WRTG 111 is a 3-credit course at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the first in the two-course series WRTG 111 and WRTG 112. UMGC says it fulfills the general education requirement in communications.
It introduces essential skills in reading, writing and speaking for academic and professional contexts. The difficulty for many students is that it covers several communication formats and expects deliberate choices about audience and purpose, not just correct grammar.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Code and title | WRTG 111 Foundations of Writing and Communication |
| Level | Undergraduate, 3 credits |
| Requirement | General education: communications |
| Series | First course in the WRTG 111 and WRTG 112 series |
| Credit note | Credit is allowed for only one of WRTG 100A, WRTG 111 or WRTG 111X |
What WRTG 111 Covers
| Topic from the catalog | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Reading, writing and speaking skills | Communicating in academic and professional contexts |
| Creating and analyzing communication | Written, spoken, visual and multimodal formats |
| Connecting ideas with others' perspectives | Using sources in conversation with your own thinking |
| Integrating sources with attribution | Quoting, paraphrasing and citing correctly |
| Ethical and effective use of AI in communication | Understanding appropriate use of AI tools |
| Rhetorical choices | Choosing clarity and engagement for a given audience |
Key Concepts Explained
Rhetorical Choices
Rhetoric means the choices a writer makes about audience, purpose, tone, structure and evidence. Before drafting, answer three questions: who is reading, what do I want them to understand or do, and which choices will achieve that?
Illustration (invented task, method only): The same information about a change in a workplace policy could be an email to staff, a short presentation and a one-page infographic. Each needs different length, tone and structure, even though the facts are the same.
Integrating Sources
Good source use has three parts: introduce the source, present the idea (quoted or paraphrased), and explain what it means for your argument. Always attribute using your required citation style.
Responsible Use of AI
UMGC's description names ethical and effective AI use as a topic. Follow your instructor's rules on what is allowed in each assignment, and be open about any permitted use.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
UMGC sets exact tasks in each section. These formats are common in first-year communication courses and are general guidance only.
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetorical analysis | Analyzing how communication works | Identify audience, purpose and choices, then evaluate them |
| Short essay with sources | Source integration | Introduce, present and explain each source |
| Spoken or multimodal piece | Communicating in other formats | Plan structure and visuals for the audience |
| Revision and reflection | Learning from feedback | Show what you changed and why |
A Simple Planning Routine for Any Assignment
| Step | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Audience | Who is reading and what do they know? |
| Purpose | What should they understand or do? |
| Format | Which form fits: essay, talk or visual? |
| Evidence | Which sources support my point? |
Revising Effectively
Revise in layers. First check the big picture: is the thesis clear and does each paragraph support it? Then check paragraph flow, then sentences, and finally spelling and formatting. Working in this order saves time.
Ask a reader to tell you the main point after reading. If it differs from your intention, revise the structure.
What a Strong WRTG 111 Submission Looks Like
A strong submission has a clear thesis, paragraphs that each develop one point, and sources that are introduced, used and explained. It shows deliberate choices for the stated audience and purpose.
It also follows attribution rules throughout and, where the assignment allows or restricts AI tools, follows the instructions exactly.
Questions to Ask Your Instructor
Ask exactly what is allowed regarding AI tools for each assignment, which citation style is required, and how spoken or multimodal pieces will be assessed. Rules can differ between assignments, so check each prompt.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Dropped quotations. Every source needs an introduction and an explanation.
- Writing without an audience. Name the reader before you draft.
- Weak thesis. A thesis should make a claim someone could disagree with.
- Uncertainty about AI rules. Ask your instructor if the policy is unclear.
Study Tips for WRTG 111
- Make a reverse outline of your draft: one sentence per paragraph. Does it flow?
- Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
- Keep a citation log as you read, so attribution is easy to complete.
- Start the next course early by reading the WRTG 112 description so you know where the series goes.
How We Help with WRTG 111
Send the prompt, rubric, sources and any draft. A writing tutor can explain structure, prepare a custom essay for a comparable topic, or review your draft for thesis, organization, source use and style. For wider support see our essay writing guide.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with UMGC. Our work is a study and reference aid; submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy and your instructor's AI rules. Orders are written from scratch, include free revisions within the scope of your original request, and are refunded in full if late.
Make Your WRTG 111 Draft Clearer
Share the assignment and draft. We review structure, sources and style, or prepare a model to study.
Start My WRTG 111 HelpFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists it as 3 credits.
Yes, it fulfills the general education requirement in communications.
WRTG 112.
Yes. UMGC's description includes reading, writing and speaking, and written, spoken, visual and multimodal formats.
Yes. The description lists ethical and effective use of AI in communication as a topic.
Yes. We can review structure, sources and style, while you submit your own final work.