Lesson 2: Confusing Words

Hello again. Time for some grammar and usage! Today we are going to discuss some words that people misuse often. Grammar is not a fun subject to talk about or learn (even for us English majors), but this is a pretty simple topic to start the series of grammar lessons. Even though it is hard to master these words, one thing that makes it very nice and manageable is the motto of "when in doubt, look it up."

1. Affect/ effect. Affect is a verb, meaning "to influence/have an effect on." Effect as a noun means "an outcome/result." As a verb it means "to make happen or produce."

2. Already/ all ready. Already refers to time while all ready refers to preparation. Ex.- The class had already started by the time Suzi woke up. She had to get all ready to go in 5 minutes.

3. Altogether/ all together. Altogether means "entirely/wholly" and all together means "unity of time of place."

4. Born/ borne. Born is an adjective (ex.- a born ruler) or a passive-voice verb (ex.- the child was born on Christmas Eve). Borne is the past participle (kind of like past tense) of bear (ex.- he has borne many burdens alone).

5. Can/ may. Can refers to physical or mental ability while may refers to possibility. (Remember grade school when you got reprimanded for saying "Can I go to the bathroom?")

Okay, now the list can go on forever and ever and ever. But you get the idea. And, the bottom line is, look it up! Don't think that you can memorize all these things, because you'll end up making some pretty grievous mistakes if that's your mind set. Remember, always better safe than sorry!

Lesson 1: Who is your audience?

Welcome back class!

When people heard in high school that I wanted to study English in college, often their response was something like, "I could never do that; writing is so subjective. Every teacher grades differently and there are no right or wrong answers." Though they are right in that writing is not an exact science and that good writing varies depending on opinion, I have learned through studying English for several years that anyone and everyone can write well. The most important concept to learn and implement is to write for your audience.

There is not just one answer to the question, "What is good writing?" because it all depends on the audience. Who your audience is determines the style, tone and format of your work. As you write, try to visualize your audience and ask yourself these types of questions: "Why is my audience reading my work?" "How do I want them to feel after reading it?" "What do I want them to do after reading this?" "Will they be reading my work word for word, or will they be scanning?" and "What are they expecting from me as a writer?"

These, and other similar questions, will help you focus your writing to be what your audience wants it to be. While there is a time and a place for creative writing and doing "your own thing" (even then, you want people to read what you write, so you'd better write what they want to read), writing in the academic world and in the work force is often more rigid. Know who your audience is and keep them in mind as you write, and you'll be successful as a writer.

Well, that is all for today. And while audience awareness is perhaps the most important thing in writing, you still need the knowledge to know some specifics in order to produce the kind of writing that your audience will appreciate. Keep posted for more lessons.

Introduction: Welcome to the Course!

Hello class! This is your teacher speaking; glad to have you join us today.

Now, whether you are studying English, physics, education or exercise sciences, knowing how to communicate effectively through writing is an important skill. Writing is one of the most valued skill in the work force, and second only to the technical skills required for the specific job.

Learning how to put your thoughts on paper will make you an asset to your future employers. They will save money through not having to hire professional writers (English Majors like me) to write for you. With the economy crisis, nearly everyone is on a tight budget; you would want to be as useful to your company as you can possibly be.

But before you can writing successfully in the work force, you have to be able do so at school. Everyone, regardless of their major, are required to take writing courses. But do not fret if writing has never been your thing. That's what I'm here for. Stayed tuned for tips on how to improve your writing.