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Gavin Walton
- August 14, 2024
Hey there, future English pros! Are you prepared to become an even better writer with Study.com’s English 205: English Composition II? Whether you are a professional writer who makes mistakes in the level of formalities and still learning how to distinguish between “your” and “you’re,” this course is for you. Based on options like video lessons, quizzes, assignments, and a finalizing proctored exam, you are going to be amazed at how effectively you are able to write persuasive research papers, professional proposals, and memorable oral presentations.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: English 205 sounds like, ‘Another writing class? Ugh!’ however I assure you that this is not your typical writing course. It is replete with action plans and approaches that will be useful to you when the last examination is over. Well then, get comfortable with that snack of yours, and let me tell you what to expect from this class. Well, strap up then because you are in for a fun and informative ride.
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Study.com English 205 Class Insights 📖
Well, that leaves one burning question that just screams to be answered: What’s the scoop with Study.com’s English 205: English Composition II? Let’s break it down. This course is really about refining your writing skills so that you can write at a business professional level and the course is divided into twelve chapters that range from how to come up with ideas and how to deliver those ideas in a strong presentation format. Not only will you learn about the nuts and bolts of the writing processes, the ways of conducting research, and the rules of citation, but all of this will be done in relation to the audience and purpose of the text in question.
To begin with, you will be exposed to the ability to write and will learn notions that can be useful to embrace a piece of writing. Consider prewriting, writing, finalization, proofreading, and the last and final step –– putting the writing into print. You will be sponsored with tips on how to brainstorm, how to organize your essays together with how you can apply various tools to enrich your writing. Be prepared to work with such elements of academic writing as the five-paragraph essay and thesis and prepare for the fact that both will be thoroughly covered during the exam.
Subsequently, it goes over audience analysis and finding or developing your voice. This is especially important since knowledge of the audience and the method to reach them can create or destroy the paper. You’ll look at the various forms of writing style and the tones to be used, thus guaranteeing that your papers are both interesting and suitable for the reader.
The second aspect that is covered in the later part of the course deals with research and citation. You will be able to distinguish between the sources you should and should not use; and how to avoid plagiarism; You will be equipped with correct ways of citing in MLA and APA. Also, you’ll focus on the research essay and business proposal writing – the skills that are important for the exam as well as for the job, by the way. Ideas can be presented in both, written format and oral presentation form at the end of the course.
Well, we have not yet ended here because, in the next section, you will get a week-by-week plan that will enable you to pass this examination like a champion. Ready to get organized? Let’s go!
Detailed Weekly Study Schedule for English 205📝
Alright, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s your week-by-week study plan to help you navigate through Study.com’s English 205: English Composition II and come out on top. Follow this plan, and you’ll be well-prepared for the final proctored exam.
Week 1: Get Acquainted and Start Strong
- Watch introductory videos on the writing process. Understand the steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
- Take the quizzes at the end of each lesson to test your comprehension. Remember, you can take these up to three times to get the best score.
- Assignment: Begin brainstorming ideas for your research paper topic.
Week 2: Dive Into Prewriting and Thesis Development
- Focus on brainstorming techniques like freewriting and mind mapping.
- Watch videos on developing strong thesis statements and creating essay outlines.
- Practice by drafting an outline for your first essay.
- Assignment: Submit your initial topic and research question.
Week 3: Perfect Your Paragraphs and Drafting Skills
- Learn about topic sentences and support your writing with evidence.
- Practice writing body paragraphs using the tips and examples provided.
- Take quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
- Assignment: Start drafting your research essay based on your outline.
Week 4: Master Revision and Editing
- Watch lessons on how to revise and edit your essays for content, clarity, and coherence.
- Use tools like Grammarly or the Hemingway App to help with proofreading.
- Revise your research essay based on the feedback you receive.
- Assignment: Submit the rough draft of your research essay.
Week 5: Research and Citation
- Dive into lessons on finding reliable sources and using databases.
- Practice making in-text citations and compiling a bibliography.
- Take quizzes on MLA and APA citation formats.
- Assignment: Create an annotated bibliography for your research paper.
Week 6: Writing Business Proposals
- Watch videos on the structure and purpose of business proposals.
- Draft a business proposal using the guidelines provided.
