In this lesson, students will learn some fun pre-writing techniques for generating ideas for writing assignments.

How to Brainstorm

In this lesson, students learn the pre-writing technique that comes after brainstorming. Students view some sample outlines and practice writing outlines from a template.

How to Write an Outline

In this lesson, students learn tips for writing introductory paragraphs. Students view some sample introductions and practice writing their own paragraphs. They also talk about first impressions.

How to Write an Introductory Paragraph

In this lesson, students learn tips for writing body paragraphs. They review the main components of body paragraphs and practice writing their own. They also learn about transitional phrases and topic sentences.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

In this lesson, students learn tips for writing concluding paragraphs. Students view a sample conclusion and practice their own paragraphs. They also talk about leaving lasting impressions.

How to Write a Concluding Paragraph

In this lesson, students learn about the role of an editor and proofreader. This lesson focuses on spotting and correcting common writing mistakes and errors.

How to Proofread

In this lesson, students learn the two main types of citation that they should use in an academic paper or presentation (in-text citation and works-cited page). Students also learn how to avoid plagiarism.

Note: This lesson is based on guidelines from the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook, which was published in April 2016. 

How to Cite a Source (MLA)

In this lesson, students learn tips for writing narrative essays. They brainstorm, read a sample essay, and practice writing their own. They also learn about tone. 

How to Write a Narrative Essay

In this lesson, students learn tips for comparing and contrasting in written English. Students view a model text and practice writing their own comparison paragraphs.

How to Compare & Contrast

In this lesson, students learn tips for persuasive writing. They learn about the common features of this style of writing, and they also learn language that is useful for persuading. 

How to Write Persuasively

This academic course covers all of the essay-writing essentials intermediate to advanced ELLs need. From pre-writing to paragraph writing to proofing and formatting citations, students complete tasks that lead them to a finished product in each lesson.

Essay Essentials