COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will learn the basics of expository writing by writing about things that are very familiar to them and will make a first attempt at a full, five-paragraph, expository essay by the end. There will be one small writing assignment each week (probably a paragraph, i.e. no reading required) graded pass/fail with a little bit of feedback. Feedback will be based on content, not grammar, spelling, or mechanics. (If students need help in those areas, Ms. Finnigan will have a recommendation for them.)
Students are welcome to handwrite their assignments but they must be submitted typed. Parents are welcome to type them up.
There will be at least one, graded, five-paragraph essay at the end with feedback. Recommended grade will be based on: participation, weekly homework (P/F), and final essay. This is a great "warm up" course for beginning writers who don't want to jump straight into essays. With enough interest, this course will be followed by another eight week class in the spring called Mastering the Expository Essay.
COURSE SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS
Course Duration:
- September 29, 2025 - November 17, 2026 (8 weeks)
Live Online Class Schedule:
- Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Pacific, 11-12 Mountain, 12-1 Central, 1-2 Eastern
Teacher-Student Interaction (Weekly):
- One, 60-minute live class
- One writing assignment graded pass/fail with a little bit feedback
Class Size:
- 18 student maximum, 5 minimum
Course Texts:
- None
Questions? Email
Meet Ms. Finnigan
Hello! I received my B.A. in English from Boston College and my M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. I like to say "I was teaching online before it was cool." I taught high school at Kolbe Academy Online for nine years, and before that, I taught at a hybrid school called St. John Bosco in Atlanta. I've been working as a writing coach off and on since 2008.
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!
[email protected]
Courses Starting in January
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