Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures

$65.00
no certificate

- OR -

$90.00
with CEU Certificate*

Start Right Now!

Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.

26

Lessons
65

Exams &
Assignments
29

Hours
average time
2.9

CEUs
0

Students
have taken this course

Loading...

Course Description

Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school. Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about "the minor details." It's time to relearn those "minor details" that can help you write and read more effectively. But it's hard to fix something unless you know how it works.

This self-paced, stress-free course was developed not only for students wanting to improve their basic writing skills, but also for business writers, creative writers and office staff wanting to improve poor work related writing and avoid embarrassing their boss and themselves.

Our innovative course is designed as a refresher course for those who need to brush up on their skills and a reference for anyone who wants to be able to look up the rules for confusing grammatical questions quickly and easily. After you've reviewed the basic rules of grammar and spelling, you can move on to the lessons on writing style for tips on improving your sentence and paragraph structure, how to polish your writing and how to avoid common errors.

And because the course is online doesn't mean that you'll be left on your own. The instructor will be grading assignments and tests and is available through email to answer questions and provide guidance. Why not join us, learn at your own pace and your own schedule and reap the benefits?

Completely Online
Self-Paced
Instructor Feedback
IACET CEUs
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the basic rules of spelling.
Recognize commonly misspelled words.
Demonstrate proper use of plural forms for names, compound words and numbers.
Recognize 'ie' versus 'ei' and other spelling dilemmas.
Define prefix and suffix rules.
Identify common prefixes and suffixes.
Define homonyms.
Identify subject and predicate and demonstrate using them properly.
Identify verb tenses and demonstrate using them properly.
Identify nouns and pronouns and demonstrate using them properly.
Identify adjectives and adverbs and demonstrate using them properly.
Identify the phrase and clause and use them correctly.
Identify and properly use periods, commas, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, hyphens, and quotation marks.
Refine your sentence writing, identify types of paragraphs and form paragraphs correctly.
Demonstrate correct writing of dialogue.
Proofread and revise your writing, and
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Universal Class, Inc. has been approved as an Accredited Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). In obtaining this approval, Universal Class, Inc. has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard which is widely recognized as the Standard of good practice internationally. As a result of their Accredited Provider status, Universal Class, Inc. is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its courses that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.

Request More Information

Have a question? Check out our FAQ or contact us for more information.

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating: (11364 votes)

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

9/26/2016 1:16:04 PM

Lesson 1. Introduction

The introduction to this course will begin by first examining why proper grammar and spelling are important. 1 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise11.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-wordsearch-activity-7098.pdf
Review Video: Parts of Speech Lesson
Complete: Introduction Assignment

Lesson 2. The Basic Rules of Spelling

This lesson describes how to turn singular words to plural and the exceptions to the rule. 10 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise21.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise31.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise41.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise51.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-wordsearch-activity-7099.pdf
Review Article: 10 Tips to improve your spelling
Review Article: Improving your spelling while using the computer spell checker
Review Article: Irregular Nouns
Review Article: Spelling Quiz
Review Article: Study Tips
Take Poll: Personal Spelling Average
Complete: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Commonly Misspelled Words

This is a list of some of the most common and frequently misspelled words. 35 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise15.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise25.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise35.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise45.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-spellingexercise55.pdf
Practice Worksheet 6: optional-wordsearch-activity-7100.pdf
Practice Worksheet 7: optional-wordsearch-activity-7101.pdf
Practice Worksheet 8: optional-wordsearch-activity-7102.pdf
Practice Worksheet 9: optional-wordsearch-activity-7103.pdf
Practice Worksheet 10: optional-wordsearch-activity-7104.pdf
Practice Worksheet 11: optional-wordsearch-activity-7105.pdf
Practice Worksheet 12: optional-wordsearch-activity-7106.pdf
Practice Worksheet 13: optional-wordsearch-activity-7107.pdf
Practice Worksheet 14: optional-wordsearch-activity-7108.pdf
Review Article: Common Misspelled Words (Difficult)
Review Article: Commonly confused words-
Review Article: Commonly misspelled words
Take Poll: Spelling Resources
Complete: Spelling 3-1 Exercise
Complete: Spelling 3-2 Exercise

