We all sometimes need to review (or maybe encounter) the basic elements of grammar and word choice to make our writing as clear and precise as possible. To that end, you will participate in News U’s Language Primer online course and take their tests on punctuation, grammar, and word use.
Please note: it is totally up to you how much of the coursework, review materials, quizzes etc. you actually complete. What I care about is if you can pass ALL THREE of the tests. The passing grade is 80%. This is an all-or-nothing assignment: pass all three and you get full marks; fail one or more and you get nada.
That said, you get three tries at each test. So what I’d recommend is that you take each test once and see how you do. If you don’t get past 80 on any one individual test, then study those elements and go back and try again.
To access the tests, go to the News U URL for this class–https://www.newsu.org/UGA_JOUR5580fall16–and login or create a new Poynter account. The cost is $14.95, although if you’ve taken other Poynter courses you’ll get a discount.
All tests must be complete by Oct. 1.
We will do some practice work in class, but I expect this to be something you can knock out on your own. And first and foremost, don’t let this linger. The tests will be fairly straightforward, but you probably haven’t studied this stuff since high school, so it will take a little while to get those muscles going. If you wait until a few days before to start, I practically guarantee you will fail. Do the first round of tests preferably this weekend.
Here are some more documents that may be helpful: