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Grammar and Punctuation

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.

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!

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

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This activity will prepare you to use commas effectively in your writing

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Review the rules for using commas

Compile a list of writing resources

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This activity will help you build a collection of writing resources you can use for this course and beyond

Browse courses on Grammar

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Find resources on grammar, punctuation, and writing style
Create a document or spreadsheet to store your resources

Read a book on grammar and punctuation

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This activity will provide you with a comprehensive review of grammar and punctuation rules

View The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition on Amazon

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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

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This activity will help you reinforce your understanding of grammar rules

Browse courses on Grammar

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Find grammar exercises online or in a textbook
Complete the exercises

Write a paragraph using different sentence types

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This activity will help you practice using different sentence types in your writing

Browse courses on Sentence Structure

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Identify the different types of sentences
Write a paragraph using each type of sentence

Participate in peer review

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This activity will help you give and receive feedback on your writing

Browse courses on Writing

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Find a peer review partner
Exchange writing samples with your partner
Provide feedback on each other's writing

Attend a writing workshop

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This activity will help you get feedback on your writing and learn from other students

Browse courses on Writing

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Find a writing workshop that focuses on grammar and punctuation
Attend the workshop

Participate in a writing contest

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This activity will challenge you to write your best and motivate you to improve your skills

Browse courses on Writing

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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

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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

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blogger

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Proofreader

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.

Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping

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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.

Grammar and Punctuation

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-received grammar course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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