Lesson 4. Plural Forms for Names, Compound Words, and Numbers

This lesson explains how to form plurals with some examples. 127 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise12.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise22.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise42.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise52.pdf
Review Article: Interactive tests for improving the spelling process
Review Article: How to Form Plurals of Compound Nouns
Review Article: How to Use Apostrophes Correctly
Review Video: English lesson and exercises ing forms, spelling rules and grammar
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise A
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise B
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise C
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise D
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise E
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise F
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise G
Complete: Lesson 4 Spelling Exercise H

Lesson 5. Understanding "ie" Versus"ei" and Other Spelling Dilemmas

This lesson presents the basic explanation of when to use "ie" and "ei". 145 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise131.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise331.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise431.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise531.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-spellingexercises231.pdf
Review Article: "Seed" Words
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise A
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise B
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise C
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise D
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise E
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise F
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise G
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise H
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise I
Complete: Lesson 5 Spelling Exercise J

Lesson 6. Prefix and Suffix Rules

This lesson explains the basics of adding prefixes and suffixes including some exceptions to the rule. 82 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise141.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise241.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise341.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise441.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-spellingexercise541.pdf
Review Article: Spelling Quiz Central
Review Article: Attaching Prefixes and Suffixes
Complete: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise A
Complete: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise B
Complete: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise C
Complete: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise D
Complete: Lesson 6 Spelling Exercise E

Lesson 7. Common Prefixes and Suffixes

This lesson gives a list of the most common add-ons to root words and their meanings. 40 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Review Article: Frequently asked questions about common spelling errors (part 1)
Review Article: Test your proofreading and Spelling skills
Complete: Lesson 7 Spelling Exercise A
Complete: Lesson 7 Spelling Exercise B

Lesson 8. Homonyms

This lesson lists some of the most commonly used words that sound alike but have totally different meanings. 57 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-spellingexercise14.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-spellingexercise24.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-spellingexercise34.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-spellingexercise44.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-spellingexercise54.pdf
Practice Worksheet 6: optional-wordsearch-activity-7109.pdf
Review Article: Homophones/Homonyms
Review Article: List of 100 Homonyms
Review Video: Homonyms and Homophones
Complete: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise A
Complete: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise B
Complete: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise C
Complete: Lesson 8 Spelling Exercise D

Lesson 9. Subject and Predicate

This lesson defines what a subject and predicate are and how they are used in sentences. 20 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_subject_and_predicate_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_subject_and_predicate_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_subject_and_predicate_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-grammar_subject_and_predicate_wk_5.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-grammar_subject_verb_agreement_wk_1.pdf
Review Article: Subject/Verb Agreement
Review Article: Subject and Predicate
Review Article: Subject/Predicate Exercises
Review Video: Subject & Predicate
Take Poll: Rate Your Grammar Skills
Complete Exam: Spelling Test 9 - Subject-Verb Agreement
Complete: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Verb Tenses

This lesson defines the different types of verb tenses from simple to future perfect progressive. 26 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_subject_verb_agreement_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_subject_verb_agreement_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_subject_verb_agreement_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-grammar_subject_verb_agreement_wk_5.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-grammar_verbs_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 6: optional-grammar_verbs_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 7: optional-grammar_verbs_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 8: optional-grammar_verbs_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 9: optional-grammar_verbs_wk_5.pdf
Practice Worksheet 10: optional-grammar_verb_tenses_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 11: optional-grammar_verb_tenses_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 12: optional-grammar_verb_tenses_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 13: optional-grammar_verb_tenses_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 14: optional-grammar_verb_tenses_wk_5.pdf
Review Article: Verb Tense Tutorial
Review Video: English Grammar -- Present Simple -- Structure
Complete: Lesson 10.1 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 10.2 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Nouns and Pronouns

This lesson defines what a noun and pronoun are, the different types of pronouns and pronoun cases. Also, the correct usage of who and whom. 21 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_nouns_and_pronouns_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_nouns_and_pronouns_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_nouns_and_pronouns_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-grammar_nouns_and_pronouns_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-grammar_nouns_and_pronouns_wk_5.pdf
Review Article: Pronoun-antecedent agreement
Review Article: Pronouns (Personal, Possessive, Relative and Reflexive Pronouns)
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Adjectives and Adverbs

