Lecture Series 4: The Principles and Practice of Written Communication

📖 How to Use This Course

Work through each module in order — Module 1 lays the foundation for Modules 2 and 3.
Read each lecture in full before attempting the examination questions at the end.
Study the annotated sample letters and sample project report carefully — these are your practical models.
Complete the in-lecture activities before checking the answers provided.
Use the APA and MLA citation panels in Module 3 as a reference when writing your project report.

Course Objectives

Code	Performance Objective	Status
1.0	Understand the principles and practice of written communication	Live
1.1	Explain the principles of letter writing	Live
1.2	Explain the components of a business letter	Live
1.3	Differentiate between a memo and a letter	Live
1.4	Prepare a portfolio of correspondence: appointments, promotions, dismissals, commendations, queries, condolences, congratulations	Live
3.1	Explain the characteristics of a project report (parts, format, style)	Live
3.2	Select a suitable topic for a project report	Live
3.3	Explain methods of gathering data from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources	Live
3.4	Use reference materials for gathering data	Live
3.5	Explain the procedure for writing a project report	Live
3.6	Write an outline using appropriate numbering, ranking, and phrasing	Live
3.7	Use appropriate citation and documentation styles (APA, MLA)	Live
3.8	Write a project report	Live

Module 1

Written Correspondence — Letter Writing

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of professional letter writing. Students will master the principles, components, and conventions that govern all forms of formal and informal correspondence, and will produce a portfolio of seven types of letters used in Nigerian professional life.

1.1 Lecture

Principles of Letter Writing

The Seven C's of effective communication; formal vs informal correspondence; six principles of drafting; annotated sample letters — appointment, promotion, dismissal, commendation, query, condolence, and congratulations.

Seven C's Formal vs Informal Activity 7 Sample Letters

● Live ⏱ 30 min →

1.2 Lecture

Components of a Business Letter

The eight structural components of a business letter — heading, date, inside address, salutation, subject line, body, complimentary close, and signature block — with annotated examples and common formatting errors.

Letter Structure Business Format Activity

● Live ⏱ 30 min →

1.3 Lecture

Memo vs Letter — Key Differences

Distinguishing memoranda from letters in terms of purpose, structure, audience, and convention. When to use each; sample memo formats; common errors when students confuse the two forms.

Memo Format Comparison Activity

● Live ⏱ 25 min →

Module 2

Critical Reading and Comprehension

This module develops the student's ability to read, analyse, and respond to challenging academic and professional texts. Students will learn to distinguish expository from argumentative writing, trace the logical structure of a passage, separate fact from opinion, and answer grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension questions with precision.

2.1 Lecture

Comprehending Difficult Reading Materials

Expository vs argumentative writing; two full passages on AI in education with annotated analysis; tracing thesis, premises, evidence, and conclusion; facts vs opinions; a 20-question comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary exam.

Expository vs Argumentative Facts vs Opinions 2 Passages 20 Questions

● Live ⏱ 35 min →

2.2 Lecture

Types, Purposes, and Structure of Reports

Formal and informal reports; periodic, special, progress, and feasibility reports; the structure of a formal report; differences between reports and essays.

Report Types Structure

● Live ⏱ 30 min →

2.3 Lecture

Writing the Executive Summary and Recommendations

How to write a concise, stand-alone executive summary; structuring recommendations for a professional audience; language and tone in formal recommendations.

Executive Summary Recommendations Sample Report

● Live ⏱ 30 min →

Module 3

Project Report Writing — Theory and Practice

The most advanced module in this series. Students will master every stage of the project report writing process — from topic selection and data collection, through outlining, citation, and documentation, to producing a complete, structurally correct project report.

3.0 Lecture

Writing Project Reports — Full Procedure (3.1–3.8)

Characteristics, parts, format and style of a project report; topic selection criteria; primary, secondary and tertiary data sources; writing the outline; APA and MLA citation styles; a complete abridged sample project report on social media and academic performance.

All 8 Objectives APA · MLA Activity Full Sample Report

● Live ⏱ 60 min →

Course Information

SeriesLecture Series 4

SubjectThe Principles and Practice of Written Communication

LevelTertiary — OND/HND/Degree

Modules3

Total Lectures10 (7 live, 3 coming)

Objectives13 Performance Objectives