- Take quizzes to test your understanding.
- Assignment: Submit your business proposal.
Week 7: Developing Presentations
- Learn about creating effective presentations and using visual aids.
- Practice delivering a presentation to a small group or record yourself.
- Take quizzes on presentation techniques.
- Assignment: Prepare and submit your presentation.
Week 8: Final Review and Practice
- Revisit key concepts from each chapter. Use the chapter tests to check your readiness.
- Take the practice final exam to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
- Identify any weak areas and review the related lessons and quizzes.
- Assignment: Make final revisions to all your assignments and submit any remaining ones.
Useful External Links:
- Essay Writing Tips on YouTube
- Quizlet for English Composition
- Grammarly for Proofreading
By following this study plan, you’ll cover all the essential topics and be well-prepared for your final exam. Next up, let’s check out some external resources that can help you ace this course!
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Accessible Free Study Resources📂
Well done! With your week-by-week study schedule, you can prevent that exhaustive cramming. Now let’s boost your weekly study plan with some extra forces. Below is a list of some of the best sources on the web that can help you increase your knowledge and grasp those challenging concepts for free.
YouTube Channels and Videos:
- CrashCourse: CrashCourse Literature – Excellent for understanding literary analysis and writing.
- TED-Ed: TED-Ed Writing Videos – Offers insights into writing techniques and storytelling.
- Owl Purdue: Purdue OWL YouTube – Great for detailed explanations on MLA and APA citation formats.
Flashcards and Study Sets:
- Quizlet:
- English Composition II Flashcards
- Grammar and Style Study Set
Websites for Writing Tips and Tools:
- Grammarly: Grammarly – Helps with proofreading and grammar checking.
- Hemingway App: Hemingway Editor – Aids in making your writing clear and concise.
- Purdue OWL: Purdue OWL – Comprehensive guide for writing, research, and citation.
Academic Journals and Articles:
- Google Scholar: Google Scholar – Access scholarly articles for your research essays.
- JSTOR: JSTOR – A digital library for academic journals, books, and primary sources.
These resources are perfect for deepening your understanding of course material and brushing up on your writing skills. They offer a variety of learning tools, from videos and flashcards to proofreading software, ensuring you’re covered from all angles.
Ready to dig into some key topics? Let’s break down the complex stuff in the next section!
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Main Topics to Concentrate On🔑
Managing your way through the important constituent elements of English 205 may at times appear like juggling, however, not to worry, we have elegant tools to help balance things. Now, listed below are four crucial factors that you have to learn, explained in simple terms for easy comprehension and memorization.
- Writing Process: Prewriting vs. Drafting
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Aspect
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Prewriting
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Drafting
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Purpose
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Brainstorm and organize ideas
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Write down ideas in a structured format
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Activities
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Mind mapping, outlining, freewriting
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Writing paragraphs, developing arguments
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Outcome
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Clear plan for writing
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First complete version of your essay
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Example
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Creating a mind map of essay topics
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Writing the first draft of your essay
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Writing involves the key steps that are essential in the preparation of any good essay. The pre-writing is the most creative stage of your work when you have the possibility to let the ideas go and begin to sort them. Such activities today as mind mapping and freewriting enable one to concentrate and think through the essay. Prewriting can be understood as drawing a rough sketch before starting the journey of writing in a given writing task. After that, drawing up the project’s plan is the next task that needs to be done after getting your roadmap. Here, you actually start to write the paper, putting together paragraphs and building your arguments. Do not worry if your first draft is not neat and does not meet your expectations: just try to write down ideas that come into your mind. You’ll refine them in later stages.
- Thesis Statements: Analytical vs. Argumentative
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Type
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Analytical Thesis
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Argumentative Thesis
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Purpose
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Analyzes parts of a subject
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Takes a stance on an issue
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Example
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"The theme of isolation in '1984' reveals..."
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"School uniforms should be mandatory because..."
