Course coordinator
Dr Amber Gwynne
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course presents contemporary grammatical and stylistic concepts and strategies that will enhance students' ability to revise and edit their writing.
Have you ever heard that you shouldn't start a sentence with a conjunction? That you should never end one with a preposition? That ‘they’ is not a singular pronoun? Do you second-guess every sentence you write? Are you looking for ways to refine your writing to communicate more clearly and confidently?
WRIT2250 Writing: English Structure and Style aims to expand your writing and editing toolkit by providing you with explicit knowledge about how English sentences work.
The course will introduce you to the basic components of an English sentence, using definitions and concepts from contemporary grammar models to help you make more confident decisions about writing and refining text that's clear and impactful to your intended audience.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to identify the building blocks of an English sentence, apply this knowledge to your intuitive sense of style, and approach writing and editing tasks with strengthened confidence and skill.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 units of level 1 courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WRIT7250
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Amber Gwynne
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enhance students' ability to revise and edit their writing by building on their intuitive understanding of how words work and equipping them with a command of sentence structure and style that will enable them to write and editﾠ with competence and confidence.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise and describe the grammatical structures of written English
LO2.
Perceive and describe stylistic effects of writers' grammatical choices
LO3.
Use your knowledge of grammar and style to enhance your reading, writing, revising, and editing processes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Quizzes
|
30% |
23/02/2026 - 25/05/2026 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Structural and stylistic analysis
|
30% |
1/05/2026 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Writing and editing self-reflection
|
40% |
8/06/2026 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
Assessment details
Quizzes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/02/2026 - 25/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
You will complete up to 10 weekly quizzes in class that test concepts from the weekly readings and lectures.
Each quiz is made up of 10 questions worth half a mark each for a total of 5% per quiz. You'll have 15 minutes to complete each quiz.
You should complete at least 6 in-class quizzes to form your total of 30% for this assessment item. If you complete more than 6 quizzes, we'll take your 6 highest marks to form your 30% total. The more quizzes you complete, the better your chances of achieving your best mark possible.
Each quiz will take place during tutorials between Week 2 and Week 13, to help keep you on track with your learning throughout the semester.
The quizzes are secure, meaning that you cannot use digital devices such as phones, laptops, or smartwatches. You may, however, use your readings, lecture notes, tutorial activities, and a print dictionary.
The quiz questions will be based on the following areas:
- Quiz 1 — Words and how to choose them
- Quiz 2 — The form and function of verbs
- Quiz 3 — Active/passive voice and non-finite verb forms
- Quiz 4 — The form and function of nouns + pronouns
- Quiz 5 — The form and function of determiners + modifiers
- Quiz 6 — The form and function of prepositions + conjunctions
- Quiz 7 — Clauses and sentences
- Quiz 8 — Sentence-level editing
- Quiz 9 — Punctuation principles
- Quiz 10 — Wildcard
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: You are NOT able to apply for an assessment extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your course coordinator directly if you are sick or have other extenuating circumstances to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Structural and stylistic analysis
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
1/05/2026 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Objective
In this task, you'll apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed so far this semester to compare the structure and style of two texts: one you've written yourself and one you've generated using an AI tool of your choice (e.g. ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Each passage should be around 300 words. Your critique will be around 800 words.
This task will strengthen your writing and editing skills, deepen your understanding of individual style, and hone your ability to differentiate between written versus generated text.
As a hurdle requirement, you must submit the task planning document, as well as a declaration and short reflection, with your assignment.
Marking schema
The rubric addresses the sophistication and sensitivity of your critique as well as the quality of your written expression.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn receipts:
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must make sure sure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn, you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page, you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Writing and editing self-reflection
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
8/06/2026 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Objective
In this task, you'll reflect on your relationship with English structure and style, using the knowledge and skills you’ve gained this semester to describe your writing approach and style, as well as identify some ways you can strengthen them.
This reflection will encourage metacognitive awareness of your writing processes and help you develop a deeper understanding of how your explicit knowledge of English grammar can underpin effective writing techniques and self-editing strategies.
Your 1,500-word reflection should:
- Describe the kind of writing you typically do and what your writing and editing processes usually look like.
- Draw on the principles we’ve covered so far this semester to identify some strengths and weaknesses in your written expression, integrating specific examples from your work to support your observations. You must include salient examples and feedback from at least one university assignment you've completed in another course.
- Highlight at least two self-editing strategies you might put into practice that relate specifically to the material we've covered this semester.
As a hurdle requirement, you must submit the planning document, as well as a declaration and reflection, with your assignment.
How your assignment will be assessed
This assignment is worth a maximum total of 40% of your overall course grade.
The assignment criteria primarily address:
- Quality of insight: demonstrated ability to analyse and assess writing by considering the relationship between sentence structure and style, supported by examples that relate specifically to course content
- Quality of expression: demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly, effectively, and appropriately
The rubric addresses your assignments' content, structure, style, mechanics, and formatting.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your assignment (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information about the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics, are available in the Assessment folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks cannot be changed after being released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the course coordinator.
