DO NOT DELETE THIS SECTION
Foundations of Writing
ENG099 | NA Credits
Foundations of 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 Foundations of Writing
What You’ll Learn
Foundations of Writing examines the fundamental process, theories, and methods needed to enhance your overall writing ability. You’ll learn how to improve sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and word choice as well as exploring writing genres
like narration, cause and effect, compare and contrast, definition, and argumentation.
- 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:
-
Self-paced workload
-
Digital Textbooks
-
Transcript Delivery
-
Grade Improvement Opportunities
-
Interactive Modules
-
Video Lessons
-
24/7 Tutoring & Support
-
Access on Desktop and Mobile
Transfer Credit in 3 Easy Steps
Pick Your Course & Enroll
Getting started is simple — no applications, waitlists, or deadlines. Just create an account, choose your course, and start learning right away.
Every course is self-paced and fully online, so you can fit learning into your life — not the other way around. With support resources included and no hidden fees, you're in control from day one.
Go at Your Own Pace
No rigid schedules, no stress. Just real online college courses you can start anytime, anywhere, and finish on your own terms.
StraighterLine courses offer interactive lessons and assignments that help you understand and retain the material, and come with everything you need to stay on track and succeed — including digital textbooks, tutoring, and real people to support you on your journey to your degree.
Transfer Your Credits, Save Thousands on Tuition
Complete your course with a 70% or higher to make your credits eligible for transfer. Then head to your Student Dashboard, select “Request Transcript,” and tell us where to send it — we’ll take it from there at no additional cost.
Not sure whether your school accepts StraighterLine courses? Our Enrollment Specialists can find out for you!
Does My School Accept This Course?
We’ll find out for you. Students have successfully transferred StraighterLine course credits to 3,000+ schools. Our Enrollment Specialists will contact your college directly to confirm your credits will transfer, so you don’t have to.
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 Foundations of 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 Foundations of Writing.
Course Text
There is no required text for this course.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Plagiarism
- Academic Honesty and Integrity Lesson
Checkpoint 2: Grammar
- Grammar
- Parts of Speech, Punctuation, and Sentence Resource Manual
- Journal Exercises
- Practice Exercise: Grammar
Checkpoint 3: Word Use
- Word Use
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Word Use
Checkpoint 4: Writing the Sentence
- Writing the Sentence
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Sentence Types
Checkpoint 5: Writing the Paragraph
- Writing the Paragraph
- Paragraph Structure
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Audience, Tone, and Purpose
- Practice Exercise: Persuasive Paragraph and Structure
Checkpoint 6: Writing to Be Read
- Write to be Read: Introduction to Writing
- Journal Exercise
Checkpoint 7: The Writing Process
- The Writing Process
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Revising for Organization
- Practice Exercise: Revising for Support
- Practice Exercise: Revising for Unity
Checkpoint 8: Point and Specific Evidence
- Point and Specific Evidence
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Thesis, Details, and Introduction/Conclusion
Checkpoint 9: Description and Narration
- Description and Narration
- Descriptive Narrative Paragraph
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Descriptive Paragraph
- Practice Exercise: Descriptive Narrative Writing
Checkpoint 10: Definition
- Definition
- Definition Sample
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Definition Paragraph
Checkpoint 11: Cause and Effect
- Cause and Effect
- Cause and Effect Paragraph
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Florida: Bed and Breakfast for the Birds
- Practice Exercise: Florida: The Snowbird Haven
- Practice Exercise: Cause and Effect Paragraph
Checkpoint 12: Essay Development
- Essay Development
- Essay Structure
- Journal Exercise
- Practical Exercise: Pronouns
- Practice Exercise: Transitions
- Practice Exercise: Essay Development
Checkpoint 13: Compare and Contrast
- Comparison and Contrast
- Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Practice Exercise: Comparison and Contrast Paragraph
Checkpoint 14: Exams
- Exams
- Essay Exam (Process)
- RAT Short Answer and Essay Exams
- Journal Exercises
Checkpoint 15: Résumés and Cover Letters
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Journal Exercise
Checkpoint 16: Research
- Research
- I-Search
- Journal Exercise
Checkpoint 17: Argument
- Argumentation
- Argument Essay
- Journal Exercise
- Practice Exercise: Argument Strategies
- Practice Exercise: Argumentative 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:
- 17 Checkpoints
- 8 Capstones
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
We’re not just a platform — we’re a team of professional educators committed to your success. Our courses are built by academic professionals who are leaders in higher education, and your assignments are graded by real people who provide meaningful feedback so you can keep progressing.
