Module GRS1002 “Advanced Writing Skills”
Week 1
- Topic 1: Introduction to the programme
- Topic 2: Finding your workplace context
- Topic 3: MODE – Mapping & planning
- Topic 4: Building credibility
- Round-up
- Bonus topic: Behavioural science
By the end of this week, you’ll be able to…
- Identify which of your work tasks this course will help with
- Outline 3 different “categories” of writing task
- Categorise each of your work tasks so you can budget your time and attention when it comes to writing
- Ask 3 key questions to guide your writing
- Tailor a set of information differently for different audiences
- Create a writing plan
- Know how to build credibility in your professional writing
Week 2
- Topic 1: Welcome to Week 2
- Topic 2: MODE – Organising your ideas
- Topic 3: Paragraphs
- Topic 4: Gathering information
- Round-up
- Bonus Topic: Note-taking & annotating
By the end of this week, you’ll be able to…
- Decide whether a source is credible and suitable for your writing project
- Confidently differentiate between facts and opinions in both research and writing, and to be clear when each are appropriate
- Identify your preferred style for a document outline, having practiced several
- Turn your writing plan into a document outline
- Write paragraphs that walk a reader through even the most complicated idea in a way that’s easy to follow
Week 3
- Topic 1: Welcome to Week 3
- Topic 2: Turning your document outline into a first draft
- Topic 3: Elevate your writing
- Round-up
- Bonus Topic: Tables & figures
By the end of this week, you’ll be able to…
- Implement the essential tips for writing sentences that are clear, concise, and minimise misunderstandings
- Implement the essential tips the will elevate your writing and help you avoid ambiguity
- Write introductions that catch a reader’s attention
- Write conclusions that lead a reader to take the action you want them to
- Confidently turn a document outline into a first draft
- Use a variety of templates in your future writing tasks
Week 4
- Topic 1: Introduction
- Topic 2: Proving your point
- Topic 3: Tone
- Topic 4: Clarity & conciseness
- Topic 5: Proofread
- Topic 6: Finishing touches
- Topic 7: Implementing the editing checklist
- Course round-up
By the end of this week, you’ll be able to…
- Use the editing checklist to quickly and effectively edit your writing
Week 5 – Assignment
This assignment requires you to write 500 words on ONE of 5 options outlined in the document below.
You will be assessed on two key areas:
- The demonstration of technical knowledge.
- Your writing skills and ability to follow the MODE process to demonstrate your technical knowledge.
There are 4 parts of the assignment (one for each of the MODE process):
- Write your answer to the “3 Key Questions” outlined in Mapping
- Submit your document outline (this can be copy/paste or a photograph/screenshot)
- Copy and paste your first draft
- Submit your final draft