533-2153

Undergraduate

Graduate

Queen's University is situated on traditional Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe territory.