Grammar Refresher II (Self-Guided)

Lesson 1

Grammar Foundations

This first lesson reviews the foundations of grammar. You will explore the parts of speech, practice your skills, and see how the different parts of speech work together in English grammar.

Effectively Using Punctuation and Mechanics

In this lesson, you will review punctuation and mechanics. You will explore the different kinds of punctuation as well capitalization and other mechanics issues. You will see how to use punctuation and mechanics effectively and correctly in a sentence.

Sentence Structure

This lesson focuses on what makes a good sentence and how sentences connect to each other to create cohesive thoughts in your writing. You will also explore common sentence construction errors and how to avoid them.

Using Nouns and Pronouns

In this lesson, you will practice using nouns and pronouns effectively in sentences. You will learn about the various types of nouns—including common nouns, proper nouns, concrete and abstract nouns, collective nouns, compound nouns, and countable and uncountable nouns. After, learn the various kinds of pronouns, such as personal, demonstrative, interrogative, possessive, indefinite, and more. Finally, wrap things up with a discussion of noun phrases and noun clauses.

Verb Forms and Verb Tense

In this lesson, you will practice using verbs effectively in your sentences. You will explore the different kinds of verb forms, and then take a look at the different kinds of verb tenses, which help us communicate action in relation to time. Finally, you will explore subject-verb agreement with some foundational rules that will help you avoid common errors.

Using Adjectives and Adverbs

In this lesson, you will practice identifying and effectively using adjectives and adverbs. Adjectives and adverbs are descriptive words that modify other words in a sentence. Using these parts of speech, the English language clearly and effectively communicates descriptions and provides limitations for the words they modify.

Using Clauses and Phrases

In this lesson, you will explore clauses and phrases. You will learn about the different kinds of clauses and phrases, how they are used in sentences, and how to tell them apart. Then, you will practice writing these different kinds of clauses and phrases and put all of your skills together.

Coordination, Subordination, and Parallelism

In this lesson, you will explore the issues of coordination, subordination, and parallelism in your writing. You will see how these principles help you construct more effective sentences and avoid common mistakes.

Communicating Clearly in the Workplace

In this lesson, you will practice what you have learned so far. You will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively in the workplace. You will take a look at email communications, memos, and business letters, and you will learn how to effective write these "short works." Then, you will explore how to write effective instructions and summaries. Finally, you will see how to manage conflict in writing in your workplace.

Writing Paragraphs

This lesson explores paragraph writing. First, take a look at the function and purpose of the paragraph, explore a formal paragraph model, and see how to write effective topic sentences. Then, you will bring your skills together and see how the pieces of a paragraph fit together. You will also have plenty of opportunities to practice your writing skills.

Organizing Paragraphs

In this lesson, you will explore organizing and writing multiple paragraphs into one cohesive essay. You will consider the different kinds of essays, writing introduction and conclusion paragraphs, thesis statements, and how to link different paragraphs together. By the end of this lesson, you will develop a complete, five-paragraph essay.

Effective Editing

In your final lesson, you will explore some tips and tactics for making your writing as good as it can be though editing. You will see how to improve the overall impact of your writing through content editing, as well as how to find your mistakes and improve your sentences through line editing. Then, you will finish up by practicing your copyediting skills, so you can put that final polish on your writing.