No Stress Essay Writing: Learn and Practice the Basics of the IEW Method

This ongoing class will cover the basics of essay writing including key word outlines, paragraph structure, essay structure, stylistic techniques, story format, inventive writing, and more. Using the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure and Style method, each class will discuss a unit model or style technique.  Attending each week will provide an overview of the entire method, yet it is not necessary to attend all the classes to gain techniques for writing.

Each class will begin with introductions and a brief overview of the key word outline.  The key word outline is the basis of the structure of the IEW method.  For this reason, at least one KWO will be written each week, and each week will review this concept.  Each week will focus on a structure or a style technique.  Learners will have the opportunity to practice as a class each week.  Most writing projects will be accomplished as a group.  Stylistic exercises and editing will be presented periodically.  This is an interactive class and therefore students are encouraged to participate in the discussions and group work.  

Class runs for up to six months depending on attendance. The sequence is listed below. Dates are added when the class is scheduled.

1/9 Key Word Outlines, oral reports from outlines (IEW Unit 1)
1/16 Key Word Outlines (KWOs), written reports from outlines (IEW Unit 2)
1/23 KWO, Adding style with verbs and adjectives 
KWO, story format (IEW Unit 3)
KWO, story format with a twist (IEW Unit 3)
KWO, writing an informative paragraph from one source, the topic/clincher rule (IEW Unit 4)
KWO, one source informative paragraph, adding style with clauses (IEW Unit 4)
KWO, writing from pictures (IEW Unit 5)
KWO, writing from pictures (IEW Unit 5), adding style with adverbs 
KWO, a multi-source report and fused outlines (IEW Unit 6)
KWO, fused outlines (IEW Unit 6), adding style with relative clauses  
KWO, writing from the brain (IEW Unit 7)
KWO, writing from the brain (IEW Unit 7), adding style with sentence openers 
KWO, writing the body paragraphs in a 5 paragraph essay  (IEW Unit 8)
KWO, writing the conclusion paragraph in a 5 paragraph essay (IEW Unit 8)
KWO, writing the  introduction paragraph in a 5 paragraph essay (IEW Unit 8), adding style with dramatic openers 
KWO, writing a critique (IEW Unit 9)
KWO, writing a critique with added style (IEW Unit 9)
KWO, all about style with style techniques, sentence openers, and decorations
KWO, editing helps, proofreading symbols, and editing practice
KWO, addressing a prompt with a thesis statement, adding style with transitions
KWO, a guided timed essay practice session and wrap-up
KWO, Q&A, review games, and exercises

The ongoing class may run once or twice each year so that anyone who joins part-way through can pick up the weeks that they missed.  Break weeks may occur for US holidays/vacations.  Depending on enrollment and instructor schedule, some sections may not complete all possible weeks.

If you prefer a semester-long course with assignments given, please refer to my other IEW courses which begin in September, January, and June.