This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Hone your writing and critical thinking while mastering over 350 vocabulary words from college and graduate word lists and Advanced Placement (AP) writing, and learn top study skills for remembering vocabulary (and more!).
Total classes: 14
Prerequisite: Required: Writing Essentials 1: Essential Punctuation and Grammar I (HS 9-1). Recommended: High School Simplified Writing 1: Strong Foundational Writing Skills (HS 9-2). Prerequisite can also be taken as a recorded course through Unlimited Access. Alternative prerequisite: a passing Punctuation & Grammar Assessment (only) from the Aquinas Writing Advantage Assessment service, https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/writing-evaluations.
Suggested grade level: 10th grade; however, all students are welcomed with the prerequisite
Suggested credit: One full semester Vocabulary & Writing, Writing, or English
Description
In this first (Part 1) of two successive courses, you’ll be introduced to the advanced concepts associated with over 350 words, all while learning to write more clearly with the upper-level vocabulary needed for all high school advanced writing and literature, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language courses, and college-level writing. Coursework will be focused on the critical thinking and writing practice needed for your future success, and each week, you’ll learn tips and how-to’s for learning the words with comprehension and memory, giving you comprehension methods that can be used in any course. Because vocabulary is an indicator of both success in college and for the best communication practices in adult life, if you want to be prepared for college courses and beyond, this course is for you.
Outline
Class 1: Writing for a Purpose and Audience
Class 2: Worldview, Critical Thinking, & Passive/Active Voice
Class 3: Writing Effective Sentences; Diction & Syntax
Class 4: Writing Effective Paragraphs: Structure; Linear Writing; Active writing; Transitions and Connectives
Class 5: Punctuation and its Effect on Writing
Class 6: Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics for Clarity
Class 7: Types of Writing
Class 8: Point of View, Tone, & Voice
Class 9: Style
Class 10: Techniques & Devices of Organization for Coherence
Class 11: More Techniques & Devices of Organization
Class 12: Composing Methods
Class 13: Characteristics of an Effective Argument
Class 14: Research Methods
Materials and Homework
Course materials: Required Book: EB Conroy’s Simplified Vocabulary Guide may be ordered at http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000430970/EB-Conroys-Simplified-Vocabulary-Guide.aspx or http://amzn.to/2FKGXDC. Microsoft Word or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document is required. If you do not own Microsoft Word, you can use a system such as Google Docs that converts to Word documents FREE.
Homework: Studying for tests on the vocabulary words, for identification and use. Students will take weekly in-system quizzes (graded automatically) and complete weekly writing assignments that make their writing stronger and use the new vocabulary (graded by the instructor).