This lesson explains the definitions of adjectives and adverbs and the different degrees for modifying them. 22 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_modifiers_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_modifiers_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_adj_ad_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-grammar_adj_ad_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-grammar_adj_ad_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 6: optional-grammar_adj_ad_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 7: optional-grammar_adj_ad_wk_5.pdf
Review Article: Additional Examples of Adjectives and Adverbs
Review Article: Adjective and Adverb Exercises
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. The Phrase

This lesson describes the use of prepositions in forming sentences. 14 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-wordsearch-activity-7110.pdf
Review Article: Self-Test on Prepositional Phrases
Review Video: Identifying Prepositional Phrases
Review Video: Grammar and Mechanics
Complete: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. The Clause

This lesson describes the difference between an independent clause and a subordinate clause and the proper usage of that and which. 11 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_punctuation_wk_5.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_sentence_logic_wk_3.pdf
Review Article: Additional Examples and Exercises on the Dependent Clause
Review Article: Difference Between That and Which
Review Article: Independent VS Dependent Clauses
Complete: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Periods and Other End Stops

This lesson describes when to use periods, exclamation marks, and question marks. 30 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_punctuation_wk_2.pdf
Review Article: Periods and Other End Stops
Review Article: The Proper Use Of The Period And Other End Marks
Take Poll: Rate Your Punctuation Skills
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16. Commas

This lesson explains when and where commas are used in sentences. 19 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_punctuation_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_punctuation_wk_4.pdf
Review Article: Comma Use Exercise
Review Article: Grammar Blue Book
Complete: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17. Apostrophes

This lesson covers the basic rules when adding an apostrophe and some exceptions. 22 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Review Article: Additional examples on Apostrophes
Review Article: Apostrophe Use Exercise
Review Article: Apostrophe Rules
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18. Colons and Semicolons

This lesson gives the basic rules for using colons and semicolons in a sentence. 8 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video
Review Article: Commas vs. semicolons exercises
Review Article: Semicolon and Colon Rules
Complete: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19. Hyphens

This lesson describes when and how to use hyphens and when they are essential. 9 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video
Review Article: Hyphens
Review Article: How to use Hypens in Your Writing
Complete: Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20. Quotation Marks

This lesson explains how to use quotation marks properly in text. 8 Total Points

Lesson 20 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammarpunctuation_wk_1.pdf
Review Article: Exercise 7: Quotation Marks
Review Article: Quotation mark exercises
Complete: Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21. Refining Your Sentences

This lesson explains how to use phrases and compound sentences to make your writing interesting. 50 Total Points

Lesson 21 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_sentence_logic_wk_5.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_fragments_parallel_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_fragments_parallel_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 4: optional-grammar_fragments_parallel_wk_3.pdf
Practice Worksheet 5: optional-grammar_fragments_parallel_wk_4.pdf
Practice Worksheet 6: optional-grammar_fragments_parallel_wk_5.pdf
Review Article: Additional Examples about combining sentences
Review Article: Compound Subjects, Verbs, and Sentences
Review Video: The 20 Most Common Grammar and Mechanical Errors
Take Poll: Writing Expertise
Complete: Lesson 21 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 21.2 Assignment
Complete: Lesson 21.3 Assignment

Lesson 22. Paragraph Structure

This lesson explains proper paragraph structure with topic and concluding sentences. 40 Total Points

Lesson 22 Video
Review Article: Basic Paragraph Structure
Review Article: Lots of Writing Paragraph Exercises
Review Article: Writing exercises for paragraph building
Review Video: Top 10 Essay Writing Tips
Complete: Lesson 22.1 Assignment - Paragraph Writing
Complete: Lesson 22.2 Assignment - Paragraph Writing

Lesson 23. Types of Paragraphs

This lesson explains the difference between narrative and descriptive and expository paragraphs. 60 Total Points

Lesson 23 Video
Review Article: Paragraph Writing Exercise
Review Article: Seven Types of Paragraphs
Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment - Narrative Paragraph
Complete: Lesson 23.2 Assignment - Descriptive Paragraph
Complete: Lesson 23.3 Assignment

Lesson 24. Writing Dialogue

This lesson explains the importance of the structure and flow of dialogue. 40 Total Points

Lesson 24 Video
Review Article: Seven Keys to Writing Good Dialogue
Review Video: Writing Dialogue
Complete: Lesson 24 Assignment - Dialogue Writing
Complete: Lesson 24.2 Assignment - Dialogue Writing