Support Team
At StraighterLine, there are real people working behind the scenes to guide you through every course, quiz, and “I’m stuck” moment.
- 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
TRY FOR FREE
Start Your Free Preview
Explore course content, your Student Dashboard, and all the features StraighterLine offers to support your success. No credit card, no commitment — see how easy it is to use StraighterLine.
Get Started FreeStudent Reviews
4.6
My Shortcut to My Degree & Career!
StraighterLine had a big impact on reducing the cost and length of time it took me to get my degree. Plus, I was able to get a full-time job in the industry I wanted to work in.
Kara, StraighterLine Student
I am forever grateful to StraighterLine
It was during a time when the world was basically standing still, and StraighterLine came to my rescue and helped me complete my degree at a fraction of the cost. The courses were compatible with what I needed to succeed and affordable compared to a few classes that I needed to graduate. I am forever grateful to StraighterLine for providing me the opportunity to complete my courses for a price that I could afford without debt. Thank you!!
Schulunda, StraighterLine Student
Enabled me to complete my degree so much sooner
Enabled me to complete my degree so much sooner. Immensely valuable and highly efficient!
My husband wishes StraighterLine were available sooner so he could have leveraged the service. What a game changer for continuing ed/lifelong learning.
Tracey, StraighterLine Student
Getting Started is Simple
The StraighterLine Advantage
Full flexibility, no timelines or deadlines ever.
Your own support team to get you to the finish line.
Unlimited course access so you can take as many courses as you need.
Transfer guaranteed to one of our 180+ partner schools, and accepted by 3,000+ schools nationwide.
How to Enroll in Foundations of Writing
Select your course and click “Enroll Today”.
Create your account and finalize course purchase.
Start earning affordable college credits!
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Why is StraighterLine so affordable?
StraighterLine offers a completely online learning experience, free from the high costs of traditional colleges and universities. By cutting out the institutional overhead, we pass the savings onto you (instead of extra costs) — providing top-quality courses at a price that fits with your budget
What is included in the price?
StraighterLine membership gives you access to over 75 self-paced online courses at a fraction of the price you’d pay through your school — meaning you’ll save up to 90% per course. But that’s not all — membership also comes with valuable extras at no extra cost, including academic advising, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, and free transcript delivery to your school
What is ACE, and why does it matter for transfer credits?
StraighterLine courses are recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), a respected organization that helps colleges evaluate nontraditional learning for credit. If your school accepts ACE Credit recommendations, there’s a strong chance they’ll accept StraighterLine courses. Always check with your school’s registrar to confirm how transfer credits apply to your degree.
How do I transfer StraighterLine credit?
Transferring your StraighterLine credits is easy:
- Check with your school: If you’re enrolled at one of our 180+ partner colleges, your credits are guaranteed to transfer based on which of our courses your school has agreed to directly accept credit for. Plus, StraighterLine credits have also been accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities, but it’s always a good idea to confirm your school’s transfer policies before enrolling in a course.
- Request your transcript: Once you complete a course with a 70% or higher, log into your StraighterLine account to request an official transcript. We’ll send it directly to your school at no extra cost.
- Apply your credit: Your school will review your transcript and apply eligibility credits toward your degree, helping you move forward on your academic journey.
Helpful Resources
SUPPORT
Need Help Enrolling?
Our Enrollment Specialists are here to help you get started.
BLOG ARTICLE
3 Reasons Foundations of Writing Will Make You More Successful
Here’s why the course will help you go further in your educational journey.
BLOG ARTICLE
How StraighterLine Reduces Tuition Costs
See how StraighterLine has helped students save thousands on tuition.
BLOG ARTICLE
Which College Courses Should You Take First?
The best college courses to start with when beginning or going back to school.
GenEd Courses for Your College Degree
Starting with a Foundations of 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:
Foundations of Writing will help you build reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you’ll need to handle college-level assignments with confidence.
NA Credits
SCRIPT HERE DO NOT DELETE