Developmental Writing

Course Content from McGraw Hill

Course Number: ENG099

Download Course Syllabus

Overall Rating
Content Rating

Developmental Writing examines the fundamental process, theories, and methods that enhance a student's overall writing ability, and introduces strategies for writing within multiple disciplines and professions. You will draft and revise sentences, paragraphs, and essays, with the aim of achieving effective college-level writing skills. You will learn how to improve sentence structure and clarity using grammar, punctuation, and word choice. The course introduces proper research techniques, and various writing genres, including narration, as well as exploring the concepts of cause and effect, compare and contrast, definition, and argumentation.

Please note that this course is non-credit.

Self Paced

English

Overall Rating
Content Rating

11/9/14 by dsbjimman

The course as a whole was mediocre. The Practice Exercise didn't feel like they helped at all. The lessons are the most lacking part of this course, they feel old and outdated. The assignments are the best part of the whole course, I would not change anything about the assignments.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

11/7/14 by brittany.arnold82

this was a hard course if you dont know basic English

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	40 100

10/21/14 by paige.stpierre

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	60 100

10/21/14 by paige.stpierre

Content Rating	20 100
Overall Rating	60 100

10/7/14 by tristina.arquette

The course was well written. The material made sense and was presented in a way that built skill upon skill. You were able to complete assignments in a timely manner.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

9/11/14 by dsbjimman

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	60 100

8/17/14 by malcolmdewar14

this class was not great at all, I received no help what so ever and I am disappointed about that. when I submitted my essays I couldn't see what my similarities were so I don't know if I was committing plagiarism or not.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	20 100

8/17/14 by malcolmdewar14

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	20 100

8/1/14 by brooklynnallison123

time consuming start on writing the papers first

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/30/14 by dayshjauna

Stay on your A game.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/30/14 by dayshjauna

Stay on your A game.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/28/14 by mayfieldakeiba

This course was long, but easy.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/28/14 by angel.sullivan16

I had a great experience with Straighterline. I Love that I can work at my own pace and I can access my classes and tests anytime of day or night.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/28/14 by cj.bry.11

This course was awesome to complete! It took less than a month and the graders who graded my papers returned them by the next day!

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/28/14 by mayfieldakeiba

This course was long, but easy.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/28/14 by angel.sullivan16

I had a great experience with Straighterline. I Love that I can work at my own pace and I can access my classes and tests anytime of day or night.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/28/14 by cj.bry.11

This course was awesome to complete! It took less than a month and the graders who graded my papers returned them by the next day!

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/21/14 by Pksqueeker24

This course was good if you are on a timed schedule and if you are motivated to get your course done.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/21/14 by Pksqueeker24

This course was good if you are on a timed schedule and if you are motivated to get your course done.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/15/14 by aklid96

It was alright, but i felt the lessons were too long.

Content Rating	40 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/15/14 by aklid96

It was alright, but i felt the lessons were too long.

Content Rating	40 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/14/14 by willie.ross3

Great

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/14/14 by willie.ross3

Great

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/11/14 by brittany.arnold82

this was a hard course if you dont know basic English

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	40 100

7/10/14 by tristina.arquette

The course was well written. The material made sense and was presented in a way that built skill upon skill. You were able to complete assignments in a timely manner.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

6/24/14 by darionevans

This course will be really easy if you just pay attention and follow all the directions.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

6/24/14 by darionevans

This course will be really easy if you just pay attention and follow all the directions.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

6/17/14 by jaredalex1

proof read

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	60 100

6/17/14 by jaredalex1

proof read

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	60 100

1/8/14 by brooklynnallison123

time consuming start on writing the papers first

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	80 100

7/12/13 by efang4229

Great Course

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/2/13 by dani.bare101

I loved the course except when I accidentally submitted the wrong paper for a graded essay. I couldn't send in the correct one once the other was sent in. I ended up getting a zero for that paper.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

5/31/13 by audreysmeal

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	80 100

5/6/13 by rkarnecki

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

1/2/13 by fletchwilson18

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

11/17/12 by jodiweber111

Good feedback with first drafts. Topic presentations were very informative, better than my personal previous experience with face to face classes.

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	80 100

10/30/12 by ocasio_26

I enjoyed the practive/review exercises. The repetition helped me to memorize and learn easier.

