Foundations of Writing

Develop your written communication skills at work as you learn how to write plain, effective English using the ‘JASPER’ technique with this online course from Government Campus UK.

Duration

2 weeks

Weekly study

2 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

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Improve your writing skills with ‘JASPER’

From writing emails to meeting notes and reports, there are many work contexts that require basic written communication skills.

On this two-week course, you’ll improve your writing skills using the mnemonic ‘JASPER’ – the six fundamental aspects of clear writing:

  • Jargon: how to recognise it in your own writing, and the importance of removing it for effective communication
  • Acronyms: the importance of spelling them out
  • Short sentences and short paragraphs: conveying meaning in chunks for maximum understanding
  • Plain English: avoiding ‘flowery’ and unclear language
  • Editors: how to use other people and software tools to review your work
  • Readers: the need to keep the reader in mind at all times.

Through practical exercises, you’ll finish the course with a checklist and toolkit to ensure your written communication is clear, concise and effective.

Learn crucial tips to develop your writing skills

You’ll be guided through the writing techniques of ‘JASPER’ to help you improve any written work you produce.

From removing corporate jargon for clarity to breaking down long sentences for readability, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the benefits of clear writing.

Explore editing tools to help you write in plain English

With an understanding of writing techniques, you’ll explore editing tools to help hone your writing skills further.

You’ll discover editing software and web-based apps that will become a crucial part of your writing toolkit.

  • Week 1

    Introducing JASPER

    • Introductions

      An introduction to the JASPER checklist as a helpful way of improving your written English.

    • Jargon: "Six Hydrocoptic Marzlevanes"

      Getting rid of the jargon is easier said than done.

    • Acronyms: TLAs are NSFW

      Make sure you explain acronyms.

    • Short: Sentences and Paragraphs

      Keep the sentences and paragraphs short.

    • Reflections on Week 1

      Your reflections and feedback, and a chance to check your understanding.

  • Week 2

    Moving ahead with JASPER

    • Welcome to Week 2

      A quick recap on Jargon, Acronyms and Short sentences and paragraphs - and looking ahead to Week 2.

    • Plain English: not grandiloquent phraseology

      How to keep it plain and understandable.

    • Editors: a helping hand

      Exploring the need for fresh eyes to help you edit a text.

    • Readers: step into their shoes

      Why readers are the ultimate customers.

    • Reflections and Further Resources

      final activity

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