What's included
2 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be writing and revising the three body paragraphs and then the intro and conclusion for a research essay.Assessment
I will complete a full evaluation that examines the content, organization/structure, writing style, and grammar of each submitted essay.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Intermediate Level
***This is a self-paced class, which means all work is video-based. Students will watch the video and complete the work. Once they turn in the work, I will review it and send them feedback either through private video or message. This continues until the completion of the essay with a full evaluation. Most students complete this course over a two-week period. Not only will students review the five-paragraph model of an essay, but they will place special emphasis on the art of research and the proper use of quoted material in the forms of direct quotes, paraphrasing, and summarizing. This essay, which will be about an invention of the student's choice, will require cited information from at least three sources. Students will work with the instructor at each step. In the first lesson, they will create the three body paragraphs, and in the second, the intro and conclusion. They can submit their body paragraphs for feedback and, following the final class, they should plan to submit their completed essays for an evaluation that includes feedback on their structure, content, grammar, and writing style. Throughout the course, students will be in contact with me as we work together on their essays.
Syllabus
2 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1: The body paragraphs
Pick your invention! This can be something large and well-known (the printing press, Paypal, electric cars) or a lesser-known or smaller invention (the toothbrush!). We will discuss forms of research, how to take and use notes, how to cite sources, and how a research essay should present analysis, interpretation, and possibly an argument. For homework, students should complete the three body paragraphs and submit for feedback.
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2: The introduction & conclusion
You will do some self-editing of your body paragraphs to make sure you have perfect construction! We will also edit them for content, grammar, and writing style. Then, we will focus on adding an introduction with a three-pronged thesis and a conclusion with a restated and elevated thesis.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
I've taught essays -- along with creative writing, poetry, and a ton of other classes! -- on Outschool for three years now. I absolutely love teaching, and I love taking a multi-faceted writing project like an essay and breaking it down into small, manageable pieces for students.
My professional background includes writing for numerous newspapers and magazines, as well as degrees in French and journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$23
weekly or $45 for all content2 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 9 learners
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Ages: 11-16