University of California, Irvine

Getting Started with Essay Writing

Tamy Chapman
Helen Nam

Instructors: Tamy Chapman

239,412 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(3,195 reviews)

19 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(3,195 reviews)

19 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

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Assessments

8 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Academic English: Writing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course

This is the second course in the Academic English: Writing specialization. In the last course, you reviewed sentence types and punctuation. You'll use that information in this course to make your writing great. In this course, you'll learn all about academic essay writing and, specifically, how to write three types of essays: compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument. To pass this course, you need to pass all four quizzes and pass all three writing assignments. When you finish one activity, you can continue to the next one. Enjoy!

What's included

2 videos2 readings1 peer review

In this module, you'll start learning about essay structure and some other important tools for good writing. There's a lot of information in this module, but it's all necessary for writing well. Make sure you take notes so you will remember these tools when you write your essays. Note to learners: this course is designed for learners of English with intermediate English writing skills. The sample essays in this course are aimed at that level. However, the principles discussed in the lessons are practical for writers of any level. If you're at a lower level, do the best you can. If you are a more advanced writer, feel free to write more developed and complex essays than the ones in the examples. Just make sure you follow the structures introduced.

What's included

6 videos8 readings2 quizzes1 peer review

Now, you're ready to write your first type of academic essay--the compare/contrast essay. In this module, you'll learn what this type of essay is and how to structure it. Then, you'll look at some examples and practice writing your own compare/contrast essay. Remember the sample essays in the lesson are typical for an intermediate-level student. Write a compare/contrast essay that fits your own writing ability. Good luck!

What's included

3 videos6 readings2 quizzes2 peer reviews

Now, you'll learn about writing the cause/effect essay. This is another type of academic essay that you might be asked to write in your college classes. For this type of essay you'll think about reasons why something happens or the effects of something. The sample essays in this module are also representative of an intermediate-level writer. Write a cause/effect essay appropriate for your own English level. Just remember to follow the advice given in the lessons.

What's included

3 videos7 readings2 quizzes2 peer reviews

In this last module, you'll learn how to write the most common type of college essay. The argument essay is probably the most fun essay to write too. In this one, you will try to convince your reader to believe your argument or position on some controversial topic. You have to think of good reasons to support your position. Remember to write an argument essay that is to the best of your own abilities.

What's included

3 videos7 readings2 quizzes2 peer reviews

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (480 ratings)
Tamy Chapman
University of California, Irvine
22 Courses1,511,355 learners
Helen Nam
University of California, Irvine
18 Courses1,217,449 learners

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