Overall Rating	80 100
Content Rating	80 100

10/25/12 by jodiweber111

Good feedback with first drafts. Topic presentations were very informative, better than my personal previous experience with face to face classes.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

9/13/12 by ocasio_26

I enjoyed the practive/review exercises. The repetition helped me to memorize and learn easier.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

6/6/12 by kateboyz7

I liked the length of assignments are quizzes were great, not too long. everything was on the lessons.

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	80 100

5/10/12 by hollywoodstar115

I liked the response from the tutors for the rough draft for the essays. Their comments were very helpful.

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	100 100

4/19/12 by shiggins675

I liked the writing the papers, and choosing my own topic for a majority of it because I like to express myself and i write better when it is about something of my interest.

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	80 100

1/20/12 by dancingqueen4u2

The lesson presentations were very helpful because you could have the voice over on turn it off. As well, I could go at my own pace. I didn't have to worry about deadlines for quizzes. I was also given plenty of time to take each quiz

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	80 100

1/10/12 by dancepink11

The quizes were pretty easy, and easy to understand.

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	60 100

10/4/11 by kateboyz7

I liked the length of assignments are quizzes were great, not too long. everything was on the lessons.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

8/2/11 by hollywoodstar115

I liked the response from the tutors for the rough draft for the essays. Their comments were very helpful.

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

6/23/11 by EGRAHAM1911

Overall Rating	60 100
Content Rating	60 100

6/22/11 by anica.heim

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	80 100

6/22/11 by Catfriend26

Overall Rating	80 100
Content Rating	80 100

6/21/11 by fletchwilson18

Overall Rating	100 100
Content Rating	100 100

6/21/11 by nikkidziggy9

Overall Rating	60 100
Content Rating	60 100

6/20/11 by snickidoodle007

Overall Rating	60 100
Content Rating	60 100

6/14/11 by shiggins675

I liked the writing the papers, and choosing my own topic for a majority of it because I like to express myself and i write better when it is about something of my interest.

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

11/14/10 by dancingqueen4u2

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

10/20/10 by dancepink11

The quizes were pretty easy, and easy to understand.

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	100 100

7/2/09 by EGRAHAM1911

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

7/1/09 by anica.heim

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	100 100

6/30/09 by Catfriend26

Content Rating	80 100
Overall Rating	80 100

6/29/09 by fletchwilson18

Content Rating	100 100
Overall Rating	100 100

6/28/09 by nikkidziggy9

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

6/27/09 by snickidoodle007

Content Rating	60 100
Overall Rating	60 100

Course Objectives

After completing this course students will be able to:

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.

