Punctuation, Grammar and Spelling

Overview

This practical day school is for you if you are sometimes uncertain about or would like to improve your spelling, grammar or punctuation. 

Modern forms of communication often disregard the rules of grammar, punctuation and spelling but the accurate use of language remains key to elegant and effective academic writing. This writing skills workshop will explore the basic rules of punctuation, grammar and spelling and provide opportunities to practise them. Anxiety about spelling and grammar can inhibit your writing, especially your choice of words. This can influence an examiner or employer and it detracts from the general impression of a piece of writing. 

During the day, through explanation and exercises we will cover the following areas: identifying the correct use of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions and conjunctions, the correct use of all punctuation marks, the use of accurate verb tenses, avoiding ambiguity, improving effective sentence construction and developing style in writing. 

We will also look at a brief history of English spelling, basic spelling patterns, common spelling problems such as homophones, prefixes/suffixes, double letters, vowel sounds and  silent letters.  We will examine useful spelling rules, memorizing strategies and techniques for continuing to improve your spelling and confidence with vocabulary over the longer term.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 4 December 2024.

Programme details

9.45am
Registration

10am
A brief history of English spelling

11.15am
Tea/coffee

11.45am
Strategies for help with improving spelling in the future

1pm
Lunch

2pm
The importance and impact of using accurate grammar

3.15pm
Tea/coffee

3.45pm
How the accurate use of punctuation can help develop a confident and impressive writing style

5pm
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £130.00
Baguette lunch £7.30

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mrs Anne West

Anne West has been teaching Study Skills at OUDCE, both face-to-face and online, for over 10 years. The thought of spending a day with students teaching spelling, punctuation, grammar or any other aspect of written English fills her with joy. She believes that a piece of writing, at whatever level, deserves to be written and read, as clearly as possible, to give pleasure and satisfaction to both writer and recipient – and also to save a lot of time for both.

She’s also been involved with writing and editing for the BBC – children’s radio and TV.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation