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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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/d19a5j/college
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Essential prep for college english exams
According to students, this course is a highly effective resource for preparing for college English and writing placement exams like the CollegeBoard Accuplacer and TSI. Learners frequently commend its clear, well-organized content and logical structure, which makes complex concepts manageable. Specific modules like 'Purpose and Focus', 'Developing and Supporting Ideas', and 'Mechanical Conventions' are highlighted as particularly useful. While many appreciate its foundational approach, some learners with strong prior English skills found it too elementary or desired more extensive practice essays and interactive exercises beyond quizzes.
Specific modules are exceptionally helpful for students.
"The modules on 'Purpose and Focus' and 'Organization and Structure' clarified so much."
"As a Texas student, the 'Introduction to the TSI' module was incredibly helpful. It demystified the whole process."
"The 'Mechanical Conventions' section was quite useful for brushing up on grammar rules, which I always struggled with."
"The section on 'Developing and Supporting Your Ideas' was phenomenal and directly applicable."
Content is well-organized and easy to understand.
"The content was really well-organized and the examples made everything clear."
"The course outlines exactly what is expected, leaving no room for guesswork. The structure was very logical."
"This prep course clarified so many confusing aspects of college English expectations. It's structured well for self-study."
"It breaks down complex writing concepts into manageable parts."
Highly effective for college English placement exams.
"This course was a lifesaver for my Accuplacer test! I felt really prepared for the writing section."
"Absolutely indispensable for college entrance exams! I passed my writing exam with confidence after taking this."
"This course truly delivered on its promise to prepare for placement exams. The quizzes were spot on for what I saw on the actual exam."
"A very practical course for anyone aiming to ace their English placement exam. It covers all the essential areas."
More suitable for foundational learning than advanced refreshers.
"The course covers the basics, but it felt a bit too elementary for me. I was looking for more advanced strategies."
"While the explanations were clear, they sometimes felt redundant if you've already had a strong high school English background."
"It's probably great for those starting from scratch, but less so for a refresher. If you need significant improvement, you might need more."
Some desire more practice essays and interactive exercises.
"My only minor gripe is that I wished there were more practice essays to really hone my skills, beyond just the multiple-choice quizzes."
"I think adding more interactive exercises or peer review opportunities would make it even better."
"I felt there wasn't enough direct essay feedback, which is crucial for improving writing. It gave me a general idea, but not specific actionable improvements."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice timed essay writing
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engaging with literary works can enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
View
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Review basic grammar skills
Show steps
Refining basic grammar skills can assist with writing proficiency.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Video tutorials provide visual and auditory reinforcement for writing techniques.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Regular writing practice can enhance writing fluency and confidence.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice timed essay writing
Show steps
Regular practice will help improve writing speed and fluency.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Peer feedback and support can contribute to writing improvement.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engaging with literary works can enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
View
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
A writing portfolio showcases writing skills and allows for self-assessment.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Mentoring others can solidify your understanding of writing concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Secondary School Teacher
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.
Writer
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.
Technical Writer
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.
Public Relations Specialist
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.
Journalist
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.
Academic Advisor
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
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
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.
Web Developer
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.
Paralegal
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.
Instructional Designer
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.
Librarian
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.
Higher Education Administrator
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d19a5j/college
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
College English Prep:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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.
Save
Comprehensive guide to writing, grammar, and research. It valuable resource for students who need to improve their writing skills.
Classic guide to writing style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
Practical guide to writing well. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
Guide to writing that focuses on the creative process. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
Collection of essays on writing. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
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.
Save
Style guide for academic writers. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
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.
Dictionary of the English language. 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.
Save
Guide to the science of style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d19a5j/college
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Effort
8 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of North Texas
Instructor
Kathryn Raign
Language
English
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
College English Prep
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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