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Kathryn Raign

The College English Prep MOOC is targeted at students preparing to enter college and who need to take the English and Writing Placement Exams. Information in this course is applicable to all students who take the CollegeBoard Accuplacer Exam. However, there is information in the first module that is specifically tailored to Texas students because of initiatives set forth by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the TSI
In this module we discuss what TSI compliance is, how you can become compliant, and how this guide will help you reach that goal.
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Purpose and Focus | Organization and Structure | Developing and Supporting Your Ideas
According to Collegeboard.org, purpose and focus mean "the extent to which you present information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue." But what does this statement really mean? Let's do some close reading to decide. According to Collegeboard.org, organization and structure means "the extent to which you order and connect ideas." But what does this statement really mean? Let's do some close reading to decide. According to Collegeboard.org, development and support mean "the extent to which you develop and support ideas."
Sentence Variety and Style | Mechanical Conventions
According to Collegeboard.org, sentence variety and style mean "the extent to which you craft sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure." According to Collegeboard.org, mechanical conventions mean "the extent to which you express ideas using Standard American English."
Critical Thinking
According to Collegeboard.org, critical thinking means the extent to which you communicate a point of view and demonstrate reasoned relationships among ideas.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides specific information for Texas learners
Prepares learners for CollegeBoard Accuplacer Exam
Develops critical thinking skills relevant to academic settings

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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 College English Prep with these activities:
Review basic grammar skills
Refining basic grammar skills can assist with writing proficiency.
Browse courses on Sentence Structure
Show steps
  • Review types of sentences (simple, compound, complex, etc.)
  • Practice identifying parts of speech in sample sentences
  • Complete grammar exercises to reinforce understanding
Watch video tutorials on essay writing techniques
Video tutorials provide visual and auditory reinforcement for writing techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable video tutorials on essay writing
  • Watch and take notes on the techniques presented
  • Apply the techniques in your own writing
Start a blog or online journal
Regular writing practice can enhance writing fluency and confidence.
Show steps
  • Choose a blogging platform or start an online journal
  • Set a schedule for regular writing
  • Write about topics that interest you or challenge you
Five other activities
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Practice timed essay writing
Regular practice will help improve writing speed and fluency.
Show steps
  • Set a timer for 20 minutes
  • Choose a topic and write an essay without stopping
  • Review and edit the essay after the timer goes off
Join a writing group or workshop
Peer feedback and support can contribute to writing improvement.
Show steps
  • Find a writing group or workshop that aligns with your interests
  • Participate regularly in group discussions and writing exercises
  • Provide and receive feedback on each other's work
Read and analyze literary works
Engaging with literary works can enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned literary work thoroughly
  • Identify and analyze themes, characters, and literary devices
  • Write a short essay discussing your analysis
Create a writing portfolio
A writing portfolio showcases writing skills and allows for self-assessment.
Show steps
  • Select a range of writing samples that demonstrate different styles and genres
  • Organize the samples into a coherent portfolio
  • Reflect on your writing strengths and areas for improvement
Become a tutor or mentor for younger students
Mentoring others can solidify your understanding of writing concepts.
Show steps
  • Volunteer as a writing tutor at a local school or community center
  • Provide guidance and support to students struggling with writing
  • Reflect on your own writing process while assisting others

Career center

Learners who complete College English Prep will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
English Teacher
An English Teacher teaches English language and literature to students in secondary schools. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. The College English Prep course can be a helpful resource for English Teachers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help English Teachers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Writer
A Writer creates written content for a variety of purposes, such as articles, blog posts, marketing materials, and creative writing. They work in a variety of industries, including journalism, marketing, and publishing. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Writers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Writers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Secondary School Teacher
A Secondary School Teacher teaches academic subjects to students in grades 6-12. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Secondary School Teachers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Secondary School Teachers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates and edits technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and white papers. They work in a variety of industries, including software, engineering, and manufacturing. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Technical Writers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Technical Writers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Journalist
A Journalist writes and reports on news and current events for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. They research stories, interview sources, and write articles that inform the public. The College English Prep course can be a helpful resource for Journalists, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Journalists better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of a company or organization. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and give presentations to the media. The College English Prep course can be a helpful resource for Public Relations Specialists, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Public Relations Specialists better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Academic Advisor
An Academic Advisor helps students make informed decisions about their academic and career goals. They provide guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration. The College English Prep course can be a valuable resource for Academic Advisors, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Academic Advisors better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager develops and implements social media strategies for businesses and organizations. They create and manage social media content, engage with followers, and track social media analytics. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Social Media Managers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Social Media Managers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and manages a team of sales representatives. They develop sales strategies, set sales goals, and track sales performance. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Sales Managers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Sales Managers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Paralegal
A Paralegal assists lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, and managing cases. They work in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Paralegals, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Paralegals better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. They work with clients to determine the needs of the website, and then create and implement the website's design and functionality. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Web Developers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Web Developers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer develops and delivers training programs for employees in a variety of settings. They analyze learning needs, design curriculum, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Instructional Designers, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Instructional Designers better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better prepare their students for success.
Higher Education Administrator
A Higher Education Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a college or university. They oversee academic programs, student services, and financial resources. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Higher Education Administrators, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Higher Education Administrators better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better support their students.
Librarian
A Librarian helps people find and access information. They work in libraries, schools, and other organizations. Librarians develop and maintain collections of books, periodicals, and other resources. They also provide reference and research assistance to patrons. The College English Prep course may be helpful for Librarians, as it provides information on the English and Writing Placement Exams, which are often required for college admission. The course can also help Librarians better understand the writing skills that are expected of college students, so that they can better support their students.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 College English Prep.
Practical guide to writing well. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Guide to writing that focuses on the creative process. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Collection of essays on writing. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Guide to writing nonfiction. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Style guide for journalists. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Style guide for academic writers. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Style guide for writers who use the MLA citation style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Style guide for writers who use the APA citation style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Thesaurus of the English language. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Guide to the art of eloquence. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Guide to the science of style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Guide to overcoming the resistance that prevents us from creating our best work. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.

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