Advanced Writing

In this class, you will take your writing to the next level by using case studies, group work, and longer written exercises to build on basic writing concepts and skills, including techniques for writing strong persuasive documents that connect logically, powerfully, and effectively with even resistant readers. You will also discuss and practice strategies for writing clear, concise technical documents for all levels of readers.

Target Audience

If you’ve already taken Writing Essentials or you’re an experienced writer, this advanced course is for you.

Prerequisite

Students should have prior experience with fundamental writing skills, equivalent to Writing Essentials (WRIT7011).

What You'll Learn at a Glance

• Analyze the seven traits of writing in the context of creating government documents.
• Use the seven traits to improve your writing. 
• Examine requirements and best practices for writing government documents. 
• Prepare effective executive documents that use plain language and achieve the results you want.
• Consider the importance of organization, plain language, and eliminating wordiness in creating documents. 
• Create clear, concise, complete writing pieces through diagnosing problems and making improvements. 
• Examine strategies for creating persuasive documents. Write effective persuasive documents using techniques to connect to resistant readers.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: The Foundations of Effective Writing

• Explore the seven traits of effective writing and how they apply to government documents.
• Understand the four-step writing process for efficiency and clarity.
• Review the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and its role in clear federal communication.
• Apply federal plain language guidelines to enhance document accessibility and readability.

Module 2: Using Critical Thinking for Clear Writing

• Learn the six thinking abilities essential to critical writing and reasoning.
• Use tools like Venn diagrams and argument maps to support analysis.
• Apply the critical thinking process to complex writing scenarios.

Module 3: Being Logical

• Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Build structured arguments and identify faulty logic.
• Apply reasoning techniques to strengthen persuasive writing.

Module 4: Reaching Resistant Readers

• Anticipate reader objections and apply counter-argument strategies.
• Identify core reader needs using Maslow’s Hierarchy.
• Enhance persuasive communication by connecting to audience values.

Module 5: Effective Persuasion

• Examine the differences between writer and reader perspectives.
• Apply CECC (Claim, Evidence, Commentary, Conclusion) for persuasive structure.
• Use data, examples, and logical reasoning to build compelling cases.

Module 6: Technical Writing Proficiency

• Define technical writing and its common government formats.
• Use information plans, visuals, and structure to enhance clarity.
• Evaluate documents through self-assessment and peer review tools.

Module 7: Writing Technical Descriptions and Definitions

• Write precise definitions for technical terms.
• Describe instructions, processes, and mechanisms clearly and concisely.
• Use accessible language for readers.

Module 8: Creating Clarity from Complex Subjects

• Plan and draft a document using the writing process.
• Revise work using checklists and peer review techniques.
• Improve clarity through evaluation and feedback cycles.