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):

  1. Write your answer to the “3 Key Questions” outlined in Mapping
  2. Submit your document outline (this can be copy/paste or a photograph/screenshot)
  3. Copy and paste your first draft
  4. Submit your final draft