This course, 'Getting Started with Essay Writing,' is designed for students and professionals aiming to enhance their English academic writing skills, particularly those preparing for college-level studies. It provides a low-risk starting point to gain clarity and confidence in essay writing.
Getting Started with Essay Writing
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Getting Started with Essay Writing
This course is part of Academic English: Writing Specialization
Instructors: Tamy Chapman
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4.7
(3,260 reviews)
2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
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What you'll learn
Master effective thesis statement creation for academic essays.
Develop skills to plan and write compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument essays.
Construct well-developed body paragraphs with clear supporting evidence.
Enhance critical thinking and editing skills for stronger academic papers.
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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
Welcome to 'Getting Started with Essay Writing,' the second course in your Academic English: Writing specialization! Building on your foundational knowledge of sentence types and punctuation, this module will show you how to apply those skills to craft compelling academic essays. You'll learn to write three key essay types: compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument. By the end, you will be able to: integrate prior learning into complex writing tasks, understand the structure of academic essays, and prepare for course assessments. To succeed, review previous course material and actively engage with the writing assignments. Enjoy your learning journey!
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 peer review
Welcome to a module, where we'll dive into the fundamentals of academic essay writing! Here, you'll explore essential essay structure and key writing tools that form the backbone of strong academic papers. By the end of this module, you will be able to: identify core essay components, understand the purpose of each section, and begin outlining your own essays. To succeed, take detailed notes and actively practice applying these foundational writing principles. This module sets the stage for all your future essay writing, building confidence for your academic journey.
What's included
6 videos8 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Get ready to write your first academic essay: the compare/contrast essay! In this module, you'll learn to effectively analyze and present similarities and differences between subjects. By the end, you will be able to: define compare/contrast essays, structure your arguments logically, and write a well-developed compare/contrast essay. To succeed, pay close attention to organizational patterns and practice identifying key points for comparison. This skill is vital for critical thinking and clear communication in both academic and professional settings.
What's included
3 videos6 readings2 assignments2 peer reviews
In this module, you'll master writing the cause/effect essay, a crucial academic skill often required in college classes. You'll learn to analyze relationships between events, articulate reasons, and explain outcomes effectively. By the end, you will be able to: identify cause/effect relationships, structure a clear cause/effect essay, and develop compelling arguments. To succeed, focus on logical connections and practice outlining your ideas. This module builds on your foundational essay writing skills, preparing you for complex academic tasks.
What's included
3 videos7 readings2 assignments2 peer reviews
In this final module, you'll master the argument essay, arguably the most impactful type of academic writing. You'll learn to construct compelling arguments, support your position with strong evidence, and persuade your reader on controversial topics. By the end, you will be able to: identify effective argumentative strategies, structure a persuasive argument essay, and articulate your viewpoint clearly. To succeed, focus on critical thinking and developing robust supporting reasons. This module culminates your essay writing journey, equipping you with advanced skills for academic and professional discourse.
What's included
3 videos7 readings2 assignments2 peer reviews
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4.8 (491 ratings)Offered by
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Status: Free TrialUniversity of California, Irvine
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Showing 3 of 3260
AS
5
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2016
I liked the course very much. It extended my knowledge about essay writing a lot. Also, I got many useful feedback from peer-reviewed assignments. Thank you to the instructor and to the classmates.
MA
5
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2022
For someone who did not learn essay writing in high school, this course is an excellent way to get started. I would highly recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing.
JB
5
Reviewed on May 3, 2020
It is a very good course on Essay Writing. Since it started with the basics, it helped me a lot to start from level zero. It was extremely helpful to go ahead with the future course in Writing.
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Frequently asked questions
Academic essay writing is a critical skill for students and professionals, enabling clear communication of complex ideas. This course helps you master the structured approach to writing essays, essential for college success and professional development.
In this course, you will gain practical experience in writing three common academic essay types: compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument essays. You'll learn to plan, structure, and edit each type effectively.
This course is designed for learners with intermediate English writing skills. While foundational writing principles are covered, prior exposure to English language basics will help you maximize your learning and confidently tackle academic writing challenges.
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