Topic	Topic Title	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Grammar	Grammar Basics Mechanics Punctuation	Define and describe good grammar. Explain the process of developing a grammatically correct sentence. Define manuscript form, capital letters, numbers, and abbreviations; explain how to use each in a piece of writing. Define and describe the methods for improving punctuation usage including the apostrophe, quotation, and comma.
2	Word Use	Vocabulary Improving your Spelling Commonly Confused Words	Identify and describe the major strategies for building your vocabulary. Use the five steps for spelling to improve spelling skills. Identify the most commonly confused words to improve your application of these terms.
3	Writing the Sentence	The Basics Revising the sentence Editing the sentence	Write and revise sentences using the 6 major strategies for writing smooth and clear sentences. Edit sentences to improve grammar and eliminate errors
4	Writing the Paragraph	Paragraph Form Paragraph Structure Paragraph Content	Explain how to structure a clear and concise paragraph. Define and describe the major strategies for incorporating content into a paragraph. Define paragraph form and write a topic sentence.
5	Write to be Read	College-Level Writing Overview Understanding Content and Support Writing and Skill	Examine the basic principles of effective college-level writing. Explain writing as communication. Distinguish the skill of writing as a form of critical thinking, not a natural or biological phenomenon.
6	Writing Process	Prewriting Drafting Revising Editing	Describe the pre-writing process and write an effective topic sentence. Explain how freewriting, listing, and clustering can help you overcome writer’s block. Develop brainstorming techniques for generating topics using free association of words and ideas. Define draft and identify key differences between writing a first and final draft. Explain the revising process and practice revising a first draft. Practice editing revised drafts and summarize the criteria for a well-written final draft.
7	Point & Specific Evidence	Point of Origin Supporting the Point with Evidence Organizing and Connecting the Evidence	Explain what a “point” is and write a topic sentence. Practice writing original essays supporting and reinforcing your point with specific evidence, examples, and illustrations.
8	Description and Narration	Description as a Picture The Description Process Narration as Storytelling	Define description as a picture. Examine the process of developing description. Analyze the narrative process. Combine descriptive details and narration to construct a strong descriptive narrative paragraph.
9	Definition	Formal and Information Definitions Developing Ideas and Details of a Definition Essay The Processing of revising and Writing a Definition Essay	Define and distinguish formal and informal definition. Identify the questions that can help in the revision process. Write an original definition paragraph. Explore a variety of ways to organize topics for a definition essay.
10	Cause and Effect	Connecting Cause and Effect Developing a Cause-and-Effect Paragraph Writing a Cause-and-Effect Paragraph	Identify the primary conditions that account for cause and effect dynamic. Explain how to develop a cause and effect paragraph. Develop a string topic sentence that includes both cause and effect. Write a cause and effect paragraph.
11	Essay Development	Introduction Supporting Paragraphs Conclusion	Analyze the basic structure of an essay. Create an essay outline. Define and describe the major strategies for writing an introductory paragraph. Explain how to use supporting paragraphs and transitional sentences to develop the body of the essay. Identify and describe the key methods for ending an essay.
12	Comparison and Contrast	Developing the Angle Developing the Comparison or Contrast Essay Writing the Comparison or Contrast Essay	Examine the two methods for developing a comparison and contrast essay. Incorporate the two methods into the prewriting process. Identify similarities and differences between two ideas. Write a professional comparison and contrast essay.
13	Exams	Taking Essay Exams RAT Exam	Describe the different types of essay exams. Using the essay prompt and the requirements, explain how you can construct a strong response. Write a strong essay exam response that shows someone how to do one step in the writing process.
14	Resumes and Cover Letters	Writing a Resume Writing a Cover Letter	Identify the proper headings used in a resume. Explain the importance of formatting in a resume. Describe the essential components of a cover letter. Develop and personal resume and cover letter.
15	Research	Conducting research Writing a research paper	Use the library and the Internet to conduct research. Explain the six steps of the research process. Write an I-Search essay to demonstrate mastery of research-related skills.
16	Argumentation	Argument Strategies Argument Essay Development Writing the Argument Essay	Identify and describe the five strategies for developing a sound and persuasive argument. Write an original argument essay to sway a reader’s viewpoint. Explore the questions one must ask in regard to audience, purpose, and narrowing one’s thesis in preparation for drafting an argument essay.
17	Review	Review	Review key content covered in the course.

There are no prerequisites to take Developmental Writing.

StraighterLine provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
If you have chosen a Partner College to award credit for this course, your final grade will be based upon that college's grading scale. Only passing scores will be considered by Partner Colleges for an award of credit. There are a total of 1000 points in the course:

Topic	Assessment	Points Available
A1	Graded Quiz: Plagiarism	15
1	Graded Quiz: Grammar	20
2	Graded Quiz: Word Use	20
3	Graded Quiz: Sentence Types	30
4	Graded Quiz: Audience, Tone, and Purpose	20
4	Graded Quiz: Narrative Paragraph and Structure	10
4	Graded Quiz: Paragraph Structure	25
5	Graded Quiz: Audience, Tone, Purpose, and Word Choices	20
6	Graded Quiz: Organization, Support, and Unity	15
7	Graded Quiz: Thesis, Details, and Introduction/Conclusion	15
8	Writing Assignment 8-B: Final Draft of the Descriptive Narrative Paragraph	60
8	Graded Quiz: Descriptive Narrative	10
9	Writing Assignment 9-B: Final Draft of the Definition Paragraph	60
9	Graded Quiz: Definition	25
10	Writing Assignment 10-B: Final Draft of the Cause & Effect Paragraph	60
10	Graded Quiz: Cause and Effect, Part 1	15
10	Graded Quiz: Cause and Effect, Part 2	10
11	Graded Quiz: Essay Structure	25
11	Graded Quiz: Pronouns	10
11	Graded Quiz: Transitions	15
11	Graded Quiz: Essay Development	15
12	Writing Assignment 12-B: Final Draft of the Comparison and Contrast Essay	100
12	Graded Quiz: Comparison and Contrast	15
13	Writing Assignment 13: Graded Process Essay Exam	100
13	Graded Quiz: Essay Exams	20
14	Graded Quiz: Resumes	10
15	Writing Assignment 15: Graded I-Search Essay	100
15	Graded Quiz: Research	30
16	Writing Assignment !6-B: Final Draft of the Argumentative Essay	100
16	Graded Quiz: Argument	20
Total		1000

Please note that this course is non-credit.

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