Plain English Writing Bootcamp
Do you do a lot of writing? Then make your words count, by learning some simple techniques to get your writing into shape. Your readers will thank you! Course fee $15 or $79.
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Sat 16 Aug
- TEC-subsidised course fee for qualifying learners $15.00 incl. GST
- $79.00 incl. GST
Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) course fee subsidy
This course offers a course fee subsidy through funding from the TEC for:
- NZ citizens;
- Those who hold a residency-class visa;
- Individuals granted refugee status;
- In some cases spouses of NZ citizens and permanent migrants may also qualify - please contact the office to enquire.
Conditions:
- Registrants must be aged 16 years or older.
- Registrants must not be currently enrolled at a secondary school.
- You should attend at least 80% of your classes to qualify for a fee subsidy.
- We need to collect extra information such as age, ethnicity, educational achievement and gender for statistical purposes.
- You must provide evidence of NZ citizenship, residency or refugee status .
If you are unable to meet these conditions, please contact the office to discuss your situation. The subsidised course fee is $15.
About the course
Do you do a lot of writing? Then make your words count, by learning some simple techniques to get your writing into shape. Your readers will thank you!
Tone up, with active verbs, sharp sentence structures and a personal tone. Trim down by reducing words, ditching ‘fluff’ and discarding ‘corporate-speak’. Keep your writing in shape with tips to plan, structure, lay out and review your documents. These techniques work for all business writing – from long reports to CVs, from to emails to insurance policies.
There’ll be opportunities to practise your new skills and you’ll take away a handy toolkit of tips.
Who should attend this course?
People who write regularly (particularly for work or for their own website or blog) and would like to learn some simple techniques to write concise, engaging English that's easy for their readers to understand and act on. This course is suitable for advanced level ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students too.
Expected learning outcomes
- Understand what plain English is and how your readers benefit
- Be able to plan and structure your writing for greatest impact
- Be able to use plain English techniques including language, structures and layouts to get your message across clearly
- Have some handy techniques to review your writing
About your tutor
Kate Thompson is a corporate communications manage and experienced community education tutor. She is Head of Communications at sustainability consultancy thinkstep-anz, winner of three awards in the trans-Tasman Plain Language Awards 2022.
What to bring
Your lunch. A sample of your own writing (200+ words): an email, a report, a business letter, a document, a web page. We will review this writing in class. You will not need to share it with anyone unless you want to.
Opening Address 16 August 2025 for Writer's Weekend Programme
You are invited to attend our opening address at 9am on Saturday 16 August 2025. Carole Beu from The Women's Bookshop will fire up the day with an early morning talk on her raves and faves. Have a cuppa, listen to Carole and meet others. Please register here so we know how many to expect.
Testimonials
I found the course full of useful reminders of the tools I can use to bring a more critical eye to my writing. I particularly appreciated the pacing of the day, which was just right for me. I think it was excellent value, whether subsidised or full price, and I would recommend it to others. JD August 2024
