Subjects: English Language

This dynamic program takes an in-depth look at the structure and components of narrative writing. Whether it is a novel, short story, film or video game, narratives can take many forms. But fundamentally, narratives will always include characterization, plot structure, tone, mood and setting, stylistic techniques, diction/language, and themes. In this program we see how these elements are brought to life through the careful choices of the author. With clear and concise explanations of these key elements and examples that viewers will readily relate to, this is an essential introduction to the fundamentals of narrative writing.

Punctuation is something many people have trouble getting their heads around. This program provides a comprehensive guide to proper punctuation. We examine some common punctuation errors and pitfalls, and explain how to improve our written expression. We’ll look in detail at the functions of colons, semicolons, dashes, parentheses and ellipses. These punctuation marks are often avoided in everyday writing, due to confusion about their features and functions. In this program we offer some simple rules to optimize the use of these punctuation marks, and demonstrate that effective punctuation needn’t be complicated.

Some of the most misused and misunderstood pieces of punctuation are also the smallest. This program provides a practical review of two important punctuation marks – apostrophes and speech marks. We begin with the troublesome apostrophe, its origins, functions and the reasons why it remains a necessary part of the English language. The program provides a detailed look at how to use apostrophes to indicate possession and to spell contractions. We also revise the proper use of quotation (or speech) marks, and examine some common errors in using these tricky punctuation marks in written expression.

Many people have problems using punctuation marks correctly. Recent technological developments such as email, text messages and online instant messaging have required many English expressions to be simplified and shortened, prompting many people to question whether we still need punctuation at all. In this program, we explore the reasons for the continuing importance of learning to master punctuation. We provide some straightforward revision of the five most commonly-used punctuation marks: capital letters, full stops, question marks, exclamation marks and commas. Join us for an interesting look at how punctuation rules enable us to make ourselves understood more clearly.