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Developmental Writing
ENG099 | NA Credits
Developmental Writing will help you learn some key skills and strategies that make writing easier. It’s a supportive, non-credit class designed to get you ready for the kinds of writing assignments you’ll see in college.
Professor: Sayali Deshpande
About Developmental Writing
What You’ll Learn
Developmental Writing examines the fundamental process, theories, and methods needed to enhance your overall writing ability. This college prep course provides various strategies for writing within multiple disciplines and professions.
- Appreciate the skill of writing as a form of critical thinking.
- Describe the steps in the writing process.
- Define “draft” and identify key differences between writing a first and final draft.
- Revise paragraphs and essays to be clear and concise.
- Edit sentences to improve clarity and eliminate errors.
- Use appropriate and vivid word choices to express ideas.
- Develop and explain the differences between a topic sentence and a thesis statement.
- Develop sensory details and write a descriptive narrative paragraph.
- Create a relationship between causes and effects; write a cause and effect paragraph.
- Develop a strong definition paragraph through contrast, explanation, and other techniques.
- Write a comparison and contrast essay using subject-by-subject or point-by-point methods.
- Compose an original argument essay that acknowledges and appeals to the audience’s viewpoint.
- Identify and describe the main factors for developing a good résumé and cover letter.
- Respond to essay exam prompts clearly and concisely.
- Explain the research process and conduct research to explore a specific topic.
StraighterLine Courses Include:
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Video Lessons
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Access on Desktop and Mobile
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Learn the basic principles of effective college-level writing, including drafting and revising sentences, paragraphs, and essays. This online Developmental Writing course prepares you to meet basic college-level writing requirements.
Non-credit college prep course
Flexible Schedule
20-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 4,500 times
$10,700,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Developmental Writing.
Course Text
This course doe not require an eTextboook.
Course Checkpoints
Grammar
- Grammar Basics
- Mechanics
- Punctuation
Word Use
- Vocabulary
- Improving your Spelling
- Commonly Confused Words
Writing the Sentence
- The Basics
- Revising the sentence
- Editing the sentence
Writing the Paragraph
- Paragraph Form
- Paragraph Structure
- Paragraph Content
Write to be Read
- College-Level Writing Overview
- Understanding Content and Support
- Writing and Skill
Writing Process
- Prewriting
- Drafting
- Revising
- Editing
Point and Specific Evidence
- Point of Origin
- Supporting the Point with Evidence
- Organizing and Connecting the Evidence
Description and Narration
- Description as a Picture
- The Description Process
- Narration as Storytelling
Definition
- Formal and Informal Definitions
- Developing Ideas and Details of a Definition Essay
- The Process of Revising and Writing a Definition Essay
Cause and Effect
- Connecting Cause and Effect
- Developing a Cause-and-Effect Paragraph
- Writing a Cause-and-Effect Paragraph
Essay Development
- Introduction
- Supporting Paragraphs
- Conclusion
Comparison and Contrast
- Developing the Angle
- Developing the Comparison or Contrast Essay
- Writing the Comparison or Contrast Essay
Exams
- Taking Essay Exams
- RAT Exam
Résumés and Cover Letters
- Writing a Résumé
- Writing a Cover Letter
Research
- Conducting Research
- Writing a Research Paper
Argumentation
- Argument Strategies
- Argument Essay Development
- Writing the Argument Essay
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 16 Graded Exams
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
Your Academic Team
Your Faculty Team
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Support Team
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- Enrollment Services
- On-Demand Tutors
- Academic Advisors
- Tech Support
Course Professor
Sayali Deshpande
Sayali Deshpande is a passionate math educator, specializing in algebraic reasoning and mathematical foundations for college learners.
Tutoring & Career Resources
Your StraighterLine membership comes with the tools and guidance you need to thrive academically and take confident steps toward your career.
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Exam and certification prep tools
Faculty Connect portal
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Exam and certification prep tools
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
Students who enrolled also took:
Introduction to Communication
1st attempt pass rate: 96%
Avg Days to Complete: 29
3 credits
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GenEd Courses for Your College Degree
Starting with a Developmental Writing course is a great first step, whether you’re certain about your college path or still exploring. This class helps you build the writing, critical thinking, and communication skills that will set you up for success in any college-level course.
Why it matters:
- Composition, mathematics, and more. GenEd courses give you a strong foundation that will serve you in any degree.
- Save time and money on your college degree like more than 350,000 other StraighterLine students.
How this course sets you up for success:
Developmental Writing will help you build reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you’ll need to handle college-level assignments with confidence.
NA Credits
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