1. Having fun in style

...in which we take a light-hearted look at a selection of the most common stylistic errors and weaknesses and

outline a 'troubleshooting' strategy

(Introduction)

2. Getting it right

...in which we focus on grammatical accuracy, root out needless slips and pinpoint fossilized errors

(focus: Correctness)

3. Making sense

...in which we structure sentences, relate clauses, use conjuncts, refine word order and organize paragraphs

(focus: Logic)

4. Putting your finger on it

...in which we fine-tune meaning and avoid ambiguity

(focus: Precision)

5. Keeping to the point

...in which we avoid wordiness and steer clear of tautologies and pleonasms

(focus: Relevance)

6. The long and the short of it

...in which we look at ellipsis, abbreviation and contraction

(focus: Economy)

7. To comma or not to comma?

...in which we master punctuation and, in particular, use of the English comma

(focus: Readability)

8. The same difference

...in which we delve deeper into synonymity and antonymity and further develop lexical variety and contrast

(focus: Variety)

9. Letting it flow

...in which we vary sentence length and rhythm, avoid stilted structures and work on cohesive devices

(focus: Cohesion)

10. The likes of them

...in which we draw upon metaphor and simile

(focus: Imagination)

11. Pitching it right

...in which we establish and maintain register and pay attention to situation, politeness and convention

(focus: Register)

12. Watching your tongue, watching your pen

...in which we look not at what to use, but when and where to use it, and how to euphemize

(focus: Slang and appropriateness)

13. Time to conclude, finish and have done with it

...in which we produce and discuss a final checklist of points for stylistic improvement and receive tutor

feedback on final written assignments

(Closing session)