Lesson 25. Proofreading and Revising Your Writing

We'll review proofreading and techniques for revising to better improve your writing. 35 Total Points

Lesson 25 Video
Practice Worksheet 1: optional-grammar_sentence_logic_wk_1.pdf
Practice Worksheet 2: optional-grammar_sentence_logic_wk_2.pdf
Practice Worksheet 3: optional-grammar_sentence_logic_wk_4.pdf
Review Article: Proofreading Exercise (part 1)
Review Article: Proofreading Exercise (part 2)
Review Article: Vocabulary, grammar, punctuation quizzes
Take Poll: Editing
Complete: Lesson 25 Assignment
Complete: Final Assignment - Three Paragraph Essay

Lesson 26. Additional Grammar and Writing Resources

Additional grammar and writing resources 74 Total Points

Take Poll: What is your opinion of this course?
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete: The Final Exam

1006

Total Course Points

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures

Course Number: 7550406

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

Home > Writing Help > Writing Improvement

Course Type: General Education

CEU Value: 2.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Daphnee St.Val

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Review: Read Editorial Review

Requirements: View Technical Requirements

Course Fee: $65.00 (no CEU Certification) || with CEU Certification: $90.00

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only

One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs

$65

for 6 months

Add to Cart

Billed once
This course only

Includes certificate	X
Includes CEUs	X
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	6 months
No. of courses	1 course

Certificate Course

One Course
Certificate & CEUs

$90

for 6 months

Add to Cart

Billed once
This course only

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	6 months
No. of courses	1 course

Platinum Yearly

ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs

$189

per year

You save 50%!

Start Now

Billed once
Includes all 500+ courses

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	12 Months
No. of courses	500+

Platinum Monthly

ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs

$59 first month

$29.00 / each consecutive month thereafter

Start Now

Billed monthly
Includes all 500+ courses

Includes certificate
Includes CEUs
Self-paced
Instructor support
Time to complete	Monthly
No. of courses	500+

Student Testimonials

"Very helpful." -- Renata B.
"I appreciated the breakdown of the rules of grammar. The instructor was wonderful. Emails were answered within a very reasonable time. She answered questions even faster. I would love to take another course from her again." -- Lisa F.
"I really feel like I walked away from this class knowing a lot more and I may decide to retake it in 3-6 months. I have made up hundreds of flash cards that I plan to become very familiar with each of the terms. I was very excited when I finally grasped the whole affect/effect process and I know it will be just as rewarding when I get the others down as well. I bookmarked many of the test pages or links that were made available and I plan to use them often as well, to continue to learn. It was very easy to become familiar with the rules of grammar again and the lessons were very easy comprehend. I was very grateful to be given a second chance to improve my test scores if I scored lower than a 70%." -- Caryn R.
"It is a joy studying under this instructor! Working on the assignments. Applying the principles that I have learned. More important, assignments are corrected. This is more valuable than studying all the books by myself! Best of all, I have very competent, readily-available instructor! A million thanks to you. " -- Joe O.
"I found the course helpful. I have been out of school for over 40 years and there were rules and such that I had forgotten. Working at my own speed was very good for me." -- JoAnne G.
"I confess that initially I was hesitated to take the class. I had tried this type of on-line classes before and was very disappointed. However, my experience with UniversalClass has been completely different. I find the way the material was organized very helpful and easy to follow. The logic in the sequence of the lessons was perfect as it make complete sense for those like me, who are looking to refresh the school grammar studies and to learn new things. I have to say that I am very happy with the class, the material and the instructor. I know that she was very busy because there are many students on the class. However, she always took the time to review the material and to even make comments on the progress or the performance. In my line of duty, I am responsible for a lot of writing, and as the time goes by, I find myself with added writing responsibilities. I am not a native English speaker, therefore, I always double/triple check my writing. That's why it was so important to me to get back to basics and make sure I know the grammar rules in the English language. I find that the time I spent completing this course was extremely valuable and it will pay-off with very good dividends in the future. Thank you and keep up the good work with your web-site, your resources and the material of the classes. I can't wait to start my next class." -- Edna V.
"Our instructor was demanding, but fair. I found that I didn't want to dissapoint her." -- Dennis M.
View More Testimonials...