Most of us spend time writing at work – from proposals to internal business reports through to a constant flow of emails. But do your communications get your point across? And how can you ensure your writing is clear and compelling? Easy. Business writing is a skill that can be learned and improved – you simply need the right tools and techniques!
The Certificate of Business Writing is an online program that will teach you how to identify your purpose and audience, write clearly and concisely, and edit and proofread your business documents.
In this professional development course, you will discover how to create well-constructed sentences; use punctuation marks correctly; and leverage the correct use of nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
You will also learn about the common mistakes in grammar and spelling, learn how to use the appropriate tone of voice, and (particularly for those in the IT sector), improve your technical writing skills.
On completion of this course, you will be able to confidently construct a range of communications simply, clearly and correctly, which will give both your credentials and your reputation a valuable boost!
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Audience and purpose in business writing
- Audience and purpose
- Analysing the targeted readers
- Appropriate types of written messages
- Writing effective informative messages
- Effective responsive writing
- Key elements of persuasive writing
- Convey the appropriate tones
- Communicating a business message in writing
- Knowing your audience and purpose
- 3 common purposes – inform respond and persuade
Unit 2 - Clarity and conciseness in business writing
- Writing to be read
- Techniques for writing clearly and concisely
- Making clear word choices
- Using short and familiar words
- Using appropriate connotations and language
- Transitional words and phrases
- Effective use of precise verbs and active voice
- Organising written text for greater reader understanding
- Design elements
- Increase reader understanding
- Organising content
Unit 3 - Creating well-constructed sentences
- Syntax (grammatical term)
- Fundamentals for better writing
- Building strong sentences
- Parts of a sentence
- Phrases and clauses
- Correct subject-verb agreement
- Pronouns and antecedents
- Ways to fix sentence fragments
- Fixing comma splices and run-on sentences
- Misplaced or dangling modifiers
- Using sentence elements correctly
- Building grammatically correct sentences
Unit 4 - Editing and proofreading business documents
- Editing and proofreading effectively
- Techniques for editing and proofreading
- Recognising errors
- Accuracy and completeness
- Editing the structure of written documents
- Handling lack of clarity or conciseness
- Appropriate use of tone
- Recognising word usage and punctuation when proofreading
- Identifying grammar, spelling, and style consistency mistakes
Unit 5 - Improving your technical writing skills
- Effective technical writing skills
- Avoiding common pitfalls
- Structuring business writing more effectively
- Common writer errors
- Planning a piece of writing
- Writing instructions
- Writing training material
- Writing reference materials
- Writing persuasively
- Producing technical documents
Unit 6 - Troublesome words and phrases: common usage mistakes in writing
- Avoiding common usage errors
- Correct use of words from similar sounding word pairs
- Using words with similar but not identical meanings
- Correct usage of commonly misused verbs
- Commonly misused terms
- Using appropriate prepositions
- Correct way to use words
- Combinations of verbs and prepositions
Unit 7 - Using punctuation marks
- Crucial aspects of better writing
- Punctuating your writing
- Correctly applied rules for end punctuation
- Using commas correctly
- Using semicolons and colons correctly
- Correct use of apostrophes in given examples
- Using quotation marks appropriately
- Rules for using parentheses and brackets
- Use punctuation marks correctly
Unit 8 - Using the parts of speech
- Fundamental elements for better writing
- Identifying parts of speech in sentences
- Correct use of nouns in sentences
- Correct use of perfect and progressive tenses
- Using modal verbs
- Distinguishing between active and passive voice
- Correct use of adjectives and adverbs
- How to use parts of speech
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 30 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! The cost for printed materials for this course is $50 per unit. Total cost for optional printed materials is: $150.00. Printed materials are optional and not required to complete the course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Communications Coordinator
- Executive Support Officer
- Tender/ Bid Writer/ Proposals Assistant
- Junior Editor
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