Virtual Academic Writing Course

Aim: To strengthen writing skills through review, collaborative essay writing, and the introduction of essential concepts like unity, coherence, and ethical AI use. Day Two begins with a review session. Students’ body paragraphs from Day One are examined, with constructive feedback and adjustments where necessary. Next, we revisit the subtopics brainstormed earlier. If suitable, they are refined and used to guide today’s writing. From there, the class works together to write a full expository essay from scratch. This includes crafting a strong introduction and developing multiple body paragraphs, applying the concepts of structure introduced in Day One. Key Topics Covered: • Review & Feedback: Refining Day One paragraphs and assessing subtopics for use in today’s essay. • Collaborative Essay Writing: Writing a complete expository essay together, including the introduction and several body paragraphs. • Unity & Coherence: Learning how to connect ideas smoothly and maintain consistency throughout an essay. • Research Skills: Introduction to gathering relevant information to support arguments. • Professional Insights: o Ethical use of ChatGPT and other AI tools. o Why misuse of AI can carry severe academic and professional penalties. o Guidance on limited, responsible AI use (detailed training available in the separate AI Integration Course). • Practical Tool: Introduction to QuillBot Grammar Checker for improving grammar accuracy. Assignment: • Write two original body paragraphs on the assigned topic. • Use QuillBot grammar checker for corrections. • Submit paragraphs for review in Day Three. Takeaway for Students: By the end of Day Two, learners have practiced collaborative essay writing, learned how to ensure unity and coherence, and gained awareness of the ethical use of AI in academic writing. They also receive practical exposure to using grammar-checking tools responsibly.

Aim: To complete the class expository essay, introduce formatting and citation skills, and broaden understanding of different academic paper types. Day Three begins with a review session, where students’ submitted paragraphs from Day Two are evaluated and refined. Together, the class then writes the conclusion of the expository essay, completing the first full paper of the program. Next, students are introduced to formatting standards. Using APA and MLA as models, they learn step-by-step how to apply formatting rules through written instructions, video guides, and visual examples. This requires close attention to detail and builds practical familiarity with Microsoft Word. By the end of the class, students will have a perfectly formatted essay in both APA and MLA styles. The session then transitions into an introduction to citation. Students learn the basics of citing books, websites, and journal articles — the three most common source types. The importance of choosing credible sources is emphasized, including why journals are preferred, when books are useful, and which websites are acceptable. Students are also introduced to MyBib as a tool for citation management, though detailed practice will come in the following session. Finally, the class explores the different types of academic papers to set the foundation for mentorship. These include expository, argumentative, narrative, creative, and compare-and-contrast essays, as well as PowerPoint presentations. Key Topics Covered: • Review & Feedback: Improving Day Two body paragraphs. • Essay Completion: Writing the conclusion to complete the class expository essay. • Formatting Standards: Applying APA and MLA guidelines step by step with practical demonstrations. • Citation Basics: Introduction to citing books, websites, and journal articles. • Source Selection: Understanding which sources are credible and why. • Paper Types Overview: Exploring the range of assignments students will encounter in practice. Assignment: • Write a short introduction for a creative essay and another for an expository essay. • These introductions will be reviewed and built upon in Day Four. Takeaway for Students: By the end of Day Three, learners complete their first fully formatted essay, gain confidence in APA and MLA formatting, understand the basics of citation, and develop awareness of the different types of academic papers they will encounter in their writing journey.

Aim: To give students practical mastery of references and citations, introduce PowerPoint as an academic tool, and set the stage for reflective writing. Day Four begins with a review of introduction paragraphs written as Day Three assignments. The class then returns to the expository essay completed in Day Three and strengthens it by applying proper references and citations. This is a hands-on activity where students take the lead, practicing how to correctly insert in-text citations and compile reference lists under supervision. The session also introduces PowerPoint presentations. Students learn how to convert their written essay into a clear, well-structured slideshow, emphasizing the importance of organization, clarity, and professional delivery in academic communication. To close, students are introduced to a creative essay project. In class, they begin outlining their ideas and drafting the opening. This reflective piece encourages them to write about their journey as academic writers, highlighting what they have learned so far, the challenges faced, and the key principles that stood out to them. Key Topics Covered: • Review & Feedback: Evaluating introduction paragraphs from Day Three. • References & Citations: Hands-on practice inserting in-text citations and creating reference lists. • Independent Practice: Students handle most of the citation and referencing tasks themselves. • PowerPoint Basics: Transforming written essays into engaging, professional presentations. • Creative Essay (Introduction): Outlining and drafting the beginning of a reflective essay on their academic writing journey. Assignment: • Complete the creative essay at home, reflecting on your progress and key lessons as a developing academic writer. • Submit the completed essay for review and discussion in Day Five. Takeaway for Students: By the end of Day Four, learners gain practical experience in referencing and citation, develop basic PowerPoint presentation skills, and begin reflective writing. Their completed creative essay will serve as the foundation for the final session on Day Five.

Aim: To conclude the Core Program by reviewing creative essays, providing industry insights, and preparing students for the mentorship period. Day Five begins with a review of the creative essays submitted as Day Four assignments. This session involves detailed feedback, open discussions, and plenty of questions from students. It is a reflective and interactive class designed to clarify lingering doubts and strengthen students’ confidence. The day also includes professional insights and industry tips. Students are introduced to strategies for succeeding in academic writing, whether working under accounts, for employers, or with direct clients. Emphasis is placed on the importance of quality and professionalism in every setting. Students also receive an overview of basic account management and how to begin sourcing direct clients independently. As the program concludes, learners are officially transitioned into the mentorship period. Assignments are given to continue their practice, including completing an expository essay within a day and beginning work on an argumentative essay with guided instructions. Key Topics Covered: • Review & Feedback: In-depth review of the creative essays. • Tips & Tricks: Practical strategies for thriving in the academic writing industry. • Career Advice: Insights on working under accounts, with employers, or directly with clients. • Account Management Basics: Introduction to sourcing and managing your own clients. • Professionalism: Reinforcing the non-negotiable value of quality and consistency. • Mentorship Transition: Assignments and guidance for continued growth. Mentorship Details: • Conducted through Zoom. • Students submit papers for live discussion and critique. • Focus on editing skills: learning to critique peers’ papers using professional criteria. • By this stage, students are expected to produce work with minimal formatting or structural issues. Assignments: • Submit a completed expository essay within one day. • Begin work on an argumentative essay with provided directions. Takeaway for Students: By the end of Day Five, learners leave with clarity, confidence, and a concrete path forward. They have completed the Core Program, gained professional insights, and are set on course for the mentorship stage — where their skills will be sharpened through real feedback, editing practice, and gradual independence in academic writing.