- Assessment re-mark : If you are considering an assessment re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity pledge: You will submit assignments for this course electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must complete UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules. When you upload an assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where you have properly acknowledged it, and that your final assignment has not been previously submitted for assessment in another course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: As per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Week-by-week information sheets | downloadable PDFs available on Blackboard |
Additional learning resources information
There is no set textbook for this course. Instead, you should use the weekly readings and other recommended links available on Blackboard to prepare for class.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 — GETTING INTO GRAMMAR What is grammar? Where did grammar education go, and why has it made a comeback? How can we use explicit grammatical knowledge to strengthen, rather than limit, our writing and editing strategies? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 — THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS What is a word? How do words work? How can we make strategic word choices for busy readers? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 — GETTING INTO GRAMMAR + CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORD In your tutorial, you'll learn more about your intuitive knowledge of English grammar, practise applying some principles of effective word choice, and complete your first in-class quiz. Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 — VERBS (PART 1) What is a verb? Why are verbs so crucial to English sentences? How do verb phrases work? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 — GETTING INTO VERBS In this tutorial, you'll work through some exercises to familiarise yourself with the form and function of verbs, including the structure of an English verb phrase and how verbs convey meanings about time through tense and aspect. You'll also have an opportunity to complete your second quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 — VERBS (PART 2) What's the difference between a transitive and intransitive verb? Why does this distinction matter? How are active and passive voice distinct? When should we use one or the other? What are the forms and functions of non-finite verbs, and where else do they show up in English sentences? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 — GETTING INTO VERBS (AGAIN) In this tutorial, you'll work through some more hands-on activities to familiarise yourself with verbs and complete your third in-class quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 — NOUNS + PRONOUNS After verbs, nouns are the next most essential building block of an English sentence. But what are nouns? How can we identify them based on their form and function? What are some useful sub-categories of nouns to know about? What are pronouns, and what do we do with them? How can we use nouns and pronouns effectively in our writing? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 — GETTING INTO NOUNS & PRONOUNS In this tutorial, you will consolidate the lecture material relating to nouns and pronouns, completing class activities that will prepare you for your fourth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 — ADJECTIVES, ADVERBS + DETERMINERS What are determiners, and what do they do? How did they become a new and distinct word class? What's the difference between adjectives and adverbs? What features do they have that can help us identify them? How can we use describing words effectively in our writing? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 — GETTING INTO MODIFIERS In this tutorial, you'll practise identifying adjectives, adverbs, and determiners in context. You'll learn more about the Royal Order of Adjectives and work through other activities designed to prepare you for the fifth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
WEEK 7 — PREPOSITIONS + CONJUNCTIONS What role do function words play in our writing? What is a preposition, and how can we use them effectively? If conjunctions are joiners, what are the different types? What do they join? How can we integrate them seamlessly into our prose? Lastly, what is an interjection, and how do we know when a word is functioning as one? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
WEEK 7 — GETTING INTO FUNCTION WORDS In this tutorial, you'll work with your classmates to identify prepositions and conjunctions in context. You'll complete a number of exercises to help you use function words effectively and to prepare you for the sixth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
WEEK 8 — CLAUSES + SENTENCES What's the difference between a clause and a sentence? What is an independent clause or complete sentence? What are the different sentence types? What is sentence weight, and how can we achieve a pleasing variety of sentences in our work? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 — SENTENCE SURGERY In this tutorial, you'll develop your skills in writing a variety of effectively structured sentences. You'll learn more about sentence mood and ways of combining clauses to form different types of sentences, helping prepare you for your seventh quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
WEEK 11 — SENTENCE VARIETY, COHESION & POLISH How do we achieve balance, variety, and cohesion when we combine sentences? What are some sentence-level problems to look out for as we're editing? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 — STYLISH SENTENCES This tutorial will build on your writing and editing skills at both the sentence and paragraph level and help prepare you for the eighth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 — PUNCTUATION BASICS What is the purpose of punctuation? What are the main punctuation principles you need to know and understand to write and edit standard Australian English? When is it OK to break punctuation 'rules'? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 — PUNCTUATION PRACTICE In this tutorial, you will try your hand at punctuating text and learn more about the most important principles to apply in your writing for clear, effective communication. You will cover the concepts you need to master for your ninth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Week 13 — USING GRAMMAR FOR GOOD – WHAT'S MY STYLE? How can we continue to apply our explicit knowledge of English structure and style beyond this semester? Remember to view the online lecture before coming to the face-to-face lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 13 — ASSIGNMENT WORKSHOP In this tutorial, you will have an opportunity to workshop your assignment ideas and early drafts. You will also have an opportunity to complete your tenth quiz. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Additional learning activity information
WEEKS 9 and 10 in this course are reading weeks, designed to give you time to work on your assignments.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.