Developmental Writing

Course Content from McGraw Hill
Course Number: ENG099 Download Course Syllabus
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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.


This course is non-credit

This Course Includes:

  • Proctored Exams
  • 48 hours grading turn-around
  • Live technical and student support
  • Free transcription to your destination school
  • 150+ partner college and universities with direct articulation

  • Self Paced
  • English
  • Content by McGraw Hill
Online Course
Developmental Writing   +$79.00
Tutoring (included)

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 The lessons are the most lacking part of this course, they feel old and outdated.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.

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11/7/14 by brittany.arnold82

this was a hard course if you dont know basic English

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10/21/14 by paige.stpierre

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10/21/14 by paige.stpierre

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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.

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9/11/14 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 The lessons are the most lacking part of this course, they feel old and outdated.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.

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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.

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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.

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8/1/14 by brooklynnallison123

time consuming start on writing the papers first

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7/30/14 by dayshjauna

Stay on your A game.

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7/30/14 by dayshjauna

Stay on your A game.

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7/28/14 by mayfieldakeiba

This course was long, but easy.

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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.

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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!

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7/28/14 by mayfieldakeiba

This course was long, but easy.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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7/15/14 by aklid96

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

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7/15/14 by aklid96

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

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7/14/14 by willie.ross3

Great

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7/14/14 by willie.ross3

Great

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7/11/14 by brittany.arnold82

this was a hard course if you dont know basic English

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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.

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6/24/14 by darionevans

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

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6/24/14 by darionevans

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

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6/17/14 by jaredalex1

proof read

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6/17/14 by jaredalex1

proof read

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1/8/14 by brooklynnallison123

time consuming start on writing the papers first

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7/12/13 by efang4229

Great Course

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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.

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5/31/13 by audreysmeal

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5/6/13 by rkarnecki

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1/2/13 by fletchwilson18

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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.

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10/30/12 by ocasio_26

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

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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.

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9/13/12 by ocasio_26

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

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6/6/12 by kateboyz7

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

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5/10/12 by hollywoodstar115

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

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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.

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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

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1/10/12 by dancepink11

The quizes were pretty easy, and easy to understand.

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10/4/11 by kateboyz7

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

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8/2/11 by hollywoodstar115

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

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6/23/11 by EGRAHAM1911

 

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6/22/11 by anica.heim

 

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6/22/11 by Catfriend26

 

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6/21/11 by fletchwilson18

 

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6/21/11 by nikkidziggy9

 

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6/20/11 by snickidoodle007

 

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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.

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11/14/10 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

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10/20/10 by dancepink11

The quizes were pretty easy, and easy to understand.

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7/2/09 by EGRAHAM1911

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7/1/09 by anica.heim

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6/30/09 by Catfriend26

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6/29/09 by fletchwilson18

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6/28/09 by nikkidziggy9

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6/27/09 by snickidoodle007

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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.

This course does not require a text.

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:

TopicAssessmentPoints Available
A1Graded Quiz: Plagiarism15
1Graded Quiz: Grammar20
2Graded Quiz: Word Use20
3Graded Quiz: Sentence Types30
4Graded Quiz: Audience, Tone, and Purpose20
4Graded Quiz: Narrative Paragraph and Structure10
4Graded Quiz: Paragraph Structure25
5Graded Quiz: Audience, Tone, Purpose, and Word Choices20
6Graded Quiz: Organization, Support, and Unity15
7Graded Quiz: Thesis, Details, and Introduction/Conclusion15
8Writing Assignment 8-B: Final Draft of the Descriptive Narrative Paragraph60
8Graded Quiz: Descriptive Narrative10
9Writing Assignment 9-B: Final Draft of the Definition Paragraph60
9Graded Quiz: Definition25
10Writing Assignment 10-B: Final Draft of the Cause & Effect Paragraph60
10Graded Quiz: Cause and Effect, Part 115
10Graded Quiz: Cause and Effect, Part 210
11Graded Quiz: Essay Structure25
11Graded Quiz: Pronouns10
11Graded Quiz: Transitions15
11Graded Quiz: Essay Development15
12Writing Assignment 12-B: Final Draft of the Comparison and Contrast Essay100
12Graded Quiz: Comparison and Contrast15
13Writing Assignment 13: Graded Process Essay Exam100
13Graded Quiz: Essay Exams20
14Graded Quiz: Resumes10
15Writing Assignment 15: Graded I-Search Essay100
15Graded Quiz: Research30
16Writing Assignment !6-B: Final Draft of the Argumentative Essay100
16Graded Quiz: Argument20
Total 1000

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