Writing lessons with no prerequisites

Main idea sentences Learn the underlying grammar of thesis and topic sentences. See where each are used. 1 lesson. $4
Body paragraphs Learn the body paragraph pattern, how to use it, and common ways of modifying it. 4 lessons. Daily delivery. $16
Thesis statement Brainstorm working thesis statements. Identify ones with solid potential to get your writing off to a good start. 5 lessons. Daily delivery. $20
Transitions and links Learn to use transitions and linking devices to unify your writing and build writing fluency. 2 lessons. Daily delivery. $8

Writing lessons with prerequisites

Lesson descriptions will be added as lessons become available:

Writing skeleton™ Learn a reusable 3-5 sentence outline format for planning main points to support your thesis. 5 lessons. Delivery every other day $20. Prerequisite: Thesis statement.
Ripple strategy Rippling enables you to identify quickly all the evidence you have for your thesis and potential sources for any you lack. 2 lessons. Daily delivery. $8 Prerequisites: thesis statement, writing skeleton.
Recording evidence
Evidence waltz
Composition strategy
Introduction paragraph
Conclusion paragraph

Lesson descriptions will be added as lessons become available.

FAQs about writing lessons

How much time does a lesson take?

The time required will depend on the lesson and the learner. The schedule on which the lessons are released suggests how much work a learner should do to master the material: the longer the interval between lessons, the more time learners should expect to invest to master the material.

Lessons are roughly 500-750 words long. Each lesson includes some follow-up activity (what you might call homework) to check whether learners understand the material. In some cases the follow-up is a timed activity, such as writing for 2 minutes in response to a specific prompt. In other cases, it is open-ended activity that the learner controls.

Who should use these writing lessons?

The lessons are for people 13 and older. There's no upper age limit.

The content is delivered in writing, so learners need to be able to comprehend material written in English at the eighth grade reading level. They also need to enough skill in English grammar and spelling to be able to make themselves understood in writing.

Are any additional books or materials needed?

No. The lessons are self-contained. Occasionally a lesson may suggest additional online resources learners could use, but their use is optional.

Do I have to take the units in order?

Some lesson units have prerequisites that are clearly indicated. Learners are responsible for making sure they have completed the prerequisites before enrolling in a new unit of lessons.

Can I take more than one unit at a time?

No. To learners from the inconvenience of losing lessons for which they have already paid, they should take just one course at a time.

When do the writing lessons start start?

The first lesson should be emailed within 48 hours from the time you submit your payment.

The first lesson asks if you wish to continue the lessons. Until you click the link to continue the lessons, later lessons are not released. Note, please that the lessons are on an automated release. I set up the release of the first lesson in a series but do not release the follow-ups myself.

Do the lessons have to be done the day I receive them?

You may do the lessons at your convenience. I recommend, however, you do the writing lessons at the same pace at which they are released; that is, if they are released every 24 hours, ideally you should do one a day.

Even though the lessons many seem simple, it's best to master the material. And doing some writing every day is both good discipline and good learning strategy.

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