Used correctly, good grammar and proper punctuation are rarely noticed but, when misused, cause document disasters. Based on a building analogy that anyone can relate to, this workshop is designed with many opportunities for participants to “build” documents using the tools of their language. Included are pre- and post-tests to show learning progress. Participants value this update on “DOS” and “taboos” for more powerful writing—and smarter speaking since the same basic rules apply.

Employees and management of businesses; students, faculty, and staff of high schools, technical schools, and colleges/universities; plus other specialized training programs (e.g. women to work, job corps, workforce development centers) for those who need to master the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation to improve their writing skills.

5 Hours, 20 Minutes

BUILDING INSPECTION — Pre-assessment: What building skills did you have before this class to construct a correct document?

I. Building Materials — Sentence Structure
A. Bricks and Mortar for Communication - Sentence Structure
B. Walls - Subjects and Predicates (Verbs)
C. Rooms - Compound and Complex Sentences
D. Cleaning Up - Fragments, Comma Splices, and Run-ons

II. Working Together — Grammar
A. Good Working Conditions - Subject-Verb Agreement
B. Blocks - Pronoun Case, Reference, and Agreement
C. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow - Verb Tense
D. Beyond the Basic Room - Modifiers
E. Brick Alignment - Parallel Structure
F. Windows - Variety

III. Constructions Aids — Mechanics
A. Screws - Punctuation
B. Nails - Capitalization
C. Tacks - Abbreviations
D. Brick Choice - Word Usage

IV. Finishing the Job — Revisin
A. Interior Decorating - Editing and Proofreading
B. Inspection - Editing and Proofreading

BUILDING RE-INSPECTION — Post-assessment: What new and improved building skills do you have after this class to construct a correct document in the future?