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Tamy Chapman, Helen Nam, and Brad Gilpin

Course 1: Grammar and Punctuation

Do you need to review English grammar? Have you forgotten the grammar you once studied? If so, this course is perfect for you.

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Course 1: Grammar and Punctuation

Do you need to review English grammar? Have you forgotten the grammar you once studied? If so, this course is perfect for you.

The first course in this specialization is a refresher on some tools needed for good writing. It will help prepare you for the other courses. You will need about 10 hours to complete this first course. Writing is a skill and to learn a skill well, you need to practice. In this course, you will watch short video lectures and then practice and discuss what you have learned. Make sure you take good notes and use the peer discussions to ask questions. Then you'll be able to remember the rules you learn in this course when you start writing essays in the next course.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

- identify the correct verb tenses to use

- use commas effectively

- utilize several different sentence types

- write more effectively in English

Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction
This is the first course in the Academic English: Writing specialization, which will help prepare you for studying in an American college or university. This first course will go over some of the basics of grammar and punctuation that you'll need to do good writing. It is not intended to review all aspects of English grammar, only the few topics chosen for this class. In this short module, to get started, introduce yourself and get to know the other learners a little bit. In the following lessons, you will watch video lectures, do readings, do practice exercises, and take quizzes. To pass the course, just pass all three quizzes. When you finish one activity, then go on to the next one. Enjoy the class!
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Verb Tenses and Conjunctions
In this module, you will watch video lectures, do readings, do practice exercises, and take quizzes. You can re-watch the videos or redo the exercises as many times as you need to to help you understand the material. This module will help you review verb tenses and how to use them correctly. You probably already studied these in your other English classes, so this will just be a quick reminder. Then you'll begin learning about how to use conjunctions in your sentences. This will help you write different kinds of sentences and make your writing more interesting.
Compound and Complex Sentences
Now that you've learned about conjunctions, you're ready to learn about different types of sentences. In English, there are four types of sentences that you can use--and should use--to make your writing more interesting to read. In this module, you'll learn about two of the advanced sentence types.
More Commas, Parallel Structure, and Sentence Variety
In this module, you'll learn some other uses for commas. After studying this module, you'll know about 95% of the ways commas can be used. That means you'll be able to write confidently, knowing that you are using commas correctly and not just guessing. In addition to learning about commas, you'll learn about creating parallel structure and sentence variety. When you add these to your writing tools, your writing will be even more effective.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops strong writing skills, which are highly relevant for academic success
Taught by Brad Gilpin, Helen Nam, and Tamy Chapman, leading experts in teaching English
Part of Academic English: Writing Specialization, which provides a comprehensive approach to academic writing
Builds a strong foundation in grammar and punctuation for ESL learners
Covers essential concepts in English grammar and punctuation through video lectures, readings, and practice exercises

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Reviews summary

Well-received grammar course

Learners say this course explains complex grammar and punctuation concepts with clear explanations and examples. These lessons are particularly well-suited for beginners who are new to grammar. Students who are taking this course to refresh their skills also find the lessons helpful for improving their writing.
Suitable for learners new to grammar
"The instructor explained the course clearly with sample so it is easy for beginner student to understand."
Can be completed in audit mode
"First a note: The description both here and on Coursera is not actually accurate: you can do the peer-reviewed assignments in audit mode."
Improves written communication
"I am very good at grammar but i am doing this class just in case. it gets in handy."
Concepts are well-explained
"The instructor explained the course clearly with sample so it is easy for beginner student to understand."
"The explanations make it easier for learners to understand the lessons."
"Nice course. I learn lot about Grammar and Punctuation."
Not a constructive assignment
"Grading introductions for 2 hours is the most stupid assignment I have ever seen because you are stuck reviewing profiles of people who can barely write."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Grammar and Punctuation with these activities:
Review comma usage
This activity will prepare you to use commas effectively in your writing
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using commas
Compile a list of writing resources
This activity will help you build a collection of writing resources you can use for this course and beyond
Browse courses on Grammar
Show steps
  • Find resources on grammar, punctuation, and writing style
  • Create a document or spreadsheet to store your resources
Read a book on grammar and punctuation
This activity will provide you with a comprehensive review of grammar and punctuation rules
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of The Elements of Style
  • Read the book carefully
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Complete grammar exercises
This activity will help you reinforce your understanding of grammar rules
Browse courses on Grammar
Show steps
  • Find grammar exercises online or in a textbook
  • Complete the exercises
Write a paragraph using different sentence types
This activity will help you practice using different sentence types in your writing
Browse courses on Sentence Structure
Show steps
  • Identify the different types of sentences
  • Write a paragraph using each type of sentence
Participate in peer review
This activity will help you give and receive feedback on your writing
Browse courses on Writing
Show steps
  • Find a peer review partner
  • Exchange writing samples with your partner
  • Provide feedback on each other's writing
Attend a writing workshop
This activity will help you get feedback on your writing and learn from other students
Browse courses on Writing
Show steps
  • Find a writing workshop that focuses on grammar and punctuation
  • Attend the workshop
Participate in a writing contest
This activity will challenge you to write your best and motivate you to improve your skills
Browse courses on Writing
Show steps
  • Find a writing contest that is relevant to your interests and skill level
  • Prepare your submission according to the contest guidelines
  • Submit your entry
Write an essay on a topic of your choice
This activity will allow you to apply the skills you have learned in this course to a real-world writing task
Browse courses on Writing
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your essay
  • Write an outline for your essay
  • Write a draft of your essay
  • Edit and revise your essay
  • Submit your essay

Career center

Learners who complete Grammar and Punctuation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blogger
Bloggers write and publish content on a regular basis on a specific topic or niche. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and engaging writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Bloggers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Bloggers to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality content for their blogs.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials for learners of all ages. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and engaging learning materials. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Instructional Designers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Instructional Designers to avoid errors in their learning materials and produce high-quality content that will help learners to achieve their learning goals.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create written content that explains complex technical information. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and accurate writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Technical Writers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Technical Writers to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality content for technical audiences.
Copywriter
Copywriters create written content for marketing and advertising purposes. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and persuasive writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Copywriters because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Copywriters to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality content for marketing and advertising campaigns.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and persuasive marketing materials. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Marketing Managers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Marketing Managers to avoid errors in their marketing materials and produce high-quality content that will help them to achieve their marketing goals.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers manage the public image of companies and organizations. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and persuasive communications materials. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Public Relations Managers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Public Relations Managers to avoid errors in their communications materials and produce high-quality content that will help them to manage the public image of their companies and organizations effectively.
Educator
Educators teach students of all ages in a variety of settings. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to effectively communicate with their students. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Educators because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Educators to avoid errors in their teaching materials and effectively communicate with their students.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including articles, books, scripts, and marketing materials. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and error-free writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Writers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Writers to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality content.
Journalist
Journalists write and report news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and accurate writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Journalists because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Journalists to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality news stories.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers create and manage social media content for companies and organizations. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and engaging content. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Social Media Managers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Social Media Managers to avoid errors in their social media content and produce high-quality content that will help them to achieve their social media goals.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to effectively communicate with patrons and provide them with the information they need. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Librarians because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Librarians to avoid errors in their communications materials and effectively communicate with patrons.
UX Writer
UX Writers create written content for user interfaces. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and concise writing. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for UX Writers because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help UX Writers to avoid errors in their writing and produce high-quality content for user interfaces that will help users to complete their tasks easily and efficiently.
Content Strategist
Content Strategists develop and execute content strategies for companies and organizations. They must have a strong command of grammar and punctuation in order to produce clear and persuasive content. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for Content Strategists because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Content Strategists to avoid errors in their content and produce high-quality content that will help them to achieve their content marketing goals.
Editor
An Editor is someone who reviews and revises written material to ensure that it is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They also check for clarity, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for an Editor because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Editors to identify errors in written material and make corrections accordingly.
Proofreader
A Proofreader is responsible for reviewing written material and identifying and correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. They may also check for clarity, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. This course on Grammar and Punctuation can be helpful for a Proofreader because it provides a refresher on the basics of English grammar and punctuation. This will help Proofreaders to identify errors in written material and make corrections accordingly.

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Grammar and Punctuation.
This classic guide to writing style valuable reference for writers of all levels. It provides clear and concise advice on grammar, punctuation, and usage, making it a perfect supplement to this course.
This illustrated edition of The Elements of Style provides a clear and concise guide to writing clear and effective English prose, with helpful examples and illustrations. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
This workbook provides a comprehensive review of English grammar and punctuation, with exercises and activities to help students practice what they have learned. It valuable resource for students who need additional support in this area.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of grammar and punctuation, with a focus on how they are used in written and spoken communication. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their grammar and punctuation skills.
Provides a clear and concise guide to writing clear and effective English prose. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
This comprehensive dictionary is an essential reference for writers of all levels. It provides detailed definitions and usage examples for words from all areas of the English language, making it a valuable resource for students who want to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the different rhetorical devices that can be used in writing and speaking. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing and speaking skills.
This college-level dictionary valuable resource for students who need a concise and reliable reference for definitions and usage. It is also a good resource for students who are preparing for standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT.
This style guide is the standard reference for writers in the humanities and social sciences. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, and usage, as well as on the preparation of manuscripts and other academic documents.
This dictionary provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary English, with definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation guides. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
This thesaurus provides comprehensive coverage of synonyms and antonyms, with usage examples and pronunciation guides. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
Provides a quick and easy-to-use guide to grammar and punctuation. It valuable resource for students who need a quick reference or who want to brush up on their grammar skills.
This concise reference provides quick and easy access to the most common grammar and punctuation rules. It valuable resource for students who need a quick reference or who want to brush up on their grammar skills.
Provides a fascinating and informative look at the history of English grammar and usage. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the development of the English language.

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