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Key Feature
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Breaks down subject into components
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Presents a clear position
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Tip
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Ensure it sets the stage for analysis
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Make sure it’s debatable and specific
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It literally is necessary to distinguish between an analytic thesis and an argumentative thesis. An analytical thesis breaks down a topic into its constituent elements to investigate its meaning or importance, similar to analyzing the concept of loneliness in George Orwell’s “1984. ” This type of thesis creates the context for the analysis of the topic selected. On the other hand, an argumentative thesis brings out a specific stand that the writer wishes to take, with the idea of persuading the reader. For example, to make the point that young people should wear school uniforms in order to remove a cause of social injustice or distraction. The thesis should be clear and arguable, as it should run through the entire paper.
- Citation Styles: MLA vs. APA
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Feature
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MLA
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APA
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Field of Use
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Humanities, especially literature, and language studies
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Social sciences, education, psychology
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In-text Citation
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Author’s last name and page number
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Author’s last name and year of publication
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Works Cited/References
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“Works Cited” page at end
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“References” page at end
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Example
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(Smith 123)
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(Smith, 2020, p. 123)
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Credible citing of resources is the basis of academic honesty. Specifically, MLA citation is used in humanities and it implies inline citations in the form of the author’s last name, the number of the page, and the “List of Works Cited” at the end. APA, commonly used in the area of the social sciences, inserts the source citation directly in the text, and at the end is the “References” section. Both styles make certain you acknowledge the work of the original authors and do not copy other people’s work. Get acquainted with these formats, because accurately citing sources is vital for any work based on research.
- Research and Analysis: Primary vs. Secondary Sources
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Source Type
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Primary Source
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Secondary Source
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Definition
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Original materials or evidence
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Interpretations or analyses of primary sources
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Examples
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Diaries, interviews, original research
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Journal articles, reviews, essays
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Use in Essays
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Provide direct evidence
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Provide context and analysis
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Research is a fundamental part of writing, and understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is key. Primary sources are original materials like diaries, interviews, and original research studies. They provide firsthand evidence and direct insights into your topic. Secondary sources, such as journal articles and reviews, interpret and analyze primary sources, offering context and background. Utilizing both types of sources enriches your research, making your arguments stronger and more credible. Always cross-check your sources for reliability and relevance to ensure your paper is well-supported.
When the above-mentioned major areas of concern are dissected, you’ll learn that it is easier to appreciate the fundamentals of what you are doing and to be able to apply that in your writing. Moving on, the following is a list of some questions that are commonly asked concerning the course. Stay tuned!
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English 205 FAQs❓
Q: How can I manage my time effectively for this course?
Answer: Create a weekly schedule, dedicating specific times for videos, quizzes, and assignments. Break large tasks into smaller steps to stay organized.
Q: What’s the best way to prepare for the final proctored exam?
Answer: Review each chapter, take all quizzes, and use practice tests. Focus on weak areas and create summary notes or flashcards for reinforcement.
Q: How can I improve my writing skills for the research paper?
Answer: Understand the assignment, choose a topic you’re passionate about, use prewriting techniques, and seek feedback. Don’t skip revising and editing.
Q: What should I do if I’m struggling with understanding the course material?
Answer: Rewatch video lessons, take detailed notes, and use external resources. Join study groups or ask your instructor for help if needed.
Q: How important are the quizzes and assignments in this course?
Answer: Quizzes and assignments make up 80% of your final grade. They reinforce learning and provide essential feedback for improvement.
Q: Can I use online tools and resources to help with my assignments?
Answer: Absolutely! There are platforms such as Grammarly and Purdue OWL for writing and citation respectively as well as Google Scholar for searching scholarly materials.
Q: Any tips on how I can enhance my presentations?
Answer: Think about your audience, use visuals, rehearse, and apply storytelling and/or jokes if possible.
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Conclusion and Takeaways📄
Congratulations! Congratulations on having read and completed our guide to study.com’s English 205: English Composition II. From study schedules to time management, to approaching your filled research papers and presentations, you now have the map for this class. Anyway, please be active and dedicate more time to studying and you will surely improve and succeed in the exams.
Remember the methods we have developed concerning task division as well as using extra materials to complete the tasks. It is therefore important to go over the important topics frequently and do some practice in order to refresh the knowledge. In this respect, if you get the following approach correctly, you will not only pass this course but perform excellently.
Best of luck with your seminars or anything you pursue, and the bravest thing for a writer is to start. Just keep on writing, and keep on reshaping until you shock yourself with your progress. Happy studying!
