Mastering Academic Writing: Analysis, Argument, and Research for Teens

You've mastered the basics of essay writing. Now it's time to refine your voice, strengthen your analysis, and write with greater confidence and purpose!

Designed for experienced teen writers who are ready to strengthen their academic writing skills through guided instruction, meaningful practice, and personalized feedback.

Mastering Academic Writing is a live, semester-long course for teens who already have a solid understanding of essay writing and are ready to refine and elevate their skills. Throughout the semester, learners will strengthen their writing through direct instruction, guided practice, structured discussion, and individualized feedback while completing three polished academic essays.

Rather than focusing on the basics of essay writing, this course helps students move beyond simply organizing ideas. Learners will develop stronger analytical thinking, write with greater clarity and precision, strengthen their use of evidence, and become more confident academic writers.

Throughout the semester, students will learn how to:

• Write focused, effective thesis statements
• Develop purposeful topic sentences that support the thesis
• Craft engaging introductions and meaningful conclusions
• Move beyond summary into thoughtful analysis
• Integrate, cite, and explain evidence effectively
• Strengthen organization and paragraph development
• Master MLA 9th Edition formatting and citation
• Revise and edit for greater clarity and precision
• Write confidently in a formal academic voice

Major Writing Projects

Students will complete three formal essays during the semester:

• Expository Essay
• Literary Analysis Essay
• Argument Essay

Each essay is developed through a structured writing process that includes planning, drafting, personalized feedback, revision, and final submission.

Personalized Feedback That Helps Writers Grow

Every learner receives individualized support throughout the semester through detailed written comments, revision guidance, grading rubrics, and occasional personalized video feedback. My goal is not simply to evaluate student writing, but to help each learner understand how to strengthen it with every draft.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for teens who:

• Already understand basic essay structure
• Have experience writing multi-paragraph essays
• Want to strengthen analysis, organization, and academic writing skills
• Are willing to revise and apply feedback
• Are looking for individualized instruction in a supportive learning environment

Students should expect approximately 2–3 hours of work outside of class each week, including drafting, research, revision, and reviewing instructor feedback.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom serves as our course hub throughout the semester. Learners will access class materials, submit assignments, receive feedback, view announcements, and find weekly Zoom links all in one organized location.

Optional Enrichment

Throughout the semester, optional extension activities and short skill-building lessons may be provided for learners who would like additional practice. These enrichment opportunities reinforce classroom instruction and allow students to continue strengthening specific writing skills at their own pace.

By the End of the Course

Students will leave the semester with three polished academic essays, stronger analytical thinking skills, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of the writing process that will continue serving them throughout high school and beyond.

Live Course Details

• Dates: September 15 – December 15, 2026
• Schedule: Tuesdays from 8:00–8:45 AM Central Time
• Duration: 14 weeks (45-minute live classes)
• Class Size: Limited to 8 learners to ensure personalized instruction and feedback

After Enrollment: Approximately two weeks before the course begins, you'll receive a welcome email with everything you need to get started, including your Google Classroom invitation, Zoom meeting information, course schedule, materials list, and additional course details.